SOAR Reopens!
Monday, August 31, in accordance with Florida's school reopening plan, SOAR Learning Center opened its doors to
in-school learning for the first time since March. To prepare for this, we put in place our Covid protocols based on CDC and school district guidelines, stocked all the required protective equipment, cleaning products and signs, and trained all our staff and teachers in how to keep the learning environment safe. We are prepared for students coming to the school, and for those learning at home. Our goal is a sickness-free learning environment, and a truly productive term for the children. Learn more:
Ms. Lauren Chapman, 2nd grade teacher, hard at work with the returning students
A School Devoted to Excellence
Empowering students to develop the skills they need to succeed at school and beyond, SOAR Learning Center at the Jacquelyn Paulk Campus
is making history.
Students with Mrs. Paulk, Mrs. Campbell, and
Board Chair David Rubin during pre-Covid days
(Photo by Alan Cresto).
Board member Dr. Harriet
Moore, Principal, McIntosh
Middle School.
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The SOAR Legacy
Meet SOAR founder Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk
From its inception, the SOAR program was made possible by the vision, the care, and the commitment of Mrs. Jacquelyn Paulk.
Mrs. Paulk has dedicated her entire career to lifting children out of failure and hopelessness— and into reaching their unlimited potential. For 38 years, she taught in the Sarasota school district in several local schools. She both organized and implemented after-school programs in the Boys and Girls club, The Sarasota Housing Authority, and Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church. After retirement, she began working on after-school education programs for community youth.
The SOAR program embodies her approach to individualized learning. It focuses on evaluating each child's individual needs, and only then customizing a course of learning for them— utilizing both small teacher-led groups and individual learning.
Several years ago, in an interview, Mrs. Paulk shared her thoughts, simple and touching: “Now that I have a little time, I can reach back and help. Maybe they can get a little better education and move on.”
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Please join us!
There are so many ways to participate:
your time, experience
and skills
by check or credit card— it's simple!
a chair, desk, computer, or a classroom!
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Studies show that students who can't read by
the fourth grade have an 85% probability of dropping out before they graduate high school.
Enter SOAR Learning Center, a community-
based after-school program through which
at-risk K - 3 students can achieve grade level reading and math skills while nurturing a love
of learning— in partnership with parents,
schools and the community itself. More than
just a tutoring or homework-assist program,
SOAR is a highly-specialized process through
which student deficiencies are uncovered, analyzed, and remedied through customized learning plans.
Located in Sarasota's Newtown community,
SOAR Learning Center is a model program—
a learning laboratory not only for students, but
for teachers and educators from all over the community.
We are so honored to have as our Program Director Mrs. Celestine Campbell—a woman of commitment and dedication, greatly loved by all her students. Mrs. Campbell creates a safe and welcoming learning environment for her students, and a professional, spiritual work environment for the program's teachers and mentors.
It is her philosophy that every child can reach academic and personal success if they are taught effectively, encouraged, and engaged. She believes the parents are a child’s first teacher and therefore communication between the home and school are critical to a child's success. Read more.
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A Treasured Gift to the School
On October 26, at the school's Opening Celebration,
this beautiful handmade runner was presented to
SOAR Learning Center by its creators Sharon Stephens
and Van Withey. Mrs. Paulk gratefully accepted it on
behalf of all the children and teachers, and it now
occupies a special place at the school's reception area.
Thank you Sharon and Van!
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A Memorial Fund for SOAR's Future
On April 17, SOAR lost a dear friend and early supporter—
our beloved Roxanne Weborg. A special memorial fund has been established in her name. Learn more here.
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We are grateful to our special partners and donors who have generously provided funding, resources, services and guidance.
Thanks to our major partners!
The David, Adrianne and
Jordan Rubin Fund
Scott & Christine Key
Education Foundation
Sarasota Southside
Rotary Club
Dr. Rob and Joyce
Fish, DDS
The Hurlburt
Foundation, Inc.
Greater Hurst Chapel
African Methodist
Episcopal Church
Larry Greenspon Foundation
Gene and Roxanne Weborg
Hilda and Ben Flink Charitable Fund
Dr. Louis
Robison EdD
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And thank you to all our other donors for your
generous gifts and contributions!
Mr. & Mrs. Roberto Arguedas
The Baird Foundation, Audrey Warner, Dir.
Lisa and Dan Barzel Charitable Fund
Linda Commito
Michael E. Dahl
Cindy Cavallaro Day
The Democratic Club of Sarasota County,
Deanie Bergbreiter
Bob and Bennie Dods
Ellyn S. Drummond
Hilda and Ben Flink Charitable Fund
Dr. Wilmer T. Frazier Jr. and Juanita P. Frazier
Patricia A. Gardner, Sarasota Classified Teachers Association
Alfred and Evelyn Gollomp
Rita Major-Hallerdin
Lovette Harper
Radiah Harper
Marilyn Harwell
Fayanne Hayes
Mikel and Francina Hollaway
Nancee Hwa
Rita Katz
Lynne LaBombard
Mr. & Mrs. Abdiel Lorente
Patricia and Michael McNamee
Lois Meyers
Cynthia Mick
Dr. Harriet Moore
Jeff Murphy
Karin Murphy
Vickie Oldham
William Penn Foundation
Charlotte Perret
Jesse Perry
Mary Pritchard
Agnieszka Gruszecka & Ilona Ratajczak
Anita Rogers, PhD
Lisa L. Russo
Daisy Saunders
Sandra Schelzi
Ms. Felice Schulaner and Mr. Dennis Rees
Dr. Cheryl Smith
Ranie Smith
Roland and Cheryl Snead
Jerry Sparkman
Anita D. Stephens
Russell and Sharon Stephens
Susan Stockham
Fern Tavalin
John and Barbara Teller
Cynthia Viola
Bernard and Lois Watson
Dr. James W. Wiggin
Mr & Mrs. Daniel Woodhall