East County Back to School 2021

EAST COUNTY

Observer

2021 BACK TO

SCHOOL

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11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 • 941-727-9990 www.kidsrkids.net

YourObserver.com

JULY 2021

Table of Contents 4 Letter from the superintendent

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Back to School, Back to Sports

6 What to expect

Preparticipation physical examinations (PPEs) and back to school physicals are more than just a routine requirement—they allow physicians to detect minor to serious underlying health issues in children and adolescents.

10 First-day jitters 14 Fashion statement 16 Key calendar dates

At Manatee Urgent Care, the student can be seen right away and allow parents enough time to follow up on any health issues.

18 Elementary schools 20 Middle and

high schools 21 Charter schools 26 Private schools

Ciniya Moore, Out-of-Door Academy

ON THE COVER: Tara Elementary student Ava Olivero learns about strawberries. Courtesy photo.

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manateeurgentcare.com Member of Manatee Physician Alliance For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 21400655-404364 7/21 360043-1

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JULY 2021

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT CYNTHIA SAUNDERS

P

arents and students — while ever mindful of lasting lessons of the COVID-19 global pandemic — I want you to know the employees of the School District of Manatee County are preparing for the new school year with a profound sense of thankfulness, optimism and excitement.

We are thankful for the resiliency, resolve and dedication displayed by you and the school district employees that made it possible to con-

tinue educating the children of Manatee County even during the most daunting days of the past 16 months. We were able to complete the past two school years on time and honor our graduating seniors with in-person graduation ceremonies.

We are optimistic because the lessons learned and the improving health conditions in our community will make it possible for a full return to normalcy in our schools when classes resume Tuesday, Aug. 10.

We are excited because a return to pre-pandemic conditions gives us the opportunity to do what we do best: deliver in-person instruction to our students on our campuses and in our classrooms.

Hopefully, many of our students already will be actively preparing for the new

school year by participating in extracurricular activities, such as band, junior ROTC, TSA or athletics. I know our teachers and educators will be working on professional development opportunities as they get ready for classes to start.

Maintaining teaching during the past two school years helped us avoid some of the steeper learning losses experienced by many school districts across the country.

We have important work to do to make sure all of our students make up for any lapses caused by disruptions to the normal learning processes.

We extended summer school to identify and address student remediation needs related to the pandemic.

In addition, we face an important referendum election Nov. 2, 2021, to renew

the 1 mill that is so important to stay competitive with school districts including Sarasota and Pinellas.

Having the 1 mill the past four years has helped us attract and retain highquality teachers, provide 30 additional minutes of instruction each school day and enhance our STEM and career and technical education programs. It also will be used in the future to support visual and performing arts programs and benefits local charter schools.

This will be a very important school year, and we look forward to working with your children and serving our community.

CYNTHIA SAUNDERS SUPERINTENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MANATEE COUNTY

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JULY 2021

Business as usual

Jillian and Lilly Riley are excited to be back in school at Gilbert W. Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year.

Masks will be optional for students and employees this year.

Schools will return to pre-pandemic times with optional masks and the removal of other COVID-19 protocols.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

The wait is over.

After a year of face masks, social distancing, one-way hallways and virtual learning, Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, said that school is back to “business as usual.”

“Hopefully, we can put the chapter of COVID-19 behind us in the history books and move forward with a new prosperous school year,” Saunders said. “The wonderful thing about a school year,

we have so many activities and events. I miss those school plays. I miss those activities.

Many of the athletic and social events were either abbreviated or didn’t occur at all, and those are many activities that students look forward to, so I’m anxious to see those back in place.”

As families prepare for the new year, here’s what they can expect to see come Aug. 10: FACE COVERINGS

The School Board of Manatee County voted May 28 to make masks optional for students in the 2021-2022 school year.

Courtesy photo

Board Chair Charlie Kennedy said the district would consider having classes dedicated to those who want to wear a mask if there are enough students who are so inclined.

Saunders also said if there are enough students in a grade level who want to wear a mask, schools could accommodate

having a classroom designated for students with masks. Otherwise, she said there aren’t enough staff to make Kennedy’s suggestion feasible.

For example, if there are 18 students in third grade at a school who want to wear a CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

PARENTING TIPS: RAISING CHILDREN TO BE EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY DESPITE THE WORLD WE LIVE IN History: Before we talk about your children do yourself the honor of looking back to your own childhood in terms of how you were parented.

