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East County | Schools

Joseph Grosso, Katherine Kaspar, Carlotta Murri and Melina Cuffaro are all part of Lakewood's drama department.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 28, 2011
GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Renaissance

Lakewood Ranch High School students enjoyed an afternoon of art and entertainment as part of the school's Renaissance program March 25. The school's jazz band, theater students and Silver Stars dance team performed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anissa Murgo correctly spelled 'pitchblende' to win the local competition.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 25, 2011
Can you spell, C-H-A-M-P?

McNeal Elementary School fourth-grader Anissa Murgo won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Local Finals March 24 at St. Joseph Catholic School. Now, she'll represent the county at the national bee June 1-2 in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eight-year-old Bianca Lowery was rewarded with a crown for her knowledge of the NED acronym.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 25, 2011
GALLERY: Braden River Elementary NED Assembly

Students at Braden River Elementary School learned about becoming champions at school and in life during a special NED Show Assembly March 24. NED stresses the importance of never giving up, encouraging others and doing your best.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Moroccan uromastyx was one of four different animals that visited Love Comes First Preschool this morning.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • March 24, 2011
GALLERY: Reptiles visit Love Comes First Preschool

Reptiles from Sarasota Jungle Gardens slithered into the East County's Love Comes First Preschool March 24 -- much to the delight of the students. Special guests included a Burmese python, a Moroccan uromastyx, a green iguana and an American alligator.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eight-year-old Jordyn Berger couldn't wait to hit the dance floor with her father, Jason.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 21, 2011
GALLERY: Gene Witt Elementary Father-Daughter Dance

Dressed in their Sunday best, dozens of girls at Gene Witt Elementary School enjoyed an evening with the special men in their lives during the school's annual Father-Daughter Dance March 18. The girls danced the night away with their dads, got their pictures taken and enjoyed ice cream sundaes and other tasty treats.

  • East County
  • Schools
Six-year-old Lexi Kahler and her sister Madison, 8, along with their 8-year-old friend Tammy Sinn-Movilla, middle, celebrated their Pa's 67th birthday during Bingo Night March 18.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2011
GALLERY: McNeal Elementary Bingo Night

Dozens of McNeal Elementary School students and their families enjoyed an evening of fun and games during the school's annual Bingo Night March 18. Students played several rounds of Bingo while snacking on hot dogs and potato chips.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High School Cadet Samantha Lynch attended with her mom Christina, sister Morgan and father Mark.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 18, 2011
GALLERY: Cadets honored

The Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association on March 17 honored 12 Junior ROTC cadets from Sarasota and Manatee counties during a ceremony at the Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn.

  • East County
  • Schools
Aman Bassin, Alan Mashraghi, Chris Ng, Brooke Organ and Steve Papuchis made sure to check out the silent auction items.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 17, 2011
GALLERY: LECOM student fundraiser

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's International Medicine Society on March 15 hosted a special dinner, silent auction and guest speaker fundraiser to support medical students who provide medical services and educational programs in under-served and disaster-stricken countries.

  • East County
  • Schools
Freedom Elementary will host its round-up from 3:30-6:30 p.m., May 12. Photo by Brian Blanco.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 15, 2011
Manatee schools schedule kindergarten roundups

Manatee County Public Schools will host registration for kindergarten students in the East County between March 30 and May 12.

  • East County
  • Schools
Five-year-old Robert McIntyre couldn't wait to start peddling.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 4, 2011
GALLERY: Lighthouse Kids Preschool Trike-A-Thon

More than 35 children strapped on their helmets and peddled their hearts out during Lighthouse Kids Preschool's 7th annual Trike-A-Thon. Once they were done peddling, the students enjoyed pizza and other snacks. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over the past seven years, the preschool has raised more than $13,500.

  • East County
  • Schools
Anna Babayan learned about James Madison during the project.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 4, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: BRE Hall of Democracy

Second-grade students at Braden River Elementary School shared what they learned about citizenship, U.S. history and the democratic process during their Hall of Democracy event this week.

