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Schools

Braden River Middle Principal Kimberlain Zenon-Richardson hopes the new school uniforms will boost school spirit, including eighth graders Donovan Plakyda, Bradyn Bobbitt, Esmeralda Pena and Camryn Kolbe. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 20, 2022
Braden River Middle searches for unity in uniforms

The Bradenton school switches for the first time to a uniform policy, with general approval from parents.

  • East County
  • Schools
Brandon Thrift created the artistic crosswalk for the Community Day School. (Courtesy photo Karina Herrera)
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 17, 2022
Local artist paints 3D crosswalk for Community Day School

Brandon Thrift, known for the "Spread Love" art around town, created a 3D crosswalk for the school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ethan Conner, a Freedom Elementary School fourth grader, works with Melanie Stern, a Project TEACH volunteer. More Freedom Elementary students will be able to participate in Project TEACH once an addition is built. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 16, 2022
Manatee School Board considers borrowing more money for capital projects

Inflation leads the School District of Manatee County to plot a borrow-and-build-now strategy.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2022
Sarasota County Schools sets clear bag policy for athletic events

Small purses are allowed, along with transparent larger carrying bags.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
School administrators Bradley Warren and Cheryl Cendan spent a lot of time inside the Starbucks and Panera cafes meeting with hundreds of Lakewood Ranch parents. Cendan shows the school’s mascot — an eagle. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 14, 2022
New charter school opens for Lakewood Ranch students

Enthusiasm soars for Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, a charter school built on the WISH model, which stands for wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, looks forward to ensuring the safety of students, expanding programming and addressing growth in the county. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2022
Manatee superintendent focuses on progress in the new school year

From academics to programming and construction, Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders says she looks forward to a new school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Voters will be able to choose from six candidates for school board seats Aug. 23 (File photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2022
Sarasota County School Board candidates hope to keep focus on education

The candidates say they plan to gain parent trust and decrease political discussion among the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2022
Lakewood Ranch-area families say hello to a new school year

Braden River and Gilbert W. McNeal elementary schools are among those celebrating their opening days on Aug. 10.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 10, 2022
Sarasota students return for 2022-23 school year

Alta Vista Elementary School parents and students were up bright and early for the first day of school on Aug. 10.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Maggie Sharrer, the wellness coordinator and Hope teacher, is thrilled to share with students how to be happy and healthy people. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy ready to open for its first year

The newest school in Lakewood Ranch promises to offer education amplified.

  • East County
  • Schools
GreyHawk Landing's Kristen Barnhardt looks forward to a new school year for her sons Mason Barnhardt, who is a kindergartner, and Parker Barnhardt, who is a second grader, with Principal Chuck Fradley. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2022
Rowlett Academy families look forward to a new school year

East County is among the parents who get an introduction to the 2022-23 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Debra Otey starts as the new head of school at Out-of-Door Academy. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 8, 2022
ODA welcomes new head of school

Debra Otey says she looks forward to her 30th year in education at ODA.

  • East County
  • Schools
Carlos E. Haile Middle School received a B rating in the 2021-2022 school year. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 2, 2022
Bradenton's Freedom Elementary celebrates its 'A' performance

Braden River Middle School falls to a C grade while the district maintains its B rating.

  • East County
  • Schools
If elected, James Golden says literacy, employee compensation and continuity of education will be a focus of his. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 1, 2022
School Board of Manatee County, District 5: James Golden

Meet the candidate.

  • East County
  • News
If elected, Richard Tatem says he'll focus on employee compensation, curriculum transparency and increasing school board members' interaction with the public. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 1, 2022
School Board of Manatee County, District 5: Richard Tatem

Meet the candidate.

  • East County
  • News
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