Back to School 2012 by Jessica luck

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BACK TO

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2012

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2 AUGUST 2012

AUGUST 2012 3

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The Kindergartner Four-year-old Charley Gobberville is sitting inside the Broken Egg restaurant gobbling down French toast. She’s dressed in a black leotard and white tutu with a silver sequined flower on the waistline that matches the one pinned in her hair. Seated across the table is her little brother, Jetson, who has just stuffed an orange slice into his mouth, pressed it against his lips and is attempting to smile and talk about Disney World’s Space Mountain roller coaster at the same time. Although Charley is excited for her first day of kindergarten at Lakeview Elementary, she’s not entirely sure she’s ready to leave Forty Carrots preschool behind. “Preschool is fun,” Charley says, scooping up another bite of French toast. “We got to build castles and towers with blocks.” Preschool is also where Charley met her best friend, Rayna Wang. “She likes dolphins like me and she plays with me,” Charley says. Speaking of dolphins, Charley has already decided what she’ll be when she grows up. “I’m going to be a dolphin trainer,” she says. “It sounds fun. I’ll have two dolphins

— Sarah and Kate. I’ll keep the dolphins in a big swimming pool like Mote Marine.” Now that the conversation has turned to dolphins, Jetson interrupts to tell the table about his Play-Doh dolphin collection. But, in just a matter of seconds, he’s moved onto his next topics — puppies and pooper-scoopers — and is discussing why both are a life necessities. “My brother is really funny,” Charley says. “He’s my best friend outside of school. He usually always likes to play with his cars and trains, and we play Legos together. Sometimes, I share my dolls with him. I only give him one doll because I have two of that kind of doll — Rapunzel.” When asked to divulge one thing about herself that no one else at the Broken Egg knows, Charley lowers her voice to a whisper. “I’m the luckiest,” she says. “I have so many things at my house. I have a nice Loren Mayo comfy bed and stuffed animals. One hundred of them. My favorite is my stuffed ani- Soon-to-be kindergartner Charley Gobberville is looking forward to her first year at Lakeview mal kitty, Pepper. She likes to eat peppers. Elementary School. I’m going to take her to kindergarten. ”

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Principal: Dr. Barbara Shirley Mascot: Eagles Colors: Blue and white Meet Your Teacher: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 17 Projected Enrollment: 563 PTO President: Debbie Beese, 361-6400

A (2011-12)

ALTA VISTA ELEMENTARY School

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1050 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota • 361-6956 • www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/altavista/

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Welcome to another exciting year at Alta Vista, home of the proud Eagles! We want to congratulate our entire school community for achieving an “A” grade for the ninth year in a row in the Governor’s Florida A+ School plan! This is a tribute to the dedication of our teachers and staff, the commitment to education by our families and the focus on learning by our students. We share a common vision of high expectations for quality classroom instruction, students who are motivated to learn and a supportive and encouraging community that makes our school a wonderful place to learn and work. We are proud to be a Community of Caring School where our programs incorporate the five core values of caring, respect, responsibility, trust and family. These five values enhance our positive learning environment and serve as a foundation for all activities and initiatives in our school. We hope you have had a wonderful summer reading books and building fond memories. We are looking forward to another exciting year of learning that is challenging and successful for all students! Alta Vista is a great place to be because of you! — Dr. Barbara Shirley, principal

Why I love my school: I like going to Alta Vista because I like my teachers and my friends. My favorite subject is math. I’m excited to be in second grade because it’s fun to learn new stuff. I’m looking forward to math, reading and seeing my friends. — Ana Samedi

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

ASHTON

ELEMENTARY School 5110 Ashton Road, Sarasota • 361-6440

www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/ashton/

Just the facts

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Principal: Christopher Renouf, Ed.S. Mascot: Astros Colors: Red, white and blue Open House: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 Projected Enrollment: 784 PTO President: Stacey Stroth, staceystroth@ verizon.net

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A (2012-13)

Why I love my school: There is no doubt Ashton is the best school! The teachers are kind, patient and get students excited about learning. Activities such as the carnival and the time our principal kissed a pig make our school a better place. Learning happens outside the classroom, too! Dodge ball, experiments with magnets, xylophone practice and creating clay masks are examples. I hope to be a part of the news studio and a patrol, too! I love Ashton Elementary!

— Julia Dobbert, 10

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Welcome to what is sure to be another wonderful year at Ashton Elementary School. As you well know, the combination of talented students and totally supportive parents and staff have created a phenomenal team atmosphere on our campus that produces both incredible citizens and remarkable academic achievement. Recognizing this track record of accomplishment, we need to be sure to take time to celebrate our students’ success and continue to embrace the spirit of continuous growth. Given this, a theme our staff will be focusing on this year is: “Connecting the Essential Pieces to Enhance Teaching & Learning,” using, high and clear expectations, relationship building, alignment and monitoring, continuous learning and celebration. Ashton Elementary is proud to represent the schools in Sarasota County and across Florida as a “State Recognized Model School” as noted by the Florida School Report, as well as a five-star, “A”-rated school of academic excellence. As a Community of Caring school, we embrace the characteristics of caring, trust, respect, responsibility and family. These distinguished achievements are a tribute to the incredible partnership that exists between the staff, students, parents and school business community. Together, everyone owns and celebrates in the school’s continued success. At Ashton, we reach for the stars every day. We’ll see you soon! — Christopher Renouf, principal

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NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

6 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

Youth of the Year As a child, Kevin Stalker always dreamed of getting away. He remembers the day the Department of Children and Families removed him from his home, separated him from his siblings and put him into foster care. In Massachusetts, he lived with relatives who abused him. His father died of a drug overdose, and his mother relapsed and was put in prison. He didn’t think he ever had a shot at living in a stable home. Today, the 18-year-old — who was adopted four years ago by his counselor at the Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club — has a different dream. “I see myself being the CEO of a Boys and Girls Club,” says Stalker, who was just named the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s State Youth of the Year and honorary Regional Youth of the Year. When Stalker became a member of the BGC at age 9, he had anger issues, a short temper and wouldn’t listen to anyone.