  • East County
  • News
Maria Tippy, also known as Cinderella, proves to the prince, Rin Graves, that the shoe fits.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 4, 2011
Tara presents 'Once Upon a Dream' (VIDEO)

Tara Elementary School students brought the story of Cinderella to life with the musical, "Once Upon a Dream," March 3.

  • East County
  • Schools
Paeten Feathers, Matt Schefer, Cayla Weinsberg and Curtis Reynolds all dressed as the Cat in the Hat.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 3, 2011
GALLERY: Dr. Seuss' birthday

Children at Kiddie Academy celebrated the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss March 2 with special activities. They even enjoyed a lunch of green eggs and ham.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jordan Cangro, 8, passed out chocolate chip cookies as part of the "Great Cookie Election."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 2, 2011
GALLERY: Hall of Democracy

Children Braden River Elementary School learned about their country's history, citizenship and democratic processes during the second grade's annual Hall of Democracy event. Festivities included presentations about U.S. presidents and states, as well as voting in the "Great Cookie Election."

  • East County
  • News
Elvita Phelan, Maria Laura Jones, Debbie Smith and Cheryl McGrew attended.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 1, 2011
Local educators learn about STEM

Four Manatee County educators attended the Children's Engineering Convention in Virginia Feb. 20-26.

  • East County
  • News
Silver Stars co-captain Melanie Hahn was excited to perform at this year's carnival.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • February 27, 2011
GALLERY: McNeal Winter Carnival

Despite its name, McNeal Elementary School's Winter Carnival felt more like a spring fling Feb. 26. Guests enjoyed carnival games and treats, a performance by the Lakewood Ranch High School Silver Stars and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Allison Tibor, 9, showed her grandpa, Mel Neely, how to dance the "YMCA."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 26, 2011
GALLERY: Freedom Father/Daughter Dance

Girls at Freedom Elementary School danced the night away with their fathers during the school's annual Father/Daughter Dance Feb. 25.

  • East County
  • News
Friends Talha Haque and Julian Milian raced around the track in unison.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 25, 2011
GALLERY: Tara Run-a-Thon

Children ran to their hearts' delight during Tara Elementary School's annual Run-A-Thon fund-raiser Feb. 25. After they'd finished running, students enjoyed ice-cold water and popsicles.

  • East County
  • Schools
Wesley Choate, 6
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 25, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: McNeal hits big numbers

McNeal Elementary School children have spent the last 28 days brandishing pencil and paper as they completed a total of 100,000 math problems. Students enjoyed a special school-wide celebration this morning.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jayden Doyle, 7, cheered for Principal Norma Scott.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 25, 2011
GALLERY: McNeal Math Celebration (WITH VIDEO)

Children at McNeal Elementary School today gathered at the school's bus loop to celebrate the completion of 100,000 math problems by students in just 28 days. As part of the festivities, Principal Norma Scott raced Assistant Principal Kathy Price in a math-inspired obstacle course.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ivette and Anthony Littlejohn surround their son, Adrian, with positive energy as he undergoes chemotherapy.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • February 23, 2011
Every Day is a Win

At just 1 year old, Adrian Littlejohn already is showing he inherited strength from his parents, Lakewood Ranch coach Anthony Littlejohn and his wife, Ivette. Last November, Adrian was diagnosed with AT/RT, a rare pediatric cancer. He has been fighting ever since.

  • East County
  • News
Senior Carly Bayer is performing for the first time on the winter guard.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2011
ON GUARD

Lakewood Ranch High School's winter guard made final preparations on Feb. 17 for the a color guard competition at Plant City High School Feb. 19. The group's competition show is themed, "Mirrors ... Reflections of the Soul."

  • East County
  • Schools
Juniors Marissa Milko, Shelby Walker and Huntyre Elling are best friends.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 18, 2011
GALLERY: College and Career Fair

Students at Lakewood Ranch High School learned about job and educational opportunities during the school's College and Career Fair Feb. 18.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kaitlin Bohan
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 18, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Gullett Elementary (VIDEO)

Puppy raisers from Southeastern Guide Dogs visited fourth- and fifth-grade students at Gullett Elementary School Thursday. The East County Observer caught up with students after the presentation to see what they learned.

