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Schools

Averleigh Cross couldn't wait to start kindergarten at Freedom Elementary School in 2023. The School District of Manatee County is encouraging all families ensure their kindergartners are present on the first day.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 7, 2024
Are you ready to go back to school?

Students and parents should make sure to check these off their back-to-school prep list.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Omnilert Gun Detect system recognizes a rifle a man is holding as he approaches a building. The software can alert school personnel and police in a matter of seconds.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • August 2, 2024
Sarasota schools add high-tech security systems

New metal detectors and AI-driven video system are coming to middle and high schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 1, 2024
School board adopts tentative budget and new millage rates

The board approved the $1.35 billion budget and the property tax rate of 6.131 mills.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Superintendent Terry Connor addresses the attendees at the 2023 State of the Community Sarasota School Board Update lunch event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 24, 2024
Sarasota County Schools announces 'A' rating

The School Board approved a tentative budget of $1.35 billion.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Zachary Keshish spends 20 to 40 minutes creating each of his works of art. Some, like "Need 4 Speed" start with an idea such as the saying "need for speed" while others are simply what comes to his mind at the moment.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 24, 2024
Lakewood Ranch teen wins Congressional Art Competition

For 16-year-old Zachary Keshish, 20 minutes of expressing himself will lead to having his art displayed in Washington, D.C.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler, between Chair Karen Rose and member Tom Edwards, speaks at the July 18 meeting.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 19, 2024
School board OKs changes to public comment rules

The board also discussed raising school meal prices and approved new staff positions.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
McIntosh Middle School students Kuba Mohrbacher and Anna Dulovich participated in a robotics competition with the Technology Student Association.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
An array of STEM opportunities awaits in Sarasota's schools

With offerings from dual enrollment engineering programs to a full-size planetarium, the district continues to emphasize STEM education.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Christian Garzia pushes off defenders during a Sarasota Surge rugby match. Garzia is an advocate of his brother, Rocco, who has Prater-Willi syndrome.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 18, 2024
Sports mean more than on-field results to these local athletes

Leadership and self-confidence are skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

  • East County
  • Schools
STEM programs can lead to opportunities to participate in world competitions. Robert E. Willis Elementary's Kaitlyn McIntrye, Aly Martinez, Jelena Konatar and Izzy Nunez partiicpated in the world VEX competition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
STEM programs open world of opportunities in Manatee schools

The school district adjusts to to meet students' interest in STEM programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Stacy Copeland, a rising third grader at Braden River Elementary School, shows off the page she wrote in Spanish about manatees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Dual language programs on the rise in Manatee County

Five elementary schools have dual language programs, and the district hopes to expand to middle school.

  • East County
  • Schools
McIntosh Middle School students Skyler Rissler, Baylee Wallingford and Kinleigh Souders with their rabbits Marvel, Finn and Velvet
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Agricultural scene emerges in Sarasota’s school district

New programs are being implemented, while the district prepares to open The Farm, a revamped facility at McIntosh Middle School for raising livestock and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Dreamer's Academy has now installed a dual-language library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Interest grows in dual language programming within Sarasota school district

Dreamers Academy helped introduce the learning model in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High School's Kennedy Hoeper, Emma Syfert and Kendall Huerta say the future of agriculture is bright. They each plan to have careers in some facet of agriculture.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
Future of agriculture grows strong in Manatee County

Students say they are ready to enter the industry despite any challenges.

  • East County
  • Schools
Construction takes place on the K-8 at Skye Ranch.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Major construction projects on the way for Sarasota schools

Sarasota County Schools is building two new schools, in addition to pursuing school facility replacements and renovations.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Parents wait in their cars for dismissal at Braden River Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2024
How to have a successful car line

The car line doesn't have to be something you dread. Check out these tips on how to get through the car line safely while having fun.

  • East County
  • Schools
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