He bullied the other kids and used to cry himself to sleep at night. The BGC became the only place he could go to escape his troubles. “If I wasn’t adopted, I was going to be moved to an allboys home in Orlando,” Stalker said. “I beat a kid up that day over a chair, and my counselor, Melanie, took me to her office and I told her what was going on. She asked me if I would like to live with her. “The Boys and Girls Club, has been my life, and without it, I wouldn’t be who I am,” Stalker says. “It’s the place where I learned how to play football, that my education is really the driving force of anything I can do and that I have the opportunity to do amazing things.” This summer, Stalker was promoted to staff member and counselor; he now mentors his own group of kids. Stalker will enter his senior year at Booker High School this

Loren Mayo

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America recently named Kevin Stalker as its state youth of the year and honorary regional youth of the year. fall. He’s in the ROTC program, has served on the junior board and is a member of the Keystone Club, in addition to the varsity basketball and football teams. He plans on being the first person in his family to obtain a college degree. His latest passion is giving motivational speeches. To date, he’s given 12. Four more are planned in the near future. “I used to write my speeches, but now I just get up and talk,”

Stalker says. “When I write it, I read it and take my time. But when I talk, it comes from the heart.” Stalker is also passionate about the day he’ll start his own family. “I want to adopt at least two kids in foster care and have two of my own,” he says. “I love kids, and helping them is what I want to start out doing. It’s because I was adopted. It changes your life.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Just the facts Principal: Betsy Asheim Mascot: Manny the Manatee Colors: Blue and gray Open House: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 Projected Enrollment: 586 PTO President: Joel Freedman

A (2011-12)

BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

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NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome back the entire Bay Haven family for another spectacular year at the only Magnet Elementary program in Sarasota County. I work with a staff dedicated to ensure that every child is a winner, every day. How many jobs can you say that about? When you believe every child can be successful, the school day is full of possibilities. — Betsy Asheim, principal

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8 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

Just the facts Principal: John Weida

BRENTWOOD 2500 Vinson Ave. Sarasota • 361-6230 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/brentwood/

Mascot: Superstars Colors: Red, white and blue Open House: Aug. 16 Projected Enrollment: 632

PTO President: Donna Forway and Nick Mavrikas, bw_pto@sarasota. k12.fl.us

A (2011-12)

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: As principal, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to Brentwood Elementary School. Brentwood is the home of the “Superstars” and is an “A”-rated neighborhood school. Our success is the result of our hardworking students, staff, parents and community. We are a school community with a focus on academic excellence, character development, healthy living and community involvement. Here at Brentwood we have incorporated Thinking Maps in our learning; embraced the Community of Caring philosophy — to develop our character; sustained one of the largest run clubs in the county to promote a healthy lifestyle; and involved our community in multiple avenues through our PTO, which, by the way, was recognized this summer with the State of Florida Award for 2012 Parent Involvement, Innovative Project of the Year. We are so proud of all that we do here at Brentwood. Come by, say hello, and take a look! You just might be the next Superstar! — John Weida, principal

Why I love my school:

I love Brentwood because I think it is the best school in Sarasota. One of the things I like is math, because it is fun to learn. My favorite part is multiplication, because it is easy, like 12 x 12 = 144. I also like my principal and the assistant principal. They are very nice. They visit our classroom to see how we are doing. The teachers are really awesome and they are brilliant! P.E. is my favorite, we get to play sports. — Jimmy Forway, 9

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 9

EMMA E. BOOKER

NOTE FROM THE PTO:

ELEMENTARY

2350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota • 361-6480

www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/emmaebooker/

Principal: Dawn Clayton Mascot: Tornadoes Colors: Purple and yellow Open House: 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 Projected Enrollment: 500

C (2011-12)

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Welcome to the start of a new school year. I hope that the 20122013 school year finds your child and you healthy, happy and excited about another great year of learning at Emma E. Booker Elementary School. At Emma E. Booker, we believe in a strong curriculum and a safe and purposeful learning environment. We have high expectations for all students and want students to perform to their greatest abilities. We look forward to a wonderful year of great experiences!

— Dawn Clayton, principal

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Just the facts

Because we believe in the power of working hand-inhand with parents, we encourage each of you to get to know us personally, visit us at school and involve yourself in our activities. Many of you have volunteered your time and talents in the past, and you know how much we value your participation. If you are interested in volunteering, please call us at 361-6480.

Just the facts Principal: Dr. Laura Kingsley Mascot: Treasure chest School colors: Blue and white Date of open house or meet the teacher: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 Projected enrollment: 768 PTO President contact info: Fruitvillepto@gmail. com

A (2011-12)

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

FRUITVILLE ELEMENTARY School

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601 Honore Ave., Sarasota • 361-6200 • www.sarasotacountyschools.net/fruitville

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: I hope you all enjoyed a marvelous summer break filled with incredible memories of family fun! I can hardly wait to greet all of you (our children, their families and our incredible staff) and hear about your summer adventures and summer reading! What treasures await you this year at Fruitville? Will you earn your T-shirt for meeting your reading goals? Will you earn your math medal for learning your math facts? Will your class win our science challenge in the egg drop or bridge-building contest? Will you be honored at Student of the Month or Rewards and Recognition assemblies? What new friends

will you make this year? Will you get to climb on the new PlayWeb or work out on the new Total Body Fitness equipment? There are so many possibilities awaiting you at Fruitville, but one thing is for sure: We will all work hard together to make this year one filled with love and learning. — Dr. Laura Kingsley, principal

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Why I love my school: I like my teacher because she teaches me times and big reading words. When I am playing, when I fall down she asks, “Are you OK, Jaxson?” When we are working, if we don’t know a question, she comes and helps our class and me. Next year I am looking forward to learning multiplication and fast on facts. I also want to meet new friends and teachers. I am excited to play on the new playground. — Jaxson French, Third grade

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10 AUGUST 2012

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 11

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The Lovable Leader Three-year-old Kelsey Hernandez thinks the visitor at her door is there for playtime. Playtime with her chicken coop, playtime with her horse, Diva, and playtime with her bed full of stuffed animals and dolls. One bedroom tour, three hugs and one kiss later, she’s dancing in front of the television, bouncing up and down like a kangaroo to the movie “Rio.” Her mother, Ashley Hernandez, has curled up against a pillow on the sofa, hoping for a few uninterrupted minutes of adult chitchat. Hernandez, who at 26 years old still looks like she competes on a high school cheerleading squad, started teaching math classes four years ago at Sarasota High School. She had just married her husband, George, and after planning the wedding, she needed another project. “I got involved with student government just to be involved with prom because I love planning parties,” Hernandez says. “There were only about 20 or 30 kids when I took it over that year. The following year, there were 60 kids piled in my room.” Suffice it to say, the students flock to her. In addition to spearheading prom, she judges cheerleading tryouts and

attends every football and basketball game she can while juggling Kelsey and her 5-month-old sister, Khloe; her husband usually attends as well. “I was voted ‘most school spirited’ in high school,” Hernandez says. “I was cheer captain and really involved as a high schooler. I think that has something to do with my involvement as a teacher. I think the students can relate to me more because I’m younger, but I have to keep a good boundary and good guidelines, and they need to respect me as a teacher first. After that, they can be a friend.” Hernandez can be found at Friday morning pep rallies or hosting all-girl prom committee pizza parties at her house out in the country — just two more ways of getting to know her students. “The girls will show me their prom dress pictures and ask my opinion and then show me their shoes,” Hernandez says. “It was fun. I sold the prom tickets, and all of the dates would come and buy them together. My favorite part is checking them all in and complimenting them.” Hernandez also organizes the prom committee’s annual fundraiser, the powder puff football game.