  • East County
  • Schools
Student Council member Isabelle Chamness told students about an upcoming fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2011
GALLERY: Guide dogs at Gullett

Gullett Elementary School's Student Council kicked off an upcoming fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs by hosting a presentation by puppy raisers at the school Feb. 17. Students will collect items, such as blankets, towels and puppy toys, from Feb. 22 to March 18.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River's girls were ready to party at this year's Father/Daughter Dance.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • February 13, 2011
GALLERY: BRE Father/Daughter Dance

Braden River Elementary School's girls celebrated a special night with their dads during the school's annual Father/Daughter Dance Feb. 11. The girls came decked out in party dresses and corsages and hit the dance floor as the deejay spun tunes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brothers Jordan and Jaquavius Bing loved the warmth the fire gave during the cold evening.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • February 13, 2011
GALLERY: Freedom Elementary Bonfire

A gigantic bonfire provided warmth and a comforting glow during Freedom Elementary School's Bonfire Feb. 11. Families snuggled together in blankets during the special night as Principal Jim Mennes kept the fire going throughout the night.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seven-year-old Erin Williams enjoyed breakfast with her dad, Mike.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 11, 2011
GALLERY: Willis Donuts with Dads

More than 600 dads and their children turned out this morning for Willis Elementary School's first-ever Donuts with Dads event. Members of the school's Parent-Teacher organization dished out about 24 dozen doughnuts in less than an hour.

  • East County
  • Schools
The approval will allow LECOM to keep on track to open the $52 million facility in 2012.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 11, 2011
LECOM dental school earns accreditation

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's Bradenton campus has received an initial accreditation for the school's new School of Dental Medicine.

  • East County
  • News
Drew Nolan, who turns 3 years old on Feb. 20, couldn't wait to take his tricycle for a spin.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 8, 2011
Sprouts kids ride for St. Jude

Students at Sprouts Child Development Center of Harvest United Methodist Church strapped on their helmets and pedaled away during the preschool's fifth annual St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Feb. 7-8. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

  • East County
  • Schools
Two-year-old Caleb Parks was all smiles as he learned about what foods were good for his teeth.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 8, 2011
Preschoolers smile about tooth care

Children at Love Comes First Preschool on Feb. 7 learned about taking good care of their teeth.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nazariel Williams, Dev Patel, Brecken Fair and Nate Black loved the "One-hundred Song" they learned as part of the festivities.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 4, 2011
Braden River celebrates 100 days of school

First-grade students at Braden River Elementary School today celebrated their 100th day of school with special activities.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 4, 2011
BRHS cadets earn summer posts

Four female cadets from Braden River High School's JROTC program will participate in service academy summer programs.

  • East County
  • News
Samantha Harris and Shannon Mallard dressed up with their teacher Natasha Sinclair and classmates Rose Higginbotham and Ally Boudreau.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 3, 2011
McNeal celebrates Spirit Week

Children at McNeal Elementary School are showing their school this week during the school's Spirit Week event. Today's theme was Mix 'n Match Day.

  • East County
  • News
Teaching assistant Jasmine Dieu-Seul hopped with Jaden Scott, 1, in her arms.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 2, 2011
Goddard kids hop for a cause (VIDEO)

Children at The Goddard School in Lakewood Ranch hopped for a good cause Feb. 2 during the school's second annual Hop-A-Thon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. With the support of Goddard families, the school already has raised more than $2,300 for the cause.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy challenged children to play for an hour every day.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2011
Buccaneers' McCoy visits Bashaw

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy made a special visit to Bashaw Elementary School last week to share with children about the importance of eating right and exercising. The program was part of 'Fuel Up to Play 60,' a national in-school health and wellness program.

  • East County
  • News
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