Miami-Dade School Partners

Calder Race Course Receives Diamond Award for Excellence in Education
Calder Race Course received the 2007 Diamond Award for commitment to excellence in education. Diamond awards are given to supporters of the school partner and Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) programs and include people and organizations whose contributions have extended beyond time and money to include those efforts to change the lives of students, forever. Calder was nominated by Lizzie Hicks, career specialist at Calder's partner school, Robert Renick Educational Center - located next door to Calder. Hicks recognized Calder's 15 years of support to the Center with monetary contributions, rewards for teachers, participation in career days, employee shadow days, school field trips, mock student interviews and help in starting a student art gallery.

Calder was presented the award by Colleen Del Terzo, district director of specialized programs for schools of choice; John Casbarro, Kids and the Power of Work coordinator; and Michelle Ferguson, curriculum support specialist, all of the public school system. Other Diamond Award winners included American Airlines, Burger King Corporation, Celebrity Cruises, Community Coalition, Community in Schools, Inc., Cordis Corporation, the Dolphin's Stadium, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami Dade College, Publix Supermarkets and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Robert Renick Education Center
Calder Race Course adopted the Robert Renick Education Center many years ago as Calder's school partner. This long-standing relationship is very rewarding. The Robert Renick Education Center is a special Middle School. At-risk teens are educated at the Center with special care and consideration. Calder provides monies to replenish the "points store" at the school. The children can purchase items in the store if they are given special points for good behavior. Children at the Center have also been invited to Calder for several tours throughout the years. Upon returning to the Center, many drew pictures and molded art impressions based on their visits. One class even built a scale model of the facility which can be found in the Junior Jockey Club clubhouse located next to the game room at Calder.

Calder Race Course has also participated in an annual art auction at the Center where local business people are invited to purchase art from the students. The education center has received thousands of dollars from the art show over the years. It is always a wonderful day for the students and Calder Race Course.

Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW)
Calder Race Course also supports Miami-Dade school initiatives like KAPOW. KAPOW provides elementary school children a day full of career education. Calder employees set up typical work stations to for students to participate in hands on activities to learn about many unique jobs at the racetrack. Students learn about landscaping, television production, race riding, caring for horses and track maintenance.