Loren Mayo

Sarasota High School math teacher Ashley Hernandez, with her daughter, Kelsey, seems to do it all.

“This year, Kelsey was our powder puff mascot,” Hernandez says. “I love bringing her to games and showing her off. She’s my future little Sailor.”

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Practice like an Olympian! Go for your GOLD

12 AUGUST 2012 Just the facts

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

GOCIO ELEMENTARY School

‘‘

Principal: Dr. Pamela Buchanan

3450 Gocio Road, Sarasota • 361-6405 • www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/gocio

Mascot: Owl School colors: Red, white and royal blue

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

PTO President: Joelle Young, 3616405

B (2011-12)

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We have a special school because we do a Disney musical every year. We have done “101 Dalmations,” “Aristocats” and “Sleeping Beauty.” I have been in all of them! We also have a songand-dance group called G-Factor. We have at least five performances a year. That’s why I love my school! — Grace, fifth grade

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to have 100 of our students perform Disney’s “101 Dalmatian Kids.” We are proud of our partnerships with YEA Arts and Ringling School of Art, as well as the Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota Ballet. Unique to Gocio is our Go Getters after-school program. We offer homework time, arts and crafts, circus classes, bridge lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons, gardening experiences, computer classes, digital photography and more. Learning never stops at Gocio, just because the dismissal bell rings. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to our boys and girls at our meet-and-greet event Aug. 17. Until then, please continue to enjoy those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. — Dr. Pamela Buchanan, principal

‘‘

Meet the Teachers: 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17

We’re going for the gold this year at Gocio Elementary. With a talented faculty, eager students, supportive parents and a great community, we are on track this year as we promote an environment of academic excellence. For those new to our Gocio family, we have a talented faculty, small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology in every classroom. We offer each and every student rewarding learning experiences in the arts, in addition to our academic program. Gocio has received national recognition for its fine-arts programs. Last year, we integrated our fine-arts programs

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

ELEMENTARY School 6500 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota • 361-6400 www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/gulfgate

Just the facts Principal: Robin Magac Mascot: Tigers School colors: blue and white Projected enrollment: 756 Meet the teacher: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 PTA President: Corrie Scott, corinfl@hotmail.com

A (2011-12)

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year. Many diverse learning experiences are in place for your children this year. Our goal is to challenge your children intellectually, grow them socially and guide them toward independent thinking and problem solving. As we strive to promote healthy development in each student’s life, we also strive to develop a community of students of good character; students who make good choices resulting in successful and healthy outcomes. We encourage students to demonstrate the best of themselves every moment and to make positive contributions to our school. We strive to instill within our students a sense of personal pride as well as collective pride and love of and for our school. — Robin Magac, principal

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14 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The Camp Counselor When Jason Miller was a kid, he kept jars of pond scum in his bedroom. He would take an empty gallon-sized pickle jar, scoop up the water, mud and muck, screw the lid on tightly, put it on the windowsill and watch it. He loved seeing the snails and tiny microorganisms swimming around inside the jar. “My mom was very agreeable to allowing me to have jars of pond scum in my bedroom,” Miller says. “I had mice and lizards and aquarium tanks filled with beautiful, gorgeous pond fish — and still do.” Miller never sought to be a teacher. He always thought he’d become a park ranger. After he graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in science and biology, he took a job in the Florida Keys with the Marine Resources Development Foundation as a boat captain, marine ecology instructor and snorkel and scuba guide. He remembers working intense 80-hour weeks at age 24 until he met his wife — a teacher. “I took school groups out and loved being with the kids,” Miller says. “It was just fun. When I met Jennifer, I thought, ‘If you’re teaching, I’ll do it, too.’” Miller moved in 2000 to Sarasota and has been a classroom teacher ever since. This

will be his fifth year teaching science — so far, he’s taught anatomy, physiology and chemistry and will teach biology, marine science and eighth-grade life science next year — at Pine View School. Typically, when school lets out for the summer, most teachers immediately start soaking up their twomonth break. But not Miller. He’d much prefer to wrangle boys, girls, snakes and alligators deep down in the heart of the jungle. Jungle Gardens, that is. “The whole idea of two months with nothing to do every day — I get bored just thinking about it,” Miller says. “I came to Jungle Gardens looking for a job and wanted to work with animals. They suggested I work with the summer camp, and I was like ‘No, I’d rather shovel poop.’ This is my third year doing summer camp … ” Unlike the structured and regimented 52-minute class periods at Pine View, Miller and the kids are on their own time out in the jungle. Most animals at Jungle Gardens are docile enough to be handled. Snakes — even monstrous ones such as the 11-footlong albino Burmese python — tarantulas, baby alligators, parrots and flamingos, can all be held by the kids. His favorite part of being a camp counselor is the Friday show.

Loren Mayo

Pine View science teacher Jason Miller spends his summers as a Jungle Gardens camp counselor.

“That’s when parents come to camp and the kids get to share everything they’ve learned and their favorite animal of the week,” Miller says. “It’s fun seeing the little kids excited to share with mom and dad. They pick up their animal, hold it and talk into the microphone. It’s really cute because they get to be little zookeepers.”

