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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
Gina Messenger, a member of the School Board of Manatee County, says there isn't a difference between an optional mask policy and a mask mandate with an opt out option.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 16, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves a mask mandate with opt out option

All students and employees will have the option to opt out of the School District of Manatee County's mask mandate.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kristen Cunningham, an assistant principal at Braden River Middle School, checks Normalinda Faudoa's temperature. Temperature checks will be taken daily for employees and randomly for students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2021
COVID-19 protocols increasing in Manatee schools

Manatee County schools will implement several protocols that were in place last year while masks remain optional.

  • East County
  • News
Katilin Johnstone reads to children during an after school program at Alta Vista Elementary School. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 12, 2021
Sarasota teacher turns clothing sales into books for children

Kaitlin Johnstone, a former Alta Vista Elementary teacher, launched Kind Cotton to help promote child literacy.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
SCIP students begin planting the microforest at Nathan Benderson Park. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 12, 2021
Students spend summer building microforest

Students in the Faulhaber Fab Lab's summer program worked to design and install a microforest at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 10, 2021
With masks on their minds and faces, Sarasota students head back to school

Asplen announces 30-day ban on field trips, non-essential campus visitors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2021
Lakewood Ranch area schools back in session as School District of Manatee County opens

Bittersweet beginnings for Lakewood Ranch area parents as the new school year begins for the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School Board of Manatee County discusses COVID-19 protocols during a special meeting.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2021
School District of Manatee County sets new quarantine protocols

As the School District of Manatee County school year begins, families will have new quarantine rules.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County has a new board member in Wesley "Chad" Choate.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 7, 2021
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints new member to School Board of Manatee County

Chad Choate will replace Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes on the School District of Manatee County board.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cliff Dawson, the new director of bands at Braden River High School, makes a few jokes during Marching Band of Pirates rehearsal. Students say Dawson is outgoing, entertaining and serious.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 6, 2021
Braden River High School welcomes familiar face as new director of bands

New Director of Bands Cliff Dawson hopes to continue the success the Pirates had under Jeramiah Bowman.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nicolas Juliano celebrates his first day of first grade at Braden River Elementary while his sister, Isabella Juliano, celebrates her first day of pre-K. The Julianos take a picture on the first day every year. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 5, 2021
Lakewood Ranch families make the first day of school memorable

Whether it's breakfast-in-bed or a special getaway, traditions mark the opening day of school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Benny the dog is a secret weapon when it comes to getting 5-year-old Mya Medford out of bed for school. He licks her face until she gets up.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 5, 2021
Waking up for school isn't always easy for some Lakewood Ranch families

Opening day of school is an eye-opener for area students.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 3, 2021
Sarasota outperforms state average in FSA tests

The district ranked third in English and sixth in mathematics.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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