- April 3, 2025
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February can be a tough time for teachers as classroom supplies from the beginning of the term rapidly dwindle. But educators at Daughtrey Elementary in Bradenton got an extra boost at Longboat Island Chapel's latest "Gather and Give" social hour.
Members welcomed school leaders to speak about the importance of supporting area schools.
Staff members, including Assistant Principal Scott Flynn, has worked with the School District of Manatee County for 17 years, shared stories of their passion for supporting their student body.
He noted that any recent debate on the criteria for qualifying for assistance as a Title 1 school is fairly moot, considering 98% of their population — approximately 730 students — experiences significant economic hardship.
Flynn said many of Daughtrey's students also face challenges not only in keeping up with lessons in English but also with building their foundational literacy skills. About 525 students are English Language Learners.
"There are a lot of challenges that our students have to overcome, and that our teachers are working with to try to meet the needs of all our students," he said.
He said regardless of the hardship or trauma many of the students' families have experienced, they are some of the most dedicated, kindest and most grateful community members he knows.
School staff must go above and beyond to support students beyond the curriculum, and Flynn said Daughtrey's staff is always seeking ways to help students thrive. In fact, staff members pointed to one particular piece of school-themed decoration that brightened the tables: "Teaching in a work of heart."
"It's really, truly, a neighborhood school," he added.
Daughtrey Elementary teachers in attendance joined in Flynn's praise of their pupils.
Annette Marines said she is a former student of the school, and she couldn't imagine a more rewarding career than giving back to her alma mater.
"I lived in the neighborhood my whole life," she said. "This is where my heart comes from. This is my background. These students are me when I was that age. It's just a privilege to work at Daughtrey. It's just a pleasure working there, and we thank you for supporting us."
Organizer Muriel Klosterman and Rev. Brock Patterson said the church happily assisted the school during a challenging time of the year. They said they were glad to see such a robust turnout for the social hour.
"All the teachers we've had come speak are just so dedicated to what they do," Klosterman said, who noted that many of the chapel's retired teachers are more than happy to lend their support.
Attendees filled two folding tables full of coloring tools, pencils, hand sanitizer, tissues — a plethora of mid-term supplies. Klosterman noted the collection is ongoing and invites those who couldn't attend to still donate classroom supplies through the month of February.
