Glatting Jackson named outstanding partner by Orange County schools

Planning firm’s mentoring program gets nod for contributing to student success

(Orlando, FL) – Glatting Jackson has been selected by Orange County Public Schools to receive the Outstanding Partners in Education Award for the firm’s mentoring program at Fern Creek Elementary School in Orlando.

Glatting employees began mentoring students at Fern Creek in 1998 as part of an effort to invest in the local community. Fern Creek, located near downtown Orlando, has a high percentage of students who are at-risk or on reduced- or free-lunch programs.

When the mentoring program began, Fern Creek was rated an ‘F’ school, but has received an ‘A’ grade every year since 2005.

Each year, between 20 and 50 Glatting employees and family members each spend an hour per week helping students with school work, serving as a role model and being a friendly adult with whom to talk.

Many of the mentors have worked with the same students from the time the students entered the school until they graduated to middle school.

“There’s nothing more gratifying than helping a young person succeed in school and develop the skills to succeed in life,” said John Percy, a principal at Glatting who helps organize the program. “As much as the mentoring program has benefited the students, I think it has benefited all of us even more, helping us truly understand the value of giving back to the community.”

The Outstanding Partners in Education Award is given every year to three businesses in each of the county’s six learning communities. This year’s awards will be given during a ceremony on May 2 at SeaWorld Adventure Park, Orlando. Award recipients are nominated by the schools.

In addition to mentoring students at Fern Creek, Glatting employees hold a drive every year to collect school supplies for the students. Last year, employees donated enough pencils, crayons, scissors, paper and other supplies for 80 students.