November 2017 E-News from EdExploreSRQ
(Special note: If you're having trouble viewing the images in this email, please make sure you click the option above to view the email in your web browser.) 
Life Science at Sea Thrills Booker Middle School Students

Seventh graders studying Life Science at Booker Middle School recently had the opportunity to take what they had been studying in class and apply it to the real world thanks to an Exploration entitled "Where Land Meets Sea."  Funded by a grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County and hosted jointly by Selby Gardens  and The Carefree Learner   , the adventure gave the students a hands-on look at the rich marine environment and coastal habitat of Sarasota Bay.

View photos from this Exploration:  Photo Gallery 1  Photo Gallery 2
Patterson Foundation Brings Civics to Life for Area Middle School Students

What could be more appropriate for our November newsletter than an article about  Patriot Plaza and a wonderful Exploration taking place this year for area middle school students. Thanks to special funding from  The Patterson Foundation, all 8th graders studying Civics in  Sarasota County Schools will have the opportunity to visit Patriot Plaza this year to learn about the courage and bravery of the men and women who have so valiantly served our country through the armed forces. The Exploration includes round trip transportation, as well as an historical tour of Patriot Plaza and its artwork installations led by veterans.

Teaching Artist Spotlight: Scott Blum

In this month's teaching artist spotlight, we want to introduce you to Scott Blum. Scott is a professional drummer, percussionist, performer, composer and educator with lots of experience integrating music into core curriculum. He has worked in the Manatee County School District as a teacher, exceptional student education department chair and ESE resource compliance specialist. He also has received numerous awards as both an artist and educator. 

Scott's Exploration on the Essential Elements of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean Percussion is a great way for teachers to get students interested in rhythm and music while also enhancing their team and community building skills.

Provider/Teaching Artist Workshop a Big Success

We want to thank everyone who participated in our recent EdExploreSRQ Provider Workshop, held on November 7 at Suncoast Technical College. More than 40 area providers and teaching artists attended the event to learn about the district's instructional focus areas for the year, gain insights from our recent teacher survey, and discover the latest news and updates on EdExploreSRQ.

A highlight from the event was a discussion of Visible Learning led by Sue Meckler, director of middle school curriculum for Sarasota County Schools. Providers and teaching artists were so engaged in learning about this new point of emphasis for the district that more than a dozen requested to attend a follow up workshop held earlier this month.
Just 34 More Likes Needed! Help Us Reach Our Goal of 1,000

As reported in last month's newsletter, we have a goal of reaching 1,000 Likes on the EdExploreSRQ Facebook page by the end of the school year, and we are getting oh so close. Thanks to your help, we need just 34 more Likes in order to reach our goal! Won't you help us get there?  Facebook is a great way to stay on top of everything happening with EdExploreSRQ, including photo galleries, video clips, information about new offerings, upcoming events, and lots more. 

If you haven't already Liked our page, please take a minute and do so now. And make sure to encourage your friends Like us as well!

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