Tom Marshall of Venice High is Sarasota County Teacher of the Year

Sarasota County Teacher of the Year
Thomas Marshall, Venice High School

SARASOTA – With cheers and a standing ovation, the crowd saluted Thomas K. Marshall when school superintendent Gary Norris named him 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year today. Marshall, a former trial attorney, teaches honors economics and American government at Venice High School, where he has served on the faculty since 2000. He was honored along with other finalists from schools throughout the county at a sold-out luncheon attended by community leaders, district personnel, sponsors and other supporters of public education.

As Sarasota County’s Teacher of the Year, Marshall will represent the school district at the Florida Department of Education – Macy's Teacher of the Year gala and serve as the community spokesperson for the teaching profession throughout the 2008-2009 academic year. He accepted his award with praise for colleagues Jeanette Schwaed of Bay Haven School and Melanie Taylor of Sarasota Middle School, two other teachers who joined him in the top trio of finalists selected by a panel of former honorees, educators, and volunteers. “I could never do what they do,” he explained. Going on to paraphrase Aristotle, “who was probably the world’s greatest teacher,” Marshall said he subscribes to the great philosopher’s creed that “passion in the job puts perfection in the work.”

The annual awards are produced by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in partnership with the Sarasota County School Board. According to Teacher of the Year coordinator, Patricia Brustad, Sarasota County’s program emphasizes recruitment, training, and recognition of the community’s teachers and showcases the special talents of its outstanding educators. In school districts across the nation, the Teacher of the Year program focuses attention on the contributions of teachers and honors those who have the gift of inspiring a love of learning in their students.

Time after time, by most every test and measure – reading, writing, math, and college readiness – Sarasota County students place at the top of the state. Their achievements reflect the quality and dedication of the teachers in the county’s public schools.

The Sarasota County Teacher of the Year program is made possible through the funding and support of community partners who believe that rewarding and encouraging excellence in education is vital to a strong and successful educational system. Premier Sponsors are H. Jack and B.J. Hunkele, The New Frontier, Inc., Nova Southeastern University Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Promethean/Logical Choice Technologies, Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Saturn of Sarasota and SunTrust.

At the March 26 event, Education Foundation executive director Cindy Kaiser also announced $1,000 Future Teacher Scholarships named for Premier Sponsors. Scholarships are designated for five public high school seniors who plan to major in education and return to Sarasota County to teach. Recipients include:

H. Jack Hunkele Family Foundation Future Teacher Scholarship: Rochelle E. Germond, Sarasota High School

The New Frontier Future Teacher Scholarship: Monique Lebar, Pine View School

Promethean/Logical Choice Technologies Future Teacher Scholarship: Matthew Nations, Riverview High School

Publix Super Markets Charities Future Teacher Scholarship: Katelynn Albert, Venice High School

SunTrust Future Teacher Scholarship: Anne E. Clinch, Venice High School

The Notre Dame Club of Greater Sarasota is a Diamond Sponsor of the Teacher of the Year program. Gold Sponsors are AIG Retirement, McDonalds of Sarasota, the Harvard Club of Sarasota, Sarasota County School-Based Administrators and the Wilma Hamilton Leadership Fund. Barnes & Noble Booksellers is a Silver Sponsor.

Each of the three teachers selected as the elementary, middle and high school Teachers of the Year received a cash award from the H. Jack Hunkele Family Foundation and scholarship awards from Nova Southeastern University. The two semi-finalists will attend the Excellence in Teaching Conference at the University of Notre Dame, all expenses paid, courtesy of the Notre Dame Club of Greater Sarasota.

As the district’s top Teacher of the Year, Marshall collected the keys to a new Saturn Vue, his to drive for a year as a gift from Saturn of Sarasota. Marshall will also receive tuition assistance for a seminar at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, thanks to a grant from the Harvard Club of Sarasota and the Wilma Hamilton Leadership Fund. Finally, Promethean/Logical Choice Technologies awarded the winning high school teacher a full set of coveted “ActiVotes,” tools that greatly enhance interactive learning activities in the classroom.

Each school’s Teacher of the Year received a variety of gifts, including an engraved brass school bell, a McDonald’s gift bag, a Barnes & Noble gift card, and a quality portrait by Paul Martin of Pictures in Paradise.

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 $1,100,000 each year to initiatives including the TeXcellence Home Computer program, classroom grants, academic competitions, fine arts programs, cutting edge technology, and educational leadership. For more information about the Education Foundation and the Extra Edge of Excellence it provides to the children in Sarasota County public schools, visit EdFoundation.net or call 941-927-0965.

