A student from Buffalo Creek Middle School, one of only five in the nation, was recognized this week by Imagine Learning, a digital education program.
Imagine Learning is used in some Manatee County classrooms to help increase achievement in students whose first language isn’t English.
Nicole Sowards, a former school administrator and Account Executive for Imagine Learning, visited Palmetto to present 7th grade student, Iryna, a prize for winning the “Winter Read-a-Thon.”
A team from the school district’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Department, including Debra Estes and Carol Foye, joined Principal Brad Scarbrough and Asst. Principal Carol Mays-Davis for a special surprise.
Iryna didn’t speak English when she moved here from Ukraine in 2023, but her school administrators say she’s eager to learn.
She earned a brand-new iPad after finishing a total of 1,371 minutes, which is almost 23 hours, diligently working on online literacy programs during the winter break.
According to Mrs. Sowards, she passed 75 different lessons, and her growth in oral vocabulary is climbing.
Iryna seemed surprised by the attention she was receiving but welcomed the gift with a big smile and a “Thank you.”
“The entire Imagine Learning team encourages your students to keep up the great work, stay motivated and never stop learning!,” said Mrs. Sowards in an email to Principal Scarbrough. “We are excited to see what successes you and your students accomplish along with the educational journey.”
Congratulations, Iryna!