- April 3, 2025
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Suncoast School for Innovative Studies art class led by Mr. Tippett
Photo by James PeterLeandro Rodriguez, Lucian Frazee and Trabeus Lemon work on their sketchbook projects in the fifth-grade art class at the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.
Photo by James PeterSecond grader Zachary Choibekov plays with second grader Hendricks Perez
Photo by James PeterSecond graders Wyatt Hill, Zachary Choibekov and Hendricks Perez
Photo by James PeterThird graders Noor Furlow and Roger Hernandez work on an assignment with their teacher, Linda Kneeland
Photo by James PeterThird grader Jerron Bell
Photo by James PeterArt teacher Mr. Tippett discusses tools and materials with fifth graders at Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.
Art teacher Mr. Tippett shows fifth graders how to fold their sketchbooks.
Photo by James PeterLeandro Rodriguez, Lucian Frazee and Trabeus Lemon work on their sketchbook projects in the fifth-grade art class at the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.
Photo by James PeterFifth graders Vanessa Lorenzo and Nyla Carroll
Photo by James PeterFifth grade "besties" Valentina Sanchez and Alani Storey
Photo by James PeterFifth grader Carmelo Jackson holds up his sketchbook during art class.
Photo by James PeterThe Suncoast School for Innovative Studies on Aug. 10 opened its doors for the 2023-2024 school year to 100 students, grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
“It’s always fun and exciting for everybody to be back,” said Wesley Tippett, art teacher.
The day started with an all-school assembly that helped calm the nerves of students and parents, said Principal Fayth Jenkins. The children also got a chance to meet the entire school staff, not just their classroom teachers.
Afterward, for younger students, the focus shifted to unpacking backpacks and school supplies as the children got acclimated to the classroom again, said Brittany Thigpen, second grade teacher.
The older children seemed to pick up right where they left off last year, immediately diving into spelling lessons and art projects.
In Tippett’s fifth grade art class the students were excited to get started making their own sketchbooks, which they’ll gradually fill with drawings and eventually show to their parents and other teachers.
“P.E. and art class are my favorites,” said fifth grader Leandro Rodriguez.
Asked what he thought of the opening day project, Carmelo Jackson said, “Yeah! I like it a lot.”
While Jenkins has been with the public charter school since 2015, this is her first year as principal. This year the school will be offering a number of new or enhanced programs, she said.
The after care program now runs a half-hour later each day, until 6 p.m. As part of the school’s after care, a STEM exploration learning program will be offered for kids to learn about science and technology fields. After care will also include an hour of tutoring with instructional and data coaches to help close proficiency gaps.
The school also serves as a food pantry location thanks to a partnership with All Faiths Food Bank. Students and parents can pick up bags from the pantry during the school’s after hours. Food Bank volunteers pack snack bags with several days of snacks that children can take home. Prospective volunteers or donors should contact All Faiths Food Bank.
On the extracurricular side, the School for Innovative Studies may soon add pickleball to its list of activities. And this year, if all goes well, the school’s flag football and basketball teams will play scrimmages with area sports clubs, said Jenkins.
“We’re pushing the idea of a student-athlete,” said Jenkins. “We’re making sure some of the kids’ interests are at the forefront.”
