News Article

Somerset Parkland Academy; Rising Up in the Midst of a Pandemic

As the first year of Somerset Parkland Academy comes to a close, it is already regarded within the Parkland community as many families' school of choice, outpacing the high marks of our public schools in many aspects.

PARKLAND, FL- The opening of any new school is an incredible challenge. From new facilities to new students and staff to new operations, the first year is always the most difficult. For Somerset Parkland Academy, opening and enduring the first year process during the pandemic was a tougher situation than anyone could imagine. The additional complexities of working with day-to-day teaching and COVID-related issues made the year more challenging than one could ever expect.

And yet, as the first year of Somerset Parkland Academy comes to a close, it is already regarded within the Parkland community as many families' school of choice, outpacing the high marks of our public schools in many aspects.

No single person has been more instrumental in the first-year success of Somerset Parkland Academy than Principal Geyler Castro.

"Establishing a school culture and family feel without interacting face-to-face is an incredible challenge," says Castro. "The idea of being brand new, and being in this together, was paramount in creating a successful environment for year one. Building a 'classroom of the future,' and then teaching without having met your students face to face; that's a challenge."

One of the strengths of Principal Castro is identifying and empowering highly capable staff and supporters. Jennifer Knight, President of the official Somerset Parkland Academy volunteer group the VIPP's (Very Involved Parkland Parents), and a team of volunteers have assisted the school staff, teachers, and leaders in every way during the school year. As the year closes out, one final event organized by the VIPP's is the unique Founder's Event, which will be held on Wednesday evening, May 26.

The Founder's Event will recognize all the time and effort Castro and the founding staff, families, and supporters of Somerset Parkland Academy have put into making year one an outstanding success.

"The school staff of Somerset Parkland Academy have really done a fantastic job to open this school during a pandemic and try to give our kids a sense of normalcy this year," says Knight. "As President of the VIPP, I also want to recognize the parents at the school who have really stepped up to volunteer and financially support the school this year."

One of the unique components of the Founder's Event is the idea that locals can support the Founding of Somerset Parkland Academy by sponsoring a brick with their name on it that will be permanently included as part of the sidewalk at the school. The bricks are a tremendous way to help fundraise for the school and build ongoing community support at the same time.

"The Founder's Event will be a closing highlight of the year for many of us. We're so thankful for all the positive support from our families and supporters at Somerset Parkland Academy," shares Knight. "And ultimately, this is for the benefit of our children and this community. It hasn't always been easy, but we've seen incredible progress this school year and are excited for the years ahead."

Principal Castro agrees with Knight's sentiment. "I can't think of a better way to recognize and celebrate our Somerset Parkland Academy's incredible year than with this Founder's Event. We simply want to thank our administrative team, teachers, support staff, and community for all the support- and show them we've only just begun!"

The Founder's Event begins on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Media Room. For more information on the event, please contact Jennifer Knight at jenniferharrisknight@gmail.com

For full article, please click here: https://www.tapinto.net/sections/education/articles/somerset-parkland-academy-rising-up-in-the-midst-of-a-pandemic