Sarasota County Schools News

SARASOTA - The Sarasota County Health Department has advised school district personnel, parents and guardians to take precautions to prevent the spread of the norovirus illness. Noroviruses refer to a group of viruses that cause what is commonly called “stomach flu,” or gastrointestinal illnesses.

The Health Department currently is monitoring an increase in the norovirus illness in the community. Symptoms of the illness have been reported in hospital emergency rooms, daycare and assisted living facilities and school health rooms.

Important information about the norovirus illness:

• The virus can live on surfaces like door knobs, hand rails, countertops and other surfaces for up to two weeks.
• It is spread by contact with a sick person, contaminated items/surfaces, and food or water that is contaminated by someone that is infected. 
• Norovirus illness produces symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and in some cases low grade fever and chills. It usually lasts 24-48 hours and resolves on its own. Vomiting occurs more frequently in children than in adults. Dehydration can occur so it’s important for people to drink plenty of fluids, and get medical advice or go to the hospital Emergency Department if necessary.
• The best way to reduce its spread is to wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds especially after using the restroom, before eating or after coming in contact with someone who is ill. (NOTE: alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective in combating the norovirus than they are against many other viruses).
• Parents should stay home when they are sick and keep sick children home. People should not prepare food for others when you are ill. Sick family members should be isolated from others in the household until they are symptom-free. Frequently touched or contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution (1/3 cup chlorine bleach to one gallon of water) or another cleaner that specifically says on the label that it kills noroviruses or Feline Calicivirus. Disinfectant wipes are not recommended, as they do not usually contain bleach.

More information about norovirus is available on the Centers for Disease Control Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/norovirus-faqs.pdf

SARASOTA - Parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about the Sarasota Virtual School online option may attend an information session from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 18. The session will be held in Room 221 of the Blue Awning Building at the School Board of Sarasota County headquarters at The Landings, 1960 Landings Blvd., Sarasota.

Open enrollment for Sarasota Virtual School (SVS) will begin in April for the 2010-2011 academic year. SVS is a district public school which provides a full-time online learning option for students in grades K-12. At the current time, a student must have been enrolled full-time in a Florida public school (traditional, charter or alternative) in the previous year to be eligible for enrollment in SVS. The district currently has over 80 students enrolled in the school during 2009-2010, the first year the option has been available.  

School districts are now required by the Florida Department of Education to offer a virtual-school online learning option for students in grades K-12. In accordance with this state requirement, Sarasota Virtual School is an interactive learning environment created through technology, in which the student and teacher are separated by time, space or both. The school meets all Florida public school standards and requirements. Students completing graduation requirements will be awarded a high school diploma from SVS.

The Sarasota County School District contracts with outside vendors approved by the School Board. A company known as K12 provides the district with online learning services for students in grades K-8; Florida Virtual School serves students in grades 9-12. The school uses a state-approved curriculum with instructional materials that include a computer, Internet access and printed materials. Computers and Internet access may be provided at no charge to eligible students who meet family income requirements. Instructors are highly qualified and/or certified teachers, as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law.

Eligible students for the 2010-2011 school year are those who are in grades K-12 and were enrolled in a Florida public school (traditional, charter or alternative) since Oct. 1, 2009. According to current Florida Statute, students who were home-schooled during the 2009-2010 school year are not eligible.

Sarasota Virtual School is graded, just as all schools in Florida receive a grade each year. Teachers monitor student progress and give assignments online and through physical materials shipped to and from students. Students, parents and teachers communicate via e-mail and telephone. Student attendance is monitored, based on online activity. Textbooks and traditional instructional materials are used, but much of the content is delivered via the providers’ Web sites, www.k12.com/flvp (grades K-8) and www.flvs.net (grades 9-12).

Parents from any location in Sarasota County are encouraged to attend the information session. To allow for appropriate seating and handout materials, parents are asked to register for the session by calling 941-927-9000, ext. 32262, or via e-mail at SVS@sarasota.k12.fl.us.    

Superintendent Lori White surprises Melissa Dweck, 2010 High School Teacher of the Year, at Sarasota High

SARASOTA COUNTY - The secret is out. Three of Sarasota County’s finest teachers found out they had won top honors this morning when the Teacher Tribute Tour arrived at their schools bearing balloons, awards and gifts.

Superintendent Lori White, the Education Foundation’s Cindy Kaiser, School Board Chair Shirley Brown, School Board member Caroline Zucker and a bus full of district leaders, sponsors, and past winners traveled to three schools to surprise finalists in the 2010 Teacher of the Year competition. Winners at the elementary, middle and high school levels received the good news in front of delighted students, colleagues, and family members, who were in on the secret.

The first stop was at Sarasota High School, where Melissa Dweck was ushered into a packed auditorium as curtain rose on the Sailor Band, playing a rousing rendition of “Anchors Aweigh.” Teachers and students in the audience cheered as Lori White announced that the drama coach was selected as the 2010 High School Teacher of the Year for the entire district. Dweck’s parents, Joe and Cheri Dweck, handed their daughter a bouquet of flowers while principal Jeff Hradek congratulated her. “Not a teacher on this campus better embodies the spirit of our school,” he declared. Dweck has began her teaching career at Sarasota High School in 2002 and has been there ever since.

