Sarasota Back to School 2019

BACK SCHOOL to

2019

See what’s new for the upcoming school year.

Observer

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

100% ACCEPTED

to four-year colleges/universities

$10.8 MILLION in total scholarship dollars awarded

88%

15%

OF CLASS

received unsolicited academic/merit scholarships

10

NCAA committed student-athletes

OF CLASS

scored in the 99th percentile on SAT/ACT

$150,000 average four-year scholarship per recipient

941-554-3400 | www.ODA.edu Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K-Grade 5 | Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6-12 | Sarasota, FL 303767-1

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JULY 2019

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A message from the superintendent Todd Bowden writes that he’s hopeful the accomplishments of district schools will propel students to greatness.

Flu vaccines on the way District nurses will administer flu shots at school this fall.

Police on campus Every campus in the district will have a police office on duty.

New options University of South Florida is the district’s new dual-enrollment partner.

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Rule changes Cellphone use tops the changes parents and students must be aware of.

School listings Elementary schools

16

Middle and high schools

19

Charter and special schools

22

Private schools

27

Colleges and universities

ON THE COVER: Emma E. Booker Elementary student A.J. Colon rocks his new uniform on the first day of school of 2018.

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SCHOOL YEAR AT A GLANCE AUGUST 12 First day of classes SEPTEMBER 5 Labor Day holiday, no classes OCTOBER 11 End of first grading period for students 14 Professional day, no classes NOVEMBER 25-29 Thanksgiving holiday, no classes DECEMBER 20 End of second grading period for students 23-31 Winter break, no classes JANUARY 1-3 Winter break, no classes

6 Professional day, no classes 20 MLK Day, no classes FEBRUARY 14 Mini-break, no classes 17 Presidents Day, no classes MARCH 11 End of third grading period 12 Professional day, no classes 13-20 Spring break, no classes APRIL 10 Mini-break, no classes MAY 25 Memorial Day, no classes 29 Last day of classes

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JULY 2019

Letter from Superintendent

Todd Bowden A A hopeful future for the continued success of our students and school communities.

s the 2019-20 school year begins, I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon the previous year and the extraordinary accomplishments the school district has experienced. First and foremost, I want to say thank you to our incredibly dedicated teachers, staff, school leaders and administrators for all they do to inspire our students to excel each and every day. Your leadership and care provides endless opportunities for our students to achieve personal and academic success, and I am grateful to work alongside

such dedicated professionals.

The impact you make is lifechanging, and your students will remember you and their school experience for the rest of their lives.

As a school district, there are three primary areas we emphasize every day: Maintain the academic excellence of the school district; inspire all students, especially those in need of support, to achieve their personal best; and ensure our students graduate college- and career-ready. I am pleased to report that not only did the district maintain its A rating in 2018, but we also improved our over-

Courtesy photo

all school district grade by four points. We are the No. 2 school district in the state of Florida, and we boast the No. 1 high school in the state due to the continued success of Pine View School.

In addition, our high school graduation rate increased by 4% during the 2018 school year, with even more students going on to college or pursu-

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elementary, middle and high schools this coming year.

I want to thank the men and women of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department and our local law enforcement partners for their continued support of our schools and students and to our community partners for their work to ensure the well-being of our students through extended mental and behavioral health services.

From the Crisis Text Line — designed to help students receive free, 24/7 access to certified counselors anytime, anywhere — to our schoolbased social workers, psychologists and home school liaisons, our students have access to even more services when they need them most.

As we head into the new school year, I am hopeful.

I am hopeful that students still struggling will discover a spark that ignites their quest for knowledge and learning. I am hopeful that the collaboration between our school leaders, teachers and staff grows even greater. I am hopeful the core essentials that guide us every day will continue to be successfully achieved. Lastly, I am hopeful that our students today will become fierce community leaders tomorrow and that the indelible experiences they obtained from their school in Sarasota County will propel them to greatness and inspire them to achieve their personal best. There are amazing accomplishments happening every day in Sarasota County’s schools, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our all our employees, volunteers and business and community partners who work toward a common goal: success for every student every day.