Being as objective as you can, do you think you were raised in an emotional healthy way? Did your parents fight? Were there any addictions?

Do you know if your parents ever lied or cheated on each other emotionally or financially? Did either of your parents treat you or your siblings in a mean or derogatory way? Did any member of your family experience emotional, sexual, or physical abuse? If there was any dysfunction, was it addressed openly and expressed as a family issue or swept under the rug?

picked on, bullied or ostracized?” Who will be their encourager and supporter when they are not at home? Do they know how to advocate for themselves? Do they know how to avoid bad people or danger? I know too well these feelings as a new mommy, and I worried about how my children would be treated and how life would turn out for them.

Well-known self-help expert, John Bradshaw, said that all families have some dysfunction.

Its is just a matter of how much dysfunction there is in a particular family. Yours may be 2% dysfunctional or it may be 20% dysfunctional, but the point is there is no perfect family.

Accepting the dysfunctional issue(s) can springboard you to engaging in some honest conversations.

One Person’s Issue is a Family Issue: If a family member has depression, addiction, anger, schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, genetic mutations, ADHD, autism etc., the family has an issue. In other words, it will not help to ignore the issue and pretend like it is his or her issue. The reality is that because one family member has a condition, it affects the entire family. To not deal openly with the issue, keeps the family from addressing it and moving forward. Unfortunately, these are often the families I see in mediation and who are headed for divorce. It is sad to see a couple who has been together for years not address issues that if addressed could have kept the couple and the family together.

Desires For Our Own Children: In a world like ours, it is easy to be worried about our children, from what they might be exposed to in school and in their social lives. We ask ourselves, “Will they be treated fairly and kindly or will they be

Are We Looking at Our Own Behavior and How it Affects Our Children? We mentioned earlier how concerned we are about what our children are exposed to in this crazy world. We are quick to critique others, but have we looked in our

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own backyard? What are you doing in your daily life regarding how you treat your spouse or family members that is not a good example for your children? Simply put, we are often nicer to a neighbor or a stranger than we are to our loved ones. Face it, we are inadequate as parents because we did not have perfect examples to learn from. It is never to late to learn from counselors, a life coach, support groups, parenting classes, books, mentors etc. Take time to invest in your children and in your family.

Create some new healthy family habits of communication and if you don’t know where to start, call me and we will help get you started on a new healthy path.

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JULY 2021

FROM PAGE 6

mask, the school will be able to have a class for students who want to wear a mask.

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND SHIELDS

With all students returning to campus, social distancing won’t be feasible.

Students will be able to sit next to their classmates at lunch and in the classroom without plexiglass between their desks or lunch tables.

VACCINATIONS

Students or school district employees are not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Saunders said the district will provide opportunities for students and employees to get vaccinated at the district’s school-based health centers at Southeast High School and Manatee Elementary School.

The district was able to provide more than 5,000 vac-

cines to its more than 6,000 employees in March.

mendations from their zoned school counselor.

ONLINE LEARNING

MORE VIRTUAL MEETINGS?

The School District of Manatee County will not be providing an e-learning option through Schoology, the online learning platform the district uses, as it did during the pandemic.

Families still can enroll their students in Manatee Virtual, which is a franchise of Florida Virtual.

Students hoping to enroll in Manatee Virtual School must meet eligibility requirements including being a resident of Manatee County, being 5 years old on or before Sept.

1 to enroll in kindergarten, being 6 years old on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in first grade and having a discussion with their zoned school counselor regarding appropriate placement. Parents and students must request and be provided in writing course recom-

Saunders said one takeaway from the school year with COVID-19 is the efficiency of virtual meetings.

Saunders said virtual meetings have been helpful for parents who wish to speak with a teacher face to face but who can’t leave work or aren’t able to drive to school.

CONSTRUCTION

Teachers and families at Gene Witt Elementary School and Braden River Middle School will see the most changes as the renovation and addition are completed at Gene Witt and as construction continues at Braden River Middle.

Gene Witt students and teachers will walk onto a newly renovated campus, and some students will be learning in a new eight-classroom addition.

After years of waiting, the renovation and addition at Gene Witt will be complete by the first day of school.

The $23.4 million project included new ceilings, roofs, ductwork, lighting and paint, as well as enhancing campus security, enlarging the cafeteria, updating restrooms and reconfiguring the administration building.

At Braden River Middle, construction is continuing on the six-classroom addition.

