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Schools

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fifth and fourth graders work work together to donate 57 bags filled with clothing, stuffed animals and blankets to Afghan children who are refugees. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 21, 2021
McNeal Elementary students collect donations for Afghan refugees

McNeal Elementary students work together to collect blankets, stuffed animals and clothing for Afghan refugees.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tiffany McCoy, a junior, and Maya Lander, a senior, are careful while twirling batons that are on fire. Lander says she gets nervous at first, but it doesn't take longer for her to get used to the fire.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 16, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High baton twirlers keep tradition going

Lakewood Ranch High twirlers add a unique spin to their performance.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River's John Thomas Wright, Thomas Adamson and Gabe French perform with the Marching Band of Pirates during halftime.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 15, 2021
Manatee School District adds visual and performing arts to millage allocations

If 1-mill ad valorem property tax is renewed, arts programs will be bolstered.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lemeki, a 3-year-old elephant with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, was found abandoned in Kenya as a result of flooding. Photo courtesy and copyright of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch fifth graders adopt an elephant

McNeal Elementary fifth graders address the elephant in the room.

  • East County
  • Schools
Patty Haeussler, a social studies teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, was named a Social Studies Teacher of the Year by Florida Council for the Social Studies. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High social studies teacher earns recognition for her passion.

Patty Haeussler was named Social Studies Teacher of the Year by Florida Council for the Social Studies.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mark Speciner, a social studies teacher at Booker High School, has his mother, Lila Speciner, share her experiences of being in the World Trade Center during the attacks on 9/11 as an introduction to his lessons about Sept. 11.
  • By Liz Ramos and Brynn Mechem
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Teachers change how they approach history of attacks

Twenty years later, teachers are finding themselves teaching students who weren't alive on Sept. 11

  • East County
  • News
As the Florida Department of Education investigates the Sarasota County Schools mask policy and considers potential sanctions, the district is defending the school board’s right to adopt the regulations. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 2, 2021
Sarasota County School Board responds to state’s mask mandate investigation

Although the Florida Department of Education has contended the mask requirement violates state regulations, the school district’s attorney argues it’s a permissible response to a health crisis.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Construction continues on the addition at Braden River Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 1, 2021
Growth in the Lakewood Ranch-area leads to more school construction

Renovations planned for seven Lakewood Ranch-area schools, along with a new school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Maya Lander, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, creates a relax room for students to use when they're under a lot of stress or feeling anxious. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 26, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Girl Scout creates relax room for students

Lakewood Ranch High School senior creates a relaxation room for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Carlos E. Haile Middle School students and teachers can opt out of wearing masks in the classroom.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 25, 2021
Lakewood Ranch-area parents uncertain of how the school year will progress

With COVID-19 spike in the School District of Manatee, parents clash on proper direction.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 25, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High School cheerleaders ready to raise spirits

Mustangs hold the crowd in the pompons of their hand.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School Board of Manatee County votes 3-2 to extend its mask mandate with opt out option until Oct. 29.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 24, 2021
School Board of Manatee County extends mask mandate

A mask mandate with opt-out option will be in place for the School District of Manatee County until Oct. 29.

  • East County
  • Schools
Five-year-old Tiana Haywood walks with mom Reva Kates to her kindergarten class at Tuttle Elementary School on the first day of school. Sarasota County Schools will now require students and staff to wear masks indoors. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 20, 2021
Sarasota County School Board adopts mask mandate

At an emergency meeting that drew more than two hours of public input, a split board voted to defy state regulations and require masks for students and staff for the next 90 days.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is one step closer to opening in August 2022 with the approval of its contract with the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 18, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy one step closer to becoming a reality

With contract approval, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy focuses on a location.

  • East County
  • Schools
Superintendent Brennan Asplen discusses the effects of COVID-19 on Sarasota County School operations during a workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Image via Sarasota County Schools.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 17, 2021
Sarasota school board plans special meeting on mask mandate

After school officials discussed the strain COVID-19 has placed on operations, multiple board members expressed an interest in revisiting the district’s optional mask policy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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