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Schools

Roberto Ortega and Margo Valenzuela give their daughter Athzira Ortega flowers and balloons to celebrate her graduation from Lakewood Ranch High School last year. More guests will be allowed to attend this year's ceremonies.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2021
Attendance expands for Manatee County high school graduations

School District of Manatee County doubles attendance for graduation ceremonies at LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2021
Prom prevails for Lakewood Ranch seniors

After the Lakewood Ranch High prom was cancelled, a private one was organized to replace it.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 17, 2021
Patterson Foundation receives national recognition for reading program

The Patterson Foundation's Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading was recognized as a Bright Spot for its program "This Book is Cool!."

  • Sarasota
  • News
McHenry Lerebours received his bachelor's degree in political science from Florida A&M University and a master's degree in educational leadership from University of South Florida.Â
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 17, 2021
McIntosh Middle School names new principal

McHenry Lerebours has served as the interim principal since February.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County will start meeting at 10 a.m. for its first meeting of the month and at 5 p.m. for its second meeting of the month.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 12, 2021
School Board of Manatee County changes meeting times

The School Board of Manatee County has changed its meeting times in hopes of accommodating district staff and the community.

  • East County
  • News
Mia Spirow practices her aerial moves during Circus Arts Conservatory spring break camp. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 7, 2021
Circus Arts Conservatory seeks lease extension from School Board

As circus leaders plan an expansion, they're aiming for a 99-year lease extension to remain on Sarasota High School's campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
School board leaders are considering a partnership that would move the training of its annual 450-member firefighter school to a new county site.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
School district, county consider fire training partnership

As the county prepares to build a regional fire training site, school leaders are considering switching from the district's current facility to a partnership at the new facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Superintendent Brennan Asplen began his role in August 2020 and now school board members will evaluate his effectiveness in his first year on the job.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Board members consider how best to evaluate superintendent

Superintendent Brennan Asplen has been on the job for nearly a year. Now board members will evaluate his effectiveness.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson was named a 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Sarasota teacher named finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year

Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson is one of five statewide finalists.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Jackie Llamas, a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, is happy she's able to coordinate a prom for seniors like Nick Lenchinsky with his mother, Angie Lenchinsky Scarpa.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Private prom excites Lakewood Ranch High students

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors ready to have prom memories.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is expected to have about 740 students enrolled if the school opens in August 2022. Within five years, the school is projected to have an enrollment of 1,965 students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Traditional vs. charter: The differences

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will provide a new option for East County parents.

  • East County
  • News
Dawn Zielinski, president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, and Tom Williams, outreach director for the club, donates bike helmets to Megan Podolan, a fifth grade teacher at Willis Elementary School, to give to students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Safer rides in Lakewood Ranch

Village Idiots Cycling Club donates helmets to east Bradenton schools.

  • East County
  • News
Steven Zickafoose, an assistant principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Angela Lindsey, principal of the school, wear masks while on campus. The administrators might not have to wear masks next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
School District of Manatee County considers letting masks down

School Board of Manatee County considers a voluntary mask policy for summer school and the 2021-22 school year.

  • East County
  • News
Students play on the playground at the Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 30, 2021
Temple Emanu-El reopening early learning center

After a year of closures due to COVID-19, the Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center will reopen for summer school and fall classes.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high school seniors can now bring four guests to graduation. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2021
Manatee County high school graduates get more tickets for the celebration

School District of Manatee County announces high school seniors will get four tickets for graduation.

  • East County
  • News
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