The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education has announced the annual summer recipients of the State Teacher Artist Residencies (STARs) to five Florida arts teachers from across the state, including writer Joy Hawkins, reading and literature teacher at Buffalo Creek Middle School in Manatee County. Hawkins and the other four recipients will participate in a 20-day retreat with the Hermitage through the month of July, culminating in a STARs community event on July 28.

Like all visiting artists at the Hermitage, the teachers will stay on the grounds free of charge, where they will find ample time to devote to their solitary pursuits or engage with fellow retreat participants. “It’s always a special time when we open our facility to the dedicated arts teachers who seldom have the time to work on their own artistic pursuits,” said Hermitage Executive Director Bruce Rodgers. “We’ve found it to be a time of inspiration, rejuvenation and personal growth for these amazing artists who nine months a year put their own projects on hold to inspire children around the state.”

In exchange, visiting artists agree to participate in some sort of public art event where the community at large can share in the work being done at the Hermitage. Hawkins hopes to further her poetry and the novel she began writing long ago about her pioneer ancestor.

Other award recipients include music teacher Adalberto Yanes of Doral Academy Preperatory Charter School in Dade County, design teacher Elizabeth Vitale of Nova High School in Broward County and art teachers Jeff Byers of Taylor County High School in Taylor County and Erin Bess of Turner/Bartels K–8 School in Hillsborough County. Says Bess, “By participating in the summer residency program, I hope to create more work as a professional artist, renew my energy and inspiration, and bring both aspects back to the classroom.” 

With the qualification deadline less than a month away, one Sarasota County School Board candidate remains unopposed and now has one-time rivals consolidating in his camp. School Board candidate Eric Robinson, former chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota and frequent campaign treasurer for campaigns around the state, announced Wednesday that he picked up the endorsement of School Board Chairman Frank Kovach, a man Robinson at one point was prepared to challenge on the ballot.

“Eric is a constant presence at every Sarasota County School Board meeting and has been for years,” said Kovach. “He certainly understands the issues facing the board and the district, and I believe the students, staff and parents in the district will be in good hands when he is elected to fill this seat.” Kovach announced last year he would not seek re-election to the School Board, citing concerns about the injection of outside money into the local contest.

Robinson to date runs unopposed. At one point, candidate Cindy Hill was prepared to run against him but she has since withdrawn. The deadline to qualify for the School Board race is noon on June 24. The candidate also picked up endorsements from sitting School Board members Jane Goodwin and Bridget Ziegler.

If a challenger qualifies the School Board District 3 race will be held August 24. In the District 2 race, incumbent Caroline Zucker currently faces challenger Teresa Mast. 

Bamboo: a fixture in many Floridian landscaping designs, patio furniture and tableware. Now, the gurus at Tasc Performance want you to wear it. They spent two years developing their signature blend of bamboo, organic cotton and lycra. The result? A high-powered, hardcore garment that won’t slow you down as you’re biking across the country or running a 15k. Bamboo offers extensive sun protection (up to 50 SPF) since UV rays can’t penetrate it. Tasc’s natural bamboo fibers are a welcome respite from most chemically coated UV-blocking clothing. Sweat and odor won’t be a problem: bamboo not only wicks moisture, but also won’t absorb the sweaty smells of the trail or gym. Lightweight cotton maximizes comfort and a dash of lycra lends four-way stretch. Tasc’s Sideline Quarter-Zip makes for a bold pullover befitting a summer full of heart-pumping activities. 

AMI Outfitters, 505 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 941-254-4996

In many homes over the past few weeks dinner conversations have centered on, “How did the test go?” 

In1998, the state of Florida implemented standardized testing to evaluate both the progress of its students and the education processes happening in the classroom. What began as an evaluation strategy has progressed into a common core curriculum that focuses on teaching for tests rather than equipping our students with valuable critical thinking skills. 

The Sarasota County School Board continues to advocate for and implement programs like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts and Math) as well as strengthening our art and music programs district-wide to balance the required test-based studies. 

It is programs like these that allow our students to spend more time solving problems and developing crucial life skills and less time memorizing facts and figures to pass a standardized test.

When the news channels report the changes in Common Core from state to state, I am proud of the Sarasota County School Board as it continues to raise our voice against Common Core while generating unique educational experiences that elevate the standards of learning for our students. 

It’s this commitment to critical thinking and development that has proven successful time and again in closing the achievement gap for all students, lowering dropout rates, improving graduation rates and generally increasing our graduates’ career readiness for college and workplace success.

Learn more about Sarasota County’s specialized academic programs vs standardized testing at sarasotacountyschools.net.

Caroline Zucker is a Sarasota County School Board Member and president of the Florida School Boards Association.

Jack Williams has recently been hired as the new vice president of construction for Lee Wetherington Homes. Williams will lead the overall management of all aspects of the construction process as well as the production team. He has previously worked for this company from 1994–2005, and this position marks his return. 

Lee Wetherington Homes

Attorney John M. Hament with law firm Williams Parker presented at the Professional Administrative Co-Employers (PACE) 2016 Conference. The presentation focused on the latest labor law developments affecting professional employer organizations and their clients. Hament is a board certified specialist in labor and employment law. 

Williams Parker