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Our School, Our Community
At Charlotte County Public Schools, we believe excellence is built by exceptional people and expanded through meaningful opportunity. This month, we are proud to celebrate the educators who make a lasting difference in our classrooms while inviting families to explore the innovative programs shaping our students’ futures.
On Friday, January 9, our school district and a record 500 guests had the honor of coming together at the Sunseeker Resort for one of our most uplifting traditions of the year—the Golden Apple Gala to celebrate our Teacher and Support Employee of the Year honorees. As Superintendent, I am deeply proud of the educators and support professionals we honored. This annual event is more than a ceremony; it is a meaningful reminder of the extraordinary individuals whose commitment and care shape lives, strengthen our schools, and help build a stronger community.
That excellence is exemplified by our Teacher of the Year nominees, who represent the very best in public education—creative, compassionate, innovative, and committed to the belief that every student can succeed. Their classrooms are more than rooms filled with desks and computers; they are places alive with curiosity, encouragement, and endless possibilities. This honor recognizes far more than exceptional instruction—it celebrates an educator’s ability to transform lives. On behalf of Charlotte County Public Schools, it is my honor to congratulate our 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Becki Mendelsohn from L.A .Ainger Middle School.
Equally deserving of recognition are our nominees for Support Employee of the Year, whose contributions often take place behind the scenes but are essential to the heartbeat of every campus. Whether maintaining safe facilities, providing reliable transportation, supporting students directly, or welcoming families in our front offices, these professionals ensure our schools run smoothly, safely, and with a sense of warmth and community that students feel the moment they walk through the doors. The Golden Apple Gala provided a well-earned opportunity to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes. It is my honor to recognize our 2025–2026 Support Employee of the Year, Ms. Ciara Wells from Port Charlotte High School.As proud as we are of the dedicated professionals who serve our community, we remain equally focused on creating opportunities to build our students' future. That is why I am excited to invite families, students, and community members to Charlotte County Public Schools’ Second Annual Magnet Fair, taking place Tuesday, January 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Park, located at 1185 Centennial Blvd, in Port Charlotte.
Families attending the Magnet Fair will have the opportunity to meet teachers and program leaders, ask questions, and compare offerings across schools—all in one convenient setting. Whether a student is interested in programs such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, agriscience, aerospace, entrepreneurship, or seeking a rigorous academic challenge, our magnet programs are designed to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and open doors.In Charlotte County Public Schools, we believe in celebrating excellence and expanding opportunity. While our Golden Apple Gala honors the people who make our district exceptional, our Magnet Fair showcases the possibilities we create for every student’s future. I encourage all families—and the entire community—to join us and discover what makes Charlotte County Public Schools such an inspiring place to learn and grow.