The district also is working on renovating Building 6 and reconfiguring the administration area and media center.

The $26 million project consists of a comprehensive, campuswide renovation that includes new ceilings, ductwork, lighting, paint, flooring and technology, as well as upgrading restrooms, enlarging the cafeteria, enhancing campus security and reconfiguring the media center and administration area.

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JULY 2021

Bus(ted) the first day The first day of school is full of joyous rituals and anxieties — for parents, of course.

MARK GORDON MANAGING EDITOR, BUSINESS OBSERVER

M

y son, Aaron, cried his eyes out on the first day of kinder-

garten.

Not because he had separation anxiety from his loving (read: neurotic), caring (sometimes a wee bit crazy) and devoted (occasionally overprotective) parents. Aaron’s tears flowed because his parents (my wife, Elyse, and I) wouldn’t let him ride the bus the first day. He’d seen the older, bigger kids in the neighborhood climb onto the big yellow school bus for years. And he craved to be part of that club — the free from Mommy and Daddy club.

But Elyse and I dropped him off at Willis Elementary School in East Manatee County on day one — this was a milestone day. We had to be there

in person. After a quick dropoff, we hit the cafeteria for the Boo Hoo Breakfast — this odd gathering of deer-in-theheadlight-looking parents, sipping coffee and comforting one another. Thousands of parents in Sarasota and Manatee counties will be soon be doing something similar for the school year, the first-day drop for their kids.

Our first-day drop-offs have followed a somewhat predictable arc. From boo hoo to too cool for school. On the latter, by sixth grade, we were lucky to get a side hug from Aaron, especially if in eyeshot of other humans. Oh, the horror. Parents with older kids nod knowingly when I tell them this.

But back in kindergarten, there wasn’t only day one, but

the next day too: young Aaron’s first bus ride. Elyse worried whether he would make friends. Will he remember to bring his insulated Angry Birds lunchbox into school?

I had my own anxieties. Will some fifth grader bully him?

Will some big kid mess with our innocent, little child? I confided in Elyse, in our own boo-hoo outside the entrance to our community, as Daryl, our son’s bus driver, escorted him away that morning.

(Our bus driver’s name, true story, for all six years our son attended Willis? Daryl Hall.

Talk about a gold mine of dad jokes.)

Another true story: Elyse and I decided, given our anxieties, that the best choice we CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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FROM PAGE 10

had was obvious: I must follow the bus, and Daryl, to school.

You know, make sure Aaron got off the bus OK, with his lunch box — and without a black eye. Like any normal parent would do.

So I double-timed it back to the house. I hopped into the Honda Accord. (I swear, I turned the car on, and “Born to Run” was on the XM Radio. Or maybe it was “Private Eyes.”) I caught up to the bus. (I’m from New York — it wasn’t that hard.) The bus weaved around some neighborhoods, made some stops. Then it hit University Parkway — a straight shot to Willis.

The moment of truth. I parked. (Turned out I parked on the edge of the bus loop, half on the grass on the wrong side; I hadn’t yet read the parking line email. Sorry former Principal Mr. Stenger.) I ran to a pole and staked out a posi-

Courtesy photo

Mark, Aaron and Elyse Gordon on the first day of kindergarten at Willis Elementary School in August 2013.

tion, phone in hand to document the scene. Yes, I stood behind a pole so no one could see me, or at least see less of

me. Probably a good time to mention I had taken the day (was it the whole week?) off.

So I was in a T-shirt, shorts

and my New York Mets hat.

Not work attire.

And there came Aaron off the bus. Lunch box in both hands. Backpack strapped to his tiny shoulders. Determined look on his face, maybe a little bit uneasy — but mostly an “I got this” vibe. He had done it. No bullying. No problems. Kindergarten was his for the taking.

Luckily, no one noticed me, as far as I know, behind the pole. Otherwise, it would have made for a somewhat interesting conversation with a sheriff’s deputy.

As Aaron prepares for eighth grade — say it isn’t so — my wife and I are prepared for another first day. His last first day of middle school. I’m thinking maybe I will get a fist-bump, maybe a head-nod, as he walks toward the bus.

I have no plans to follow the bus.

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JULY 2021

Fashion Forward BRYNN MECHEM LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITERS

Track suits, tie-dye and highwaisted “mom jeans.”

No, we haven’t stepped into a time machine back to the 1990s. It’s just that the 1990s are back in fashion for schoolaged children.

