East back to school

Observer EAST COUNTY

BACK TO

SCHOOL

2013

2 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

A MESSAGE FROM:

3

Let the learning begin

Managing Editor Pam Eubanks As a child, I remember staring through my classroom window at a blue expansive sky and desperately wishing for summer vaca-

tion to begin.

But, within a few weeks, I was eager to get back to the classroom.

And, I’ve had that itch for months now.

We, at the East County Observer, love covering our schools. They truly are great, and we love showcasing what our teachers, students and Parent Teacher Organizations are doing.

Our cameras click furiously, as our students tape their principals to cafeteria walls or cover their teachers in Silly String, as

a reward for great fundraising efforts.

We record school dances, assemblies and other special events.

We even get to meet a few new principals, albeit their tenure typically is short-lived, because they are students “filling in” for the day.

Fortunately, all those festivities begin in just a few weeks.

Even though the summer has flown by quickly, the days leading up to the Aug. 19 start of school will leave me with thumbs twiddling and my camera packed and ready to go.

It’s true the Manatee County School District has faced significant financial and other challenges in the last year, in particular, but our school leaders and teachers have stepped up in the face of adversity and continued to provide our children and youth with a solid education.

We are confident their hard work will continue into the

2013-2014 school year, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

And, to help kick off our school season, the East County Observer has prepared its annual Back to School guide.

In the following pages, you will find a plethora of information, including open-house dates, school-contact information and more, to prepare you for the academic year ahead.

You also will hear from our new superintendent, Rick Mills, and read stories showcasing the many talents of our students and school faculty and staff.

We hope this guide proves to be a resource for you, our East County parents, and helps calm that frantic feeling you may experience as you mark off school lists, hunt for clothes and handle other details that must be completed before Aug. 19.

And, so, with that, I say, let the school days begin!

District brings back modified earlyrelease schedule The Manatee County School District will bring back earlyrelease Wednesdays, but on a modified schedule.

Schools will be released early the first Wednesday of each month, except in January and April, instead of every Wednesday, like in years past.

Dismissal times on earlyrelease days will be: 1:15 p.m. for elementary schools; 2:10 p.m. for middle schools; and 12:30 p.m. for high schools.

School district officials say the change will provide extra time for teachers to participate in workshops and training for the Common Core curriculum.

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4 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

A MESSAGE FROM:

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SUPERINTENDENT

RICK MILLS

Y DASH PROGRAM Y DASH is a youth development program that increases Development Assets, Fosters Academic Achievement, Teaches Social Responsibility and promotes Healthy Living for Manatee County children.

Y DASH program provides before & after school care, and day camps on “no school days” and during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks (camps held at our Y branches).

Before & After School participating locations: Bayshore, Stewart and Moody Elementary Schools.

Braden River, Buffalo Creek, Haile, Johnson, King, Lee, Lincoln, Nolan and Sugg Middle Schools.

For more information visit www.manateeymca.org or call the Y at 792-7484 ext. 109.

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Manatee County Y Bradenton Branch * Parrish Branch Lakewood Ranch Branch

The Manatee County School District looks forward to another great year.

It is an honor as superintendent of Manatee County Schools to welcome our students, families and the entire school district team of teachers and employees to the 2013-2014 school year. I am extremely confident our school district is on the road to greatness, and I want you to know we are fully committed to making sure every student who graduates from a Manatee district high school will be college or career ready.

Manatee County schools have had much to celebrate over the years, including outstanding graduates who have been accepted into the top academic institutions in the United States, including, in recent years, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Duke, Columbia, Brown, Northwestern and Vanderbilt. In addition, graduates from the Manatee School District annually are accepted into almost every college and university in the state of Florida, while still other students from our district confidently enter the work force or one of the branches of the U.S. military.

Students from Manatee Technical Institute won more medals than any other school in the nation at the 49th annual SkillsUSA Championships this summer in Kansas City, while other Manatee district students earned more top-10 finishes than any other school district in the nation at the National Technology Student Association Conference, in Orlando.

In addition, the Braden River High JROTC Drill Team captured nine state championships at the 2013 state drill meet, and the Lakewood Ranch High boys golf team captured its second-straight Class 2A state championship. Those examples are just a few of the amazing accomplishments taking place

BIOGRAPHY Rick Mills officially joined the Manatee County School District, as superintendent, March 20.

EMPLOYMENT: • March 2013 to present — Superintendent of the Manatee County School District • July 2011 to March 2013 — Chief executive officer of Minneapolis Public Schools • 2001 to 2011 — Held educational leadership positions in Chicago Public Schools, including two years as chief area officer (area superintendent) for 26 high schools and three years as area instructional officer for six military academy high schools • 1977 to 2001 — Held assignments while serving in the U.S. Army, including cavalry squadron commander, politicalmilitary officer, U.S. Central Command, plans officer, United Nations, Jerusalem and others. Mills retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2001. in our schools.

Your involvement in our schools is vitally important to the success of our students, and I encourage you to find a way to make a difference in the lives of the children of this community.

With your help, excellent teachers in our classrooms and a support team committed to student success — we will get the very best out of your children and raise the academic achievement levels of all students.

I am excited to get this year started.

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

5

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6 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

The kindergartner Foster Smith

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hair and blue eyes, Foster mimics what he sees.

During the few times he’s still, he likes to watch “Star Wars,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

He also sees his boxer, Hudson, yank his mom, Michelle, on walks.

“My dog is crazy,” Foster says. “He weighs more than me.”

Ready to sprint into kindergarten, Foster looks forward to recess most. He expects to play epic games of tag.

He likes learning about his country and how its forbearers fought for its freedom.

Foster also wants to show he’s responsible. His piggy bank keeps his chore money safe and unspent.

“I like money,” Foster says. “I like to add money and save money.”

He wants to take the money and make it grow, maybe through a caCourtesy photo reer like his dad’s — engineering.

But, first, Foster must attend Foster Smith has an innocence that belies his will to fight. school and become educated, steps He has a purple belt in Ming Wu, and he says he has the drive to be successful, like his father. he’s eager to take.

LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD

Foster Smith is a fighter, and, as such, he’s always on alert.

He has an edge that makes him never want to take a nap; his SpongeBob pillow sits unused and fluffed on both sides. There’s always something for Foster to do.

Foster, a 5-year-old, soon-tobe kindergartner at the Goddard School, in Lakewood Ranch, recently became a purple belt at Ming Wu Martial Arts, which is near his new school.

Foster knows how to kick, punch, throw and disarm. He can fight with his hands and on the ground.

“I want to be a black belt,” Foster says. “I like to kick, kick, punch, punch.”

He play-fights with his younger brother, Beckett, 3, with whom he shares a bunk bed, and the two often play hide and seek. Foster prefers not to hide; it’s too passive.

“I usually like to fight Beckett,” Foster says. “Every day, he asks me to fight.”

An unassuming fighter with red

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

7

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE WORLD Class of 2013 Notable Accomplishments

• 1 National Merit Scholar and 3 National Merit Commended Scholars • Last year, 91% of our students who took AP exams scored a 3,4, or 5 on at least one of those exams • Our students will be attending universities such as University of Virginia, Brown, Notre Dame, Rice, Georgetown, Boston University, Tufts, Middlebury, UCLA, University of Southern California, University of California at Berkeley, and the United States Naval Academy. In addition to UF, UCF, FSU, and other Florida schools.

• 64% of our graduating seniors were offered a college scholarship based on merit.

