Latest news with #JeffScott
BreakingNews.ie
12-05-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Co Antrim pupils building lasting links with Ukrainian school
A rural primary school in Northern Ireland has launched an international partnership, teaming up with a school close to the front line of the war in Ukraine. Kilmoyle Primary School in Ballybogey, Co Antrim, has been selected to take part in the UK–Ukraine school partnerships programme, a British Council initiative funded by the UK government. Advertisement The programme has connected 100 schools – 50 in the UK and 50 in Ukraine – through a shared love of reading, helping to build cultural connections, strengthen resilience and support pupils' wellbeing. Kilmoyle PS principal Jeff Scott said: 'We've always been interested in international partnerships. 'When we welcomed 14 Ukrainian pupils in May 2022, our school began to change. 'Before then, we were a small, rural, predominantly white school. Advertisement 'The arrival of Ukrainian families into our community brought real diversity and we've worked hard to support their integration through dedicated English language lessons and cultural inclusion.' He said that 10 Ukrainian pupils are still part of the school community. Mr Scott added: 'It's become part of our school's identity. 'Even now, we have two Ukrainian children in our nursery – siblings of those already enrolled – and they'll be starting P1 this year. Advertisement 'So, when this project came up it made complete sense for us. We already had the community, and this was a way to deepen that connection.' The school was one of five from Northern Ireland selected to take part. The school is now partnered with Pershotravensk Gymnasium No 3, a school in north-east Ukraine, close to the front line of the ongoing war. The two schools are co-delivering a project focused on the joint reading of the book Star Child. Advertisement They have weekly live video calls, which allow the children to discuss themes and share presentations about their schools and countries. Mr Scott said: 'This project opens our pupils' eyes to the wider world. It makes global learning real – they're not just reading about different cultures, they're talking to children from them. That sort of personal connection builds empathy. 'Having Ukrainian pupils join a few years ago was already a powerful experience. 'Our pupils have learned to understand and empathise with others who've fled their homes. Advertisement 'I think the Ukrainian children also benefit from this exposure – especially to real native English speakers who are their age. That's a huge plus for their language learning.' The UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme has drawn more than 750 applications from UK schools since opening in January. Around 3,000 pupils and 100 teachers are currently involved in the programme. Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland, said: 'This programme shows the power of schools to build real connections – even in the most challenging times. 'Through books, presentations and shared experiences, pupils are building meaningful relationships that will stay with them for years to come. 'It's a powerful reminder of the role international connections in education can play in fostering understanding and hope.'
Belfast Telegraph
12-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
‘It's been exciting and meaningful': Co Antrim pupils partner with Ukraine school near frontline
Kilmoyle Primary School in Ballybogey has been selected to take part in the UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme. The school has 10 Ukrainian pupils, and its principal wants to open local children's eyes to the wider world. Engaging in weekly video calls, activities and projects, Kilmoyle has partnered with Pershotravensk Gymnasium No3, located in northeast Ukraine. In addition, they celebrate events like Easter with activities and photos. Kilmoyle Primary School principal Jeff Scott wants to 'deepen the connection' with the international school. 'We've always been interested in international partnerships,' he said. 'When we welcomed 14 Ukrainian pupils in May 2022, our school began to change. Before then, we were a small, rural, predominantly white school. 'The arrival of Ukrainian families into our community brought real diversity. 'We've worked hard to support their integration through dedicated English-language lessons and cultural inclusion. 'Even now, we have two Ukrainian children in our nursery — siblings of those already enrolled — and they'll be starting P1 this year. 'So, when this project came up, it made complete sense for us. We already had the community and this was a way to deepen that connection.' Nazar (10), a P7 pupil at the school, said the partnership has helped him 'feel connected' to his homeland. He explained: 'I came to the UK from Ukraine when I was six, and so I wasn't really that interested at first because I thought I already knew all about Ukraine. 'But once the project started, I began learning so much — about both countries, about the language and about what we share. I've really enjoyed working with the school in Ukraine. 'We exchange presentations and show each other what life is like where we are. It's been exciting and meaningful. I don't remember home very well, but this project helps me feel connected. I really hope the partnership continues.' Holly (10), also a P7 pupil at the school, added: 'It was fascinating to learn about their culture and see how their school life differs from ours — the things they do that we don't, and the things we have that they don't. 'I especially liked learning about their Easter traditions. The most surprising part was finding out they have water fights after Easter. That was completely new to us. 'My favourite part has been seeing what they enjoy and being able to share what we like too.' The UK-Ukraine school partnership programme, run by the British Council Northern Ireland, was launched to mark the 100-year agreement between the two nations. The government-funded programme has drawn 750 applications from UK schools. Around 3,000 pupils and 100 teachers are currently involved in the programme. Kilmoyle was one of five schools from Northern Ireland selected to take part. In February, staff attended a residential training and networking event in Poland alongside 15 UK and 15 Ukrainian schools. Mr Scott spoke of the disruption Pershotravensk faces each day because of the war. 'We learned not just about Ukraine's education system, but also how to support children dealing with trauma and how to foster a love of reading through collaborative projects,' he said. 