Amber Gingerich, the owner of Rhea Lana’s Sarasota, said it’s been fun to watch the ’90s fashion come back in style as she shops for her four children.

“I grew up in the ’90s, so this is my jam,” Gingerich said.

“I’m so happy they’re back because I think the clothes are much more flattering.”

Teenage girls, Gingerich said, are most interested in higher-waisted, loose-fitting jeans; flowy crop tops; and floral prints. Whereas girls’ clothes five years ago had ruffles and wild patterns, it’s now about simple cuts and colors.

For teenage boys, it’s all about checkered buttondowns, track pants and sweatshirts. Colorful sneakers are a must-have, and yes, Converse are still reigning supreme.

Athletic clothes are popular, but so are chino shorts.

Gone are the days of shorts that stretch well past the knee.

Courtesy photo

Amber Gingerich, the owner of Rhea Lana’s Sarasota, says parents are less into brands and more into eco-friendly clothing.

Now they hit a few inches above the kneecap.

“Overall, the style today is more simple,” Gingerich said.

“It’s more about being comfortable and feeling good.”

Although the styles are similar for younger children, Little Bo-Tique shop Owner

Joyce Condrack said young girls like color and glitter.

Cheetah print, tie-dye and jumpers are popular for young girls. And you can’t forget the small, shimmery purses and vibrant hair bows.

Aside from styles, Gingerich said parents no longer look for

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From tie-dye to track suits, the 1990s are back in fashion.

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Most elementary, charter and middle schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties require uniforms, but that doesn’t mean your child can’t express personal style.

Help your child pick out accessories that express who they are. A cool pair of sneakers or a bright pair of socks is a great way to show some personality.

Add a necklace, headband or watch to show some sparkle up top. And don’t forget to pick out a favorite backpack.

Be sure to check your school’s individual guidelines before purchasing your items.

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specific brands. They focus on eco-conscious fabrics, sustainability and durability.

A trend Lakewood Ranch High senior Emma Cecil has been seeing is dupes, or an item with similarities to a designer item but that doesn’t copy logos or trademarked features.

“Dupes are big right now,” Cecil said. “They’re praising them now, especially on TikTok. If you find a dupe for something super popular, you go famous.”

As a cheerleader who lives on a farm, Declan Hudson, a junior at Braden River High, finds balance between the two different atmospheres. She cared more about what she wore in middle school, but in high school, her perspective has changed.

“It depends on my mood,” Hudson said. “I like being myself. Some girls prefer to be in style, but how I feel that day determines what I’ll wear.”

JULY 2021

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JULY 2021

SCHOOL YEAR AT A GLANCE 2021-2022 Manatee County public schools key dates

AUGUST 2021 3 Teachers return/in-service 4 District in-service 5, 6, 9 Teacher work days 10 First day of classes

SEPTEMBER 2021 6 Labor Day; no classes, all district sites closed 6-8 Rosh Hashana 15-16 Yom Kippur

OCTOBER 2021 7 End of first grading period 8 Record day; deadline for report cards; no classes

25 Thanksgiving Day; all district sites closed 28-30 Hanukkah

NOVEMBER 2021

DECEMBER 2021

11 Veterans Day; all district sites closed 22-26 Thanksgiving break

1-6 Hanukkah 13-21 Middle and high school exams

16-21 High school early release 21 End of second grading period 22-23 Hurricane make-up days if needed 22-31 Winter break; all district sites closed

JANUARY 2022 3 Winter break; all district sites closed 4 Teachers return; record day; no classes 5 District in-service; no classes 6 Students return 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no classes

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• Study Skills • FSA (Florida Standard Assessments) • Academic Testing • Professional Staff

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FEBRUARY 2022

2 Professional learning; early release 21 Presidents Day; all district sites closed

MARCH 2022 10 End of third grading period 11 Record day; no classes 14-18 Spring break; no classes

APRIL 2022 15 Good Friday; all district sites closed 15-23 Passover 20 Professional learning early release

MAY 2022 17 Bayshore High School graduation 18 Parrish Community High

JULY 2021

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School graduation 19 Southeast High School graduation 19-26 Middle and high school exams (tentative) 20 Lakewood Ranch High School graduation 21 Palmetto High School, Braden River High School, Manatee High School graduation 24-26 All schools early release 26 Final day for students 28 Record day; final day for teachers 30 Memorial Day; all district sites closed

JUNE 2022 6 Summer school begins (tentative) Katelyn Guilamo graduates from Lakewood Ranch High.

