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
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
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
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!
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!
Join Superintendent Terry Connor for Coffee with Connor on Tuesday, September 30, from 10:00–11:30 AM at the Betty Johnson Library (2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota). ☕✨
This is a great opportunity to connect, share your thoughts, and ask questions in an informal setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mark your calendars! 📅 Sarasota County Schools will host College Night 2025 on Tuesday, September 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Robarts Arena (3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota).
Students and families will have the chance to connect with representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, and military programs. Learn about admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and explore the many pathways available after graduation.
Whether you’re planning for a four-year university, community college, trade school, or the military, College Night is a valuable opportunity to prepare for your future.
Students and families will have the chance to connect with representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, and military programs. Learn about admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and explore the many pathways available after graduation.
Whether you’re planning for a four-year university, community college, trade school, or the military, College Night is a valuable opportunity to prepare for your future.
We’re hiring Speech/Language Pathologists! 💬✨
Join us for the Virtual SLP Job Fair on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note, this is an invitation-only event.
To request an invitation, please email recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net.
Join us for the Virtual SLP Job Fair on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note, this is an invitation-only event.
To request an invitation, please email recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net.
Heads up, fans! 🏈 Starting August 15, 2025, high schools will use OpenGate security screening systems at varsity football games. These systems help make entry quicker while keeping everyone safe. Remember — our clear bag policy is still in effect: • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12” x 12” x 6” • One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc or similar) • Small clutch bags about the size of a hand, with or without a strap • Diaper bags and medically necessary items allowed after inspection You can keep your cell phone, keys, coins, jackets, belts, wallets, watches, and jewelry with you when passing through. Please remove laptops, tablets, gaming devices, and any metal binders or spiral notebooks before entry. Arrive early, have your bag ready, and enjoy the game! Learn more about the SCS Bag Policy at https://aptg.co/SNY3dm.
Free & Reduced Meal Applications for the 2025-26 school year are open!
Click here to get started: www.sarasotacountyschools.net/free
Please note last year's benefits cover the first 30 days of the new school year.
Click here to get started: www.sarasotacountyschools.net/free
Please note last year's benefits cover the first 30 days of the new school year.
We are ready to rock the school year! 🎶📚 The first day was full of energy from marching bands and cheerleaders to smiling parents and excited teachers. We’re thrilled to have everyone back for another year of learning and growth.
https://youtu.be/NZFkiFQaGgc
https://youtu.be/NZFkiFQaGgc
Join us for a special back-to-school conversation with Superintendent Connor as we kick off an exciting new school year, including the grand opening of Skye Ranch School, our first new school in 15 years! Hear about what's ahead, from academic goals and student safety updates to cell phone policy changes and how families can best support student success. Let's make 2025-2026 our best year yet! 🍎✨
https://youtu.be/2ErTK53hAgw
https://youtu.be/2ErTK53hAgw
📢 You’re invited to the first InSight Community Connection event of the 2025–26 school year!
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!
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!
Welcome to a brand-new school year! The August edition of In Touch is packed with key updates to help students and families get off to a great start. In this issue: review updated personal device policies, meet our newest school and leadership team, and explore helpful resources designed to support families all year long.
https://bit.ly/InTouchAugust2025
https://bit.ly/InTouchAugust2025
YOU'RE INVITED! Ms. Katie Greer—a national expert on internet and technology safety— is presenting at our district-wide Parent University on Thursday, September 25 from 6-7 PM.
Parents Will Learn How To:
• Stay informed about the latest technology trends and apps popular among children
• Engage in meaningful conversations with their children about online safety and responsible digital behavior
• Conduct digital health checks to help children maintain a safe and balanced online presence
In-person and virtual options are available. Register at https://bit.ly/3TZt8Jg.
Parents Will Learn How To:
• Stay informed about the latest technology trends and apps popular among children
• Engage in meaningful conversations with their children about online safety and responsible digital behavior
• Conduct digital health checks to help children maintain a safe and balanced online presence
In-person and virtual options are available. Register at https://bit.ly/3TZt8Jg.
Mr. Daniel Leal – currently an Assistant Principal of Booker Middle School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Booker Middle School. Congratulations, Mr. Leal!! 🎉
As we prepare to approve the tentative budget for the 2025–26 school year, school districts across Florida are facing a variety of financial pressures. In Sarasota County Schools, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our long-term financial stability. Learn more about where we stand, the actions we’ve taken, and how we’re moving forward, together at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/inform.
Florida Blue is giving away FREE BACKPACKS on Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00-1:00 p.m. while supplies last.
RSVP at: https://bit.ly/453m6Iq
Florida Blue Center — Sarasota
285 N Cattlemen Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34243
RSVP at: https://bit.ly/453m6Iq
Florida Blue Center — Sarasota
285 N Cattlemen Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34243
Starting high school? Eligible incoming 9th-grade students at North Port High School and Booker High School can now apply for the Early College Magnet Pathway. This is an exciting opportunity to earn college credits and even an associate degree while completing high school. There are still seats available for 2025-26! ✨
Courses are taught by State College of Florida faculty and integrated into the school day. This pathway offers focused tracks in STEM and General Business for students who have completed Algebra I.
Start strong. Graduate with more. Learn more at https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/earlycollegemagnetpathway
Courses are taught by State College of Florida faculty and integrated into the school day. This pathway offers focused tracks in STEM and General Business for students who have completed Algebra I.
Start strong. Graduate with more. Learn more at https://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/earlycollegemagnetpathway
🚌 BUS ROUTE INFORMATION
Starting today, July 23, families can log in to the Focus Parent Portal to view school bus transportation details for the 2025–2026 school year.
If your student has not been assigned bus transportation by Friday, August 1, please submit a Transportation Support Ticket at:
www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/transportation
Important reminders:
• Bus numbers and route assignments may change before the first day of school on Monday, August 11. Be sure to check back in the days leading up to the start of school to confirm your student’s information.
• The WherestheBus App will begin updating with student transportation data on Sunday, August 4. No information will be available in the app before that date.
Thank you for your patience as we prepare for a safe and successful start to the school year!
Big congratulations to our Class of 2025 Summer Graduates! 🎓🎉 Your hard work paid off, and we can’t wait to see where life takes you next. Way to go!
View all the photos at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/high-school-education
View all the photos at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/high-school-education