- May 9, 2024
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Wilkinson Elementary second grade teacher Ashley Najjar was one of 24 winning applications for the Sarasota County School District's Trailblazer program for advanced technology in the classroom. More than 100 teachers applied with proposals demonstrating the need for Microsoft Surface 3 tablets in their classrooms.
Teachers were asked to apply by writing a proposal about why they felt the technology would be useful in their classrooms. The 22 selected by committee are part of a pilot program being led by Cameron Parker, instructional technology specialist for the district.
Najjar received the tablets, but they didn’t have cases, which she says are crucial for preserving their condition. Purchasing the cases would cost her more than $1,000 out-of-pocket, so she reached out to local business for sponsorships. Cool Today/ Plumbing Today owner Jaime DiDomenico agreed to cover the cost for the 18 cases.
Bishop Frank Dewane, the Rev. Fausto Stampiglia, Louis Zazarino, St. Martha Catholic School Principal Siobhan Young and others broke ground on the new Zazarino Center for Athletics & Arts Oct. 2.
Named for Zazarino, whose contribution helped ensure the success of the project, the Zazarino Center will have approximately 26,000 square feet and will be a multifaceted enrichment facility built to meet the ongoing demand for a gymnasium with bleachers, basketball and volleyball courts, additional classrooms, locker rooms, a concession area, performance and event hall, stage and backstage area, community room, music room, physical education office and additional storage space.
“For the last 12 years, since the new St. Martha Catholic School opened, the school has achieved great success and is a Blue Ribbon School,” Fausto said in a news release. “Even with this success, we were never able to complete our plans for an enrichment center with additional classrooms, a music room, a stage, a gymnasium, a community room and extra space for lots of storage. Thankfully, God has come to our aid by sending us two generous benefactors, along with many other generous donors, to help us fulfill this dream for a new center.”
The project has been designed by Hall Architects, PA and is under the project management of Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. The Zazarino Center for Athletics & Arts is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2016 school year.
In honor of Fire Prevention Week, which began Oct. 4, preschoolers at Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center welcomed local firefighters for the morning to learn about fire safety.
After visiting with the firefighters, examining firefighters’ uniforms and learning how to “stop, drop and roll!” in case of catching fire, students had the opportunity to explore a real fire truck. The preschoolers looked at the hoses and other fire equipment, then took turns climbing inside the fire truck and pretending to drive. It was an important and fun learning experience.
“We are so grateful to the Sarasota County Fire Department for coming to visit with our students,” Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center Director Elaine Sharrock said in a news release. “The children look forward to Fire Prevention Week and to interacting with these local heroes. Safety and community are two of Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center’s values, so the firefighters’ visit fits in perfectly.”
For the third year in a row the Out-of-Door Academy participated in the Global Cardboard Challenge on its Siesta Key Campus Saturday, Oct. 10.
The Cardboard Challenge was created four years ago by the founder of Imagination Foundation, Nirvan Mullick after he met a young boy who built an arcade out of cardboard boxes.
All elementary-aged students and children from the community were invited to build arcade games using cardboard and recycled materials. Participants spent hours building onsite arcade games from their imaginations.
ODA fourth and fifth grade students voted on a theme of nature for the challenge. The “Nature” theme can be incorporated in your arcade games with winding vines, roosting birds, quick lizards or blooming flowers or perhaps your game will include an erupting volcano, a raging river or a hidden cave.
All proceeds from the event will benefit local charities focused on human potential.