Lakeview Elementary Principal Joan Bower (left) with Elementary Teacher of the Year Karen Johns and husband Steve Johns

The bus rolled on to Lakeview Elementary, where the Tribute Tour joined all 700 of the school’s students in their outdoor amphitheater to await the arrival of K-5 music education teacher Karen Johns. Escorted to the stage by principal Joan Bower amid joyful screams, the stunned 2010 Elementary School Teacher of the Year surveyed a sea of waving pompoms. A colorful “Congratulations Mrs. Johns!!!” banner unfurled behind her as her husband, Steve presented flowers with a hug. Johns, who has been with Sarasota County public schools since 1990, teaches general music, chorus, advanced recorder and string ensembles in programs reaching all 700 Lakeview students. “We love Mrs. Johns because she’s always determined to teach us something new,” said one of her fifth-grade fans.

Seth Gardner of Woodland Middle School reacts to being named 2010 Middle School Teacher of the Year  

The third and final stop for the day was at Woodland Middle School in North Port, where the entire school was gathered for an FCAT rally in the gym. The jazz band was winding down, and Mr. Gardner was just starting to lead his choir in “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as the Tribute Tour burst on to the scene with his wife Cher in tow. Seth Gardner, 2010 Middle School Teacher of the Year, kept his cool. He accepted his balloons from last year’s winner and kudos from Superintendent White and principal Kristine Lawrence. Then he picked right up where he and the choir had stopped earlier. “To get to a point like this takes a lot of hard work,” Lawrence said the assembled students. “Mr. Gardner is here for you every day and countless nights, for basketball and volleyball games. So remember this next week and do the very best that you can – just like Mr. Gardner.” A Grade 6-7 choir, guitar and emerging technology teacher, Gardner moved to the area from Battle Creek, Michigan three years ago and has been with Woodland since it opened in 2008.

The overall district 2010 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a luncheon to be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 24 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. The Teacher of the Year will represent the Sarasota County School District at the Florida Department of Education - Macy's Teacher of the Year program and serve as spokesperson and representative for the teaching profession throughout the 2010-2011 academic year.

Premier Sponsors of Teacher of the Year include Nova Southeastern University - Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Sunset Chevrolet Buick GMC. The Notre Dame Club of Greater Sarasota is a Diamond Sponsor. Gold Sponsors are VALIC, McDonalds of Sarasota, and the Sarasota County School-Based Administrators Association. Sarasota County School District Administrators and Herff Jones-Steve Kline are Silver Sponsors.

Dedicated to quality education for all children, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is an independent, not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with the community and Sarasota County public schools. With the support of  individuals, families, companies and foundations, the Education Foundation awards more than $1,200,000 each year to initiatives including the TeXcellence Computer Donation program, the Regional Science, Engineering and Technology Fair, Teacher of the Year, Academic Olympics, classroom grants, fine arts programs, and literacy initiatives. For more information visit EdFoundation.net or call 941-927-0965.

Cranberry Elementary fifth-grader Ameilia Schade's picture of the Trash Dude was recognized by KSCB judges as one of the best

SARASOTA - Keep Sarasota County Beautiful awarded three local elementary schools a total of $5,000 in education grants during the Sarasota County School Board meeting March 2.

The funding, part of the $50,000 education grant commitment from Waste Management of Southwest Florida, will support programs that focus on anti-littering, sustainability and taking pride in your community. The grant proposals were judged by four representatives of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB)and four representatives of the school district with awards going to the following schools: 

• First place: Bay Haven Elementary School (Sarasota): $2,500
• Second place: Phillippi Shores Elementary School (Sarasota): $1,500
• Third place: Atwater Elementary School (North Port): $1,000

Points were awarded for proposals that promote the KSCB mission; involve students, parents and teachers; list activities that are feasible and likely to succeed; will work as a pilot program for other schools; and generate positive publicity.

Allison Stewart (Phillippi Shores), Betsy Asheim-Dean (Bay Haven), Kirk Hutchinson (Atwater) and John Zoretich (executive director, Elementary Schools), accept a check for $5,000 from Keep Sarasota County Beautiful to fund school beautification projects 

In addition to the grant awards, KSCB announced that Atwater Elementary School, Bay Haven Elementary School, Cranberry Elementary School, Fruitville Elementary School and Phillippi Shores Elementary School are the winners of its Talking Trash Dude art contest. Nearly 100 students from schools throughout Sarasota County submitted drawings of the Trash Dude talking waste container and a sentence about why they thought their school would make a great home for the Trash Dude.

“It is exciting to see how involved students are about promoting a cleaner environment, especially at the elementary school grade level,” said Sandra Washington, manager of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful.

Elementary students from around the county proudly display their Trash Dude drawings

Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and Sarasota County Schools partnered in these two projects to help heighten awareness about litter disposal and to create ways of implementing projects at individual schools.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Keep Sarasota County Beautiful.

