FABE Capital Projects
Our “Little Pink School” is the center of our Atlantic Beach community. Therefore, community support and involvement are key to ABE’s success. FABE has worked to improve the school grounds for the benefit of the students as well as the community as a whole.
FABE also provides support for in-school and extracurricular opportunities. Whenever possible, FABE selects a Capital Project to fund. In addition to those capital projects described below, FABE has funded the following projects: FABE worked to institute the After School Enrichment Program, which is now run by ABE and Duval County; in 2014, FABE installed the ABE kickball fields; FABE provided ORFF instruments and stands; FABE previously provided a sound system for the cafeteria, which was used for school performances and presentations, as well as in the carpool area at times.
Upcoming Capital Projects
Technology Upgrades and Improvements to Outdoor Areas
FABE has polled families and staff and is currently evaluating upgrades to ABE’s technology equipment as well as additions to playground equipment.
Irrigation System Improvement
FABE is currently working with the Duval County School District to obtain approval for the installation of a new well and pump. This upgrade to the irrigation system will result in improvements to the condition of the fields and significant cost savings for the District.
Recent Capital Projects
Gift to Leader in Me Program
FABE donated $4,800 and $5,900 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, to the Leader In Me program with 10% of the proceeds raised from Dolphin Dash.
New Picnic Tables
FABE donated 12 durable, outdoor picnic tables in 2023 (total cost $13,000) to create outdoor classrooms to facilitate learning in the natural environment.
New Swings
In 2023, FABE installed new KOMPAN swings (total cost $23,000) to supplement the district’s new swings on the K-2nd playground, increasing the opportunities for outdoor play for our younger students
New Playground Equipment
In 2022, FABE installed new KOMPAN playground equipment (total cost $65,000) in the 3rd-5th playground, providing unique and stimulating outdoor equipment for our older students.
Volleyball Equipment
In 2022, FABE donated 2 volleyball sets, creating 2 outdoor volleyball courts to enhance outdoor physical education (total cost $4,000.)
Shade Structure
In 2022, FABE replaced the worn shades with new shades (total cost $7,500), adding both color and shade to the basketball courts.
Past Capital Projects
New Recess Equipment
FABE supplied two rolling carts filled with new balls for recreational use on the playgrounds for the 2021/22 school year (total cost of $1,750). FABE also provided new nets for the hoops on the basketball courts.
Refurbished Marquee
The complete refurbishment of ABE’s marquee was a joint effort by FABE and the PTA, completed in July 2021 for a total cost of $10,000. This project enabled the PTA to continue to provide important updates to our families and community in a way that reflects our love for our little pink school.
New Recording Studio Equipment
In 2021/2022, FABE completed a two-phased project to replace all the equipment in ABE’s TV recording studio (total cost of $7,000). This new equipment has significantly improved the quality of the morning announcements as well as the experience for the ABE News Crew.
Gifts to the Leader in Me Program
FABE is a proud supporter of ABE’s Leader in Me Program and has provided generous gifts over the years. FABE contributed $4,400 in 2021, $3,500 in 2020 and $4,500 in 2017.
New Laptops for the Computer Lab
In 2019, FABE partnered with the PTA to purchase thirty new laptops for the computer lab (total cost of $33,000).
Fence Beautification
In response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School incident in Parkland, Florida, Duval County became committed to fencing the perimeter of every school with 6-foot-high chain link during the 2018-19 school year. Because ABE is at the front door of our Atlantic Beach community, FABE worked with Duval County and paid $21,000 to upgrade the chain link to a beautiful architectural style fence that meets Duval County requirements.
Teacher Grants for Classrooms
In 2015, FABE provided $7,000 in teacher grants. An equal amount was distributed to each teacher to improve their classrooms.
Swing Set
FABE installed a beautiful new swing set next to the basketball courts, expanding the children’s play space and recreation options.
Track Project
One of FABE’s first capital projects was the installation of the paved running track in 2006 (total cost of $22,000). It was resurfaced in 2014 as a capital project in collaboration with the City of Atlantic Beach.