TODD BOWDEN SUPERINTENDENT SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS

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ing a career in a meaningful field. School grades and graduation rates for 2019 are not yet available from the Florida Department of Education, but we anticipate they will be just as strong as we move into this next school year.

For students wishing to pursue a higher education, Sarasota County offers a wide variety of academic programs to help you excel.

From Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs, rigorous coursework is available to help students get ahead of the curve in college.

These advanced programs have earned international acclaim. Earlier this year, the University of Cambridge in the U.K. awarded Sarasota County Schools the MidSized School District of the Year. This is an accomplishment everyone can be proud of as our school district extends its reputation on a global scale. For students looking to excel in the arts and athletics, we have numerous visual performing arts programs available throughout the county, and our school athletic programs continue to encourage students to enhance their skills both on and off the field.

Likewise, high school enrollment at Suncoast Technical College provides students even more ways to get ahead in a career of their choice.

The last year has also brought a lot of change to our school campuses. Not only did we invest $20 million to harden our schools, but we also adopted a school-based School Resource Officer program in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. For the first time, the Sarasota County Schools Police Department will have SROs in all traditional public

JULY 2019

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JULY 2019

Get flu shots at school SAMANTHA CHANEY

LEARN MORE

STAFF WRITER

For questions about health requirements for school, contact the School District’s Health Services division at 9279000, ext. 34765 Samantha Chaney

cess both more comfortable and efficient.

“It’s a really important thing for people to understand that fully vaccinating children is what keeps them safe and healthy,” said Donna Keith, the Florida Department of Health’s immunization program director for Sarasota County Schools.

In that case, what else should parents know about getting their child vaccinated

Supervisor Suzie Dubose of Sarasota School Health Services encourages parents to call the district if they have questions or concerns about acquiring proper vaccinations.

prior to the start of school?

Mainly, unless a student has a religious or medical exemption, immunizations are required by state statute and enforced by official district policy. Students require different vaccinations based on their age and grade and should be immunized before the start

of school.

According to Keith, Sarasota County Schools has the highest number of vaccineexempted kindergarten students in the state; Sarasota County has a kindergarten vaccination religious exemption rate of about 8.1%. The state average is about 2.9%.

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n a world where talk of vaccines is all but inescapable, Supervisor Suzie Dubose of Sarasota School Health Services is enthusiastic about the availability of immunizations in district schools.

“Something we’re doing this year that I’m really excited about … flu vaccinations in the district are going to be given by your school nurse,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve done it. It’s a huge undertaking.”

Running mid-September through the end of October, district students will be able to go directly to their own school nurse for the flu shot, Dubose said, which is meant to make the vaccination pro-

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JULY 2019

School police expanded STAFF WRITER

After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Sarasota County school officials sped up some security measures while new ones appeared in an effort to “harden” safety policies surrounding district schools.

Among the newest and most prominent of security changes has been the formation of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department — an internal police force formed to satisfy a state law requiring some form of armed security on campus.

Initially, district leaders hired officers to begin filling local elementary schools, which previously were not required to have any school resource officers on campus.

From there, each public school throughout the district slowly gained its own SCSPD officer.

As of the upcoming 201920 academic year, the SCSPD will be present at all Sarasota County public schools.

Prior to the entrance of the new school resource officers, many of the schools had contracted with their respective municipalities or the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to ensure local law enforcement would be present on campus.

“I am thankful for our local law enforcement partners who have supported the school district for decades,” SCSPD Chief Tim Enos said.

“School safety and security is a community endeavor, and I am proud of the way our students, families, school personnel and community part-

File photo

The two-year implementation of a new police force cost approximately $3.1 million. Within that figure is budgeted $500,000 for nonsalary allocations, such as equipment.

ners have stepped up to be a part of the solution.”

Venice Police Department was the final municipality in the county to withdraw from middle and high school.

