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Sarasota | Schools

A memorial featuring a plaque, a portrait of Shackelford and his favorite painting hangs in the school's media center. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 15, 2020
Sarasota High remembers teacher with memorial, scholarship

Robert Shackelford was a teacher at Sarasota High School. He died after testing positive for COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Following a state directive that requires struggling remote learnings to return to brick-and-mortar, more students are expected to return to the classroom for second semester. Photo courtesy Sarasota Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 10, 2020
Changes coming to schools in new semester

Following a state directive, struggling remote students will be asked to return to in-person classes.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 17, 2020
School board OKs equity job

The new administrative role will focus on equity across the district and innovate teacher development techniques.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Despite an unusual end to the school year and a concurrent learning model, students are performing well on benchmark tests.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 17, 2020
Despite 'COVID-slide,' students testing well

Early benchmarks show that students are testing higher than school administrators anticipated.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota County will provide internet services to students in need for six months.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 16, 2020
County, Comcast partner to bring WiFi to students

The county will provide internet services for students for six months.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 9, 2020
Buchanan nominates local students to U.S. service academies

Of the 20 selected, 10 were from Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Actors perform in FST’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit in 2016. Photo courtesy Matthew Holler.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 4, 2020
Sarasota theaters partner to bring arts education to students

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Florida Studio Theatre are bringing free arts programming to Sarasota County School students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Parents line up in front of school board chambers to show disdain of the district's mask policy. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 2, 2020
Parents file lawsuit against district's face mask policy

The lawsuit invokes the Florida Constitution and Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka as reasons why the policy should be stopped.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
VPA Director Rebecca Abrahamson and VPA Theatre Chairman Scott Keys stand where a new lobby could be added.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 27, 2020
Booker VPA to see $22.5 million in renovations

The upgrades include more seating capacity, additional classrooms, a new lobby and a blackbox theater.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Christine Gregory and Michael Riccio wear white as a sign of peace. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 21, 2020
Amid protests, school board extends face mask requirement

The policy will sunset June 30 unless the board votes to end it earlier.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Protestors for and against returning to school line up outside board chambers in July.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 13, 2020
Safety measures added to Sarasota School Board meetings

Following protests, disruptive residents, meeting participants will be checked with a metal detector before entering chambers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 1, 2020
Prose and Kohn: Move the chains

Local players break onto college football scene.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jordyn Byrd.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 1, 2020
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jordyn Byrd

The Cardinal Mooney sophomore talks the 2020 season and improving her serve.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sloane Ziegler, 4, works with blocks that help her learn additives of 10. Brynn Mechem
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • September 30, 2020
Montessori school opens on Main Street

Kathy Lindaman started the school in First Baptist Church to help families have another option during COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • September 28, 2020
School district considers two days off for students

Superintendent Brennan Asplen proposed Oct. 12 and Nov. 18 as two planning days for teachers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
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