• 16 students will be participating in intercollegiate athletics in football, soccer, volleyball, golf and tennis.

WELCOME BACK! APPLY TODAY Pre-K3 through 12th grade www.saintstephens.org 941-746-2121

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LET'S DO IT AGAIN! 2013-2014

8 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

The BUS DRIVER Kurt Beecher doesn’t drive a school bus to support his family. For him, it's a luxury.

He’s a 61-year-old retired city of Sarasota police officer, who gave 30 years of service to the community.

After three years sitting idly in retirement — masquerading as Spider Man at his grandchildren’s birthday parties and lifting weights in his garage — Beecher’s wife, Gigi, told her husband the school district needed school bus drivers.

“I thought, ‘Oh, that’d be cool,’” Beecher said. “I get to drive a big ol’ bus.”

By now, Beecher, who started driving school buses in Manatee County in 2009, has his route and routine down pat.

He wakes up at 5 a.m., grabs a protein bar and bikes six miles, in the dark, along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and then over to Freedom Elementary School, where he keeps the

bus he’s driven since 2010.

He gets there in time to make his first pick-up — students to be delivered to Braden River High School — at 6:15 a.m.

He does pick-ups for three schools, finishing his morning route at 9:20 a.m.

Then, he parks his bus back at Freedom, bikes home, takes a 30-minute nap, works out on his bench press and peddles back up Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at 1:15 p.m.

Beecher then completes his afternoon drop-off route, which includes stops at Braden River High School and McNeal Elementary School and extends to County Line Road in Myakka — 30 miles from his bus’s home base — where he drops off students from Nolan Middle School.

Beecher parks his bike for the last time at 5:20 p.m.

He knows his passengers.

Beecher’s favorites are the as-

Kurt Beecher

MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

piring chef whom he picks up at her home and drives to Manatee Technical Institute and a middle-school jokester, who almost crosses the line.

He would play his preferred music — classical, or maybe The Beach Boys— but surrenders to the hip-hop taste of his riders.

He sets rules: no fighting and don’t let the “bad” children congregate in the back of the bus.

He knows which children might spark a conversation with him and which won’t.

He’ll memorize their names all the same.

Beecher started as a substitute driver without a defined route.

“It’s not the easiest thing,” Beecher said of bus driving.

“You have to be so aware, and you have precious cargo. We’re not delivering mail. We deliver people.”

Josh Siegel

Kurt Beecher wears his new uniform with pride.

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

9

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10 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

The MUSIC MAKER

BRADEN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Sutton is ready to lead.

After three years marching in the Braden River High School Marching Band, Sutton will take a new role that will change her tune from that of the mellophone to one of quiet fervor.

From a platform in front of hundreds of fans, Sutton will conduct her classmates and friends as one of Braden River’s 2013/2014 drum majors.

“I got a lot of inspiration from our past drum majors,” Sutton says. “I think I’m ready to lead. I feel ready to do this.”

Sutton, 17, began her instrumental ascent in sixth grade, at which time she began learning to play the French horn.

She transitioned to the mellophone, the instrument’s “band version,” upon entering high school. And, since then, marching band has been the focal point of her high-school career.

“Marching is really fun, but I think it’s marching in competitions (I like best),” Sutton says. “(I like) being able to show everyone your best.”

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Sutton says playing in marching band has never gotten boring. However, she was ready for a new challenge her senior year, a feeling that prompted her to audition for drum major.

“It always sounded cool,” says Sutton, whose two older sisters were drum majors during high school. “We always watched them.”

Sutton knows the weeks and months ahead will be grueling. Band members will dedicate Tuesday and Thursday nights to at least three hours of practice once school starts.

Friday nights are reserved for rousing fans during football games, and most Saturdays will require full days away at competitions.

“Our drum majors inspire and motivate,” Sutton says. “They have the most pressure on them. If anything goes wrong, they’re the ones to blame.”

But that doesn’t sway Sutton’s optimism.

“Someone has to do it,” she says, smiling.

APPLY NOW for the 2013-2014 School Year!

Online www.ManateeCharter.org Or call for more information 941-465-4296 Manatee Charter School is a tuition free public charter school and is a proud member of the SACS Accredited Charter Schools USA family of schools For employment opportunities, please visit www.charterschoolsusa.com/careers

A Tuition-free Public Charter School

118027

Pam Eubanks

Emily Sutton, one of Braden River High School Marching Band’s 2013/2014 drum majors, enjoys learning to play the piano and exercising, in her spare time.

Emily Sutton, senior

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

11

By Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

The VOLUNTEER No one has ever told Rose Higginbotham to give, but since a young age she’s known nothing else.

When the eighth-grader at Nolan Middle School moved to Lakewood Ranch at age 4, her family made Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church a second home.

Rose lives comfortably and has been given much, she says. Her mother, Beth, works for Hallmark.

“In the environment I grew up in, there was never a question of not giving, although it’s not something anyone told me I had to do,” Rose says.

“It’s always been the right thing to do.

At church, I always saw the same faces and experienced the same Masses. I saw such giving hearts.”

Prompted or not, Rose gives plenty.

For the last two summers, she’s helped with camps at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church, formerly Sarasota Baptist’s Lakewood Ranch campus.

Before that, as a fourth-grader, Rose gave as a member of McNeal Elementary School’s K-Kids program, a service component of Kiwanis.

Rose Higginbotham, eighth grade NOLAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Rose continued to give at Nolan, where, in sixth grade, she joined the school’s Builders Club, which raises money for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

“Volunteering is also a great way to meet people like you,” Rose says. “I feel happy being around those types of people. It gives you the belief you can meet people with the same beliefs later on.”

She’s also active in Nolan’s student government and, last year, she shot and edited video for the school news.

Last year, Rose voluntarily helped teach jazz dance classes at the Studio of Dance and Music.

She also squeezes in time for backpack and food drives, and, for the last two years, she has charted finish times at the Halloween-themed Boo Run fundraiser on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

All of the exposure has helped Rose find her passions; she wants to be a lawyer or a teacher.

“One person makes a difference,” she says.

Josh Siegel

Rose Higginbotham, a Nolan Middle School eighth-grader, lives by the phrase, “One person can make a difference.”

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12 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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WILLIAM H Bashaw ELEMENTARY School http://www.edline.net/pages/sdmcbashawes

Mascot: Bobcats Colors: Garnet and gold Open house: 5 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 15

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Projected enrollment: 620 PTO president: Heather Williams Special programs: After-school enrichment academies, Odessey of the Mind and chorus

C (2012-13)

Why I love my school I love school because it is fun and I learned to read.

My favorite subjects are recess and math. I also learned how to make Spanish food in Spanish Club. I can’t wait for school to start, so I can see who my new teacher is and to play with my friends.

— Emma Spisak

on their community, in addition to the high academic standards we hold for all students.

We welcome all families and community members to become involved by volunteering, serving on school committees or partnering with your child’s teacher to support the school-and-home connection.

Our staff is excited for another great year, and we are looking forward to seeing you at this year’s open house Aug. 15.

— Josh Bennett

Fun fact: Bashaw Elementary was the first school, in a decade in Manatee County, not to be built in the “open pod” concept. Instead, the school included five separate buildings linked by covered walkways.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE Make FST your child’s artistic home From beginning to advanced, FST offers:

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Principal: Josh Bennett

I would FROM THE like to welPRINCIPAL: come you to Bashaw Elementary School.

