For Immediate Release                                                
Contact:  Sylvia Bird
Aide to Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez, District 3
407-836-7350
Sylvia.Bird@ocfl.net

Grant award to Ventura Elementary School

Orange County, FL – Commissioner Mildred Fernandez's relationship with IBM Corporation has spanned many years.  One of IBM's "Corporate Giving" initiatives is the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program* that integrates new interactive teaching activities using the latest technology into the pre-kindergarten curriculum.

"Providing children with the tools for learning early on not only prepares them as they enter elementary education, but sustains their thirst for learning throughout their developmental years." – Mildred Fernandez, Commissioner, District 3. 

On Thursday, October 15, join Commissioner Fernandez at Ventura Elementary School for the KidSmart Early Learning Program award ceremony; special guests to include Area Superintendent Dr. James Lawson Orange County Public Schools, Denny Gordon IBM, Lisa Suggs Principal for Ventura Elementary.

"Commissioner Fernandez was very instrumental in partnering with IBM to get all the key players to the table," – Jannell P. Ray IBM.

This program opportunity provided the perfect partnership to select Orange County Public Schools as a recipient of a grant totaling more than $100,000.  Ventura Elementary School is one of 12 schools in Orange County to be awarded the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program. The grant was one of 13 grants awarded throughout the U.S. to schools and non-profits that serve 40% Hispanic students. 

Who:  Commissioner Mildred Fernandez, Representatives from Orange County Public Schools and IBM
What:  Grant Award Presentation and Ceremony
When: Thursday, 15, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Where:  Ventura Elementary School, 4400 Woodgate Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

*KidSmart Early Learning program provides web based training materials for teachers and parents in a multiple languages, along with on site training and support. For more information about IBM's Young Explorer Learning Centers and the KidSmart Early Learning program, please visit www.ibm.com.

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