When SCSPD announced plans for countywide growth and expansion back in March, Venice police elected to maintain a presence in town

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Following Venice’s withdrawal, SCSPD instead decided to hire 26 sworn officers.

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JULY 2019

USF, district agree to dual-enrollment program SAMANTHA CHANEY STAFF WRITER

O

n May 7, Sarasota County school board members voted to unanimously approve a new dual-enrollment agreement between the school district and the University of South Florida.

The dual-enrollment program allows high school students to pursue college-level credit while completing their high school course work. Students often graduate with a high school degree and a twoyear college degree.

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And because the school district wanted to continue allowing students to complete certain dual-enrollment courses at its own high school campuses — where Sarasota County Schools teachers were the class instructors — it instead pivoted its attention to a new contract with The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

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cumulative weighted high school GPA based on high school-level academic classes that would be accepted as prescribed in the Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook.”

USF-SM would then recalculate a student’s GPA only taking into consideration courses in primary course subjects, such as math or English.

“We are extremely pleased with the amended requirements,” said Catherine Cocozza, director of the Curriculum and Instruction department for Sarasota County’s high schools. “This opens up a wealth of opportunity for our students to expand their coursework through the dualenrollment program at USF.”

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Students who participate in dual enrollment will also “be provided instructional materials free of charge,” according to the official agreement.

The original agreement stated that, to be eligible, a student must have a 3.5 GPA as well as have obtained two English credits; two math credits, with at least one course being Algebra I; and one science credit, including a lab prior to participation in the dual-enrollment program.

The amended agreement does not call for specific credits, but instead it loosely specified eligibility as a “3.5

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JULY 2019

Phone rules changing ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

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arlier this year, Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler proposed a complete cellphone ban “from bell to bell” at all schools across the district. Cellphones, she said, simply acted as an obstruction to educational environments.

In June, the school board voted unanimously to adopt a new policy that revised the rules based on the grade level of the students.

School Board members Ziegler and Eric Robinson argued that the former policy — which said students must keep their devices powered off and put away during school hours — was not enforced enough to be effective.

The new regulations allow older students to have electronic devices during the day, provided students comply with the following stipulations: n Elementary students will have devices silenced and put away at all times and will not be asked to use them for instructional purposes. n Middle school students will have devices silenced and put away except when under the supervision of a staff member for specific class instruction. n High school students will have devices silenced and put away except during time

between classes, during lunch periods and when under the supervision of a staff member for specific class instruction.

Although the policy was unanimously approved, some members, such as Ziegler, Robinson and Shirley Brown, expressed concerns with other devices — such as smartwatches — that can receive text messages.

“You can do everything you do on the phone,” Robinson said. “If you don’t want them to have the phone, they shouldn’t have the smartwatch. So much cheating that could be going on.”

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GUEST SPEAKERS Beginning this academic year, speakers from the community who wish to present in local classrooms will be screened more methodically.

In November, a Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center counselor visited Pine View School to present the importance of sexual consent to the school’s senior class.

According to the district, the speaker that day deviated from approved material and showed a video that officials deemed “unsuitable” for district classrooms.

As a result, the Sarasota County School Board adopted a revised community speaker policy.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALTA VISTA ELEMENTARY 1050 South Euclid Ave. 361-6400 Principal: Barbara Shirley School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: Alta Vista’s 21st Century After School Program is an educational program that focuses on academic enrichment and social development after school. Students qualify for the program based on FCAT results, teacher recommendation and student needs.

ENROLLMENT In Sarasota County, all schools are open to all students, on a space-available basis. Although deadlines for some programs and schools have passed, call individual schools for information on enrollment, requirements, waiting lists, application lotteries and more. Charter schools are free of charge and offer an alternative to traditional school settings.

Call individual schools for information on enrollment.

ASHTON ELEMENTARY 5110 Ashton Road 361-6440 Principal: Kristi Jarvis School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Ashton offers programs in music, technology, art and drama. It is recognized as a State Model School and is a Community of Caring school, which means the values of caring, trust, respect, responsibility and

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JULY 2019

School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: Atwater Elementary incorporates many green features into its construction.