We have been working all summer, planning lessons, activities and a few surprises for the year. Students should be prepared to come to school with the needed supplies and the appropriate uniform attire.

Parents can check the school’s website or call the school office if they have any questions regarding the upcoming school year.

Bashaw has a reputation of embracing diversity, which is seen in our classrooms, our school campus and at all school events. Students are taught the importance of respecting others and making a positive influence

Classes beginning the week of September 16, *Scholarships Available

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Just the facts

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• 3515 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton • 741-3307

Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director

366-9000 0oridastudiotheatre.org 1241 N. Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

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13

BRADEN RIVER ELEMENTARY School www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/bradenriver

Just the facts Principal: Hayley Rio Mascot: Wranglers Colors: Red and blue

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Open house: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 15 Projected enrollment: 625 PTO president: Bethany Lynch Special programs or offerings: The Ranch (before- and after-school care) and engineering

B (2012-13)

I am lookFROM THE ing forward PRINCIPAL: to welcoming you back to school and hearing about your summer adventures! Be sure to come to our open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 15.

You will be able to meet your new teacher, see your classroom and catch up with friends. Our new theme you selected will be unveiled during our open house.

I will be in the cafeteria with a treat for you, so come say “hello.”

I hope you have been filling your summer learning notebook with

notes of the books you have been reading, stories of places you have been visiting and your opportunities for practicing math. We will be sharing these with each other when we return to school, so be sure to bring your notebook with you when school starts in August.

As usual, we will be working hard this year, but we will still have time for plenty of fun. You will be able to earn BRES Bucks, and we have been planning our special events, such as the dance party, field day, perhaps another snowball fight and some new surprises!

While you are enjoying these last couple of weeks of summer, keep reading! It is one of my favorite summer activities. If you have not already been filling your summer learning notebook, you still

Why I love my school

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6215 River Club Blvd. Bradenton • 751-7012

I love my school because I make a lot of friends and we do art there.

I also like (physical education) and music.

— Isabella Lysenko

have time. Come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. Enjoy the rest of your summer break, and I will see you soon!

— Hayley Rio

Fun fact: “Will we be blasting off on a learning adventure, or are we wild about learning at BRE? Students voted for our 2013-2014 theme, and the outcome will be revealed at our open house Aug. 15,” Rio says.

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14 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

FREEDOM

ELEMENTARY School Just the facts

edline.net/pages/sdmcfreedomes We hope everyone has had an amazing summer break and that you are ready to kick off another great year at Freedom Elementary. Here at Freedom, we are excited to help every FROM THE student reach his PRINCIPAL: or her full academic potential.

With high academic standards and expectations, we will continue to SOAR high!

Our strong belief in patriotism and focus on creating lifelong learners exemplifies our commitment to the children and families we serve.

Together, we have shared a common direction for Freedom. It is our hope that this year we remain focused on what is important. We believe a partnership between the school and our families is key to the success of every student. We welcome every family to volunteer, join our PTO and take an active part in our school. With your help, a child’s potential is limitless.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer with your children.

We can’t wait to welcome our new and returning Freedom Families at our Back To School event Aug. 15.

— Jim Mennes

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Principal: Jim Mennes Mascot: Falcons Colors: Red, white and blue Open house: 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 15

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Projected enrollment: 750 PTO president: Nicole Di Chiara Special programs or offerings: Nationally acclaimed TSA engineering program

B (2012-13)

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9515 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton • 708-4990

Fun fact: This year the school celebrates its 10th anniversary.

117084

Why I love my school I love my school because I have great friends, and the teachers are pretty awesome.

— Katrina Crosley

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

15

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343 Palmetto Ave., Osprey, FL 34229

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16 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

‘‘

B D GULLETT ELEMENTARY School •

12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton • 727-2067 www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/gullett

Just the facts Principal: Kathy Hayes Mascot: Gators Colors: Royal blue and green Open house: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 16

#

Projected enrollment: 600 PTO president: Alice Orr Special programs or offerings: Quarterly afterschool enrichment clubs and Gullett Dance Team

Welcome! I FROM THE look forward PRINCIPAL: to teaming our efforts for another successful year for your child. B.D. Gullett Elementary students strive to excel in a nurturing and challenging academic environment, supported by an integral partnership between staff, parents and community members.

Our faculty is comprised of a talented team of teachers and instructional support members.

More than 85% of our teachers have dual certifications, and more

than one-third have advanced degrees or national board certification.

Gullett is the recipient of several state and national awards, including the Florida Five Star School Award, Golden School Volunteer Award and the Healthier U.S. Schools Gold Award.

Gullett continues to respond to our community’s request for a variety of affordable after-school enrichment clubs, including guitar, drums, iPad, chess, cheerleading, dance, art, cooking, science, creative writing and many others.

Clubs are sponsored by school staff, and parents are welcome to assist with a club matching their area of interest.

— Kathy Hayes

Why I love my school I love my school, because my teachers always challenge and push me to do my very best. They make time for each student and make us feel encouraged and successful. Go Gullett Gators!

— Mya Vixamar

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•

Fun fact: In recognition of Gullett’s achievement of the Healthier U.S. Schools Gold Award, first lady Michelle Obama invited five Gullett fifth-graders to the annual White House garden planting in April 2013.

B (2012-13)

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

17

mcneal

ELEMENTARY School Just the facts

Catholic

Principal: Norma Scott Mascot: Wildcats Colors: Periwinkle, gold, green and white

#

Special programs or offerings: Official STEM school

www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/ elementary/mcneal/Home.html

A (2012-13)

Proven

Providing students with special needs the opportunity to succeed • Grades K-8 • Small Class Sizes (12 students or fewer per class) • ESE Certified Teachers

barbecue for our Accelerator Reading Program.

With the support of our Parent Teacher Organization, community members, business partners and staff, McNeal Elementary is a great school.

As we open our doors to new families Aug. 19, I extend an invitation to join the McNeal PTO. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet many people who make a difference in the life of your child.

Looking forward to this year!

— Norma Scott

Fun fact: McNeal was the first elementary school

in the county to become part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program.

I love my school because there are lots of people who I like there. I love all of the fine arts, especially art. We have a lot of fun activities, like the father/daughter dance. It’s a friendly place to learn! — Joslyn Chapman

‘‘

Why I love my school

• On-Site Occupational, Speech & Physical Therapy • Technology Lab & eBooks • Music & Art Programs • Daily Physical Education • Before & After School Care • McKay Scholarship Participant • Financial Aid Available

Open Enrollment Classes begin August 14, 2013

Dreams Are Free Catholic School at Bishop Nevins Academy

(941) 366-4010 | DreamsAreFree.org 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

117796

‘‘

Projected enrollment: 720 PTO president: Carrie Schwarzbauer

6325 Lorraine Road., Lakewood Ranch • 751-8165

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year, Wildcats!

All summer, we have been preparing for your return in August.

The school FROM THE is clean.

Schedules PRINCIPAL: are set. And, the teachers are waiting for your arrival.

Parents, mark your calendars.

Open House is from 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 16. This will be your chance to meet your teachers and classmates. Come to school hungry!

During the open house, the PTO is sponsoring a fundraiser

Open house: 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 16

Successful

18 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

‘‘

TARA ELEMENTARY School 6950 Linger Lodge Road, Bradenton • 751-7660 www.edline.net/pages/sdmctaraes

Open house: 5 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 615 PTO president: Lisa Towell Special programs or offerings: Knights Academy Before- and After-School Care Program

C (2012-13)

Tara Elementary School is such a unique school, with all of its many awesome activities during and after school and family events throughout the entire school year. The teachers are amazing and want you to succeed in school and life. Tara is epic! — Isabella Busi

ing year. We encourage families to volunteer, join our school PTO, become a business partner and support their child by asking what they learned at school each day.

