New Year Brings New Vision for Charlotte County Schools
A community who cares is a community that transforms.
by Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director – United Way of Charlotte County
Thank you to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce for hosting the 37th annual New Teacher Breakfast!
As beach towels are replaced with backpacks and Charlotte County teachers prepare classrooms, I am reminded how ‘very hot’ summer nights will now give way to early morning schedules. As a mom to a teenage daughter, I recognize the bittersweet anticipation that comes with a new school year. Jumping to school sleep routines and busy days are always an adjustment though. Nevertheless, she is fully ready to get back to school which makes this mom proud.
On July 31, I was fortunate to attend the annual Charlotte County New Teacher Breakfast. This week I have seen the event covered several times in the media. It was a fantastic way to start the week and has me thinking about this back-to-school adventure through several different lenses.
With much anticipation, the breakfast allowed our community a glimpse into Charlotte County’s newly appointed Superintendent Mark Vianello. Everyone in the room was excited to hear his vision and we were not disappointed. Welcoming approximately 225 new teachers, Vianello, who brings a wealth of knowledge to his position, inspired teachers in attendance with his open-door policy. Seated with two female STEM teachers, I imagine they felt comforted and encouraged.
I was in awe of the number of business and community leaders, including local government representatives, who turned out to support our schools and educators. Vianello took time to thank attendees for supporting the future of Charlotte County. As I directed my focus to the back of the room, Vianello introduced his leadership team, who stood proudly ready to serve. It was an awesome image I must say. Families can trust their new superintendent sees the pathway from education to careers clearly, and he is eager to make a positive impact for local students.
UWCC is committed to making the transition back to school easier for families. For many in our communities, this can be a stressful time. Costs of supplies, clothing, shoes, and haircuts can be a financial burden to many. The heart of summer has left many with high electric bills. Arranging transportation and organizing schedules to fit school hours, homework, and extracurricular activities can also be a challenge. The UWCC mission is to lend support to families, mobilizing in support of student success. One way we do this is to ensure school social workers are trained in accessing Season of Sharing financial assistance for staff and families.
Facing a new school year is always a bit daunting as well as exciting. From kindergarten parents seeing their little ones off for the first day to parents of high school seniors taking it all in one last time, there is nothing quite like the experience of back to school. The photos show up in full force on social media. Behind those photos can also be a host of stressors. Kindness and patience with one another can go a long way in managing the stressors of getting back to a routine schedule. Please don’t forget to watch out for our children on the roads with bus stops and traffic to school.
UWCC staff and volunteers look forward to supporting our families this year. Are you interested in helping students fulfill their potential and bridge the way to a brighter future? We have multiple opportunities available for volunteers looking to make a lasting impact.
If you would like to volunteer to help a student this school year, please visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/volunteer to sign up.
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.