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Schools

Nayeli Centeno, a Manatee Technical College Dental Assisting student, teaches Vaylin Jensen, a Lakewood Ranch High School junior, how to suction a mouth.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 22, 2024
MTC open house provides hands-on look at careers

Manatee Technical College's East Campus open house gave potential future students an opportunity to see the programs available.

  • East County
  • Schools
Charter school proposal raises concerns for Sarasota School Board
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2024
Charter school proposal raises concerns for Sarasota School Board

As the Sarasota County School Board reviewed a proposal for Sarasota Classical Preparatory Academy, board members voiced a range of concerns that included what they said was a lack of detailed plans.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The new addition will address the growth of Parrish Community High School, which is at capacity this school year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 20, 2024
Parrish Community High begins construction on new addition in April

The 16-classroom addition, which will cost $10.6 million and include two engineering labs, addresses growth and academic needs at the school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kambrie Rowell, a Ballard Elementary kindergartner in 2022, loves working with her literacy mentor, Esplanade's Barbara Liodice, who volunteers for the Books for Kids Kindergarten program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 19, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Rotary needs volunteers to expand Books for Kids

Manatee County principals say the Books for Kids programs spark a love for reading in students and that they want more classes involved.

  • East County
  • Schools
Congressman Vern Buchanan talks to R. Dan Nolan Middle School students about what he does as a congressman.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 14, 2024
US representative urges Nolan Middle School students to get involved

Students received encouragement from Congressman Vern Buchanan to be part of the political process.

  • East County
  • Schools
Katie Bagley, a third grade academy teacher at Prine Elementary; Joadie Durfee, a fifth grade teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary; Debra McCarthy, a language arts teacher at Lakewood Ranch High; and Jessica Spence, a first grade teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, wait in anticipation to find out the winner of Educator of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2024
Four east Bradenton educators honored to be among county's best

Two teachers and two support employees were honored as finalists for Educator and Support Employee of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Vice Principal Robin Hamilton and Principal John Hettler run the Sea of Strengths Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch school emphasizes joy of learning

Sea of Strengths Academy, which serves third through 12th graders with learning disabilities, instills confidence in its students alongside its highly structured approach to academics.

  • East County
  • Schools
Attendees dance together, with Talia Von Bender, Jamie Taylor and Marisa Von Bender in front.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2024
Parents and kids dance to same beat at Family Fun & Resource Night

Booker Middle School hosted kids activities and key community resources.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Bradenton's Pam Page, Joanne Telesco, Valerie Lipscomb and David Daniels stand outside the School District of Manatee County's School Support Center to express their disapproval of the district's policy on reviewing books and materials.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2024
Manatee County School District finalizes book review procedure

Despite concerns from a board member and some residents, the district approved a procedure for parents and residents to object to the use of a book in the classroom.

  • East County
  • Schools
Michael Hager, a water conservation compliance officer with Manatee County Utilites, takes fifth graders through an interactive watershed model to help students understand the importance of water conservation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Tara Elementary students learn about water conservation

Manatee County Utilities put on presentation about the importance of water conservation.

  • East County
  • Schools
The salad bars in high school cafeterias come with plenty of ingredients for students to choose.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 31, 2024
Providing more food options is a recipe for success in Manatee schools

The School District of Manatee County offers increased variety to meet students' needs for a nutritious lunch.

  • East County
  • Schools
First grader Penelope Seguin, who loves horses, takes her time petting Sugar, a mini horse, after reading "Pete the Cat Goes to the Doctor."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 26, 2024
Myakka City Elementary gallops into reading

Students read to mini horses, visit the book fair and participate in other literacy activities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Fruits, veggies, milk, a bread roll and plant-based nuggets make a complete meal.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 26, 2024
Plant-based lunch options roll out in Manatee school cafeterias

Two high schools and three middle schools offer Impossible Burgers and plant-based nuggets.

  • East County
  • Schools
Construction continues on a new residence hall and student center being built on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • January 25, 2024
USF's long-awaited Sarasota-Manatee residence hall nearly complete

Building the hall and student center on the small campus proved to be a challenge that officials say is well worth it.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Empower, Develop, Grow and Educate Program will be held at Manatee Technical College East.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 23, 2024
Life skills program launches for Manatee students with disabilities

The program will prepare students to start on a career path with life skills classes and post-graduation resources.

  • East County
  • Schools
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With a sparkle in his eye and a wave of the hand, jolly old St. Nick illuminated the lights on St. Armands Circle's 60-foot Christmas tree at a lighting festival on Dec. 5.
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