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LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY School

AUGUST 2012 15

Dr. M&M’s

7299 Proctor Road, Sarasota • 361-6571 www.sarasotacountyschools.net/lakeview

Mascot : Lancers School colors: Blue and silver Projected enrollment: 622 Meet the teacher: 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 PTO President: Page Ligon, jeffpage2@verizon. net

A (2011-12)

I have missed you so much this summer! I hope you spent the past two months learning new things, reading great books and having lots of fun with your family and friends! I am really looking forward to hearing all about your summer adventures! Your teacher is very excited to meet you at our Meet Your Teacher Day. The first day of school is Monday, August 20. Starting day one, be sure to come to school on time and be ready to learn. This school year will be your very best yet. Let’s get started, Lancers! — Joan Bower, principal

‘‘

Why I love my school:

There are three reasons why I love Lakeview: the staff, Lancer Loot and Field Day. Mrs. Weber was my thirdgrade teacher. She has a great sense of humor. Coach Hoskins is also really nice and fun. She teaches P.E. and finds each person’s strength. I like Lancer Loot because it rewards us for following the school-wide expectations. Although I love to read and do math, Field Day gives us a break from school to do fun activities with our friends. — Ethan Hritz, fourth grade

Ages 1-18...

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3103 Fruitville Rd.

(across from Robart’s Area) 87839

Principal: Joan Bower

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

‘‘

Just the facts

Principal: Allison S. Foster Mascot: Falcons School colors: Royal blue and white Projected enrollment: 675 to 700 Meet the teacher: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 Open House: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 (Kindergarten to first grade); 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19 (second to third grade); 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 (fourth to fifth grade) PTO President: Lona Voigt, 266-1520, lonavoigt@verizon.net

A (2011-12)

PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY School

www. sarasotacountyschools.net/schools /phillippi

4747 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 361-6424

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: The 2011-2012 year was an outstanding one at Phillippi. Our school continues to soar “Up and Beyond,” which is reflected in the accomplishments and achievements of our students. Phillippi, once again, earned an “A” from the Florida Department of Education. This year, Phillippi will continue to offer a rigorous academic program and to develop knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded and well-balanced students, through the International Baccalaureate program. The 2012-2013 year will be an exciting one at Phillippi. We have many wonderful school-wide events planned, including Pumpkin Night, Storybook Night, the Spring Fling and more. I want to invite everyone in the community to one of our biggest annual events, the Phillippi 7K and 1-mile Fun Run Oct. 13. I am excited to start the year and to see all our Phillippi Falcons at Meet Your Teacher from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. — Allison Foster, principal

Girl Scouts!

Visit our website

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87171

Just the facts

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

87807

16 AUGUST 2012

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 17

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

Fashion Police

Jordon Stone never had much of an interest in fashion. He was a self-proclaimed dirty punk-rock kid who sported a green mohawk and plaid pants. He did, however, pay attention to style. With one naturally leading to the other, he learned he had a knack for both. Stone will enter his senior year this fall at Ringling College of Art and Design and will graduate with a degree in the business of art and design. This summer, the 21-yearold is participating in his first internship at Madwood Media in New York. He’s cruising the busy streets, covering popup shops — polka dots are in at Louis Vuitton, and Sorrelli Jewelry has partnered with Pink Berry to create an ice-creamcolored palette — and blogging about men’s fashion. Given his passion for public relations, social media and fashion, there are many avenues he could travel with his plotted career. “I think that the definition of the major is so broad,” Stone says. “I parlay knowledge into the business field with a side of art. It’s different than most other majors. Illustrators — whatever they’re doing, they’re still drawing and creating. For me, I have to have a background in accounting and financing and PR. It’s such a wide area that we can go into with our degree.” His dream job is to work

Fashion tips • “Linen and seersucker are the best things to wear. It’ll be worth every penny immediately.” • “All men should learn their actual sizes. I don’t know how many times I run into a guy wearing a 42 long … ” • “Flats or wedges are where it’s at for girls. Studs all over everything — it brings a little bit of punk rock spice to an otherwise conservative shirt or a flat.”

Suncoast School Suncoast for Suncoast School School for for Innovative Innovative Studies Innovative Studies Studies

Courtesy photo

By day, Jordon Stone is a college student. By night, he’s a men’s fashion blogger.

as an image consultant for politicians. “I’ve never heard of anybody else doing it, which gives me hope for it, actually,” Stone says. “The idea of doing it solely for politicians comes from the movie ‘The Ides of March’ with (actor) Ryan Gosling. He plays a campaign manager. I don’t want to maintain their schedule or write their speeches. I just want to make sure their image is up to par.” His first pick? The president, himself. “I saw an image of Barack Obama wearing double-pleated khakis the other day, and it hurt my heart because I’m a fan of Obama but not of double pleated khakis,” Stone says. “Flat-fronts are the way of the future. If you want real change, it will always be flat-fronts.” When asked to describe himself in three words, this fashionisto’s first response was “stylish, modern and worldly.” On second thought, he came up with “always neatly collected.” Both seem plausible. “My whole life is a mixture of vintage and modern,” Stone says. “In my apartment, I have a record player that can convert records into MP3s. It’s vintage, but so futuristic and modern. I’m a mix of two worlds, and that’s my style.”

School Free School of Freefree School of Choice Choice -No of choIce no No Tuition Tuition Free School of tuItIon Choice No Tuition VPK Through 8th GRADE VPK Through 8th GRADE th

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• Creative Arts • Student Government • School Uniforms • Differentiated Learning • Focus/Fair/FCAT Testing • Sports Programs • Interactive Classroom Technology • Free Summer Breakfast / Lunch Program

Elementary Campus: 845 South School Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34237 office: 941-953-4433 • fax: 941-953-4435 Middle School Campus: 1300 South Tuttle Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34239 office: 941-952-5277 • fax: 941-952-5087 www.suncoastschool.org

87242

18 AUGUST 2012 Just the facts

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY School

‘‘

Principal: Steve E. Dragon

1901 Webber St., Sarasota • 361-6420 • www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/southside

Mascot: Panthers School colors: Blue and white

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Meet the teacher: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 PTA President: Paula Ippolito, Pippolito2@ verizon.net

A (2011-12)

Why I love my school: Southside is a special school to me. We are lucky to have kind teachers, staff and students. Our principal, Mr. Dragon, has brought drama, dance and violin classes to our arts program. Last spring, Southside put on an amazing production of the “Aristocats” musical. I enjoy our events like jog-a-thon, Celebrate Learning, and Movie Night. I’ve had five awesome years here and I know next year will be great, too! — Olivia Schwartz, fifth grade

‘‘

Projected enrollment: 719

Welcome to the start of the 2012-13 school year at Southside! This is my 30th year in this rewarding profession, and I’m as excited to start this year as I was in 1983, teaching fifth grade at Southside. Thanks to our PTA and The Southside Foundation, we’ll continue to bring you all the arts (dance, drama, music and visual art) along with science and P.E. on the specials wheel. After school clubs will be in full force, once again, with some of your favorites and some new and exciting offerings. Enjoy the last few days away from school, and I look forward to seeing you from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at our annual Meet Your Teacher event. See you soon! — Steve E. Dragon, principal

