Suncoast School for Innovative Studies welcomes students for new year

The Suncoast School for Innovative Studies on Aug. 10 opened its doors for the 2023-2024 school year to 100 students, grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

“It’s always fun and exciting for everybody to be back,” said Wesley Tippett, art teacher.

The day started with an all-school assembly that helped calm the nerves of students and parents, said Principal Fayth Jenkins. The children also got a chance to meet the entire school staff, not just their classroom teachers.

Afterward, for younger students, the focus shifted to unpacking backpacks and school supplies as the children got acclimated to the classroom again, said Brittany Thigpen, second grade teacher. 

The older children seemed to pick up right where they left off last year, immediately diving into spelling lessons and art projects.

In Tippett’s fifth grade art class the students were excited to get started making their own sketchbooks, which they’ll gradually fill with drawings and eventually show to their parents and other teachers.

“P.E. and art class are my favorites,” said fifth grader Leandro Rodriguez.

Asked what he thought of the opening day project, Carmelo Jackson said, “Yeah! I like it a lot.”

While Jenkins has been with the public charter school since 2015, this is her first year as principal. This year the school will be offering a number of new or enhanced programs, she said.

The after care program now runs a half-hour later each day, until 6 p.m. As part of the school’s after care, a STEM exploration learning program will be offered for kids to learn about science and technology fields. After care will also include an hour of tutoring with instructional and data coaches to help close proficiency gaps.

The school also serves as a food pantry location thanks to a partnership with All Faiths Food Bank. Students and parents can pick up bags from the pantry during the school’s after hours. Food Bank volunteers pack snack bags with several days of snacks that children can take home. Prospective volunteers or donors should contact All Faiths Food Bank. 

On the extracurricular side, the School for Innovative Studies may soon add pickleball to its list of activities. And this year, if all goes well, the school’s flag football and basketball teams will play scrimmages with area sports clubs, said Jenkins.

“We’re pushing the idea of a student-athlete,” said Jenkins. “We’re making sure some of the kids’ interests are at the forefront.”