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to our community. The solution is one that is our go-to for most business challenges: A Partnership. Avalon Park Group partnered with OCPS to accelerate the timeline of the Avalon Park schools, we donated land, built, and financed four of the Avalon-area schools and kicked in the money needed for the Timber Creek High School football stadium and marching field for the band. Not too different More than 20 years ago from our relationship with when planning Avalon OCPS, we developed a Park Orlando from scratch, relationship with the Pasco I invited about 20 area RE- County School Board and ALTORS to the Citrus Club subsequently donated the in Orlando. At that time land for New River EleAvalon Park was in the mentary School. middle of nowhere, at the end of a dead-end, 2-lane Now that we had the road, and the only resischools, the question bedents were cows. My ques- came how do we make tion to these REALTORS them the best? A key mowas: What would make ment for me was when I you bring homebuyers to met Pam Sanders. Pam Avalon Park? was the principal who led Avalon Elementary school My expectation was to for 14 years and while hear, 2 golf courses, a wathere, achieved Blue Ribter park or some other bon School status, which outstanding amenities. identifies the school as one Having no children of my of the top 300 schools in the own at that time, I was United States. My quessurprised to hear their tion to her was, “How can unanimous response was we become the best school new, good schools! This in central Florida?” Her was the number one item answer, “That is easy, we for each of the REALTORS need the best teachers.” there that day. Great, new Pam came up with a great schools. It made a lot of idea, which in part is the sense, of course families reason Avalon Elementary with kids are first and fore- became such a great school. most looking for a commu- She told me, “Beat teachers nity with a great school. are among the least travThe design of the home eled people. Their income and even the location are does not allow them to secondary. travel and see the world. In fact, some of my teachHowever, when I met ers have not even been out with Ron Blocker, who of the state and for sure at the time was the head never abroad.” She went of Orange County Public on to ask me, “Don’t you Schools “OCPS,” it did think a teacher who can not look like an easy task. experience the world firstAccording to the school hand, see the Great Wall of board’s timeline, the much China in Beijing live, talk to needed and requested educators in Europe, Afrischools would have not ca and Australia would be been built for many years a better teacher?” I fully after Avalon Park broke agreed and Avalon Park ground. We needed a solu- Group quickly worked tion to bring these schools with her to develop and
sponsor a program to send the teachers from Avalon Elementary around the globe. The teachers went to Switzerland first (my native country), but over the years they also traveled to China, Africa, South America and even Australia. Even today I get Christmas cards from teachers still at Avalon Elementary telling me how much they learned by seeing the world and gaining experience by dialoguing with educators all over the world. We continue to innovate and think of ways that we can bring unique programs like this to other schools that we work with.
and can be successful as long as they are passionate and dedicated to education. Avalon Park Group supports and works with them all. As a matter of fact, I believe in choices. All Avalon Park public schools are outstanding, and with the addition of the Wesley Chapel Pinecrest charter school, and local private schools, the residents have choices for their children’s education. I like this a lot.
I have always viewed schools as the center of any community. The relationships and interactions between the schools and the community are a key Often people want to know element for both of their what is the one reason that successes. For instance, I love when I see the Thommade Avalon Park Oras E. Weightman Middle lando so successful. My School Band perform at the response is that there are community events. Anover a hundred reasons, other example of this type and all of them have roots of relationship is the comin great partnerships with the community. However, munity service performed if I get pressed to come up by local students at community events and service with one reason, it would projects. The interactions be the schools and our go on and on and continue partnerships with them. I to make us smile. continue to believe that this approach of live, learn, We are proud of our work and play will help make Avalon Park Wesley schools and the students, staff and families they Chapel successful as well. represent! We wish you all success as we kick-off I am not political when it comes to schools. I believe another school year. Welcome Back to School! that public schools, charter schools, and private schools are all important
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