Tara Elementary will be starting a site-based, after-school program this coming year called “Knights Academy.” Child care will be available from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Call the front office for more information and to receive an application.

— Steve Royce

Fun fact: Tara is one of two kindergarten-through-sixth-grade elementary schools in the district.

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Why I love my school

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Principal: Steve Royce

This year FROM THE marks the PRINCIPAL: 21st anniversary of Tara Elementary.

We have been planning all summer for this exciting school year. Registration reopened at Tara July 29.

On Aug. 8, school uniforms will be on sale in the front office from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m..

Back to School Night is scheduled for Aug. 15, and I look forward to seeing everyone that evening. Families will meet their teachers, visit their classroom and reconnect with classmates from 5 to 6 p.m.

Partnering with families will be one of our focuses for the upcom-

‘‘

Just the facts

14705 The Masters Ave., Lakewood Ranch • 316-8245 www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/willis/Site/Welcome.html

Principal: Bill Stenger Mascot: Geckos Colors: Lime green and navy blue Open house: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 703 PTO president: Jillanne Conelias Special programs or offerings: “Adopt-a-student” tutoring program

A (2012-13)

Welcome

FROM THE to Willis PRINCIPAL: Elementary

School, home of the Geckos.

We are excited about all we have planned for the 2013-2014 school year. This will be Willis’ ninth year, and we are honored to welcome students and parents from our community.

The Willis staff continues to be committed to excellence in teaching and providing an environment in which creative minds can flourish, excel and think and respond in a more critical way. An emphasis will also be placed on working together to achieve our highest academic standards, while teach-

Why I love my school

ing students to employ the “Eight Keys of Excellence” — Integrity, Commitment, Failure Leads to Success, Ownership, Speak with Good Purpose, Flexibility, This is It and Balance. The “Eight Keys of Excellence” support this year’s theme of “Living Above the Line.”

At Willis, we encourage our parents and community members to become involved and are particularly grateful for the strong parent support we enjoy. We have many ways you can support our school and look forward to working with you. Willis is a success, thanks to a strong home-school connection.

The 2013-2014 school year promises to be an exciting, funfilled and productive year. Please plan on attending our open house from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15, at which time you will be able meet your teacher and check out your

I love my school because of field day.

There are a lot of activities.

Whoever gets the most points wins. (I like) the sponge head game best. I really like (physical education). It helps me stay active. I like the coach.

— Lucas Pearce

new classroom.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

— Bill Stenger

Fun fact: This year’s school theme is “Living Above the Line.”

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‘‘

WILLIS ELEMENTARY School Just the facts

‘‘

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

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20 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

GENE WITT ELEMENTARY School 200 Rye Road, Bradenton • 741-3628 www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/witt

Principal: Myra Russell Mascot: Eagles Colors: Teal, silver and white Open house: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 650 PTO president: Megan Matras Special programs or offerings: Quantum learning and the eight keys of excellence will be implemented.

A (2012-13)

Welcome to Gene Witt Elementary School, where the students “Soar Above the Line.”

We are all looking forward to another exciting year of academic excellence. Our emphasis is on the core content areas of readFROM THE ing, writing, math, science PRINCIPAL: and social studies, as well as enrichment opportunities in our fine-arts and after-school programs. Together, our curriculum provides each student with the opportunity to develop areas of interest and skill.

For the past 16 years, Gene Witt Elementary has earned the

Fun fact: This year’s school theme is “Living Above the Line.”

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We would like to invite each family to our open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15. Students will meet their new teachers and see their classrooms. Parents will hear about the exciting and fun curriculum their child will experience during the 2013-2014 school year.

Until then, enjoy the remainder of your summer vacation.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

— Myra Russell

‘‘

Why I love my school I love my school because the teachers and staff are amazing. The teachers make learning fun. They teach us everything we need to know to be ready for the next grade and middle school. — Britton Ricks

‘‘

Just the facts

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

A

21

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

AUGUST 2013

23

A PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 12 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL // SARASOTA // LAKEWOOD RANCH

Willis

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Witt

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

The New-Media Man Tom Honsa, history teacher and the new head of Lakewood Ranch High School’s journalism department, pushes his students to chase stories as they happen and to tell those stories in a place where people will interact with them.

His effort to emphasize multimedia, required by a faster, more dynamic news cycle, gives students flexibility.

As Tropical Storm Andrea hit Lakewood Ranch High School during finals week in June, administrators announced over the intercom that students should evacuate portable- and second-floor classrooms.

Through fuzziness of the intercom, administrators could only say so much.

But, on the day of the storm, student Abigail Mendison, a reporter for Mustangs Ahead, the school’s news source, posted a story online about several tornado warnings in the area and

winds in excess of 40 mph.

She interviewed a teacher and student who had to evacuate their classroom and got a statement from the principal.

Students and parents could easily find the story on the main page of the school’s new Edline website, under a center column titled, “News.”

Honsa tweeted a link to the Andrea story on the new Mustangs Ahead Twitter page.

“Our Andrea coverage couldn’t have happened under the old model,” Honsa says. “The news cycle has been taken down to seconds. We’ve geared our program toward preparing kids to interact productively with 21stcentury media.”

Since he assumed his new position in February, Honsa, a former radio broadcaster who was active in the Lakewood Ranch journalism department before his predecessor retired, changed the medium through which the

AUG. 2-11

E E R F t a E s d i K Kids Eat FREEE

Tom Honsa | Lakewood

Ranch High School

audience consumes the school’s media content.

Formerly a monthly online magazine, Mustangs Ahead now operates as a daily blog through Word Press.

When school starts again in August, Honsa will teach students how to shoot video and photos with their phones.

In a “who-got-it-first” media culture, Honsa still stresses journalistic integrity. He approves all blog stories and Twitter posts before they go online.

Honsa says learning multimedia skills will make students better communicators in any profession they wish to pursue.

“There will be journalism in the future, and I will continue to encourage kids to pursue it,” Honsa says. “But we’re not going back to the, ‘Extra, extra read all about it!’ days. If we’re preparing students for a productive future, we need to show them products of the future. This is now.”

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‘‘

AUGUST 2013

BRADEN RIVER Middle School 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton • 751-7080 http://www.edline.net/pages/sdmcbradenriverms

Just the facts Principal: Randy Petrilla Mascot: Panthers Colors: Red, black and white Open house: 6 to 7:40 p.m. Sept. 17; schedule pickup from 5 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 965 PTO and SAC presidents: Bobbie Sue Letso and Kendra Rejck Special programs or offerings: Electives and five high-school credit courses.

I would like

FROM THE to welcome PRINCIPAL: you to Braden

River Middle School, home of the Panthers.

Students should be prepared to come to school with the needed supplies and a positive attitude.

Students and parents should check the school website for handbook information and summer assignments.

Parents can contact the school with any questions regarding the upcoming school year by calling 751-7080 or visiting our web page.

Braden River has a reputation

of embracing diversity, which is seen in our classrooms, on our school campus and at all school events. Students are taught the importance of respecting each other’s differences, being polite to one another and making a positive influence on their community. We will continue to focus on the highest academic standards for all students.