These include the use of regional building materials, recycledcontent materials and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials; energy-efficient heating and air conditioning; minimized water usage; efficient storm water management; and drought-tolerant landscaping.

BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS 2901 West Tamiami Circle 359-5800 Principal: Chad Ericskson School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: Bay Haven is a full-time magnet school of choice.

Students must meet eligibility criteria. Families must submit a registration application and sign the Bay Haven contract to apply for admission. Students and parents must fulfill the requirements of the contract in order to remain in the school. If the number of

applications exceeds the available openings, remaining students’ names are placed on a waiting list in the order their applications were received. Students who are accepted start attending at the beginning of the next school year.

BRENTWOOD ELEMENTARY 2500 Vinson Ave. 361-6230 Principal: John Weida School grade: A (C in 2018) About the school: Brentwood offers a Gifted and Talented Education class at each grade level, first through fifth, that engages students in enrichment activities to enhance creativity and highorder thinking skills.

CRANBERRY ELEMENTARY 2775 Shalimar Terrace, North Port 480-3400 Principal: Brad Porinchak School grade: B (A in 2018) About the school: Cranberry is a mandatory uniform school and offers special classes in music, art, media and science labs.

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EMMA E. BOOKER ELEMENTARY 2350 Martin Luther King Drive 361-6480 Principal: Edwina Oliver School grade: D (C in 2018) About the school: The school offers the 21st Century After-School program, which is for children in need of supervision, homework help and activities after school. It operates from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily for students in 2nd through 5th grade.

FRUITVILLE ELEMENTARY 601 Honore Ave. 361-6200 Principal: Steven French School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Among the features and programs of Fruitville Elementary is the Family Resource Room, centrally located on the campus for social services support, health concerns and help with English as a second language issues.

ENGLEWOOD ELEMENTARY 150 North McCall Road, Englewood 474-3247 Principal: Mark Grossenbacher School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Englewood is a Community of Caring program school, which places an emphasis on each student connecting with a teacher, club, program or mentor. As part of the program, the school puts a heavy emphasis on service to the community within and outside of campus.

GARDEN ELEMENTARY 700 Center Road, Venice 486-2110 Principal: Amy Archer School grade: C (B in 2018) About the school: Among the programs run by the school is the Kid’s News Network, which allows fifth graders to work in front of and behind the camera in production of a live newscast. Another program, Reading Counts, motivates students to read by using a points system to accumulate

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS rewards. Garden Grows Character is the school’s character-education program.

GLENALLEN ELEMENTARY 7050 Glenallen Blvd., North Port 426-9517 Principal: Rebecca Drum School grade: A (C in 2018) About the school: Glenallen is a Five-Star School of Excellence and a Golden School, according to the Florida Department of Education.

GOCIO ELEMENTARY 3450 Gocio Road 361-6405 Principal: Steven Royce School grade: B (C in 2018) About the school: Gocio’s English program serves approximately 200 students speaking 11 languages. Students are given extra support in reading from the school’s English as a second or foreign language teacher and four

focuses on interactive learning with individualized learning plans for students.

paraprofessionals. Family support is offered to parents as well.

GULF GATE ELEMENTARY 6500 South Lockwood Ridge Road 361-6499 Principal: Robin Magac School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: One of the programs Gulf Gate is most proud of is its STARR (Safe, Timely, Active Learners, Responsible and Respectful) as a Positive Behavior Support School. Positive Behavior Support offers many techniques, strategies and modifications for both behavior and academic issues that promote an effective, orderly classroom climate.

LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY 7299 Proctor Road 361-6571 Principal: Lisa Wheatley School grade:(A (A in 2018) About the school: Lakeview

LAMARQUE ELEMENTARY 3415 Lamarque Ave., North Port 426-6371 Principal: Troy Thompson School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Lamarque is a Title I school and participates in a federally funded program designed to address academic needs of students and help them in meeting state standards, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, science and math.

PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY 4747 South Tamiami Trail 361-6424 Principal: Dr. Allison Foster School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Phillippi Shores is an International Baccalaureate World School and promotes intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national

identity but as an essential part of life in the 21st century.

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY 1901 Webber St. 361-6420 Principal: Jennifer Nzeza School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: The school emphasizes data-driven instruction to monitor progress.

Additionally, the Sarasota Family YMCA operates The Adventure Club as an after-school enrichment program for students on school grounds. Homework assistance, crafts and supervised sports are part of the program.

TATUM RIDGE ELEMENTARY 4100 Tatum Road 316-8188 Principal: Barry Dunn School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: The school features a web-based instructional learning system and was built within the past decade to include state-of-the-art wireless technology.

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TAYLOR RANCH ELEMENTARY 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice 486-2000 Principal: Dr. William Bolander School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: A science laboratory opened in the 2002-03 school year equipped with 30 Surface Pro laptop computers that allow students to access resources while conducting science experiments. Students in grades K-5 visit the lab weekly as part of their science curriculum.

TOLEDO BLADE ELEMENTARY 1201 Geranium Ave., North Port 426-6100 Principal: Jennifer Dolciotto School grade: A (C in 2018) About the school: The Reward & Recognition program began in 2006.. The program acknowledges the educational accomplishments and outstanding contributions of students, staff members and patrons of the school. The students are recognized for academics, attendance, behavior, citizenship and improvement.

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School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Venice is a magnet school for students identified as gifted and also offers curriculum for exceptional education students.

WILKINSON ELEMENTARY 3400 Wilkinson Road 361-6477 Principal: Susan Nations School grade: C (C in 2018( About the school: Wilkinson has been awarded the Florida Department of Education’s Five Star School Award for the past 14 school years. Learning, Enrichment and Acceleration Design is a program through which acceleration and enrichment is added to all subject areas.

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TUTTLE ELEMENTARY 2863 Eighth St. 361-6433 Principal: Dr. Patty Folino School grade: C (B in 2018) About the school: Tuttle is a Title I school that has reached A level in the past six years. Its curricu-

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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS offers a visual and performing arts department as well as gateways to the Cambridge University Advanced International Certificate of Learning program and a College for Every Student program that emphasizes mentoring, leadership and other essential skills.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

BROOKSIDE MIDDLE 3636 South Shade Ave. 361-6472 Principal: Matthew Gruhl School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Brookside is the only school in the county to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years program. It also offers a Marine Science Academy.

BOOKER MIDDLE 2250 Myrtle St. 359-5824 Principal: Dr. LaShawn Frost School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: Booker Middle

HERON CREEK MIDDLE 6501 West Price Blvd., North Port 480-3371 Principal: Kristine Lawrence School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: The school

Booker Middle School

operates as a magnet campus for Cambridge Pre-AICE, one of the most rigorous precollege programs in the country. It is open to all students regardless of their school assignment. Cambridge at the Creek has been recognized by the Sarasota County School Board as a magnet program.

Principal: Dr. Laurie Breslin School grade: About the school: The school features a wide selection of student organizations. Among them are Technology Student Association, Math Counts, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Builders Club and National Junior Honor Society.

MCINTOSH MIDDLE 701 South McIntosh Road 361-6520 Principal: Dr. Harriet Moore School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: McIntosh is a STEM A2 magnet school, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, math, arts and agriscience — the only one of its kind in the county system. Additionally, as a Project Lead the Way school, it offers classes in design and modeling, green architecture, computer coding, aerospace, electronics, engineering and biotechnology.

VENICE MIDDLE 1900 Center Road, Venice 486-2100 Principal: Thomas Dinverno School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Venice is a National School of Merit. The school’s Young Marines group is a service and education program for boys and girls, the first of its kind in the nation.

SARASOTA MIDDLE 4826 Ashton Road 361-6464

WOODLAND MIDDLE 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port 240-8590 Principal: Dr. Cindy Hall School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: The school’s

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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS gifted magnet academy offers students the opportunity to take the PSAT in eighth grade.

