Another MicroSociety® school becomes a top Florida School receiving the George Award for Outstanding Principal for 2009-2010 thanks to Pamela Sanders, a 25-year veteran of Orange County Public Schools, and one of the longest-tenured MicroSociety practitioners in the country. The Avalon Elementary School principal and former head of Rock Springs Elementary School in Apopka received honors from MicroSociety, a leading national nonprofit organization known for motivating students to succeed using real-world learning environments, at its 18th Annual National Conference on Real-World Learning. The awards are named after renowned expert of real-world learning and late founder of MicroSociety, Dr. George Richmond.
An integral part of Avalon’s school improvement plan each year, Sanders and her staff began implementing the MicroSociety framework, affectionately known by the school community as Kid’s Town, in 2002-2003. Now complete with a student marketplace, an IRS office, graphic media production center, and justice department, Sanders and her team aligned the model to support the school’s Everyday Math curriculum as well as district initiatives including Destination College. MicroSociety activities are also integral to meeting district goals: Intense Focus on Student Achievement, High-Performing and Dedicated Team, Safe Learning and Working Environment, Efficient Operations, and Sustained Community Engagement.
“For over 20 years, Pam Sanders has been an inspirational school leader who motivates and empowers staff to turn ideas into reality,” remarks Carolynn King Richmond, President and CEO of MicroSociety. “No matter what their socioeconomic background, all students deserve an education that focuses on the whole child and prepares them early for college and careers.” Earlier this month it was announced that Avalon Elementary earned the title of National Blue Ribbon School. National Blue Ribbon schools are committed to achievement among all students. The award distinguished those schools whose students achieve at very high levels and also schools which close gaps in learning among disadvantaged and minority students. Avalon students recently won second place in an international math competition.
“Pam has been a model leader to the MicroSociety movement for over two decades,” King-Richmond added, “and a favorite of our late founder, George Richmond.
