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Schools

Seniors Kaitlyn Harper, Ryan Garrison, Tyler Woodin and Ali Thomas say it feels great to be at prom.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 22, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High seniors enjoy last dance before graduation

Prom was bittersweet for seniors who were able to dance the night away with classmates at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
East County's Irene Nikitopoulos is thrilled to become the leader of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 19, 2023
Haile Middle to welcome new principal for 2023-24

East County's Irene Nikitopoulos is thrilled to be principal of her community's middle school.

  • East County
  • Schools
School Board of Manatee County members Richard Tatem, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate, Cindy Spray and Gina Messenger have selected 12 semi finalists in the search for the next superintendent.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 14, 2023
Manatee School Board selects semifinalists in superintendent search

The board will move forward with 12 applicants in the search for the next leader of the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Eighth grader Hope Li finds comfort in the crash pad.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 13, 2023
Nolan Middle sensory room provides solace for disabled students

The new sensory room, funded by the school's parent-teacher organization, helps relieve students' anxiety and provides a calming environment.

  • East County
  • Schools
7-year-old Lillian Huff works on a school assignment.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 13, 2023
Nature helps nurture a love of learning at new Sarasota school

Roots Nature & Leadership Academy, founded in September 2022, follows a model of student-led learning.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
JROTC instructor Alexander Figueroa says his 13 years with Braden River High School has been a blessing.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 11, 2023
Braden River JROTC instructor to retire after building up the program

Alexander Figueroa will lead the Bradenton school's team into one more state tournament before retiring.

  • East County
  • Schools
Freedom Elementary School's eight-classroom addition is expected to be complete in July.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 10, 2023
Freedom Elementary addition on schedule for July completion

The $4 million, eight-classroom addition at the school is on time and on budget.

  • East County
  • Schools
Juniors Lourdes Capote-Dishaw and Chase Dougal and seniors Ethan McKay and Morgan Sowards are excited to be at prom. "It's 18 years in the making," McKay says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 6, 2023
Braden River High students enjoy their 'Gatsby' prom

Many students dressed to the "Gatsby" theme in the event held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will be at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to share skills and tools that can be used to promote emotional well-being.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
Brain Health Initiative teaches emotional wellness with Choose Love Movement

Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will help Lakewood Ranch community members learn social-emotional skills.

  • East County
  • News
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Noble Pinto, Julian LaBranche, Jaxon Grew and Chloe Kenya pinky promise to go out and play in honor of Justin Darr, who was a physical education teacher.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
McNeal Elementary celebrates life of beloved physical education teacher

In honor of Justin Darr's philosophy to "go out and play," students, staff and Darr's family played sports during the dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kate Barlaug has been named the principal of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Irene Nikitopoulos has been named the principal of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
Two east Bradenton schools to have new principals

Haile and Mona Jain middle schools will have new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Graduates of the CareerEdge construction training program sponsored by Selby Gardens.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 31, 2023
Selby Gardens program graduates class of 10 electricians

Partnership with CareerEdge provides free training in construction trades with many students hired before completing the program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Allison Coleman, a second grader at Myakka City Elementary School, snuggles with Ruby Sue, the school's future therapy dog, while reading to her.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 28, 2023
Therapy dogs gain popularity in East County schools

Myakka City, McNeal and Tara elementary schools see benefits of having therapy dogs on campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, the theater director at Braden River High School, presents Roxane Caravan, the theater director at Lakewood Ranch High School, with the Dr. Sherry Lawrence Theatre Education Award.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 27, 2023
Manatee Arts Education Council celebrates the arts at annual Arts Alive

School District of Manatee County students showcased talents, and two east Bradenton fine arts teachers were recognized for their dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gwendolyn Smith, a client at Daybreak Adult Day Center, feels like a teacher again when she's reading to Braden River Elementary School first graders.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 27, 2023
Elementary students make grand-friends at Daybreak Adult Day Center

The Braden River first graders write letters, visit, and learn about aging at the Lakewood Ranch facility.

  • East County
  • Schools
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St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
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