Education Briefs | Aug. 28
School District of Lee County moving forward with consolidation of two special centers
The School District of Lee County recently informed parents at the Buckingham Exceptional Student Center in Fort Myers and the Royal Palm Exceptional Center in Fort Myers that it is lifting the temporary pause on the consolidation of the two campuses.
The school district is officially moving forward with plans to establish a state-of-the-art flagship Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center on the campus of the Royal Palm Exceptional Center.
District officials reported that when they paused the process in April, they did so to listen, reassess and ensure that they were creating an environment that puts the safety, dignity and specialized care of students first.
Officials added that they heard from families on what they want, incorporated those ideas into the plan, and look forward to continued collaboration to build a model ESE facility that serves the needs of every child.
The updated consolidation plan brings together the specialized programming of both campuses into a modernized environment.
Key features of the new center include:
• Specialized physical modifications
• Integrated behavioral and educational support
• Focus on real-world independence
Recognizing the deep investment and past concerns of Buckingham and Royal Palm families, the school district is launching a structured, collaborative transition process to ensure transparency every step of the way.
Parents and guardians are invited to engage in a series of meetings and committees, with monthly updates provided to stakeholders.
The updated, state-of-the-art campus is expected to open to students in August 2027.
Braun elected to Phi Kappa Phi membership
Denise Braun, of Cape Coral, was recently elected to the membership of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Boise State University.
Braun is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines.
Today, the society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”
Vidrick named to Dean’s List at UW-River Falls
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has released its spring semester Dean’s List, honoring 1,497 students.
Among the recipients is Anthony Vidrick, of Cape Coral, a senior who is majoring in finance.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 or midway between an “A” and “B” average.
Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a regional public university with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.