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JULY 2021

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Phone: 751-7012 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ BradenRiverEl Mascot: Wranglers About the school: The school engages the school community with innovative ways of learning to best prepare for an everychanging world.

B.D. Gullett Elementary

WILLIAM H. BASHAW ELEMENTARY Address: 3515 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton Phone: 741-3307 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Bashaw Mascot: Bobcats About the school: The school’s mission is to cultivate distinct pathways for all students to

succeed. Through a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics model of instruction, the school inspires learning with inquiry investigation, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and authentic experiences.

BRADEN RIVER ELEMENTARY Address: 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton

B.D. GULLETT ELEMENTARY Address: 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 727-2067 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Gullett Mascot: Gators About the school: The school’s mission is to inspire all learners to dream, achieve and develop a love of learning through curiosity, commitment and compassion.

FREEDOM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Address: 9515 State Road 64 E., Bradenton Phone: 708-4990 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Freedom

Mascot: Falcons About the school: The school aims to establish a community of innovative learners, empower all students to reach their individual potential, provide a safe and secure environment, promote cultural diversity in an ever-changing world and inspire a spirit of lifelong learning for the school community.

TARA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Address: 6950 Linger Lodge Road, Bradenton Phone: 751-7660 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Tara Mascot: Knights About the school: The school mission is to develop each child’s potential by providing a nurturing and stimulating environment.

GILBERT W. MCNEAL ELEMENTARY Address: 6325 Lorraine Road, Bradenton

SEE PAGE 20

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Phone: 751-8165 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ McNeal Mascot: Wildcats About the school: The school community is attuned to inspire minds and celebrate learning.

MYAKKA CITY ELEMENTARY Address: 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City Phone: 708-5515 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Myakka Mascot: Mustangs About the school: The school’s mission is to develop a high level of student success through collaborative efforts among teachers, students, parents, staff and the community.

ROBERT E. WILLIS ELEMENTARY Address: 14705 The Masters Ave., Lakewood Ranch Phone: 316-8245

ER T IS G W RE O N

Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Willis Mascot: Geckos About the school: The school vision is to provide students with the opportunity to explore their world through reasoning strategies and activities that allow them to use a variety of resources, such as books, media resources, the internet and technology.

GENE WITT ELEMENTARY Address: 200 Rye Road, Bradenton Phone: 741-3628 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Witt Mascot: Eagles About the school: The school and community work together to assist all students in reaching their highest potential and to foster a love of learning.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS BRADEN RIVER MIDDLE Address: 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton Phone: 751-7080 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ BradenRiverMiddle Mascot: Panthers About the school: The school embraces the quest to use new ideas, model respectful behavior and communicate effectively to create dynamic leaders. Programs offered include Technology Student Association, Builders Club and National Junior Honor Society.

R. DAN NOLAN MIDDLE Address: 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch Phone: 751-8200 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Nolan Mascot: Colts About the school: The school in-

spires students with a passion for learning and empowers students to pursue their dreams confidently and creatively while contributing to the community, nation and world. Activities offered include National Junior Honor Society, clubs, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America and Health Occupations Students of America.

CARLOS E. HAILE MIDDLE Address: 9501 State Road 64 E., Bradenton Phone: 714-7240 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Haile Mascot: The Storm About the school: The school aims to inspire students with a passion for learning and to empower them to pursue their dreams confidently and creatively while contributing to the community, nation and world.

Activities include National Junior

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21

HIGH SCHOOLS

Honor Society, Future Farmers of America and Technology Student Association.

DR. MONA JAIN MIDDLE Address: 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 727-4747 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Jain Mascot: Bulls About the school: The school aims to foster a safe, caring and creative learning environment that inspires students to realize their full potentials as they positively impact the world around them.

Activities include Technology Student Association, Health Occupations Students of America and National Junior Honor Society.

LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH Address: 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton Phone: 727-6100 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ LakewoodRanch Mascot: Mustangs About the school: The school strives to inspire students to recognize and achieve their maximum potentials through academic excellence, personal integrity and responsible citizenship. Activities include junior ROTC, Junior Advisory Board and National Honor Society.