Fruitville Elementary third-grader has book published

Abigail Kroneberger (at center of photo on right) signs copies of her book March 27

SARASOTA — Fruitville Elementary School third-grade student Abigail Kroneberger, at age 9 perhaps Florida’s youngest published author, read from and sign copies of her published book, “The Sensory Room Kids Get in Sync” March 27 on the schools’ cafeteria stage.

Kroneberger’s book explores the sensory needs of kids. Her second-grade classmates from last year offered their personal stories and the ways they get their bodies “in sync” (synchronized) with their minds to better prepare for learning.

“One day last year I asked Abigail, “What is something you always wanted to do at school but never had the chance?,’ ” recalled Lauren Johnson, a teacher on Fruitville’s Gifted Team. “She answered, ‘I want to write a book!’ So I suggested writing about gifted kids’ sensory needs.”

“My students knew all about how to get their bodies ‘in sync’ for learning because this need, while important to many children, is often particularly acute for intellectually gifted students. I help my students understand why they may be falling out of chairs, seemingly unable to sit still, crying for what might seem like insignificant reasons, chewing on their clothes, talking or humming incessantly, or having what looks like a temper tantrum, but is what we call a ‘fiddle’ response.

“We know these behaviors are caused by an “out-of-sync’ body and we can suggest movement strategies and tools to use to get the body back ‘in-sync,’ so the child becomes focused, relaxed and alert and ready for learning. I thought it would be interesting to get a child’s perspective on this.”

Kroneberger took her teacher’s advice and interviewed seven of her fellow students, who began their second-grade day by going to the school's sensory room to “get in sync.” In the sensory room, students swing on a single-suspension swing, jump on a mini-trampoline, get squeezed, crawl through tunnels and crash into beanbags. This room provides appropriate sensory input through movement to begin a day ready to learn.

At first Kroneberger focused mainly on drawings for the book, then she worked on the text. About a month later she took her illustrated manuscript to Johnson, who was impressed with the depth of her understanding and the clarity of her words.

Johnson called Peppertree Press and shared her enthusiasm for Kroneberger's story, and the company agreed to publish the book with help from a “Building Blocks for Success” grant funded by the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Peppertree Press Publisher/President Julie Ann Howell worked closely with the Gifted Team at Fruitville, involving teachers and 130 gifted students in the process of finalizing Kroneberger’s book for publication. “The Sensory Room Kids Get in Sync” is available on Amazon.com.

Emma E. Booker Elementary dedicates 'Library Corner' to late principal Gwen Rigell

Portrait of Gwen Rigell by Shawn Voelker

SARASOTA — Emma E. Booker Elementary School staff and other friends of the late Gwendolyn Rigell hosted a remembrance of the school’s longtime principal March 27 at the school’s media center.

The school’s chorus sang, Rigell’s husband Steve shared memories of his wife and a commemorative plaque was unveiled in Gwen’s honor.

“We wanted to remember Gwen’s many years of service to the school and the district,” said Al Bezilla, Emma E. Booker’s acting principal. “She firmly believed that reading is the key that opens many doors for children, so it seems fitting to dedicate a corner of our media center as the Gwen Rigell Library Corner.”

The culmination of the ceremony was the unveiling of a plaque marking the library corner and a specially-commissioned portrait of Rigell by artist Shawn Voelker.

Gwen Rigell died in December 2007 at age 56 after an extended illness. She was a native of Alabama who earned a degree in sociology and social work from Virginia State University before going on to earn a master’s degree in education at Colorado University and an advanced degree in administration and supervision from Denver University.

She taught bilingual and gifted education in Colorado Springs, Co. and Williamsburg, Va., from 1976-1991 and served as assistant principal of James Blair Middle School in Williamsburg from 1991 to 1993. In 1994 she applied for an administrative position in Sarasota because she believed the district to be an “up and coming area for quality education” and “on the cutting edge of educational reform.” She served as assistant principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary School for one year and was appointed principal in 1995.

On September 11, 2001, Rigell and the school hosted a visit from President George W. Bush, who learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center while visiting teacher Sandra Daniels’ classroom.

Emma E. Booker Elementary is located at 2350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota.

School Board has no plans to close Englewood Elementary

SARASOTA — Despite rumors to the contrary, the School Board of Sarasota County has no plans to close Englewood Elementary School.