Join us at St. Boniface this year, where a love for learning begins Saint Boniface Preschool Welcomes Preschool Director

87838

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Psychology from the University of South Florida in 2005, and a certificate in Non-Profit Management in 2011. She has over 12 years of experience working with children and families in Sarasota County. Sarah’s professional experience includes working as a Preschool Teacher, Parenting Educator, and NonProfit Administrator. Sarah has successfully led a teaching team through several quality accreditations, demonstrating her knowledge of, and commitment to quality early child education programs. With the strong belief that families create the foundation of community, Sarah partners with teachers and families to ensure that every family has access to information and programs that will strengthen not only their child’s early learning experiences, but the family as a whole. As a native of Sarasota, Sarah has a strong knowledge of Siesta Key and the surrounding community. Sarah is excited to work with the dynamic teaching team at The Preschool of St. Boniface Church, and is delighted to be a member of the St. Boniface Family.

We welcome 15 month to 5-year olds, and have full and half day programs. VPK and sibling discounts offer affordable, quality early learning experiences. Call today to schedule a tour. 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, Fl

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AUGUST 2012 19

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Just the facts Principal: Eric Jackson

4100 Tatum Ridge Road Sarasota • 316-8188

ELEMENTARY School

www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/tatumridge

Mascot: Eagles Colors: Yellow and teal Open House: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 16 Projected Enrollment: 705 PTO President: Nikki Wolf, wolffamily@hotmail. com; Christine Zilleckis, zilleckis2@ hotmail.com

A (2011-12)

TATUM Ridge NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

It is with great pleasure that I welcome students and parents/guardians to the 20122013 school year at Tatum Ridge Elementary School. We are highly committed to ensuring that our students experience a caring and supportive school environment. Our faculty and staff have been hard at work this summer in preparation of your arrival. It is our collective mission to provide meaningfully challenging, learning experiences that are active, engaging and fun. We will work closely together to support their educational experiences and growth. Our staff wishes you a wonderful start to the new school year. I am looking forward to my experience at Tatum Ridge Elementary School and working with you and your children. On behalf of the Tatum Ridge team, — Eric Jackson, principal

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20 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

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Principal: Kristine Lawrence 2011-12 FCAT Grade: B

Address: 3636 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota Phone: 361-6472 Website: sarasotacountyschools. net/schools/brookside Orientation: 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 16 (sixthgrade parents); Back to Brookside: 1 to 3 p.m. Aug 16 (seventh- and eighth-graders) Open House: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4

Address: 4826 Ashton Road, Sarasota Phone: 361-6464 Website: sarasotacountyschools. net/schools/sarasotamiddle Back-to-School Days: 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 14 (eighth-graders); 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 (seventhgraders); 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 (sixth-graders) Principal: Karen Rose 2011-12 FCAT Grade: A

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 21

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The Performer

They call her the bubblygoth-opera-diva. Natalie Almeter has just returned from Minnesota, where she spent the past two weeks with 34 other members of the National Catholic Youth Choir. It was the longest time that the 17-year old, who will be a senior at Cardinal Mooney High School this fall, has ever spent away from home. Many times during her stay, she caught herself pausing to take in the sight of monks wandering around the old ivy-covered brick buildings in their black robes. She relished evening prayer, when everyone sang together. “It just really kept you in the religious theme,” says Almeter, who spends much of her time at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Bradenton. “We went to Mass twice a week and the songs and harmonics we would sing and the ways it would echo off the walls of the churches — sometimes it made me cry because it was so powerful. The ‘Song of Triumph’ was really high and the sound we would all create as a group was really cool and fun to be part of.” Almeter has been singing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she was an expert Disney movie and soundtrack singer. Over the years, her repertoire transitioned into “Phantom of the Opera.” Almeter says that when you’re that young, hitting the high notes is a piece of cake.

Loren Mayo

Natalie Almeter found her voice at the National Catholic Youth Choir invitational.

“I was Oliver in ‘Oliver,’” Almeter says. “My first big role was Snoopy in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.’ That one was fun. I’m always strange (parts in productions). I feel like I can get more into character, the farther away from myself that I am.” Which brings us back to the recent bubbly-goth-operadiva nickname. “For NCYC, they make up award names for each of us,” Almeter says. “It was really cold up there in Minnesota, and all my cold-weather clothing is black. I do sing with the Sarasota Youth Opera. “I’m quite a bubbly and cheery person, and the diva part, I guess, would come from my silliness and wacky personality.”

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22 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The New Man on Campus The new New College president has his own ivory tower at New College that looks out over the bay. If you want to visit Don O’Shea, a charming gray-haired Canadian who refers to mathematics as “dreamy,” it takes climbing three flights of stairs — 43 total. Inside the tower, O’Shea is standing next to his desk, wrestling with his suit jacket and adjusting his tie. He hates suits and ties and says Florida seems to be dressier than he originally thought. But as college president, O’Shea probably can’t get away with fashions as casual as the get-ups he donned in college. Speaking of college, O’Shea happily agreed to a Q&A about himself and to dish out advice. What were you like in your youth? As a kid, I loved math and I loved science. I thought about biochemistry but hated the

labs. It wasn’t just a casual hate. I had worked in a cancer clinic over the school year and stuck labels on the containers that went into deep freeze. All the labels fell off. It was months of work. Math was a much better choice.

Other thoughts about math? It is the dreamiest field that’s going. Everybody thinks it’s so precise; everything’s got a right answer. Things have precise definitions but then they allow you to dream.

What makes you tick? My kids, my grandchildren, my wife — Mary — and numbers. I love numbers and geometry; I love mathematics. I love the academy. Colleges are just so interesting. Being the president and dean at a liberal-arts college is fantastic.

What were you like in college? It was 1970 when I applied to college. The country was in turmoil over the war in Vietnam. I had come to the states and applied to five or six colleges and went to visit them. I got a soccer scholarship to the University of Chicago, but when I went to visit, there was a bullet hole in the dorm window from the Democratic convention. I sort of more or less flipped a coin at the end and wound up at Harvard.

When you were younger, did you ever think you’d be a college president? “Never in a million years. In fact, I would have fled. Just the idea of being in a tie or coat … I never saw myself in administration. I love mathematics. I can think about it 14, 16, 18 hours a day. It drives my wife nuts.”

