During the 2008-2009 school year, the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association –South Florida embarked on an exciting school initiative dedicated to providing practical outreach programs and services to teachers in South Florida. This year the FBI CAAA-SF implemented their “Adopt-a-Class” Program. It is our belief that having support in the classroom, as well as adequate supplies and materials, is critical for student and teacher success.

Our “Adopt-a-Class” program consist of:

  1. Meeting with the selected teacher to identify the students, the grade level and class need
  2. Providing each student with a school starter supply bag with items on their “School Supply List”
  3. Providing the teacher with an assortment of incentive items including awards and prizes
  4. Providing assorted classroom and teaching supplies for the grade level, including classroom party supplies and holiday gifts
  5. Providing children with juice and snacks throughout the year
  6. Assisting in the classroom for special projects or partnering with children who need extra help in subject areas such as reading and writing.

The FBI CAAA-SF identified a teacher, Chrisjonet Johnson, from Dania Beach Elementary, a Title 1 school in Dania Beach, Florida. Her compelling story is an unforgettable one. Upon returning from summer break, she was informed that her entire classroom had been destroyed by fire. The Citizen’s Alumni Assoc. replaced all the items lost in her classroom by fire. Within days of the start of the school year, Ms. Johnson’s classroom was transformed from bare walls and floors to an atmosphere where children could, explore, develop and learn.

Our involvement in the classroom is still on going, as the class is filled with under privileged children who are academically and economically challenged.