The Englewood Boundary Advisory Committee made a recommendation to the School Board at a March 11 workshop to increase enrollment by adjusting its attendance area boundary with Taylor Ranch Elementary School. The School Board did not approve that recommendation, but continues to consider various options for school boundaries and the future of Englewood Elementary.

The School Board regularly reviews boundaries and enrollment numbers for Sarasota County public schools as part of its long-range planning process. When school district staff recommends changes to better serve a population area, the School Board seeks community input in an extensive review process.

Although the March 11 discussion triggered rumors that Englewood would be closing at the end of this school year, that possibility was not discussed. School Board Chairwoman Kathy Kleinlein said the School Board very much appreciates the special relationship between Englewood Elementary School and the Englewood community. She said the only change being considered for the next two years is possibly adjusting the attendance area boundary.

Any future changes would require several years to plan and carry out, she said, and no such changes will be made without extensive input from the Englewood community.

Phoenix Academy student scripts come to life on Asolo stage

SARASOTA — Students from Phoenix Academy will have the opportunity to see their screenplays come to life without going to Hollywood, thanks to a partnership between the school and the 2008 Sarasota Film Festival’s Youth Screenwriting Program. Five talented ninth-grade students have produced seven creative scripts; actors from Anythingarts.com will perform the screenplays at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5 p.m., Sunday, April 6.

Phoenix Academy is a Sarasota County public school that gives struggling students in eighth through 10th grades new opportunities to refocus their academic careers. This is the second year the school’s students have participated in the SFF Youth Screenwriting Program. This year the program will include performances from returning screenwriters Janette (JJ) Vargas (“Abortion” and “Combat Duty”), Joe Vorrasi (“The Music Never Dies”), Kieran Delfino (“The League of Extraordinarily Girly Men”), Elsie Apointe (“That’s Life”) and first-year screenwriter Logan Schlotterbach (“Lost and Found” and “Revenge of the Evil Twin”).

“I was so impressed with the quality of the screenplays this year,” said Festival Outreach Coordinator Colin Paneta. “This year’s screenwriters worked for two months creating and developing script ideas and formatting their screenplays. They needed very little guidance and new exactly how they wanted to develop their stories into screenplays.”

Filmmaker and Sarasota Film Festival volunteer Debra Hussong said, “The students’ stories range from a teenager making a tough decision about abortion, a humanistic look at young person dealing with the aftershock of combat, two psychological thrillers, a wacky comedy that is quite pointed toward current issues, and a musician who never gives up. The range of stories is incredible.”

Phoenix Academy Principal Rachel Shelley said she loves having the school's students pioneer this expanding program. “These students feel so comfortable expressing themselves as screenwriters. This program is a catalyst for building confidence in participating students and hopefully that will motivate them to work harder in school,” said Shelley.

Vorassi said, “Last year I wrote a story about witnessing my best friend getting murdered. This year I wanted to write about something I can get excited about: music. And of course my music is all about the Seventies and a group called AirGear, which plays lots of Jimi Hendrix music.”
Anythingarts.com Executive Director Rick Hughes said, “Right after I received the screenplays, Pam Wiley and Bill Muzzillo signed on quickly to direct two of them as plays. And I’ve already had commitments from local actors who want to participate. To take a full-length screenplay and develop it into a one-act play is a huge challenge, but the directors and actors signing on are ready. They plan to put on a performance that will be a huge success.”

Information about and directions to the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, is available at www.Asolo.org. Information about the Youth Screenwriting Program and other Sarasota Film Festival programs and films can be found at www.SarasotaFilmFestival.com. The Phoenix Academy Web site is www.SarasotaCountySchools.net/Phoenix.

Sarasota County Government/Schools CIO Hanson named one of nation's best

Robert Hanson

SARASOTA - Robert Hanson, chief information officer for Sarasota County Government and Sarasota County Schools, has been recognized as one of the top information officers in the U.S. by Federal Computer Week magazine.

The two agencies entered into an agreement in 2004 to share a CIO so both could benefit from his expertise, collaborate on developing technology services, avoid duplication of effort and cultivate efficiencies of common leadership in the technology arena.

Hanson has been named one of the 2008 Federal 100 Award Winners, a group of technology professionals who are selected annually for their contributions to the information technology field. The Federal 100 is made up of individuals from government, industry and academia who significantly influence how the federal government buys, uses or manages information technology. Federal 100 winners are recognized for their risk-taking, vision and pioneering spirit in the national information technology community.