CHARTER SCHOOLS CHARTER SCHOOLS IMAGINE CHARTER SCHOOL AT NORTH MANATEE Address: 9275 49th Ave. E., Palmetto Phone: 981-5345 Website: ImagineSchoolsNorthManatee.com/home Grades: K-8 Program: The curriculum focuses on learner-centered results; critical thinking; creative problemsolving; technology as a learning tool; a hands-on, minds-on approach to learning; personal and global perspectives; reflection and exchange of ideas; and interdisciplinary thematic units.

IMAGINE SCHOOL AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Address: 10535 Portal Crossing, Bradenton Phone: 750-0900 Website: ImagineSchoolsLakewoodRanch.org/home Grades: Voluntary pre-K to 8 Program: The school offers an individualized focus on learning, character education and innovative programs. Staff is committed to the school’s six measures of excellence: parent satisfaction, economic sustainability, character education, academic growth, school development and the

SEE PAGE 22

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BRADEN RIVER HIGH Address: 6545 State Road 70 E., Bradenton Phone: 751-8230 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ BradenRiver Mascot: Pirates About the school: The school mission is to empower students to be strong, responsible leaders who value personal integrity, academic excellence and civic involvement. The school is a Wall-to-Wall Academy school and offers pathways in arts and communications, engineering and leadership, business and international studies, and science and health technologies.

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JULY 2021

CHARTER SCHOOLS shared values of justice, integrity and fun.

MANATEE CHARTER SCHOOL Address: 4550 30th St. E., Bradenton Phone: 465-4296 Website: ManateeCharter.org Grades: K-8 Program: The school uses an evidence-based approach to improve student achievement and create positive communities. It uses age-appropriate programs — such as Responsive Classroom, Developmental Designs and Restorative Justice — to help students learn to respect one another, establish positive and affirming relationships, and develop communication skills that create harmony and resolve conflict.

MANATEE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Address: 700 Haben Blvd., Palmetto Phone: 721-6800 Website: MSFTA.org Grades: 6-12 Program: The curriculum includes a program of studies based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards, with a focus on arts. Classes offered include music, dance, theater, physics of motor sports, and digital arts and technology. Middle school students are accepted on first-come, first-serve basis, and high school students are chosen through an interview/audition with staff.

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MANATEE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Address: 3700 32nd St. W., Bradenton Phone: 755-5012 Website: MSASGeckos.org Grades: Pre-K to 6 Program: The school strives to create an atmosphere through arts and sciences in which all students will be intrinsically motivated. Low child-to-teacher ratio, family contracts and community interactions facilitate the students’ ability to construct their own knowledge.

OASIS MIDDLE SCHOOL Address: 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton Phone: 749-1979 Website: OasisMiddleSchool.org Grades: 6-8 Program: The school fosters academic excellence, promotes social awareness and involvement, and models positive character development through innovative and creative teaching strategies in a supportive and disciplined school setting.

PALMETTO CHARTER SCHOOL Address: 1601 17th St. W., Palmetto Phone: 723-3711 Website: PalmettoCharterSchool. org Grades: K-8 Program: The school’s mission is to create a superior learning environment founded upon the shared values of hard work, honor, self-discipline, and community and parental involvement with the purpose of preparing students for academic and social success.

PARRISH CHARTER ACADEMY Address: 8605 Erie Road, Parrish Phone: 545-6380 Website: PCAEdu.org Grades: K-4 Program: The school’s mission is to provide academic excellence for all students through experience and self-discovery in order to develop motivated, independently thinking individuals who demonstrate exemplary character, social confidence and service to the community ROWLETT ACADEMY FOR ARTS AND COMMUNICATION Address: 3500 Ninth St. E., Bradenton Phone: 708-6100 Website: RowlettAcademy.org Grades: K-5 Program: The academy’s mission is to foster leadership and a love of learning in all students by promoting creativity and excellence in academics through a communications and arts theme.

SEE PAGE 24

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JULY 2021

CHARTER SCHOOLS Classes are offered in music, strings, visual arts, drama, dance, technology, Spanish and leadership development.

ROWLETT MIDDLE ACADEMY Address: 400 30th Ave. W., Bradenton Phone: 462-4001 Website: RowlettMiddleAcademy. org Grades: 6-8 Program: The rigor and high expectations set by the state’s middle school curriculum are enhanced with a unique integration of arts, communication and leadership skills.

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Address: 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Building 800, Venice Phone: 752-5494 (Bradenton); 408-1430 (Venice) Website: SCFCS.SCF.edu

Grades: 6-12 Program: The school’s unique dual-enrollment program presents an opportunity for students to complete an associate degree at the same time they receive their high school diploma.