Language arts classes are taught a grade level above, social studies taught a grade level above, and some college-credit level courses are offered.

HIGH SCHOOLS BOOKER HIGH 3201 N. Orange Ave. 355-2967 Principal: Dr. Rachel Shelley School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: The school is best known for its visual and performing arts programs. Additionally, it hosts the Cambridge University Advanced International Certificate of Learning program, the Career and Technical Education program, the Law Academy and junior ROTC.

NORTH PORT HIGH 6400 West Price Blvd., North Port 423-8558 Principal: Brandon Johnson School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: The North Port High School Collegiate Academy is an educational opportunity for students to earn up to two years of college credit while earning a high school diploma from North Port High School. On campus, the North Port Performing Arts Center includes its main theater along with a ceramics studio, an electronic piano lab, music practice rooms and a dance studio. A construction shop and a culinary arts kitchen also are featured. The school also features a teen-parent program.

RIVERVIEW HIGH 1 Ram Way 923-1484 Principal: Erin Del Castillo School grade: A (A in 2018)

About the school: Riverview is an International Baccalaureate school and offers the International Baccalaureate Career Program, which allows students the rigor of IB classes, with a focus on engineering or international business. The science department is home to a planetarium and a licensed radiation lab. The science department also maintains a greenhouse as well as an aqua dome. Among its other programs: RHS Teen Parent Program, career technical education, performing arts, ROTC, Stars to Starfish and executive internships.

SARASOTA HIGH 2155 Bahia Vista St. 955-0181 Principal: David Jones School grade: A (B in 2018) About the school: The school offers Advanced International Certificate of Education credits, along with AP courses and honors courses. The Math Science and Technology Research Institute is a magnet program for students

looking to conduct collegelevel research in their high school years. Graduates of the program have been accepted to such universities as Harvard, Duke, Stanford, Johns Hopkins and more.

VENICE HIGH 1 Indian Ave., Venice 488-6726 Principal: Eric Jackson School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Featured programs include Career Technical Education, PC Support, Health Options, Digital Design, Early Childhood, Culinary Arts, Engineering and Business Entrepreneurial pathways. Venice High School offers the International Baccalaureate Program, which is an academically focused curriculum for students ages 16 to 18 (grades 11 and 12) preparing to enter university.

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CHARTER AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS CHARTER SCHOOLS IMAGINE NORTH PORT (grades K-12) 1000 Innovation Ave. (grades K-5) 2757 Sycamore St. (grades 6-12) 426-2050 Principal (K-5): Aleischa Coover Principal (6-12): John Halcomb School grades: B (B in 2018)

11011 Clark Road 484-4999 Executive director: Jennifer Ocana; Principal: Jason Hunter, Venice; Principal: Cindy Hoffman, Sarasota

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IMAGINE PALMER RANCH (grades VPK-8) 6220 McIntosh Road 923-1125 Principal: Alisa Wright School grade: B (A in 2018) About the school: Imagine Schools is a national nonprofit family of public charter schools.

It consists of 60 campuses with more than 30,000 students in nine states and Washington, D.C.

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CHARTER AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: The school mixes traditional Montessori education with a contemporary curriculum infused with technology.

More than 660 children attended the school last school year.

SARASOTA ACADEMY OF THE ARTS (grades K-8) 4466 Fruitville Road 377-2278 Principal: Cheryl Korwin School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school : In addition to rigorous academic classes, students will participate daily in a variety of elective performing arts, visual arts or creative writing classes. All new applicants will be entered into a lottery that will select students for enrollment and generate a wait list for classes exceeding the maximum class size.

Students who withdrew from SAA must reapply through the lottery system if they wish to return.