We welcome all families and community members to become involved by volunteering, becoming a member of our PTSO or joining our School Advisory Counsel (SAC).

In an effort to foster a homeschool connection, we encourage you to partner with your child’s teachers to reinforce our school rules and expectations.

25

Why I love my school There are good teachers here. Most of them are pretty nice.

It's kind of easy to make friends here.

— John Lim

‘‘

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Our staff is excited for another great year, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s schedule pickup from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 15, and our open house Sept. 12.

— Randall J. Petrilla

Fun fact: Although the school’s mascot is a panther, when students first

B (2012-13)

voted, they were 20 votes away from choosing the armadillo as their mascot.

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26 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

‘‘

CARLOS E. HAILE Middle School 9501 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton • 714-7240 www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/middleschool/haile/

Principal: Janet Kerley Mascot: Storm Colors: Teal, black and silver Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 1,020 PTO president: Molly Lawson Special programs or offerings: Technology Academy and a dance program

A (2012-13)

Why I love my school

What FROM THE makes Haile I love my school PRINCIPAL: Middle because of the elecSchool differtive proent from other great schools in grams. I the district? Like like how other schools, we we have have dedicated a break teachers who chalfrom lenge students learnacademically and ing about math (and prepare them for high school, while caring about them indiother subjects). I vidually. especially love the Our students will tell you we agriculture program. or engineering technology. have something for everyone. In — Jessica Bierds We believe students should addition to taking several high explore possibilities and discover school dual-enrollment courses, hidden talents during the middle students can raise animals and plants in the Agriscience lab, take school years.

— Janet Kerley jazz and hip-hop in our dance room, sing in chorus or the show choir, perform in musicals, play Fun fact: Haile earned four top-10 in the band or orchestra, take rankings in the 2013 National Technology Student creative writing or television pro- Association Conference this summer. duction and learn graphic design

‘‘

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t a C a h t r a M . o t t S s f u o e l n b o vThe isi n that wSt.i l ena Martha a l p c i g e t a r t y s o r j St. Martha C u n o e n o i t d s e p n u i l t o r u g o s c l i a m o hon t e g al socio-econo m o r f s t n e d u t s e r o tinvi e m ducation. e c i l o h t a C a f o s t i f e n eth be ey iting s aunder n t st uring o g ra d e 8 accred nts that th ark ”inccdeess ts, and pareth e ir K process, su emthpelary m rg. aDrte n to d b. y our ssnece r. d totous(J gave us ex istration, teachers,dsteudden te prea : a as ic im so s is ks and referred a w rm o admin m rf a e iting te a n d p t they “ us exemplary mar e dduca” ti on parents tha , the acc f re

r d ss gave incequali ty o teachers, stnutdeant tso,uarnsch ool. Ou AUGUST 2013 27 e dpro EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TOisSCHOOL GUIDE ,it y is e vi d e un“surpass on s as: lt y tiu u a tr to is d in e n rr m d fe a m our facu s andare n se of com xemplary madrkto ” le rn wh il e e e n e rg iz e A stron g se us n gapve d ti on a a it d y p re a cc h -a our re stude n ts are “ir success. During e th ed by our to d te • s so im pre ss is de dica a w m a te th e y itin g e accre d re n ts th atof aDifference pDifference d n a , Come Experience the Catholic Education ts proce ss , th n Come Experience the of aaaCatholic Education e Come Experience the Difference of Catholic Education , stud n , te ach e rs as: o s ti u a tr to d d is se d se in e ba ba rr 3 yearsthrough through 8th ~ adm Sc d olisre years through 8thgrade nolho lic ~islefe3usto~toyears 8th grade aho ho s Sc rk hoatlic aatC th Ca am .M thar ”grade~~ ar 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., . MStry ionp Stofla enab us of ll ab le wi at sieonvism th vixe en an ill gave uThse eTh ategic pl that w

St. Martha Catholic Catholic School School

R DAN NOLAN

MIDDLE School the benefit

Principal: Nancy High

Mascot: Colts Colors: Blue and silver

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60

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117740

‘‘

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Nolan Middle School continues to offer rigorous academic classes and extremely enriching extracurricular programs.

Technology integration in the classroom is important; Nolan is a BYOD, “Bring Your Own Device,” school.

Students on campus have the opportunity to use technology and develop their tech skills, while enhancing their learning. This will be the inaugural year for our eSTEAM Academy — “Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.”

Students in the academy will study and develop skills so they may be successful on the industry-certification exams. Passing the certification exams will allow students to be employed in positions, earning high wages.

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Lakewood Ranch • 751-8200

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Strength in Faith | Excellence in

28 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

The computer whiz Corey Bolles plays his favorite sports using a joystick and a keypad, but, in one chance moment, he shared a conversation of ambition with a wide receiver who eludes competitors on a football field.

On a plane ride from Denver to Atlanta, Bolles, a Braden River High School sophomore, sat next to Tavarres King, a rookie from the Denver Broncos, of the National Football League.

It was June, and Bolles had just been named a national champion in his craft — using Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 — at a competition in Utah.

King told Bolles becoming a national champion was his own dream, as well.

“I was like, ‘Holy crap. Holy crap,’” Bolles said. “That conversation showed me the significance of what I had just done.”

Bolles’ craft is mastery of PowerPoint 2007 — a computer slideshow program used to aid

presentations.

Bolles was one of six Americans to participate in the Microsoft Office Specialist Worldwide Competition July 31 through Aug. 3, in Washington, D.C. He won the right to represent his country there, after being named a national champion at the 2013 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in June.

There, Bolles competed in the Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 section of the event, which was meant to showcase experts in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Before that, in his information-technology class, Bolles consistently received perfect scores on Certiport’s Microsoft PowerPoint tests, which required him to complete 20 complex tasks in 50 minutes.

Bolles became certified in all three of the Microsoft programs,

Hair Studio

Corey Bolles, sophomore

Braden River High School

because he thought it would make him more employable in the future.

He learned the programs as a home-schooled student, before entering high school. He didn’t know he could use his skills to become a champion, until Certiport notified him by email that his scores made him eligible.

At the competition, which he attended with his father, Bolles took the same PowerPoint exams he had always taken; and he scored just as well.

Bolles likes to learn and listen because he likes sound. He wants to use his computer skills to become a sound engineer, running the music and vocals at concerts. Each month, he runs sound for the children’s program at his church, which he's done for six years. He streams the program online.

“I do this stuff for fun, but it’s cool to say I’m a national champion,” Bolles says.

Josh Siegel

Corey Bolles is a U.S. champion in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007; it took a chance encounter with a professional football player for him to appreciate it.

