Sarasota County Schools

We are proud to kick off America 250 Week as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This week, our schools will take part in meaningful, cross-curricular experiences that highlight American history, civic responsibility, literacy, and school spirit. From classroom learning to campus events, students across all grade levels will have opportunities to engage, reflect, and celebrate.

Watch as our very own students lead the way, sharing the Pledge of Allegiance and setting the tone for a week filled with pride and purpose.

https://youtu.be/E1hRL7G-xvg

High school students and families, mark your calendar for THIS Thursday (3/26).

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. is hosting an evening designed to help you explore future careers and take the next step after graduation.

Meet local employers, learn about careers in the trades, and gain practical tips to strengthen your job search.

What to expect:
• Connect with local employers
• Explore high demand trade careers
• Get help polishing your resume
• Free professional headshots, food, and giveaways

Event Details:
Thursday, March 26, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM (Check-in begins at 5:00 PM)
Riverview High School - Sarasota, Florida

Agenda Highlights:
• Lightning talks with trade professionals
• Breakout sessions on resumes, job searching, networking, and FAFSA support
• Career Fair with job and internship opportunities

Register here: https://edfoundationsrq.org/event/future-ready-career-night-2

Come ready to connect, learn, and take the next step toward your future.

Join Sarasota County Schools for the 2026 ESE Agency Fair & YANA Event on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Venice Community Center. Families will have the opportunity to meet local agencies, explore resources and services available to students, and connect with organizations that support student success.

Enjoy food trucks, prizes, and helpful information about community supports that make a difference for families across Sarasota County. We hope to see you there! 🎉

📍 Venice Community Center
326 Nokomis Ave S., Venice
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This month’s In Touch highlights our districtwide commitment to Literacy for All, celebrates our 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year, showcases student innovation at the STEM Fair, and features outstanding schools and programs across Sarasota County. See how we are engaging, empowering, and elevating every student.

👉 https://bit.ly/March2026InTouch

CONGRATULATIONS to our School Related Employee of the Year, Mr. Russell Dennison. 🎉

Mr. Dennison has proudly served as a bus driver in Sarasota County Schools’ Transportation Department for the past eight years, safely transporting students and making a difference every day. 🚌

Thank you to Sarasota Ford and Tandem Construction for serving as Lead Sponsors of this special event, which included a two year lease on a Ford Bronco Sport, a cash prize, and more. We are also grateful to the many sponsors who help make it possible to celebrate all of our SREOY nominees.

What school your child attends today shapes where they will be tomorrow. 2025-2026 Florida Department of Education data shows that students enrolled in Sarasota County’s district managed schools perform at or above grade level compared to students from charter, home education, and private schools. A strong academic start matters. Say YES to SCS.

https://youtu.be/EdqknYqbVEo

Exciting things are happening in SCS! 🍎✨ Our district is expanding K-8 opportunities to give students a strong academic foundation, smoother transitions between grade levels, and enriched learning experiences that grow with them. These new and expanding K-8 schools are designed to support long term success through engaging instruction, strong relationships, and a focus on the whole child.

Watch the video to learn more about our new K-8 schools and how families can explore these options through School Choice and upcoming 2026-2027 school year registration. Say yes to SCS!

https://youtu.be/t7IcZ7En_x4

The February 2026 edition of the SCS In Touch Community Newsletter is here. Learn more about School Choice, new and expanding K-8 schools, featured schools of the month, VPK School Preference, legislative updates, and district highlights.

Explore the full issue at https://bit.ly/InTouchFebruary2026.

Free tax preparation is available to eligible individuals and families through United Way of South Sarasota County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program from February 3 through April 15. Appointments are required and services are provided by IRS certified volunteers. 💰📄


Learn more and schedule an appointment at www.uwssc.org/vita.

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!)