In this episode of Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host and consultant Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, to talk about all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days–an annual 15-day FREE hands-on learning festival taking place April 18, 2026, to May 2, 2026.

As a gift to the community by The Patterson Foundation, this 15-day celebration will feature 380+ free, hands-on events hosted by more than 335 community partners across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. With learning themes like Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, Youth Voice, and Professional Development, each event encouraged imagination and made room for meaningful discovery.

Now in its fifth year, the Suncoast edition of this global learning movement continues to grow. As part of the worldwide Remake Learning Days initiative, these events are more than fun. They are building stronger family bonds, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating brighter futures for all.

Timestamps 

• 00:28 - Intro
• 01:25 - Beth shares how Suncoast Remake Learning Days (SRLD) aligns with the work of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR).
• 02:27 - Beth talks about how she first discovered Remake Learning Days.
• 03:50 - Beth explains why family engagement is so important in the sphere of learning.
• 07:57 - Beth discusses how SRLD demonstrates TPF’s approach of Connecting, Learning, Sharing, Evolving, and Strengthening (CLSES).
• 11:23 - Beth talks about the strengthening programs unique to Remake Learning Days in the Suncoast.
• 12:49 - Beth dives into the details of SRLD 2026!
• 15:27 - Beth explains how people can find out about the events.
• 17:36 - Beth highlights some of the upcoming events she’s excited about.
• 22:12 -  Beth shares how to get involved and host your own event next year.
• 25:53 - Beth encourages people of all ages to come and experience this year’s festival.

Links to Learn More 

• Suncoast Remake Learning Days Guide
• SRLD2026 App (Mac App Store)
• SRLD2026 App (Google Play)
• The Grable Foundation Website
• The Patterson Foundation Website
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR) Website
• Remake Learning Days (National)
• Blog: 

Connect Beyond The Blog

• LinkedIn: Beth Duda
• Facebook: Beth Duda
• Instagram: @SuncoastCGLR
• Facebook: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
• Instagram: @remakelearningdays
• Facebook: RemakeLearningDays 

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