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

29

School forSchool for SuncoastSuncoast School for Suncoast InnovativeInnovative Studies Innovative Studies Studies Elementary School Campus Middle School Campus

frEE School of choIcE Free School of Choice no tuItIon No th Tuition

VPK Through 5 6th-8th VPK Through 8th GRADE GRADE GRADES

• Free and Reduced Breakfast & Lunch Program • Foreign Language Program • Advanced Classroom Technology • Bus Transportation • Before/After School Programs • Technology Assisted Learning • Creative Arts

• Student Government • School Uniforms • Differentiated Learning • Focus/Fair/FCAT Testing • Sports Programs • Interactive Classroom Technology • Gifted Program

Elementary School Campus: 845 South School Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 office: 941-953-4433 • fax: 941-953-4435 www.suncoastschool.org

SSIS mIddlE School offErS: • Free and Reduced Breakfast & Lunch Program • Heavy emphasis in Technology • Bus Transportation • Before/After School Programs • Technology Assisted Learning • Advanced Placement • Creative Arts • Student Government

• Community Youth Development Program • Differentiated Instruction • Advanced Classroom Technology • Advanced Courses: Algebra, Spanish (High School Credit) • Student Academic Organization Programs • Virtual Classes

Middle School Campus: 4311 Wilkinson Road Sarasota, FL 34233 office: 941-342-0963 • fax: 941-342-0967 www.suncoastschool.org

117717

SSIS ElEmEntary School offErS:

BRADEN RIVER HIGH School 6545 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton • 751-8230 www.edline.net/pages/sdmcbradenriverhs

Just the facts Principal: Jennifer Gilray Mascot: Pirates Colors: Maroon, black and silver Open house: Two sessions: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 1,950 PTO president: Jaimie Phillips Special programs or offerings: Wall-to-Wall model Academy

FCAT: N/A

As the principal of Braden River High School, it is my sincere pleasure and honor to welcome you to the 2013-2014 school year. BRHS enjoys a rich history of academic and cultural excellence, which is a result of a collegial partnership between FROM THE the school staff and parents, PRINCIPAL: who provide a diversity of experience for students.

All four of the Pirate Nation Academies — Arts and Communications, Business and International Studies, Engineering Design and Leadership and Science Technology and Health — are Model Academies. BRHS welcomes all families and community members to become involved with the Pirate Nation, as we continue our successful tradition of being a wall-to-wall model school.

Now it’s time to dress up your home

‘‘

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

The BRHS faculty and staff are looking forward to meeting our incoming Pirates at our new student orientation Aug. 15.

This year, two sessions will be available: a morning session at 9 a.m. and an evening session at 6 p.m. If you are a new student, please select the session that works best for your schedule. Both sessions will be held in the auditorium.

Also, new students will have the opportunity to obtain their student IDs in the media center from 10:30 a.m. to noon or from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. on the same day.

— Jennifer Gilray

Why I love my school I love Braden River High School because, although we are all different, we are unified in one big Pirate family. The diversity makes us who we are.

The teachers don’t just teach to teach.

They genuinely strive to help us prepare for our future and help us choose career paths. It’s easy to see the teachers want to make a memorable impact on our lives, and they do an outstanding job.

— Caroline Imiolek

‘‘

30 AUGUST 2013

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH School

Just the facts Principal: Linda Nesselhauf

As the

FROM THE end of sumPRINCIPAL: mer quickly

approaches, the staff at Lakewood Ranch High School excitedly prepares for the 2013-2014 school year with the goal of continuing our tradition of academic excellence. Since 2002, Lakewood Ranch High School has led all public schools in the Manatee County in FCAT Accountably Achievement Points. Ninety-four percent of our 2013 graduates continued their education at a four-year college, community college or vocational school.

Class of 2013 students completed 652 Advanced Placement classes.

For the past three years, Lakewood Ranch High School’s athletic teams have achieved the highest cumulative grade point averages in the state, while also being ranked in the top three in the state for the Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup Award for Class 6A by the Florida High School

‘‘

Mascot: Mustangs Colors: Green, silver and black Open house: 6 p.m. Aug. 14

#

Projected enrollment: 2,000 PTO presidents: Karen Arnold and Carrie Hannabass Special programs or offerings: Robotics, ceramics, horticulture and an Equestrian Club

FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE ThIS FALL! Meridian College invites you to learn more about how we can help you find the career that you’ve been looking for!

We offer Diplomas and/or Associate Degrees in the following programs: • COSMETOLOGY • BUSINESS • DENTAL ASSISTING • MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION • MEDICAL ASSISTING • MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL ULTRASOUND

FCAT: N/A Athletic Association. This award ranks the most successful overall athletic program in the state in its classification.

We also offer an awardwinning fine-arts program, which includes band, orchestra, chorus, drama and visual arts, as well as many vocational classes and clubs.

We welcome all of our new students to attend our orientation/schedule pickup at 6 p.m. Aug. 14. Schedule pick-up begins at 6 p.m., in the cafeteria, and the general informational presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

— Linda Nesselhauf

Why I love my school I love my school because of all the great teachers, amazing sports, great clubs and its overall fun ambience. My school is the best, because it does such a great job getting all the students involved. — Hailey Todoroff

“hANDS-ON TRAINING” SMALL CLASS SIzE Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and we offer placement assistance to graduates

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‘‘

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31

32 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

The Performer Seventeen-year-old Joseph Grosso has no qualms wearing makeup, or with tap dancing, for that matter.

Both are essentials for his future career: musical theater.

“My life is theater,” Grosso says, with a shrug. “It’s what I do.

It’s what I eat, breathe and sleep.”

“I love all of it,” he says. “I’d say, as a young person, (my favorite part of theater is) performing.

But, as I age, it’s the challenge.

Performing is still exciting, though.”

Grosso’s career started with his first play in fifth grade.

“It was a review of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’” Grosso says. “From that point forward, I (was hooked).”

He performed in plays in middle school and became involved in community theater starting in seventh grade. He added Lakewood Ranch High School's theater program to his repertoire as a freshman.

He’s been cast in “Hello Dolly,” “Anything Goes” and “Joseph and the Amazing Techni-colored Dream Coat,” among others.

His favorite performance — and the most grotesque — was the Sarasota Players’ performance of “Side Show,” the story of a circus act of conjoined twins in the 1930s. Grosso explains the play portrays a “freak show,” of sorts.

“From the moment I opened the script, (I loved it),” he says.

“I had blood coming down my shirt. It was really exciting. It’s something you wouldn’t do in other shows.”

Lakewood’s “Drowsy Chaperone” show tested Grosso’s dancing abilities, but he pushed through.

“I went outside in the hallway for hours and practiced,” says Grosso, noting his lanky, 6-foot3-inch frame makes the skill more challenging.

Grosso’s own passions, how-

Joseph Grosso, senior

Lakewood Ranch High School

ever, center on a form of theater that often is overlooked: pantomime.

“I love it,” says Grosso, who, at Lakewood, wrote and directed a pantomime play called “Unforgettable.” “You can’t speak.

You have to tell an entire story without words. I think it’s one of the most beautiful and poignant things.”

Grosso admits sleep is evasive during the school year, because he stays so busy with theater, schoolwork and other commitments, including the Senior Advisory Board and serving as drama club president.

Still, he can’t wait for the year ahead.

Grosso plans to study musical theater upon graduation, although he has not decided which college to attend. He plans to minor in education or business, so he can work in theater professionally or own his own theater school one day.

Pam Eubanks

Upcoming Lakewood Ranch High School senior Joseph Grosso says his longtime acting inspiration is Barbra Streisand, whom he saw perform for the first time in October, in celebration of his birthday.

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

33

By Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

The PATRIOT Alexa Bland loves everything about American history.

Her parents, Eileen and Edward, are history buffs, too, and have taken the upcoming fifth-grader at Freedom Elementary across the country to explore historic sites since she was 16 months old.

Her first trip was to Savannah, Ga., to see haunted historic houses, on the way to Washington, D.C. Since then, she’s traveled along the Natchez Trace, where Capt. Meriwether Lewis was killed on his way back from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She’s visited Ellis Island, where she hunted for the names of relatives, as well as the Statue of Liberty, Appomattox, Va., and Gettysburg, Pa., among other historic landmarks and locations.

