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+ Slime time

Ryelenn Brunner anxiously waited for the go-ahead signal, with her hands gripping the string in front of her.

She wouldn't be the last Braden River Elementary student to dump a space slime concoction — flour, Jell-O, green food coloring and baby food — on Assistant Principal Samantha Webb or Principal Hayley Rio.

Students took turns dumping the lime green ooze after winning that right because they raised $75 or more during the school's annual walkathon, held in October.

The school collectively raised $20,000, which will fund more classroom supplies and other necessities.

"Kids get to slime their principals," Webb said. "That's every kid's dream. It's interactive and fun for them and us."

+ Just peachy

Three Lakewood Ranch High bands are showcasing their skills to the nation.

The wind ensemble, jazz band and marching band are participating in five competitions leading up to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl football game, Dec. 31 in Atlanta.

Nearly 120 students will participate in the pre-game Peach Bowl Parade and will receive free entry to the game, which features Florida State against Houston.

"I'm a University of Florida fan, but I'll root for Florida State," tuba player Nathan Gross said. "We’re really looking forward to competing. We’re going against bands that are competitive without a doubt, but the way our season is aligned, we've competed a lot throughout the year."

Last year, Band Director Ron Lambert submitted YouTube links of his bands performing, which won the school the spots among 14 other high schools that are participating.

"We get to show to the world what we do in Manatee County," Lambert said. "It's a fun way to end the competitive season."