The heartwarming stories continue at Stewart Elementary School, where Anna Maria Elementary students have been learning since Monday.
Early in the week, Principals Joe Hougland (Stewart) and Dr. Katie Fradley put a plan into motion that would transform seven unoccupied classrooms into learning environments exclusively for Anna Maria students.
Classes were originally combined using a team-teaching model; one Anna Maria class paired with one Stewart class of the same grade-level.
In order to move forward and provide Anna Maria students with an extra level of normalcy, both school custodial teams cleared the unused classrooms of excess furniture and cleaned them from top to bottom.
Then, Dr. Fradley arranged furniture deliveries, including desks, tables and chairs, all stored in the school district’s warehouse.
The Early Learning Department jumped into action, securing brand new educational materials for the Pre-K classroom, including games, books and more.
Finally, a transformation was underway on Wednesday afternoon. Watching the magic happen was unreal, like stepping behind the scenes at Walt Disney World.
Curriculum specialists from the district stepped in to support teachers and were a huge part of the heavy lifting. Both principals, custodian teams, and Anna Maria teachers also carried desks and chairs.
The BEFORE and AFTER photos are astounding!
Students said, “so long” and hugged Stewart students, as they crossed the hallway into their more intimate learning environment.
Anna Maria teachers assured students they'd still reunite with their new Stewart friends for lunch, recess and “specials” (PE, art).
A second-grade Anna Maria teacher gathered her young students to reassure them, “We are family.” In a heartwarming moment, she asked them to follow her in using sign language to repeat, “We are family.”
AME teachers completed finishing touches to their temporary classrooms on Wednesday afternoon.
By Thursday, the school was running like a well-oiled machine. Stories of kindness emerge, including gifts for classmates and staff handmade by 4th grade AME student Savannah.
It’s hard to miss the unique bracelets stacked on Savannah’s arms. The colorful beads include encouraging words and charms.
In the cafeteria she expressed her desire to spread kindness, “Would you like me to make you one?” she asked. “What are your favorite colors?” When asked where she gets the beads, she proudly exclaimed, “Amazon!”
Meanwhile, Media Specialist Becky Demo hoped to continue a weekly tradition for Anna Maria students, which means reading with their four-legged friends.
Each week at Anna Maria, grade levels take turns snuggling and reading with therapy dogs and guide dogs-in-training.
They welcomed Diamond, Lily (and Lily), Velvet and Zinnia. Incredible dogs with calming personalities, listening intently to the words of books read by their island friends – reunited in their temporary home.
The weekend is on the minds of students and staff. They’re already thinking about soccer games and jiu-jitsu tournaments. It’s been a positive week, so far.
More “Good News” is on the horizon. On Friday, a special delivery is expected from two Manatee County schools. Stay tuned…