TEAM SUCCESS Address: 202 13th Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 714-7260 Website: TeamSuccessSchools. org Grades: K-12 Program: This Title 1 charter school emphasizes data-driven results and individualized curriculum.

VISIBLE MEN ACADEMY Address: 921 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 758-7588 Website: VMAcademy.org Grades: K-5 Program: The vision of this boys-

only school is to lead boys toward a realization of their innate strong character — boys who are familyorientated, community-conscious and globally aware.

OTHER HORIZONS ACADEMY Address: 1910 27th St. E., Bradenton Phone: 714-7470 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Horizons Grades: K-12 Program: The program targets struggling students and aims to get them back on track for high school graduation. Students are not permitted to have cellphones on campus.

MANATEE VIRTUAL SCHOOL Address: N/A Phone: 708-8770 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ domain/1404 Grades: K-12 Program: Courses are taught virtually. Not all students qualify

for full-time enrollment.

SARA SCOTT HARLLEE CENTER Address: 6423 Ninth St. E., Bradenton Phone: 751-7027 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Harllee Grades: K-12 Program: The school offers programs that target students with challenges, such as teen pregnancy or behavioral issues not corrected by other interventions.

LOUISE R. JOHNSON K-8 SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Address: 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 741-3344 Website: ManateeSchools.net/ Johnson Grades: K-8 Program: The school is an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme World School and is the only 100% choice middle school in Manatee County.

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JULY 2021

PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

THE ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Address: 1201 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota Phone: 504-7547 Website: Achieve-Center.com Grades: 6-12 Program: The school is tailored for children who struggle to find success in the larger, more traditional academic setting. Class sizes range from five to 12 students, and curricula is tailored to each student’s academic, social and emotional needs.

Bradenton Phone: 792-5454 Website: BCSPanthers.org Grades: K-12 Program: This college preparatory is the oldest and largest in Manatee County with a mission to provide a quality education rooted in biblical teachings. Middle and high school students can participate in Class 3A sports, as well as music and performing and studio arts.

BRICKHOUSE ACADEMY Address: 3552 Webber St., Sarasota Phone: 924-7681 Website: Brickhouse-Academy. com Grades: 6-12

AGAPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 150 N. Shade Ave., Sarasota Phone: 894-3053 Website: AgapeSarasota.org Grades: K-12 Program: The nondenominational Christian school uses the Accelerated Christian Education program, which allows students to work at their ability level.

BEYOND THE SPECTRUM Address: 7333 International Place, Sarasota Phone: 907-3443 Website: BeyondTheSpectrum.org Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: The nonprofit therapeutic clinic and education center focuses on children with autism.

It offers academic and social skills programs, and student-teacher ratios do not exceed 4:1.

BRADENTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 3304 43rd St. W.,

OTHER

THE BROACH SCHOOL Address: 2615 26th St. W., Bradenton Phone: 751-2525 Website: CES-Schools.net/ broach-schools Grades: K-12 Program: This school for children with special educational needs is owned by the nonprofit Children’s Educational Services. Classes are held in small working groups.

CALVARY CHAPEL SCHOOL Address: 3800 27th Parkway, Sarasota Phone: 366-6522 Website: CalvaryChapelSchool. com Grades: Pre-K to 8

SEE PAGE 28

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JULY 2021

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PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH Address: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4917 Website: CMHS-Sarasota.org Grades: 9-12 CENTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL Address: 6024 26th St. W., Bradenton; 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch (ages 3-6) Phone: 753-4987 Website: CenterMontessori.org Grades: Age 18 months to 14 THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY Address: 8751 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 925-2153 Website: TCASarasota.com Grades: Pre-K to 12 COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 5500 18th St. E.,

OTHER Bradenton Phone: 756-8748 Website: CommunityChristianFL. com Grades: K-12 EDISON ACADEMICS Address: 7710 Cortez Road W., Bradenton Phone: 792-7500 Website: EdisonAcademics School.com Grades: 6-12 FAMILY LIFE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Address: 12125 71st St. E., Parrish Phone: 281-6412 Website: FamilyLifeCommunity. net Grades: Pre-K to 10 FOUNDATIONS CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY Address: 4141 Desoto Road, Sarasota