The winners are nominated by Federal Computer Week readers and are selected by an independent panel of judges. The award winners will be featured in the March 24 issue of the magazine.

“This award recognizes the opportunities and possibilities of public sector cooperation in information technology,” said Jim Ley, Sarasota County administrator. “This kind of collaboration between Sarasota County Government Sarasota County Schools delivers significant benefits in information technology management and cost savings for the public. It’s a cutting-edge use of technology skills to assure efficient government and the most effective use of tax dollars.”

This is the 19th year of Federal Computer Week’s Federal 100 awards program, which has recognized 1,900 people in the federal, state, and local governments. Other winners this year include Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO of Google, Frances Byrd of the U.S. Postal Service, Karen Wilson of the Boeing Corp and Jeff Koch of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

“The Fed 100 awards have proven to be a valuable way to recognize the people who go above and beyond, the leaders, the influencers, the guiders, the thought leaders,” said Christopher Dorobek, editor in chief of Federal Computer Week. “The awards recognize people who have made a difference in the government’s use of information technology.”

Hanson was recognized for accomplishments that included creating a community institutional network and a disaster recovery collaborative among counties in Florida. Hanson also developed a public sector Enterprise Resource Planning system that integrates an organization’s data and processes into a unified system. He also implemented an Information Technology Infrastructure Library to manage information technology development and operations to significantly increase client service levels and satisfaction.

"While these awards are often given to the leader of a team, it’s important to note that they are only possible because of the excellence of the team of professionals supporting that leader," Hanson said.

“Bob not only has helped bring the human and technical resources of two information technology departments together for Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County Government, he has empowered each organization to retain its own identity and meet its specific needs,” said Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Gary Norris. “Bob and his colleagues have created a model that has attracted a great deal of national attention and we’re delighted that he’s been named a Federal 100 winner.”

Hanson also has been identified one of the year’s 25 most influential people by Government Technology Magazine, a top organizational leader by the Center for Digital Governments and one of the top 100 CIOs in the world by CIO Magazine.

County Commission, School Board kick off Tatum Ridge Soccer Complex

SARASOTA - At most dedication ceremonies officials cut a ribbon or toss a shovel full of dirt. Members of the Sarasota County Commission and the School Board of Sarasota County took a different approach to dedicating the county’s latest recreational facility — they kicked soccer balls.




(Left to right) Sarasota County Parks & Recreation General Manager John McCarthy, School Board members Carol Todd, Kathy Kleinlein and Caroline Zucker and County Commissioner Paul Mercier officially kick off the Tatum Ridge Soccer Complex March 10.


Sarasota County Commissioner Paul Mercier, Parks and Recreation General Manager John McCarthy, School Board Chair Kathy Kleinlein, School Board members Carol Todd and Caroline Zucker and student athletes kicked soccer balls into a net to officially open the Tatum Ridge Soccer Complex at Tatum Ridge Elementary School, 4100 Tatum Road, Sarasota.

The 9 a.m. dedication was the culmination of a process that officially began with a June 2005 interlocal agreement between Sarasota County Government and the School Board of Sarasota for the construction and use of the complex. At the ceremony, the school’s Tatum Terrific Singers led the program with a rendition of “Bright Happy Day.” Mercier and Kleinlein spoke about the project as an ideal example of how county-school board partnerships benefit students, families and the community. After the goal-kicking celebration moment, student soccer players took to the field to demonstrate their skills.

The 8-acre complex includes three youth soccer fields (two lighted), a recreation play area, a pavilion shelter, a concession building and restrooms, a lighted walking path and a new parking lot. The project team included BRPH Architects/Engineers; Jensen and Group, Engineering Consultants; and David W. Johnston Associates, Landscape Architects. Sarasota County Government departments involved in the project included Parks and Recreation, Facilities Construction and Facilities Services, in coordination with Sarasota County Schools Construction Services.

Prize Patrol surprises three Teacher of the Year finalists

(Left to right) 2008-09 Teacher of the Year finalists Jeannette Schwaed (Elementary), Melanie Taylor (Middle) and Thomas Marshall (High).

SARASOTA – The difference they make in the lives of their students may be priceless, but today three of the Sarasota County’s thousands of great teachers were showered with awards, applause, and baskets of goodies when the Prize Patrol visited classrooms in three local schools.

Associate Superintendent of Schools Lori White and a crew of district personnel, past winners, community leaders and sponsors from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County traveled to three schools to surprise finalists in the 2008-09 Teacher of the Year competition. Elementary, middle, and high school level winners were honored in front of joyful students, fellow teachers, and families.

