Sarasota County Schools

Families and community members are invited to attend the Fatherhood Initiative Health Fair on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Safe Children Coalition Northgate Office. This free event focuses on helping fathers live a healthier lifestyle by connecting them with local resources and services. Food and beverages will be provided. 📅💙

📍 1500 Independence Blvd., Suite 210, Sarasota, FL 34234
📞 RSVP: abellamy@sccfl.org
or 941-721-7670 ext. 6204

Second-quarter report cards are now available on the Focus Parent Portal. On the portal page, click Reports on the student to see the Q2 Report Card.

Visit scs.focusschoolsoftware.com or use the Focus Sarasota mobile app!

We are excited to announce that Ms. Kelly McWilliams – currently the Assistant Principal of Glenallen Elementary School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Wilkinson School. She will assume her new role effective Monday, February 16. 🎉

We're back! 🔊 In this episode of the SCS In Tune Podcast, we take you inside the Future Focused Strategic Initiative, from its early planning stages to the School Board’s approval in November. Dr. Brandon Johnson, Chief of Strategic Innovation, shares what families need to know about exciting changes ahead, including: upcoming school conversions to a K-8 model, a new magnet middle school, external partnerships, employee childcare, and more.

Learn how this innovative initiative will shape the future of education in Sarasota County.

https://youtu.be/05fRCrBlLGE

Listen on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify!

Mr. Ryan Shurley – currently an Assistant Principal at Venice High School – has been selected as the new Principal of North Port High School! Congratulations, Mr. Shurley!

ROUND OF APPLAUSE! 👏 Congratulations to Kelly McWilliams, Assistant Principal of Glenallen Elementary, for being named Sarasota County Schools' Assistant Principal of the Year!

Her leadership, positivity, and commitment to students and staff help make Glenallen a place where everyone can thrive. ✨

BIG NEWS!! Congratulations to Kristine Lawrence, Principal of Heron Creek Middle School, for being named Sarasota County Schools' Principal of the Year!👏🎉

Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success make a lasting impact every day. We’re proud to celebrate her and all she brings to Heron Creek and our district.

Congratulations to SRO James Brusoe, our SCS Cares of the Month! Officer Brusoe serves at Triad School, where he goes above and beyond to build trust, support students, and foster a safe and welcoming environment.


From morning greetings, to after-school check-ins, an everything in between, he is a constant and positive presence on campus. Whether he is leading mediations, supporting families, or collaborating with community partners, Officer Brusoe shows what it means to care with consistency, compassion, and heart.


Thank you, Officer Brusoe, for the difference you make every single day!

https://youtube.com/shorts/RSvGy0r8Pa4

In this month’s In Touch Community Newsletter, learn about employee recognition programs, meet our featured schools, peek into the 2026 Legislative Session, celebrate Ripple Effect Teacher Award winners, and see how Sarasota County Schools continues empowering every student, every day.

Click here 👉 https://bit.ly/InTouchNovember2025

In this episode of the SCS In Tune podcast, we take a closer look at CEOs in Schools, a powerful partnership that connects local business leaders with public schools across Sarasota County.

Dr. Harriett Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement, Sarasota High School Principal Ryan Chase, and Jamie Kahns of Bank of America share how the initiative started, what they’ve learned from one another, and how collaboration between education and business can strengthen our community.

Tune in to hear thoughtful perspectives on leadership, partnership, and the lasting impact of spending a day inside our schools.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/wTUr2BTRCb4 (Also available in Spanish and Russian!)

First-quarter report cards are now available for all students. 📃✅

Click the link below to log into the Focus Parent Portal from a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also use the SCS Focus Portal mobile app. Once you're in the portal, click Reports next to your student’s name to view their Q1 Report Card.

If you have questions, please contact your school.

https://scs.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus

Sarasota County Schools recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15. 🌎 This month provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that strengthen and enrich our schools and society.

The Wilkinson Elementary Rebalancing Proposal Community Meeting is happening on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Wilkinson Elementary Cafeteria.

For more information about the WES Rebalancing Proposal please visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/wesrebalancing.

Support STEM in Sarasota County Schools! 🧪🔬 Join us at Anna Maria Oyster Bar (University Parkway) on Wednesday, October 8 from 4:30–9:00 PM. Dine in or place a to-go order, mention Sarasota County STEM Fair, and a portion of your bill will help fund student research and innovation. ✨

We’re excited to host CEOs in Schools this fall! 📚✨ Business leaders are invited to spend a half or full day in our schools, learning firsthand about the daily responsibilities of administrators, staff, and students. Together, we can help bridge the gap between classrooms and careers.


📅 Days of Impact: November 4, 6, 11, 13
⏰ Sign-up deadline: October 1


Register today: https://bit.ly/3JOWtnV

The September In Touch is here! Inside this issue, you will find a letter from Superintendent Connor, a feature on the Monda Kids SWIM program, and details on this year’s College Night at Robarts Arena. We’re also spotlighting Englewood Elementary, Alta Vista Elementary, and Heron Creek Middle School. Plus, don’t miss the latest news from Athletics, the SCSPD, and Food & Nutrition Services.

bit.ly/InTouchSeptember2025

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we are taking a deep dive into all things attendance. From some of the common barriers to regular student attendance to resources available in our district to assist, to successful programs that have increased attendance, check out this episode of the InTune Podcast to hear why Every Day Counts. 🌟



Listen now: youtu.be/2SPhRQGf4GM

We want to hear from you! 💬 Whether your child attends a public, private, charter, or homeschool program, your input matters.

This survey will help us gain a deeper understanding of the reasons families choose their educational options and gather feedback on the programs, initiatives, and priorities that are currently in place or that they would like to see in our traditional public schools. Your voice will guide our future planning and decisions.

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts here: https://bit.ly/SCSFamilyInterestSurvey2025

Happening next week! 🤝

Join Superintendent Connor and members of the School Board on Wednesday, September 3 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Woodland Middle School for an evening of open conversation and collaboration.

These events are designed to foster connection between district leadership and our community. Families, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share feedback.

Submit your questions in advance at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/insight.

If you cannot attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on the Sarasota County Schools YouTube channel.

We hope to see you there!