May 20, 2019

Greetings, Blanton’s BEST Families,

It is with bittersweet emotions that I share with you all that I will soon be leaving my position and retiring from education at the end of this school year.  Reflecting on my 37 year career, in which I have been privileged to journey with students, their families and a multitude of outstanding colleagues as a classroom teacher in Grades K-8 for

25 years, as a district Literacy Staff Developer and finally as an Administrator for 11 years, I am filled with immense gratitude for the lives I have touched and those that have left an indelible mark on my heart in my journey across three states, and in both the public and parochial settings.  I am especially thrilled to see that at least twelve of my former students are now serving as teachers, and with many positively impacting lives in several Pinellas County Schools. For the teacher in me, there is no greater gift!

Arriving to Blanton Elementary soon after this wonderful school celebrated its’ Golden 50^thAnniversary, I quickly became immersed in its rich history, meeting so many families who have been part of this school community for multiple generations. The past 6 years have been especially sweet as I proudly served as the Principal here at Blanton Elementary, having had the opportunity to watch my first class of Kindergarteners grow through the years into this year’s 2018-2019 graduating class of Fifth graders.  Like a hidden diamond in the middle of the county, Blanton is far more than “the little blue school on 54^th Ave.”  It is a gorgeous, well-maintained 10-acre campus, staffed by the very BEST! This school embodies a sense of home and warm hospitality for many, employing some of the district’s finest and most dedicated individuals, who generously give of their time and their hard-earned dollars, to support and encourage our scholars’ personal, academic and behavioral growth and success.  To that end, it has been a delight seeing the number of our volunteers increase and our partnerships strengthened with families, area businesses, and altruistic organizations, as we became one of the Pinellas County School District’s growing number of AVID certified Elementary Schools and the recipient of several grants.  As such, we continue to be amazed with our scholars’ success as they embrace life’s journey from “Crayons to College and Career” as AVID Learners.

I personally want to thank each and every one of you for entrusting your child / children to us, as well as express my sincere gratitude for your on going support, genuine care and partnership with me as we worked together to make Blanton Elementary School every child’s safe place to learn, grow and discover their own potential.  I respect the challenges you face daily as your child’s first teacher and primary advocate in an ever-changing world!  I too wish each of you the very BEST as you continue to support your child and the great things happening here, as we maintain momentum and continue to seek to make a difference…one child at a time!  I know that you will warmly welcome my colleague and Blanton’s newly appointed Principal, Mrs. Lisa Roth, as you have welcomed me for many years now.  She understands well our vision & mission, and brings with her great knowledge and years of experience to further enhance the journey first begun when Blanton ES opened its’ doors to students 56 years ago. Blanton Elementary truly is the home of the very BEST, and the BEST begins with YOU!  Best wishes to you and yours as the journey continues… with new leadership at the helm.

With Gratitude, Respect & Much Love,

Cheryl Ann Maggio

Cheryl Ann Maggio, Proud Principal

Schloars that earned 100% on ST Math will receive FREE KONA ICE on Friday May 24th.

The truck will be available after school for purchases.