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Schools

Scott Cooper, the new principal at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, settles into his new office. He hopes to expand the performing arts and career and technical education programs at the school in the future.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
New principal thrilled to lead Nolan Middle

Scott Cooper, the new principal of R. Dan Nolan Middle School, is confident he'll transition smoothly to his new role.

  • East County
  • News
Eric Holt, a seventh grader at Braden River Middle School, participates in an experiment. Students like Holt could be back in the classroom come fall or at home with virtual learning or both. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 17, 2020
School District of Manatee County seeks reopening input

Share your thoughts on reopening schools during a June 25 School Board of Manatee County workshop.

  • East County
  • News
The first day back to school, which is normally filled with hugs, could look drastically different in August.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 16, 2020
School board takes closer look at first day options

Following state directives, district leaders have reworked the back to school plan.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Thomas Desmond, a music teacher at Braden River High School, has been selected for a Congressional Teacher Award.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 16, 2020
Braden River High School teacher receives Congressional Teacher Award

East County teacher is one of eight in Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties to receive the award from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
The first day back to school may look different as the district considers two plans that would implement social distancing and other safety protocols. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 11, 2020
Sarasota County school leaders consider back to school options

School district lays out two distinct paths for the new school year, but emphasize nothing will be settled for weeks.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 11, 2020
Superintendent pool narrowed to five

The five remaining candidates are all current administrators in Florida schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Fernando Azcona-Meza, a math teacher at Out-of-Door Academy's upper school, congratulates seniors during the parade. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2020
Thunderous sendoff for ODA seniors

ODA surprises seniors with fireworks after parade.

  • East County
  • News
Rebecca Aguilera, a Braden Woods resident and graduate of Palmetto Charter School, is the 10th recipient of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship. She volunteers at her church and plays tennis and basketball.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2020
Student's volunteerism leads to ODA scholarship

Rebecca Aguilera is 10th recipient of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2020
Last lap for teachers in Manatee County

School District of Manatee County celebrates last day of school with county-wide parade.

  • East County
  • News
Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, says the district has already spent $1.2 million due to COVID-19 and could spend $4.7 million next school year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2020
School Board of Manatee County approves funding for COVID-19 measures

The School Board of Manatee County approves funding for masks, hotspots and Chromebooks

  • East County
  • News
Laura Rowe, Lisa Sheedy, Lisa Andrews and Ashley Dodd, members of Tara Elementary School's cafeteria staff, wear pajamas while distributing meals. Dodd says the theme days give students something to look forward to every day.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2020
Student meals delivered in style in east Bradenton

Tara Elementary cafeteria staff dresses in different themes each day during Summer BreakSpot food program.

  • East County
  • News
School District of Manatee County is assigning students to buses to control capacities. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 4, 2020
Students must register to ride School District of Manatee County buses

To control bus capacities, Manatee County students must be assigned to a bus for next school year.

  • East County
  • News
The Citizens Advisory Committee meets on Zoom to discuss their preferred candidates.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 3, 2020
Panel narrows superintendent search to 11

The citizens advisory committee will now reach out to the 11 candidates' references before giving final recommendations to the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2020
Graduation ride bubbles over at Gene Witt Elementary

Gene Witt Elementary teachers encourage students to visit after graduation

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2020
Off to the next step for Willis students

Willis Elementary School celebrates the end of the school year with parade.

  • East County
  • News
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