Local Foundations Recognize Summer Learning Efforts

"...extraordinary commitment to our students."

Despite a challenging school year, teachers remain steadfast in helping students catch up. This summer more than 300 Sarasota County teachers and aides have continued to greet students with smiling faces in the classroom. Recently, the smiles continued to grow thanks to a surprise from two local foundations.

In partnership with Sarasota County Schools, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation surprised summer teachers with gift cards and other weekly prizes to celebrate their ongoing commitment to keep learning thriving throughout the break. Tickets to local cultural experiences were also donated from The Ringling, Selby Gardens, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mote, Sarasota Orchestra, Sky Family YMCA, and The Hermitage. The cumulative gifts added up to more than $40,000.

For first-year teacher Joao Fagulha, the recognition has been appreciated. “Gestures such as these have made this challenging year that much easier,” says Fagulha, who is working at Sarasota High School. “This blessing means so much.”

“It’s a small gesture, but we wanted to keep spirits high for the teachers who stepped up in a big way,” says Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Barancik Foundation. “What teachers accomplish in the classroom today ripples throughout our community into the future.”

For four weeks, more than 800 students are participating in reading programs across 17 schools. Of those children, 425 are in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program for students with disabilities. Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen explains that by recognizing these efforts, the two foundations are once again helping to elevate the entire teaching profession.

“The teachers who have signed up to teach summer school after a year of unprecedented challenges are demonstrating extraordinary commitment to our students,” commented Mark Pritchett, President|CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.