Sarasota County Schools and Newtown Alive are pleased to announce an exciting and impactful partnership. Starting in the winter of 2020, Southside Elementary School will become a destination on the Newtown Alive trolley tour. The stop will feature a memorial plaque in honor of Mrs. Dorothye Smith, the first African American principal hired within the integrated school system in Sarasota County, to celebrate and recognize her leadership at Southside Elementary. “As a district, it’s important for us to recognize the incredible impact our African American school leaders have had, and continue to have, on our school communities,” noted Dr. Laura Kingsley, assistant superintendent/chief academic officer of Sarasota County Schools. “We are honored to help celebrate the life of Mrs. Dorothye Smith, as well as the love and expertise she poured into her students as an educator. Newtown Alive is a gift to our community that provides a wealth of cultural and historical insights into African American pioneers and the development of Sarasota. We are excited for children and families to experience the trolley tour in its entirety along with new curriculum, and look forward to collaborating on more educational opportunities in the future.”

Newtown Alive and the school district are actively seeking community partners, individuals and organizations who are interested in contributing to commemorating the legacy of Mrs. Dorothye Smith. If you are passionate about enriching the cultural landscape of Sarasota County and want to become more involved, please visit newtownalive.org or visit the legacy campaign’s GoFundMe page for more information.