Attendance Matters: How Engaging Families and Communities Helps Children Reach Success
In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (S…
Coming Together to Help DeSoto’s Youngest Learners Start Strong
Great things happen when a community comes together around shared aspirations.
DeSoto County is launching a new collaborative initiative to hel…
2026 State of Florida 3rd Grade Reading Scores
Editor’s Note: The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) is a four-county effort in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counti…
Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Strengthens Attendance, Literacy, and Learning in DeSoto County
The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) continues to strengthen opportunities for children and families across DeSoto County thro…
All About THIS BOOK IS COOL!
Ben Tollefson sat in the hot seat on this episode of Connecting Communities to discuss the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s THIS BOO…
Everything You Need to Join the Fun at Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2026
I sat down with Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to discuss all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days. Satur…
A First Day Filled With Energy
The excitement was unmistakable as distribution began. Event hosts were invited to pick up their materials—Event Guides, lawn signs, T-shirts…
Suncoast Remake Learning Days Returns With Free, Hands-On Learning for Local Families
Suncoast Remake Learning Days is back for its fifth year with a 15-day celebration of creativity, exploration, and family-friendly learning! Pr…
Addressing Kindergarten Readiness
I sat with Dr. Patti Folino, Principal of Tuttle Elementary in Sarasota County, for a wonderful and energized conversation about Kindergarten R…
Building a Culture of Attendance Through Art
The Attendance Awareness Poster Contest continues to be a vibrant and creative way to spotlight the importance of strong school attendance acro…
Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA): Encouragement, Partnership, and Progress Across the Suncoast
Improving school attendance is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a child’s learning trajectory—especially in the early grades. When s…
Learning Made Accessible Through ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language Programs
In December, I [Leah Verier-Dunn] had the pleasure of interviewing Deb Estes, the Director of the ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language Program for…
DeSoto County Ahead: Connecting with Excellence
On January 13, The Patterson Foundation (TPF) hosted the DeSoto County Ahead resource fair, dinner, and community update, with over 540 people…
Unexpected Connections Show the Power of Community Partnerships
A Load of Laundry, A Lifeline of Hope.
Unexpected connections show the power of community partnerships.
She showed up at a neighborhood laundro…
Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry: A Year of Clean Clothes, Shared Care, and Community Connection
In 2025, Pop Up Neighbor Through Laundry continued to remind us that sometimes the most powerful acts of care are also the most practical. Acro…
A Season of Care and Community: Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry in DeSoto County
In December, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading hosted its final Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry event of 2025 in DeSoto County—clos…
It’s Time to Learn & Explore at The Soar Lab – A Museum-like Experience for Children
Soar in 4 of Manatee County has discovered the magic sauce for family engagement and early childhood development. After years of developing the…
DeSoto Schools Rising Together
In DeSoto County, the story of progress is one of students, educators, families, and community partners coming together around a shared vision…