If you could go to college all over again: I would spend more time

Loren Mayo

New College President Don O’Shea loves math and science. working collaboratively with others, talking about things over dinner. It would have been more fun to do homework together. If you could only take three things with you to college: Laptop, change of clothes and the travel toothbrush-

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE toothpaste-mouthwash kit. Are shower shoes mandatory in college? Oh no. On the other hand, maybe. I haven’t been into some Floridian showers. You don’t need ’em at New College — we don’t have industrial showers here. I did stay in a frat (house) at UCLA, one time, and not only did you need shower shoes, but also body armor. They had a series of parties and you’d stick to the floor … What assigned reading did you love/hate? I almost always hated assigned reading just because I hated being assigned reading. Some of the books I got to like long after, like Marcel Proust, but I resented being told to read something. If you have a long novel, it’s so much more enjoyable to read it on your own. What tips can you offer to students beginning their college career? Each semester you’re in, you probably should think

AUGUST 2012 23

about identifying one faculty or staff member to write you a recommendation letter. Go see other institutions where you are and have a coffee. I only saw them at night when I went to a party. You might want to take a class at another place, and that’s a good thing. Students here should go look at Ringling and USF Sarasota-Manatee just to meet others off campus — campus can be such a bubble. I never made good use of career services. Students ought to do that right away when they come in. I know, you think, ‘Ugh, how boring.’ But it’s surprising how many kids never go to career services until their senior year. It’s worth thinking about studying abroad as soon as you get in. It’s something you should plan for early. People who do it say it’s changed their lives. Stay in touch with your high school friends and other friends outside of college. People go into college so worried about getting a job. Enjoy it!

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24 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

The out-of-door academy

444 Reid St., Siesta Key 349-3223 • www.oda.edu

Mascot: Thunder Colors: Navy blue and white New Parent Reception: 4:30 p.m. Aug. 19 Open House: 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 21 Projected Enrollment: 640 PTO President: Valerie Leatherwood, vleatherwood@ gmail.com

2012-2013 will be a busy and exciting year at Out-of-Door. We will open the doors with the highest enrollment ever, at more than 640 students. We will continue to enrich the academic program with the utilization of iPad technology on both campuses and better meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Finally, we will welcome our sixth-graders to our middle school at Out-of-Door, which will feature a customized program, including a unique curriculum and extracurricular activities designed to meet the specific needs of early adolescent children. — David Mahler, head of school

‘‘

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NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

‘‘

Just the facts

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 25

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

The retiree

Loren Mayo

Sarasota Middle School history teacher Jan Ehart will retire after more than 30 years.

The wedding took place during a different kind of camp that Ehart started at SMS and spearheaded for 13 years: Civil War Camp Day. “I have more than 1,000 Civil War books,” Ehart says. “Hunsader Farms used to have these Civil War re-enactings. I thought, ‘Why can’t I do this with my students?’” Prior to every camp, Ehart would stay after school twice a week for six weeks and sew vintage-style bustle dresses and traditional military uniforms with the students, each of whom had an authentic Civil War job, whether it be photographers, restaurateurs or running the Noell House Underground Railroad. Ehart plans to write a book, “Paul Revere’s Pineapple,” which will tell her favorite memories and stories from teaching. “I once asked the students on a test to tell me where Paul Revere was going and what he was doing,” Ehart says. “One student said he was going to Pennsylvania to get a pineapple. There were times when I’ve excused myself and would leave the room and just laugh.”

87201

Grandma camp. Those two words might conjure up the image of little old ladies sitting around a card table playing bridge. Or maybe grandmas baking cookies together in matching aprons. But neither of those activities takes place at Jan Ehart’s grandma camp. This grandma engages in Nerf gun wars with her grandsons. “There are bullets in every part of my house — about 20 up in the skylight,” Ehart says. “Sometimes we have to go around and pick up bullets and reload. That’s how many we go through.” Ehart even built her grandsons a headquarters unit in the backyard, just in case of enemy attacks. “My grandsons will be able to grow up one day and say, ‘Yeah, I got to shoot my grandma with a Nerf gun,’” Ehart says with a bit of a chuckle. This fall, the Nerf gun queen will retire after 33 years as a teacher, almost 25 of which she spent teaching history at Sarasota Middle School. “The days of just a piece of paper, a blackboard and a pen are gone,” Ehart says. “Technology has become important for many reasons, but I’m an old-timer. The younger teachers are born with an iPad in their hand, and for those of us who have been teaching a long time, it’s a constant struggle.” Three years ago, Ehart married her husband, Charlie Brown, on campus in front of all of her students. The couple used 1863 wedding vows from the English Book of Common Prayer, and hired re-enactors who were authentic — right down to their shoelaces. “All of the students dressed in Civil War clothes,” Ehart says. “We had a great big tent and the Curry twins (Cameron and Michael) made our cake. Charlie’s best man was Sgt. Ray Eanes, head of the artillery unit, and had a Civil War pistol pointed at my husband’s back the whole time — I wondered why the kids were laughing!”

Principal: Dr. Tom Buchanan Mascot: Turtles Colors: Green and white Meet the Teacher: 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 Projected Enrollment: 665 PTO contact information: 361-6433

B (2011-12)

TUTTLE ELEMENTARY School

2863 Eighth St., Sarasota • 361-6433 • www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/tuttle

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: The 2012-2013 school year will embrace a new theme that has been developed by both parents and staff. Our new school theme is “Building Better Futures.” This theme is especially timely in light of our present economy. I have found that most parents want what is best for their children, and we are dedicated to providing all of our students with a quality education. By preparing our students well for the future, our goal is to give them the skills and work habits needed to be successful and competitive later in life. Our school is known for its hardworking staff and our sense of community. Staff and

students demonstrate a passion for learning and take pride in our school. Although we have been successful in the past, new curriculum standards and test requirements present even greater challenges ahead. This will require an even greater partnership with our families. With parents supporting our teachers at home, using the same shared goals and priorities, our students will be able to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them. All we can ever ask of our students is that they give their best effort in all that they do. With hard work and regular school attendance, we are confident that our students will have better futures. Tuttle Elementary School welcomes parent involvement and volunteers. Anyone interested can call 316-8261 to find out more. With warm regards, — Thomas W. Buchanan, Ed.D., principal

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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

87921

26 AUGUST 2012

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Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota Phone: 923-1484 Website: sarasotacountyschools.net/ schools/riverview Principal: Linda Nook Make-up Orientation: 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 16 Open House: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 5 2011-12 FCAT Grade: TBA