Phone: 907-7078 Website: FoundationsCMA.org Ages: Pre-K to 8 HERSHORIN SCHIFF COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL Address: 4335 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota Phone: 552-2770 Website: CommunityDay.org Grades: Pre-K to 8 IMG ACADEMY BOARDING SCHOOL Address: 5650 Bollettieri Blvd., Bradenton Phone: 755-1000 Website: IMGAcademy.com/ boarding-school Grades: 6 to postgraduate

JULIE ROHR ACADEMY Address: 4466 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4979 Website: JulieRohrAcademy.com Grades: Age 2 to pre-K

MANATEE LEARNING ACADEMY Address: 6210 17th Ave. W., Bradenton Phone: 794-0088 Website: ManateeLearning Academy.com Grades: Pre-K to 12 NEW GATE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Address: 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota (Elementary); 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota (Middle/High) Phone: 922-4949 (Elementary); 222-0763 (Middle/High) Website: NewGate.edu Grades: Pre-K to 12 NEW PATH ACADEMY Address: 3005 26th St. W., Bradenton Phone: 201-6994 Website: NewPathAcademy.org Grades: K-12

SEE PAGE 30

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JULY 2021

PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIALTY NEEDS

THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY Addresses: 444 Reid St., Sarasota (Lower School); 5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota (Upper School) Phone: 349-3223 Website: ODA.edu Grades: Pre-K to 5 (Lower); 6-12 (Upper)

OTHER PREW ACADEMY Address: 5020 Fielding Lane, Sarasota Phone: 921-7739 Website: PrewAcademyOf Sarasota.com Grades: 6-12

SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota Phone: 371-6481 Website: SarasotaChristian.org Grades: Pre-K to 12 SEA OF STRENGTHS ACADEMY Address: 7313 International Place, Suite 90, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 538-6822 Website: SOSASchool.com Grades: K-8; blended program offered for high school

PALM GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 1087 Beneva Road, Sarasota Phone: 373-0089 Website: PGMSchool.com Grades: K-5

PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Address: 5600 Deer Drive, Sarasota (at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church) Phone: 727-6860 Website: PCSFla.org Grades: Pre-K to 12

PINNACLE ACADEMY Address: 6215 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 755-1400 Website: ThePinnacleAcademy. com Grades: Age 18 months to 12

SAINT STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Address: 315 41st St. W., Bradenton Phone: 746-2121 Website: SaintStephens.org Grades: K-12

ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 953-4181 Website: StMarthaSchool.net Grades: Pre-K to 8 ST. MARY ACADEMY Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 366-4010 Website: StMarySarasota.org Grades: K-8

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WEST COAST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Address: 1112 49th Ave. E., Bradenton Phone: 755-9667 Website: West22.AdventistSchoolConnect.org Grades: K-8

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SUNSHINE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Address: 2520 43rd St. W., Bradenton (at The Church at Bradenton) Phone: 794-3143 Website: SunshineChristian Academy.com Grades: K-8

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 2990 26th St. W., Bradenton Phone: 755-2611 Website: SJSFL.org Grades: Pre-K to 8

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Youth Sports Leagues (Soccer or Basketball)

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For More Information: Rhiannon Blaney, Program Executive Director 941.798.9622 ext.116 rblaney@manateeymca.org

FEELING

GOOD

NEVER

GROWS

OLD

Senior Activities are returning to the Lakewood Ranch YMCA this August!

• Bridge and other card games • Lunch N Learns • Travel Talks COMING THIS FALL • Chess • Walking Club • Book Club AND MORE!

MANATEE COUNTY FAMILY YMCA | manateeymca.org | 941-798-9622

360611-1

: p u o r G l a c i d e M l a t y l s i a m o c a r F e r u Int o Y f o h t l a e H d n u o R r a e Y e For th Sched u appoi le your ntmen SOON ts !

ms a x E l a c i s y h P & s t r o Sp l o o h c S o t Back-

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Accepting new patients Most insurance plans accepted Convenient locations and hours

Felicia Canada, M.D.

Anthony Hemmer, M.D.

Lakewood Ranch I

941-907-6016

11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL

Kevin Lipscomb, M.D.

Samuel Quartermaine, Deborah Sauder, M.D. D.O., Pharm. D.

Lakewood Ranch II

941-538-0001

11715 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL

Michael Bentze, D.O.

Daniel Johnson, M.D.

Alexander Thacker, M.D.

Your Neighborhood, Board Certified, Family Medicine Physicians

354978-1

www.intercoastalmedical.com