'We also had time to get to know our partner school and begin planning the first phase of our project, which is creating a programme to foster a love of reading and help children learn about one another's cultures.' Mr Scott also said he was 'struck' by how often staff at the school in Ukraine are interrupted by air-raid sirens and emergency evacuations. Despite this, staff try to maintain a sense of normality through their work with Kilmoyle. 'What struck me most was how high their expectations are for maintaining normal school routines, even with the constant disruptions of war,' said Mr Scott. 'Teachers mentioned that air-raid sirens go off multiple times a day and they have to move all the children to the basement. 'That level of disruption has become normal for them.' Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council in Northern Ireland, said the UK-Ukraine school partnership programme has been a valuable initiative. 'This programme shows the power of schools to build real connections, even in the most challenging times,' he said. Biden calls Trump's pressure on Ukraine 'modern-day appeasement' 'Kilmoyle PS have not only embraced the partnership, but are also leading with empathy, creativity and a genuine desire to connect. 'Through books, presentations and shared experiences, pupils are building meaningful relationships that will stay with them for years to come. 'It's a powerful reminder of the role international connections in education can play in fostering understanding and hope.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BJ's Wholesale Club to Open in Brooksville, Florida, on February 21
New location will bring unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to Brooksville MARLBOROUGH, Mass. & BROOKSVILLE, Fla., February 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BJ's Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ) announced today that its club in Brooksville, Florida, will open on February 21, 2025. The club, located at 13085 Cortez Blvd., features an on-site BJ's Gas location, with everyday low fuel prices and potential extra savings through BJ's Fuel Saver Program. The gas station opened on February 6. BJ's offers unmatched value on everyday essentials in a convenient one-stop shop. Members save on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home décor, pet supplies, toys, tech and more. BJ's members love the true treasure-hunt shopping experience, finding new and exciting items with every visit. "We're bringing unbeatable value with savings of up to 25% off grocery store prices every day to the families of Brooksville," said Jeff Scott, Club Manager, Brooksville BJ's Wholesale Club. "We're dedicated to serving the families who depend on us, and we're excited to be part of the Brooksville community." BJ's has a longstanding commitment to nourishing its communities. For over 15 years, it has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, providing more than 125 million meals for those in need. In Brooksville, BJ's is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay by donating produce, meat, dairy products and more every week. "Through our ongoing partnership with BJ's Wholesale Club we're able to continue addressing the needs of our neighbors and creating pathways to a better life," said Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay. "We're grateful for the commitment and support of BJ's Wholesale Club as we make an impact together." BJ's members can choose from several time-saving options whether shopping online or in-club. Curbside pick-up, in-club pick-up, same-day delivery* and standard delivery are available on while members shopping in-club can use ExpressPay** through the BJ's mobile app to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line. Additional member perks include: Unbeatable grocery store prices: Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day A risk-free membership: Shoppers can try BJ's risk-free with the company's 100% money-back guaranteed membership BJ's coupons + manufacturers' coupons: Members can combine BJ's coupons with many manufacturers' coupons for maximum savings BJ's Gas: Members can fill up at any BJ's Gas® location at low prices. Plus, members can save even more through BJ's Fuel Saver Program Local shoppers can join the new club now with limited-time exclusive offers***. New members can sign up for The Club Card Membership at $25 for a 1-year membership with BJ's Easy Renewal® or The Club+ Card Membership at $70 for a 1-year membership with BJ's Easy Renewal®. The Club+ Card Membership holders receive 5¢ off/gal.‡ at BJ's Gas and earn 2% back†† in rewards on most BJ's purchases. All BJ's memberships are subject to BJ's current membership terms; ask in-club or go to About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: "We take care of the families who depend on us." The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 250 clubs and 187 BJ's Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at or on Facebook, or Instagram. About Feeding Tampa BayFeeding Tampa Bay is redefining what it means to feed our region, knowing that food alone will not solve hunger. By creating pathways to possibilities for nearly 1 million people, Feeding Tampa Bay connects and convenes solutions, partners, and resources that nourish long-term stability. As a member of the Feeding America network, we work to dismantle barriers for individuals, families, and seniors across West Central Florida. Feeding Tampa Bay — It's possible. To learn more about Feeding Tampa Bay, visit *Not available in all ZIP codes. Log in to your account to confirm availability. **30 item and $750 limit/transaction. No paper coupons. No gift card, alcohol, cigarette, propane, appliance, firework, tire, or security-protected item purchases. ***BJ's Easy Renewal® enrollment required; you authorize BJ's to charge any payment method on record an annual recurring charge in the amount of the then-current membership fee for all memberships on your account, plus applicable tax, starting the 1st day of the month your membership expires ("Start Date"), without notice unless required by law. Visit your account, a member services desk, or call 800-BJS-CLUB to manage or cancel BJ's Easy Renewal; cancel before the Start Date to avoid being charged. New members only. Not combinable or redeemable for cash. Sales tax may apply. Valid at the Brooksville, FL, membership center and online at Expires: 2/20/25. ††The Club+ Card members earn 2% back in rewards (up to $500/membership year) on eligible net BJ's purchases in-club and online. Terms apply – see ‡Terms apply – see View source version on Contacts Media: Kirk SavilleHead of Corporate CommunicationsBJ's Wholesale Clubksaville@ 774-512-5597 Briana KeeneSr. Manager, External CommunicationsBJ's Wholesale Clubbkeene@ 774-512-6802