SARASOTA – Thirty Sarasota County residents from the ages of 18 to 21 will have an opportunity for a free technical education at Sarasota County Technical Institute, with funding from a Technical Education for Youth (TEY) grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

SCTI, in partnership with Jewish Family and Children’s Service and the Suncoast Workforce Board, will distribute 30 scholarships for students to take certain courses at the school. The students selected will receive free tuition, books, uniforms and supplies for a technical course of their choice from among 19 choices. Students who do not already have a high school diploma will receive free instruction in passing the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exam, with the cost of all testing covered by the grant. There is also the possibility of child care and transportation support for students who qualify, and other services may be provided as needed.

Available courses under the grant include Accounting Operations, Auto Repair, Business Computer Programming, PC Support and Digital Design. Students may also take courses leading to certification or licensing as an emergency medical technician, firefighter, law enforcement officer, surgical technician and legal or medical administrative assistant, among others.

In order to be considered for a scholarship, prospective students must register by Friday, March 19, be 18-21 years upon enrollment, be a U.S. citizen living in Sarasota County, complete a selection interview and provide financial documents as requested. Most classes will begin in August; the GED instruction will start in late March. The courses range in length from 165 to 1,400 hours (900 hours is a full school year at SCTI).

Interested persons may contact Bill Maher at SCTI at 924-1365, ext. 62233, for more information about the TEY scholarships.

SARASOTA — Fifty student-created history projects about topics as diverse as grenades and Greenpeace were on display Feb. 26 and 27 at the 12^th annual Sarasota History Fair. 

The event was held at the Daughters of the American Revolution House and the Crocker Church, located at Pioneer Park on Coconut Avenue, just south of 12^th Street in downtown Sarasota. The History Fair was made possible by a partnership among the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Historical Society of Sarasota County and Sarasota County Schools.

“The projects, created by middle and high school students, show a great deal of creativity and passion for local, national and global history,” said Bernadette Bennett, curriculum specialist for Sarasota County Schools.

The projects included exhibits, documentaries, Web sites and research papers on subjects such as “The Ringling Causeway: Gateway to Sarasota’s Future,” “The Hamburger in America through Innovation, Impact and Change,” and “Elevators: Taking the World to a Whole New Level,” to name a few.

SARASOTA – On Feb. 22 Florida Commissioner of Education Eric Smith, K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Frances Haithcock, state Sen. Nancy Detert (R-District 23) and state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald (D-District 69) joined Shirley Brown, chairwoman of the School Board of Sarasota County, for a town hall-style forum on K-12 education issues under consideration by the Florida Legislature in the 2010 regular session.

The forum was held in the School Board Chambers in Sarasota. It was open to the public and televised live on The Education Channel, Comcast 20 and Verizon 33 (for a full schedule, including repeat broadcasts of the forum, visit wwwTheEdChannel.net). The legislative session starts March 2.

Detert currently serves as the majority whip in the Florida Senate and is the chairwoman of the Education Pre-K-12 and Education Pre-K-12 Appropriations committees. Fitzgerald is a member of the Florida House Policy Council and the Health & Family Services Policy Council.

“Having Commissioner Smith join us for this meeting was a very big coup for our community,” said Detert. “He has worked very hard to secure the federal Race to the Top money for Florida, and he shared his thoughts on the ramifications of the initiative for Sarasota County and other Florida school districts.”

Announced by the Obama administration in July 2009, Race to the Top will provide states with $4.35 billion in competitive grants, with the goal of fostering education reform and innovation to improve student achievement. States will distribute the federal funds to eligible districts that meet certain criteria, including basing at least part of teacher pay on performance measures.

The forum also explored the Florida Class Size Amendment and a proposal to “freeze” class size at the current school-average class size level, rather than for each classroom. The implementation of the 2002 amendment calls the size of each class to be limited to 18 students in grades K-3, 22 students in grades 4-8 and 25 students in grades 9-12. The change to keep the limits at the school average, which would allow districts flexibility for some variations on the class size as long as the school average is maintained, must be made as a new amendment to the Florida Constitution and is expected to be on the statewide ballot in November.

The legislature also is expected to consider a proposed bill that will add new requirements for high school graduation. The 21st Century Diploma Initiative proposes that high school students be required to take more rigorous math and science classes, to increase the graduation-required score on the 10th grade FCAT from a 2 to a 3, and bring Bright Futures state scholarship requirements in line with the new standards. The new requirements, if implemented, would be phased in gradually starting with the freshman class of 2014.

“The idea behind the possible changes is to make sure our graduates are competitive in an increasingly competitive global economy,” said Detert.

The forum also looked at some of the challenges of school funding in a difficult economy, with state budgets like Florida’s facing reduced tax revenues due to decreased property values and lower amounts collected from sales tax.

“We believe this forum gave anyone interested in K-12 education in Sarasota County a closer look at, and a chance to comment on, some of the issues that are on the horizon,” said Brown. “We were fortunate to have some of the most influential leaders in the state leading the discussion."