The first stop was at Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, where Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jeanette Schwaed was reading with second-graders in her media center. The K-5 media specialist has been a teacher at the school since 2003.

“I love what I do, and I love Bay Haven,” said Schwaed, who was dressed in pajamas and wearing a Dr. Suess hat as part of a salute to the popular children’s author. “There are so many wonderful teachers in our district, I feel honored and privileged.”

The second stop was Sarasota Middle School, where the Prize Patrol emerged onstage before a cafeteria full of students, calling for seventh-grade mathematics teacher Melanie Taylor to step forward. The district’s new Middle School Teacher of the year said “the first thing I want to do is thank my kids. You are the ones I get up for every day. You are the best!”

The third and final stop for the day was at Venice High School. There, Sarasota County’s High School Teacher of the Year, Thomas Marshall, accepted a golden crown and royal robes as confetti showered the crowd and the marching band played the school’s fight song. Marshall, a 12th-grade economics and government teacher, said to the crowd, “Thank you, but this honor really belongs to you — the Venice High faculty and students. I love Venice High, and I’m glad I can carry this honor on your behalf.”

The overall district Teacher of the Year will be announced at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 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 our community spokesperson and representative for the teaching profession throughout the 2008-2009 academic year.

Premier Sponsors of Teacher of the Year are H. Jack and B.J. Hunkele, The New Frontier, Inc., Nova Southeastern University Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Promethean/Logical Choice Technologies, Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Saturn of Sarasota and SunTrust. Representatives of the Premier Sponsors also participated in the Prize Patrol, led by the Education Foundation’s executive director, Cindy L. Kaiser. Sarasota County’s Teacher of the Year coordinator is Patricia Brustad.

At the Teacher of the Year luncheon, $1,000 Future Teacher Scholarships, named for Premier Sponsors, will be presented to deserving public high school seniors who plan to major in education and return to Sarasota County to teach.

Diamond Sponsors of the Teacher of the Year Program include The Notre Dame Club of Greater Sarasota. Gold Sponsors are AIG Retirement, McDonalds of Sarasota, the Harvard Club of Sarasota, Sarasota County School-Based Administrators and the Wilma Hamilton Leadership Fund. Barnes & Noble Booksellers is a Silver Sponsor.

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 $1,100,000 each year to initiatives including the TeXcellence Home Computer program, classroom grants, academic competitions, fine arts programs, cutting edge technology, and educational leadership. For more information about the Education Foundation and the Extra Edge of Excellence it provides to the children in Sarasota County public schools, visit EdFoundation.net or call 941-927-0965.

American Idol contestant Syesha Mercado honed skills at Booker High

SARASOTA – Current American Idol contestant Syesha Mercado, who continues to compete this week on the popular Fox TV series, honed her performing skills at Booker High School’s Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) program.

Mercado is a 2005 graduate of the school and its VPA magnet program, which provides intensive, specialized training for students from throughout Sarasota County with special talents in dance, music, television and media arts, theatre (performance and technical) and the visual arts. Mercado made a big impact on Booker High’s faculty during her academic career at the school.

“I was Syesha's voice teacher, music teacher, accompanist and music director while she attended Booker High,” said Johnnie Mnich, VPA theatre music director. “She is a tremendous talent and, above all, a wonderful person. I had the joy of watching her grow and hearing her voice develop into the stalwart instrument it has become. What is happening for her is thrilling for all of us who know her and love her.”

VPA theatre teacher Scott Keys said he was impressed with Mercado the first time he saw her perform. “From the moment Syesha auditioned for our program as an incoming eighth-grader, I knew there was something remarkable and special about this young woman. The way she carried herself, her depth of character, personal integrity and maturity were all astonishing for a girl of her age.

“Over the years I had the opportunity to work with Syesha on a number of different productions. She simply commands a stage. You cannot take your eyes off of her, because she creates from her soul and her heart. I am proud of her accomplishments and honored to have been her teacher and director.”

Other Booker teachers commented that Mercado was dedicated to excellence in all her studies, not just performing-arts classes.

“I had Syesha Mercado in her junior year for English III Honors,” said Sandra Yerkes, Booker High School English teacher. “She was a bright, enthusiastic and energetic student. One assignment I particularly remember involved students memorizing and reciting a poem of their choice. Syesha recited Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman.’ The class was so impressed they gave her a standing ovation. I knew by the end of her time in my class that she would be successful in anything she attempted.”