fame.axson@gmail.com

The Purpose of Fame:
Friends of Axson Montessori (FAME) was created as a 501 c (3), tax-exempt, organization to generate funding for paraprofessionals for J. Allen Axson.

 Why do we need FAME?
1.            The Montessori Method

• Each teacher is required to be specially trained in the Montessori Method
• The Montessori approach is often described as an "education for life." In too many traditional schools, students memorize facts and concepts with little understanding. Even the bright students are passive learners. The students want teachers to hand them the "right" answer.
• Montessori schools work to develop culturally literate children and nurture their fragile sparks of curiosity, creativity and intelligence.
• Montessori students tend to become self-confident, independent thinkers who learn because they are interested in the world and enthusiastic about life.
• The Montessori school gives children the sense of belonging to a community and helps them learn how to live with other human beings. They move freely within it, selecting work that captures their interest, rather than participating in teacher selected projects.

2.            Negative Impact of Class Size Reduction

• Recently, in Florida, a new law was implemented called the “class size reduction law”
• Although this was a very well-intentioned law, the impact on our Montessori classrooms was never considered.
• Montessori classrooms are set up to accommodate 25-30 students.
• Encompass three age years – for example the elementary class would have approximately 10 first graders, 10 second graders, and 10 third graders.
• The classrooms 1 - 2 “paraprofessional” to assist the Montessori prepared lead teacher.
• Each classroom will now be limited to 18 students.
• Previously, Pre-primary classes (pre-school which costs $327 /mon) generated enough income to support paraprofessionals for all grades.
• With the reduction of 63 pre-school students, the school lost over $200,000 in income.

3.            2006/07 School Year

• FAME was originated in March, 2006.
• Since our incorporation, we have raised over $15,000 in funds to support hiring paraprofessionals.
• On September 1, 2006, we received a request from Paula Renfro for $12,000 to pay for two part-time paraprofessionals for the rest of the 2006/07 school year.
• FAME was pleased to be able to honor this request for funding of paraprofessionals. 
• Most of the money to fund these positions came from 28 dedicated J Allen Axson families.

4.            2007/2008 School Year

• Goal:  Fund all 12 required Paraprofessionals for the 2007/08 year.
• This will provide a dedicated para-professional for each classroom.
• Cost:    $80,000
• Full time = 6 hours/day($18,000) ;  part-time = 5 hours/day ($6400)
• Pay for 12 part-time = $76,8000

Please make a donation today.  Mail donations to:

Jim Blain, FAME Treasurer
J Allen Axson Montessori
4763 Sutton Park Court, Jacksonville, FL  32224

Donations are tax deductible:
EIN: 83-0374970
Corporate Sunbiz #:  N05000003088

Because F.A.M.E. is parent-powered, you can be certain very little of the money F.A.M.E. raises goes to advertising and printing costs. F.A.M.E. must fill out standard DCS financial reports for every month of the year. F.A.M.E. also completes yearly reports to the State of Florida to maintain our non-profit status.

Our only goal is to raise money to fund paraprofessionals for the school.

Please contact your employer's human resource office to see if they will match funds donated by an employee to a non-profit. F.A.M.E. could double their donations through your efforts.