Suncoast Polytechnical High

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and world communities. • Before and Counselor After School Care • Guidance Gifts can be made over•aField period of/•time, can Trips Choirand • Chaplain • Resource Intervention Program sAvE thE DAtEs ACCrEDitAtiOn St. Martha CatholiC SChool • Hot Lunch • Community Outreach be made via cash, check or MC/Visa. • Licensed RN and Health Clinic September 24, 2011 Interactive Dinner 4380 Fruitville Sarasota, FL 34232 Saint Road, Martha isIn fully • Guidance Counselor partnership with Jesus Christ and the January 29, 2012 School Open House • Knightly News Newspaper Come Experience the Difference of a Catholic Education Saint Martha is fully accredited by the t h a o accredited by the Florida C • Resource / Intervention Program St. Martha Catholic School l www.stmarthaschool.net a ic teachings of the Catholic Church, the31, March 2012 - Cajun Crawfish ForFestival more i th is based Florida Catholic Conference. We areHealth • Licensed RN and Clinic Catholic Conference. 8thRoad, grade tholic School ~ 3 years through May ~ 12, 2012 Golf Tournament 4380 Fruitville Sarasota, FL -34232 Martha Ca St.941.953.4181 mission ofYouSt. Martha Catholic School le us to ab Helped us Raise $7 Million Dollars for Phase I en l also a member of the National Catholic • Knightly News Newspaper wil The vision of We are also t a member enjoy plan tha our strategic St. Martha 45,000 sq. ft. campus located on 17 Acres at the corner of Fruitville Road and McIntosh is provide each student with diverse ups to groto outlined in Education Association sAVE tHE DAtEs -economic catholic Road, completed in 2001, of thecioNational on the goals consisting of four dome shaped buildings and one great hall from all so nts de stu CatholiC SChool Dome 1 houses the Offices, Chapel and Middle SchoolCouncil Classrooms for St. Martha opportunities which develop strength in - Coastal Flair Interactive Dinner and National October 6, 2012 . invite more on ati Education Association uc Dome 2 contains the St. Martha classrooms of Jr. Kindergarten through 3rd grade oCatholic ed a a of p c 4380 Fruitville Road, Teachers of Ne Dome 3 is excellence utilized byof Dreams Are Free School with special learning needs23, faith, and infor children knowledge and the benefits March 2013 - 2nd Annual Crawfish Festival v i n s Aand National Council of Dome 4 holds the Cafeteria, Art, Music, Spanish, Science, and Social Studies classrooms Sarasota,learning. FL 34232 St. AnneStudents Mathematics. May 4,and 2013 - 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Hall connects the four domes and currently serves as the main throughway build character through

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Address: 1 Python Path, Osprey Phone: 486-2001 Website: sarasota.k12.fl.us/pvs Principal: Steve Largo Open House: Aug. 30 2011-12 FCAT Grade: TBA

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Pine View School

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Gifts

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member of the National Catholic Education 4380 Fruitville Road, October 6, 2012 - Coastal Flair Interactive Dinner Sarasota, FL 34232 Association National of Festival March 23, 2012and - 2nd AnnualCouncil Crawfish Teachers of Mathematics. www.stmarthaschool.net May 4, 2012 - 3rd Annual Golf Tournament

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www.stmarthaschool.net www.stmarthaschool.net • 941.953.4181 You Helped us Raise $7 Million Dollars for Phase I

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completed in 2001, consisting of four dome shaped buildings and one great hall Our MissiOn Saint Road, Martha is fully accreditedACADEMiCs by Martha the St. Dome 1 houses the Offices, Chapel and Middle School Classrooms for St. Martha Bi

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941.953.4181 Helped us Raise $ Strength in Faith | Excellence in Knowledge | Character inYou Service 45,000 sq. ft. campus located on 17 Acres at the corner of Fruitville Road and McIntosh Road, completed in 2001, consisting of four dome shaped buildings and one great hall Dome 1 houses the Offices, Chapel and Middle School Classrooms for St. Martha Dome 2 contains the St. Martha classrooms of Jr. Kindergarten through 3rd grade Dome 3 is utilized by Dreams Are Free School for children with special learning needs Dome 4 holds the Cafeteria, Art, Music, Spanish, Science, and Social Studies classrooms St. Anne Hall connects the four domes and currently serves as the main throughway and multi-purpose room for all school Masses, Physical Education classes, After School Activities, Book and Science Fairs, Assemblies, Ceremonies, and Special Events St. Martha School has 450 students and 50+ faculty/staff

45,000 sq. ft. campus located on 17 A Road, completed in 2001, consisting o Dome 1 houses the Offices, Chapel an Dome 2 contains the St. Martha classr Dome 3 is utilized by Dreams Are Free

Strength in Faith | Excellence in with two homerooms at each grade level from JK to 8th Dreams Are Free School has 50 students and 10+ staff

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

SARASOTA alternative SCHOOLS The Achievement Center Address: 1999 Lincoln Drive, Sarasota Phone: 365-3330 Website: achieve-center.com/ Grades: 1 to 12 Agape Christian School Address: 150 N. Shade Ave., Sarasota Phone: 894-3053 Website: agapechristianschoolsarasota.org Principal: Cindy Showalter Grades: K to 12 Brickhouse Academy Address: 3552 Webber St., Sarasota Phone: 924-7681 Website: brickhouse-academy.com Principal: Allison Detra Grades: K to 12 Cardinal Mooney High School Address: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4917 Website: cmhs-sarasota.org Principal: Steve Christie Grades: 9 to 12 Dreams are Free Catholic School Address: 4380 Fruitville Road Phone: 366-4010 Website: dreamsarefree.org

Principal: Ms. Rebecca Shields Grades: K to 8 Julie Rohr Academy Address: 4466 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4979 Website: julierohracademy.com Director: Julie Rohr McHugh Grades: Preschool to 8 The Prew Academy Address: 5020 Fielding Lane, Sarasota Phone: 921-7739 Website: prew.org Principal: Mary Eisenbise Grades: 6 to 12 St. Martha Catholic School Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 953-4181 Website: stmarthaschool.net Principal: Siobhan M. Young Grades: Pre-K to 8 Sarasota Christian School Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota Phone: 371-6481 Website: sarasotachristian.org Superintendent: Jeffrey Shank Grades: Pre-K to 12 Sonhaven Preparatory Academy Address: 3560 Bee Ridge Road,