“I love American history and seeing red, white and blue, and I love my country,” Alexa says. “I love most that we’re free. We don’t have to be afraid of being outside or speaking or being us. I get to be myself.”

Her cousin serves in the Marines.

“I’m always thinking about him,” Alexa says, noting Freedom Elementary staff hung his picture on the wall last school year.

Alexa Bland, fifth grade FREEDOM ELEMENTARY

Her Girl Scout Troop 181 even planted the back of Freedom Elementary’s courtyard with Florida-friendly landscaping. The courtyard pays tribute to military branches and veterans.

“It was really fun, because I knew I was helping make it beautiful for our courtyard ceremony (celebrating the military),” Alexa says.

Alexa also loves to get “blinged up” for Freedom Elementary’s SOAR celebrations, assemblies for which she dons red, white and blue necklaces and as much patriotic garb as she can muster for the occasion.

“I like to,” she says, grinning.

And, she especially loves her three American Girl dolls — Molly, Emily and Caroline.

Each has a unique story, which is told in books about that doll’s life.

Alexa loves reading the books and also playing with her dolls in the dollhouse her father built for them.

“It even has an elevator with the pulleys,” Alexa says of the dollhouse.

When she’s not traveling or playing with her dolls, Alexa also enjoys swimming and ice skating.

Courtesy photo

Alexa Bland loves everything about American history, which is why she particularly loves her American Girl dolls.

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34 AUGUST 2013

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The Out-of-Door Academy

‘‘

5950 Deer Drive, Lakewood Ranch • 349-3223 • www.oda.edu The 89th

Just the facts Principal: David Mahler

FROM THE year in the PRINCIPAL: history of The

Out-of-Door Academy promises to be an exciting one for our entire school community. We will welcome the largest number of students ever to ODA this fall. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Out-of-Door family, students on our Siesta Key campus will return to a 250seat, open-air amphitheater, new arts facilities, a new STEM lab and renovated classrooms with state-of-the-art technology.

On the Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch, our middle and Upper School students will return to new locker-room facilities and a new outdoor athletic pavilion. We also expect to break ground on a new STEM Center and Student Center to add truly unique facilities for a more stu-

Mascot: Thunder Colors: Navy blue and white Open house: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 (Upper School)

#

Projected enrollment: 680 PTO president: Valerie Leatherwood Special programs or offerings: Classes in Mandarin Chinese

dent-centered and collaborative learning environment for the next generation.

Our students will have access to new teachers from across the globe charged with expanding and enhancing our curricular offerings. We are committed to innovation and the creative use of technology to accelerate learning and to better meet the educational needs of the digital generation.

We could not be more excited about the 2013-14 school year, and we can’t wait to welcome each and every one of our students back to school in August.

— David Mahler

Why I love my school I love ODA because it offers me various opportunities to try different things, such as the new iPad program. The program allows me to use the iPad to complete my assignments and supports my individual learning style. Also, I like being on the ODA sports teams with my friends. Overall, ODA allows me to be who I am and encourages me to do my best.

— Dakota Dickerson

QUALITY IN DANCE EDUCATION SINCE 2000

Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet

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Children have the opportunity to perform in two full-length classical ballets.

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

35

Dr. M&M’s

IMAGINE SCHOOL aT LAKEWOOD RANCH 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton • 750-0900

Just the facts Principal: Selenia Quinones

I am

FROM THE thrilled to PRINCIPAL: welcome

you back for the 20132014 school year at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch. The faculty and staff have been busy preparing the school and classrooms for an exciting year of learning and growth. I am looking forward to hearing about your summer adventures, getting caught up with returning families and meeting our newest Sharks.

Student success is the goal of every staff member at Imagine.

We believe that with our dedication to high-quality instruction and research-based best practices, every student will learn to his full potential. We are prepared to offer time and support, as needed.

Our 2013-2014 school year promises to be an exciting, fun-filled and productive year.

Please plan to attend our Family Barbecue Night from 5 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 8 and our Meet the Teacher Night from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15.

— Selenia Quinones

Mascot: Sharks Colors: Blue and yellow Open house: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 15

#

Projected enrollment: 580

Pediatric Dentistry for Infants, Children, Teens & Special Needs

PTO president: Kim Wilson Special programs or offerings: Afterschool activities and sports

C (2012-13)

I love my school because there are amazing teachers who teach us in fun ways. We get to do projects that are very interesting. There is an awesome principal who keeps us together. I like to go to school to see all of my friends, and I feel like I am at home! — Hannah Tisone

modern & unique, Nickelodeon Studio-like children’s dental office.

Quality - We welcome parents back to

This year’s theme is “We are Building a Strong Foundation.”

‘‘

Why I love my school

Fun & Child-Friendly - Sarasota’s most

Service - We help file and track your PPO dental insurance claim and only collect what your insurance doesn’t cover. No insurance, no problem - we offer a new patient discount.

Fun fact:

‘‘

Ages 1-18...

our treatment area and don’t double book patients. Dr. M&M sees one family at a time to ensure you receive the time and attention you deserve.

Expertise - Dr. M&M grew up in Sarasota and is one of the City’s only Board Certified Pediatric Dentists.

SmileWorksKids.com 941-953-2111

3103 Fruitville Rd.

(across from Robart’s Area) 117827

http://imagineschools lakewoodranch.sharpschool.com/

36 AUGUST 2013

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‘‘

TABERNACLE christian School 4141 Desoto Road, Sarasota • 365-1050 • http://tcssarasota.org

Principal: Ronda Crickenberger Mascot: Knights Colors: Navy and silver Open house: 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 16

#

Projected enrollment: 300 PTO president: Yvonne Perez Special programs or offerings: Fine arts and honor societies

Why I love my school

In addition, our athletic programs and our award-winning fine-arts program are continuing to grow. Our faculty, staff and families are looking forward to another exciting school year at The Tabernacle Christian School.

— Ronda Crickenberger

Fun fact: This year’s school theme is “Build Your Kingdom Here.”

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE START.

I like my school because we have the best principal, Mrs. Crickenberger. She is always encouraging the students in academics and extracurricular activities.

She also encourages me to grow spiritually. The TCS staff is so friendly and offers a smile anytime you see them. This really is like my second home.

— Alayna Montgomery

‘‘

Just the facts

The Tabernacle Christian School family is excited about the upcoming school year. This is our 37th year of serving the community with academic excellence.

As we enter this new school year, we will continue to offer a strong FROM THE academic program supPRINCIPAL: ported by a biblical worldview that develops strong moral character in our students.

This year, students can look forward to new technology in our classrooms. Our “Knight Out Gala” raised enough money to purchase Mimio Teach interactive boards for our entire middle school and upper-elementary classrooms.

22 Years of Excellence National Medalists 2010 • 2011 • 2012

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AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

37

AREA ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS CHARTER/MAGNET SCHOOLS

For more information about magnet schools in Manatee County, visit http://magnet.manatee.k12.fl.us/index.html.

