Education Foundation launches back-to-school opportunities for classroom support
STUART, Fla. — As Martin County students return to school August 10, the Education Foundation of Martin County is inviting individuals, families, civic groups, nonprofits and businesses to help equip local classrooms through three online programs that connect community support directly with teacher and student needs.
Through Adopt-A-Class, supporters can adopt specific classrooms or school programs online for $100 or more, helping teachers access needed resources without paying out of pocket. Classrooms and programs may be adopted more than once, and the foundation’s goal is to have every classroom adopted at least once this school year. To view available classrooms and programs, go to https://www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/251/adopt-a-class.
Through Fund-A-Project, teachers can post requests for specific classroom projects designed to support students’ learning needs, giving donors a simple way to fund targeted educational experiences. To view teacher requests, go to https://www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/285/fund-a-project.
Through Bulletin Board Listings, community members can respond to non-monetary classroom needs by offering volunteer time, donated materials, gently used equipment, subject matter expertise, advisory board support, books, magazines, shoe boxes and other reusable supplies. Teachers can also post classroom requests, creating a direct exchange between the community and Martin County classrooms.
“Every great classroom innovation begins with an idea,” said Chanda Leon, a pre-AICE biology teacher at Martin County High School and the Education Foundation’s 2025-2026 Martin County Teacher of the Year. “Too often, that idea never becomes reality because of cost. Adopt-a-Classroom and Fund-a-Project have helped to remove financial barriers, allowing me the opportunity to convert creative solutions into meaningful learning experiences for my students."
One hundred percent of donations go directly to classroom needs thanks to the foundation’s program sponsors. Lead sponsors include Napoli Orthodontics, the Kelley Decowski Team at RE/MAX of Stuart, Tami Karol Insurance, Diagnostic Radiology Center of the Treasure Coast, Seacoast Bank, and Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers. Other sponsors include Precision Site Contracting, Stuart Pediatric Dentistry, Sullivan Electric & Pump, Searcy Law, New Wave Compass – Sara Crombie, Ampersand Graphics, JoAnna Oster, RE/MAX of Stuart, Pinder’s Nursery, All Jetting Technologies, Elegant Entries, Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel PLLC, SwissMango and Sal’s Air.
“Every adopted classroom, funded project and donated resource sends a powerful message to our teachers and students that this community believes in them,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “When local residents and businesses step forward, they help turn classroom ideas into learning experiences that can inspire achievement all year long.”
Steven C. Simon, managing shareholder at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers, said, “We couldn’t be happier to support the Education Foundation’s Your Classroom Connection program. Educators make a lasting difference in the lives of students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen classrooms across Martin County. It is a privilege to stand with many leading community businesses and join the Education Foundation in investing in educational excellence and student success.”
To adopt a classroom, fund a project, respond to a classroom need or learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call 772-600-8062.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent 501(c)3 organization, the foundation raises and distributes private and corporate funds through established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs that recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
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PHOTO BY DOREEN POREBA – IDs (from left)
Lead sponsors supporting the EFMC’s “Your Classroom Connection” online platforms are Patty McAuley, Seacoast Bank; Tami Karol, Tami Karol Insurance; Kelley Decowski, RE/MAX of Stuart; Dr. Ajay Goyal, Diagnostic Radiology Center of the Treasure Coast; Lisa Rhodes, Education Foundation of Martin County; and Dr. Vincent Napoli, Napoli Orthodontics.
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