Temple Beth Sholom Schools Address: 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota Phone: 954-2027 (Preschool) or 552-2770 (Goldie Feldman Academy) Website: tbsschools.org Director: Kavita Vasil Grades: Preschool to eighth grade West Florida Christian School Address: 4311 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota Phone: 921-6311 Website: tbcsarasota.org Pastor/School Administrator: Rick McGowan Grades: K to 12

CHARTER SCHOOLS Imagine School at Palmer Ranch Address: 6220 McIntosh Road, Sarasota Phone: 923-1125 Website: imagineschoolspalmerranch.com Principal: Alisa Wright Meet and Greet: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15 (preschool); 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 (middle); 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 (elementary) 2011-12 FCAT Grade: A

Sarasota Military Academy Address: 801 Orange Ave., Sarasota Phone: 926-1700 Website: sarasotamilitaryacademy. com Headmaster: Daniel Kennedy Parent and Student Orientation Day: 8 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 17 2011-12 FCAT Grade: TBA Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences Address: 645 Central Ave., Sarasota Phone: 330-1855 Website: ssas.org Principal: Tara Tahmosh Schedule pick-up: 8:30 a.m. (eighth grade) 10:45 a.m (seventh grade) 1:30 p.m. (sixth grade) Aug. 14 2011-12 FCAT Grade: A Sarasota Suncoast Academy Address: 8084 Hawkins Road, Sarasota Phone: 924-4242 Website: sarasotacountyschools.net/ suncoast Principal: Steve Crump Back-to-School Night: 6 p.m. Aug. 16 2011-12 FCAT Grade: A Suncoast School for Innovative Studies Address: 845 S. School Ave. (elementary campus); 1300 S. Tuttle Ave. (middle school campus), Sarasota Phone: 953-4433 (elementary), 9525277 (middle) Website: suncoastschool.org Executive Director: Stephen Evans 2011-12 FCAT Grade: B

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SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Just the facts

WILKINSON ELEMENTARY School www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/wilkinson

Principal: Ruth Thomas

3400 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota • 361-6477

Mascot: Wildcats School colors: Green and white

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Projected enrollment: 488 Meet the teacher: 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16

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In just a few days, Wilkinson will once again open its doors to welcome approximately 500 students back to school. I am delighted to know that yours will be among them. On behalf of all Wilkinson Elementary School employees, I want to extend a warm welcome back to school. Parents are an important part of our school community and contribute mightily to our success. I hope this is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about our educational program and your child’s progress. In addition to making sure that everything is ready for your child, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, we will hold our annual Meet Your Teacher Day. The first day of school is Aug. 20. I look forward to seeing you soon! — Ruth Thomas, principal

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AUGUST 2012 29

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30 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

Sarasota, where she worked as the executive chef of Veggie Magic and then Lonjevity and was headed toward working for Kellog’s, until she met and married her husband, Ryan. She refocused, became a dietician and found a position as a nutrition educator and chef with Sarasota District Schools. “I never knew it was an option, but it’s really awesome and goes back to my time as a fifth grader and trying to create things I can eat,” says, Zahniser, who tells everyone to refer to her as “Chef A” because her first and last name are difficult to pronounce. “I work closely with Beverly Girard, a foodie who believes in feeding kids the foods they like and what they find appealing, not just nutrients because the government says so,” Zahniser says. Together Girard, district director of food and

87965

In fifth grade, Adriel Zahniser began dancing with the Sarasota Ballet. Told to focus on her diet and food intake, Zahniser would sneak into the kitchen after her parents cooked dinner, experiment with the ingredients and recreate the dishes so that she could eat them and still have an acceptable figure. By the time she entered Booker High School, Zahniser already knew what she wanted to do. “I majored in culinary arts and nutrition and dietetics as a combined degree at Johnson and Wales University,” Zahniser says. “I left the day after I graduated and worked at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.” There, she worked 16-hour catering days for one month, making everything from pastries to dinner entrées. She continued to travel and eventually circled back to

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nutrition services, and Zahniser emphasize the culinary arts within the school lunch program, reformulating their own recipes to meet government standards and regulations. Zahniser teaches three sessions throughout the entire district, 39 schools, not including charters, on basic nutrition, food groups and how to make healthy eating choices. If students have specific allergies or need to adhere to a certain diet, she creates menus tailored to those students. “Lots of dieticians, they just know what you’re supposed to eat,” she says. “The chef background is great for how to make the food. I use sensory explanations and cooking demonstrations with the kids, having them taste the food.” Zahniser also teaches evening and weekend classes at Viking Culinary Center. Courtesy photo “I go from little kids during the day to big kids at night,” To her students, their parents and the attendees of her culinary classes, Adriel she says. “It gives me my Zahniser is “Chef A.” culinary fix.”

SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2012 31

SUMMER IS DONE TIME FOR FUN REGISTER FOR FALL YOUTH SPORTS

The most important reason youngsters gave for playing sports was the same: to have fun. That was the top response from football and basketball players, from boys and from girls, and from players in each grade from fourth to eighth. In the basketball survey, 95% of boys and 98% of girls cited fun as a reason for playing, nearly twice the number who mentioned winning. _NYT 2010 FLAG FOOTBALL MANDATORY PARENTS/COACHES AUGUST 28_6:00PM TACKLE FOOTBALL SIGN UPS NOW GOING ON FOR AGES 7-14 OUTDOOR SOCCER MANDATORY PARENTS/COACHES AUGUST 29_6:15PM ESJ BASKETBALL MANDATORY PARENTS/COACHES SEPTEMBER 12_6:30PM ESJ LIL ROOKIES MANDATORY PARENTS/COACHES SEPTEMBER 5_6:30PM BERLIN VOLUNTEER COACH POSITIONS AVAILABLE CONTACT KENNY FOR MORE INFORMATION 941.955.8194 X139 KEVANS@THESARASOTAY.ORG

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32 AUGUST 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ SARASOTA OBSERVER/PELICAN PRESS

t r a t S t r ! r a e Y A Sma l o o h c S w e to the N Back-to-School & Sports Physical Exams l Convenient locations & hours l Accepting new patients l Most insurance plans accepted l Same day appointments often available l

Brian Donovan, M.D.

Michael McBride, M.D.

Sy Rabins, D.O.

Randy Powell, M.D.

Diego Ramos, M.D.

Peter Quarles, M.D.

Philip Rubin, M.D.

Beneva Family Practice Office 921 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL

Your Neighborhood, Board Certified, Family Practice Physicians

87589

941-365-7390