IDS Continues Holiday Tradition of Supporting The Spring

For immediate release
December 17, 2002
Tampa, FL

Nine years ago, Independent Day School second-grade teacher Fran Ehrlich started a drive where students collected needed items for The Spring of Tampa Bay, a place of shelter for victims of domestic violence. This December, students in grades kindergarten through eighth gathered enough donations to fill one commercial van plus two cars. Items included electronics, bedding, clothing, bath goods, 10 bicycles and children's toys, in addition to $2000 worth of gift cards from K-Mart, Target, WalMart and local shoe stores.
"This is just one way that IDS helps students understand their role in giving back to their community and recognize the needs of those that are less fortunate," says head room parent coordinator Lana Bellini.

This time of year is especially critical for The Spring as there is often an influx of families who seek shelter and assistance. In fact, The Spring considers IDS one of its strongest and most vital supporters during the holidays.

Part of the IDS mission is to create connections between school work and real life. According to Student Council co-advisor and middle school social studies teacher Linda Boza, "One goal of IDS educators is to create -- in an authentic way -- a feeling of community responsibility within our students."

The school's Student Council promoted the community service project to the student body by recognizing those who dropped off items. Several Council members also participated in loading up the donations for delivery.

IDS Student Council co-community president and eighth-grader Leigh Latimer states, "The Spring is definitely one of my favorite charities. I can't imagine feeling as though my own home was unsafe."

'By holding an important student council office I can share with the entire student body the great feeling I get after I help someone in need. I know the kids really enjoy helping because they have always made our food drives such a great success. I think the kids at IDS get as much back or more when they donate to charity."

Founded in 1968, IDS, recently renamed Independent Day School-Corbett Campus, is a fully accredited, non-sectarian, independent school located in northwest Hillsborough County. It serves 500 plus students in grades Pre-K through 8. At IDS, all children experience learning in a nurturing and highly academic environment focused on excellence and developing a positive self-concept. IDS-CC has become recognized as an exemplary school with over 700 visitors observing and learning from IDS-CC teachers.

For more information about IDS, visit www.idsyes.com
Contact: Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman, Head of Independent Day School
Telephone: (813) 961-3087