SRQ MEDIA is pleased to share Every 1 Counts, the latest video documentary produced by Moving Stories, SRQ’s new in-house video and documentary division. Created for Step Up Suncoast, Every 1 Counts highlights the nonprofit’s ongoing Every 1 Counts campaign as well as the critical early childhood programs offered by this community-focused organization.
SRQ MEDIA worked closely with Step Up Suncoast and Grapevine Communications to develop the video documentary. “As a full-service creative agency, we immerse ourselves into each project to develop a distinct artistic vision, so we are very particular about choosing our partners in production to help bring all the facets of that vision to life,” reflects Kristie O’Kon, Director of Client Relations of Grapevine Communications. “From the start, the SRQ video team shared our passion for Step Up Suncoast and took the lead to ensure their story was told. The resulting video exceeded both our and our client’s expectations and seamlessly conveyed the message we envisioned.”
Click here to view Every 1 Counts
Moving Stories employs the authentic documentarian process to create videos projects that share compelling stories about companies and organizations in our community. Rooted in video, design and authentic storytelling, the SRQ Moving Stories division produces media productions that evoke emotion and inspire action.
SRQ MEDIA is currently booking productions for Spring 2020. If you would like to experience the Moving Stories authentic filmic storytelling approach, please contact our team at: GrowMyBuiness@SRQME.COM
Principals, Educators, and Headmasters provided insight about their school’s mission and values and shared heartwarming stories about students and alumni. The audience learned about the ethos of each private school that was represented–from faith-based education, to brain-based learning, to the Montessori approach.
The evening continued with a moderated panel discussion, where SRQ MEDIA‘s Executive Publisher Wes Roberts asked the MOED Symposium participants a series of questions that delved into education. The panelists discussed how parents can match their child to a school that connects to their best way of learning and opened up a conversation about the value of private education within the community.
When asked about aspects that drive parents to enroll their children in a private or charter school answers ranged from individualized attention, a different way of learning, adaptability, safety, happiness, and a place where their students can feel loved and accepted.
The flexibility to adapt, innovate and change is a big factor for parents to enroll their children in a private education. “We almost never have the same classrooms each year,” remarked Head of School Dr. Kirstina Ordetx from The Pinnacle Academy. “They’re redesigned every year. Next year we’re piloting a classroom specifically designed for twice exceptional learners, who have been duly diagnosed as both gifted and needing remediation. Every one of us can make those types of changes on a needed basis…after all, that’s private school. We can do that!”
“Gone are the days when one teacher stands at the front of the room teaching one batch of information and hoping that most kids catch it,” said Christine Bradford, Elementary and Middle School Principal of Sarasota Christian School. “You want to hear the word ‘differentiation’ from educators about how they’re going to approach teaching and learning differently within the classroom to help the varying needs of students.”
The panel also discussed topics like financial aid (with the exception of Island Village Montessori school, which is tuition-free, all schools that were represented do offer tuition assistance through a variety of methods and programs), diversity, STEAM, and the hot topic of how much homework is too much homework? In response, Cindy Hoffman, Principal of Island Village Montessori Sarasota campus shared, “My campus goes through fifth grade and you can find studies that say for younger children, homework is actually quite detrimental. Kids need to be kids and we do work them hard all day. They need to go home and play. Our philosophy is to provide just a little bit of homework to hone time management and responsibility skills.”
Guiding parents on the selection process Tim Seldin, Head of NewGate School commented, “We really encourage you as parents to take your time, get to know us, talk with other parents, spend time with us in the classroom. Each one of us reflects a unique educational choice and it’s so incredible that for a small town, there’s such a rich tapestry of options for children.”
While each school presented their individual missions and pathways to learning, among the panelists there was consensus that ultimately, each educational organization genuinely supports and advocates for the very best education possible for the future generation. “We have a long road to figure out what your child’s passion is going to be and it’s our goal to help them find their passion. It’s a journey, not a race. And, we want your children to love school. We want our students to become life long learners,” remarked Laura Murphy, Admissions Director of Lower School Admissions & Alumni Relations from The Out-Of-Door Academy.
A thank you to our fantastic Modern Education Symposium panelists for their insightful contributions to the conversation and to 
SRQ MEDIA recently hosted the seventh rendition of SkillSHARE, a Mentorship Summit where a powerhouse group of women from a variety of professions and backgrounds met to engage through conversation and deep relationship building.
Dubbed ‘Mentorship at the Speed of Light,’ SkillSHARE is a networking-focused program that engages insightful interactions between local women professionals.
Mentors from the SRQ Women in Business Leadership Circle exchanged valuable, experience-based advice and guidance with a group of motivated mentees through deep dive engagement, ah-ha! moments, and dialogue.
A huge thank you to our fabulous mentors and mentees who participated in SkillSHARE at SRQ Studios this October! Photos from the program can be viewed 
An exciting cross-county program is underway this September that will connect you to dozens of deals courtesy of local businesses and Visit Sarasota. Introducing the Sarasota Big Pass—a one-stop-shop to take advantage of some of the region’s best promotions ranging from Buy One Get One, 25% Off and $5 off Discounts at favorite local attractions, restaurants, hotels and more. Since the Sarasota Big Pass is only available for a limited time, now is the perfect opportunity to plan a Staycation and cross a few local hot spots off from your bucket list. As the media sponsor for this local program, SRQ MEDIA has put together a list of not-to-be-missed Big Pass Deals and ways to experience a world-class vacation without traveling past the county line.
All deals are available 