Charlotte County Comes Together for Teachers and Students
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
With the first day of school just around the corner, there’s a special kind of energy in the air. For our family, it’s especially meaningful this year as we help our daughter prepare to head off to college — a reminder of how quickly time flies and how important each step of the educational journey really is.
Here in Charlotte County, that excitement is matched by something even more powerful: community support. Neighbors, businesses, and organizations have all stepped up to make sure students and teachers feel prepared, welcomed, and valued. Across Florida, more than 2.8 million public school students are heading back to school this August—including thousands right here in Charlotte County. While many are gearing up for day one, year-round campuses in our community have already resumed classes since mid-July. No matter the calendar, this season marks a renewed focus on learning, growth, and community spirit for students and families alike.
To help kick off the school year on a strong note, the School Supply Drive — organized by Harbor Nissan, Olmsted & Wilson, PA Attorneys at Law, and Crews Bank & Trust — generated an incredible outpouring of donations. Thanks to this effort, teachers now have direct access to essential supplies, ready to support any student who arrives without the basics.
The generosity didn’t stop there. New educators were also welcomed at the 37th annual New Teacher Breakfast, hosted by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Executive Director Bob White shared, “Each year, there has never been a shortage of support and participation from our members. We give our sponsors the opportunity to provide useful and relevant items for the new teachers’ Welcome Bags. Each year, the Welcome Bags are filled to the top!”
Several team members from our staff shared one of the most powerful moments of the morning during the breakfast, which featured a speech by Addison Montgomery, Teacher of the Year 2025. Her words left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. Her message was clear—keep growing, keep striving, and always aim to do more—not just for personal fulfillment, but for the children who enter our classrooms each day. Her remarks were both inspiring and grounding, serving as a powerful reminder of the deep responsibility and immense opportunity that comes with shaping young lives.
Parents, take note: Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is underway from August 1–31. During this time, qualifying school supplies, clothing, and even computers are exempt from state sales tax. With the average family expected to spend over $890 on back-to-school shopping, the tax break offers much-needed relief.
With donated supplies, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to education, Charlotte County continues to create an environment where students and teachers can thrive. As the first day of school approaches, we’re reminded that success in the classroom often starts with support from beyond its walls.
Here’s to a safe, successful, and inspiring 2025–2026 school year — and to a community that always shows up for its schools. If you’re looking for a simple but meaningful way to make a difference, consider attending the upcoming Reading Buddy Lunch. It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can support young readers in our schools — just one more way we can all be part of Charlotte County’s success story, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/Classroom
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.