ELEMENTARY Manatee Elementary Magnet Advanced Technology Plus ADDRESS: 1609 Sixth Ave. E. PHONE NUMBER: 741-3319 WEBSITE: www.edline.net/pages/

sdmcmanateees PRINCIPAL: Deborah Houston

Rowlett Elementary Magnet Communication and the Creative Arts ADDRESS: 3500 Ninth St. E. PHONE NUMBER: 708-6100 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/

sites/elementary/rowlett/index.html

PRINCIPAL: Brian Flynn

Wakeland Elementary School of International Studies ADDRESS: 1812 27th St. E. PHONE NUMBER: 741-3358 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/

elementary/wakeland/wildcats/index.html PRINCIPAL: Mario Mendoza

MIDDLE Louise R. Johnson Middle School of International Studies

ADDRESS: 2121 26th Ave. E. PHONE NUMBER: 741-3344 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/

sites/middleschool/johnson/jms web/ home page/index1.html PRINCIPAL: Omar Edwards

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Bradenton Christian School Address: 3304 43rd St. W.,

Bradenton

Phone: 792-5454 Website:

www.bcspanthers.org/

Superintendent: Dan van

der Kooy

Lincoln Middle Magnet School

Grades: K-12

ADDRESS: 305 17th St. E., Palmetto PHONE NUMBER: 721-6840 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/

Cardinal Mooney High School

IMG Pendleton College Prep School Address: 5500 34th St. W.,

Bradenton

Phone: 739-3964 Website:

www.imgacademies.com PRESIDENT AND HEADMASTER: Rich Odell Grades: K through post-

grad

sites/middleschool/lincoln

Address: 4171 Fruitville

Pinnacle Academy

Manatee School for the Arts

Website:

PHONE NUMBER: 755-1400 WEBSITE: www.

PRINCIPAL: Curtis Davis

ADDRESS: 700 Haben Blvd., Palmetto PHONE NUMBER: 721-6800 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/

middleschool/lincoln/lincoln/Home.html

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Bill Jones

HIGH Southeast High School IB Program ADDRESS: 1200 37th Ave. E. PHONE NUMBER: 741-3366 WEBSITE: www.manatee.k12.fl.us/

sites/highschool/southeast/ PRINCIPAL: Shane Hall (interim)

Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4917

www.cmhs-sarasota.org Principal: Steve Christie Grades: 9-12

Community Christian School Address: 5500 18th St. E.,

ADDRESS: 6215 Lorraine

Road, Lakewood Ranch

thepinnacleacademy.com

DIRECTOR: Dr. Kristina Ordetz AGES: 18 months to 6 years

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Bradenton

ADDRESS: 315 41st St. W.,

www.cbc-ministries.net

PHONE NUMBER: 755-1400 WEBSITE:

Jesse Nicholson Grades: K-12

HEAD OF SCHOOL: Jan Pullen GRADES: Pre-K through 12

Phone: 756-8748 Website:

Administration: Pastors

Bradenton

www.saintstephens.org

Joseph Placheril M.D. Board Certified

KEEpIng EaSt County ChILDREn hEaLthy for the last 15 years!

I 75

Dr. Placheril

Norman Manatee Liquor Golf

(941) 758.1285 josephplacheril.com

0 -18 years old Now acceptiNg New patieNts Most Insurance Accepted, Not a Medicaid Provider

•SportS phySicalS •immunization updateS

Dr. placheril gives his personal attention to all of his patient’s on Every appointment!

Conveniently Located Just East of I-75 | 8623 54th Drive East, SR 70 Bradenton

115751

SR. 70

Rosedale Country Club

38 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

colleges & universities Argosy University, Sarasota Address: 5250 17th St., Sarasota Phone: 1-800-377-0617 Website: www.argosy.edu

East West College of Natural Medicine Address: 3808 N. Tamiami Trail,

Sarasota

Phone: 751-7900 (main

Website: http://med.fsu.

edu/?page=sarasotaRegional. home

ITT Technical Institute Address: 8039 Cooper Creek

Blvd., University Park

Phone: 309-9200 Website: www2.itt-tech.edu

Phone: 355-9080 Website: www.ewcollege.org

Keiser University

Eckerd College

Phone: 907-3900 Website: www.keiseruniversity.edu

Address: 8031 Cooper Creek

Blvd., Suite 106, University Park Phone: 957-3397 Website: www.eckerd.edu

Everglades University

Address: 6151 Lake Osprey

Drive, Lakewood Ranch

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Address: 5000 Lakewood Ranch

campus), 752-8100 (Medical and Dental Building), 751-8479 (Law Enforcement/Allied Health Building) or 751-7344 (Fire Science Building) Website: www. manateetechnicalinstitute.org

Meridian Career Institute Address: 7020 Professional

Parkway E., Suite 200, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 377-4880 Website: www.meridian.edu

New College of Florida Address: 5800 Bay Shore Road,

Sarasota

Phone: 487-5000 Website: www.ncf.edu

Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Ringling College of Art and Design

of Medicine and College of Pharmacy); 405-1500 (LECOM School of Dental Medicine) Website: www.lecom.edu

Address: 2700 N. Tamiami Trail,

Florida State University Regional Medical School Campus — Sarasota

Manatee Technical Institute

Sarasota County Technical Institute

Sarasota Phone: 316-8120

Bradenton (main campus); 55205540 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (east campus)

Address: 6001 Lake Osprey

Drive, No. 110, Lakewood Ranch

Phone: 907-2262 Website: www.

evergladesuniversity.edu

Address: 201 Cocoanut Ave.,

Phone: 756-0690 (College

Address: 5603 34th St. W.,

Sarasota School of Massage Therapy Address: 5899 Whitfield Ave.,

Suite 300, Sarasota

Phone: 957-0577 Website: www.

sarasotaschoolofmassagetherapy. edu

State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota Address: 5840 26th St. W.,

Bradenton (SCF Bradenton); 7131 Professional Parkway E., Lakewood Ranch (SCF Lakewood Ranch); 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice (SCF Venice) Phone: 752-5000 (Bradenton); 363-7000 (Lakewood Ranch) or 408-1300 (Venice) Website: www.scf.edu

Webster University

Sarasota Phone: 351-5100 Website: www.ringling.edu

Address: 8043 Cooper Creek

Blvd., Suite 101, University Park

Phone: 358-3840 Website: www.webster.edu

Address: 4748 Beneva Road,

Sarasota

Phone: 924-1365 Website: www.scti.edu

FUN Art Classes!

After School Classes Daily Starting Aug. 18th 4:30 - 6:30

Alex T. Age 10

Sat. & Sun. 12:30 - 3:30 Ella B. Age 9

Ages 6-16 years old Hey Moms! Come learn to paint or draw while the kids are at school!

Fun & Relevant for any skill level Prices as low as $11/hour (including supplies)

cAll For detAils

Sarah D. Age 8

Molly D. Age 11

email us at info@ArtLWR.com visit our website: www.LetsCreateArt.com 941.361.1491 8111 Lakewood Main Street

117908

Adult classes offered everyday.

AUGUST 2013

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER • BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

39

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40 AUGUST 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE • EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

t r a t S t r a ! r a e A Sm Y l o o h c S w e N to the

Our L office akewood R s 1150 will be mo anch 5 Ran ving Janu geland Pk to Will k ary, 201 wy. eep y 4 ou po . sted.

Back-to-School & Sports Physical Exams l Accepting new patients l Most insurance plans accepted l Convenient locations and hours l Same day appointments often available

l

Lakewood Ranch Office 941-907-6016

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., #210, Bradenton, FL

Felicia Canada, M.D. Nicole Bentze, D.O.

Lakewood Ranch Office 941-359-9255

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., #120 Bradenton, FL

Your Neighborhood, Board Certified, Family Practice Physicians

116821

Michael Bentze, D.O. Anthony Hemmer, M.D. Josette Grice, M.D. Samuel Quartermaine, D.O., Pharm. D.