SARASOTA MILITARY ACADEMY (grades 6-12) 3101 Bethel Lane (grades 6-8) 801 N. Orange Ave. (grades 9-12) 926-1700, 877-7737 Leadership: Christina Bowman, executive director; Frederick Fout, head of school for high school campus; Thomas Vara, head of school for prep middle school campus School grade: B (B in 2018) About the school: SMA focuses on a rigorous program of academics along with military principles. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Middle Years program along with an IB diploma program. The school is open to any Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte county student. A random lottery will be used if more students apply than open positions.

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SARASOTA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (grades 6-8) 717 Central Ave. 330-1855 President: Dr. Marilyn Highland School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Sarasota

School of Arts and Sciences provides a small, intimate environment of academic excellence and enrichment, utilizing community partnerships, and traditional and innovative teaching methods.

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SARASOTA SUNCOAST ACADEMY (grades K-8) 8084 Hawkins Road 924-4242 Principal: Steve Crump (K-5); Joshua Leinweber (6-8) School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Suncoast Academy is open to any student who resides in the school districts of Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

4311 Wilkinson Road (middle school) Principal: Dr. Sherika Evans School grade: C (C in 2018) About the school: Students from an early age are introduced to technology through access to laptops and tablets. Students learn web design, business software, digital arts and more.

SARASOTA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (grades 6-8) 200 Field Avenue East 485-5551 Principal: Jonathan Cooley School grade: A About the school: The curriculum focuses on community involvement, volunteerism and leadership. Uniforms are mandatory.

LAUREL NOKOMIS SCHOOL (grades K-8) 1900 East Laurel Road 486-2171 Principal: Ray Wilson School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Laurel Nokomis is the only K-8 school in the county system and offers self-contained services for gifted students throughout its grade levels through the Laurel Gifted Academy.

OAK PARK SCHOOL (grades PK-12) 7285 Proctor Road 361-6428

PINE VIEW SCHOOL (grades 2-12) 1 Python Path 486-2001 Principal: Dr. Steven Covert School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Pine View is a special program designed to meet the unique needs of intellectually gifted students who are referred to Pine View by administrators, teachers, staff members or parents. Inquiries should be directed to the student’s current school; interviews and testing continue throughout the year.

Children are admitted based on a series of tests, recommendations and other pertinent data as required by the Florida Department

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21

of Education. These are reviewed by a committee of teachers and other personnel.

SUNCOAST POLYTECHNICAL HIGH 4650 Beneva Road 921-3981 Principal: Jack Turgeon School grade: A (A in 2018) About the school: Specialized programming at the school includes animation, game arts and simulation, business entrepreneur, digital video production, foundations of auto technology, health careers, health sciences/ EMT firefighter, robotics and applied engineering.

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Principal: Jamie Lowicz About the school: Oak Park School is the center school for special needs in the Sarasota County School District serving students from pre-K to age 22.

Each student’s needs are met through an Individualized Education Program.

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PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIALTY NEEDS

THE ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Address: 1999 Lincoln Drive Phone: 365-3330 Website: achieve-center.com Grades: 1-12 Program: School is tailored for children who struggle to find success in the larger, more traditional academic setting. Class sizes range from 5 to 12 students and curricula is tailored to each student’s academic, social and emotional needs.

AGAPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 150 N. Shade Ave. Phone: 894-3053 Website: agapesarasota.org Grades: K-12 Program: Nondenominational Christian school uses the Accelerated Christian Education program, which allows students to work at their ability level and to progress at their own rate.

OTHER BEYOND THE SPECTRUM Address: 7333 International Place Phone: 907-3443 Website: beyondthespectrum.org Grades: K-12 Program: 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.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 3800 27th Parkway, Phone: 366-6522 Website: calvarychapelschool. com Grades: K4-8 Program: School offers Christianbased curriculum aimed to teach students to navigate the world in context of biblical truths and to become lifelong learners.

BRICKHOUSE ACADEMY Address: 3552 Webber St., Phone: 924-7681 Website: brickhouse-academy. com Grades: 6-12 Program: School provides high school and middle school students a comprehensive, quality education in a compassionate, flexible learning environment.

Children work in true pencil-topaper fashion.

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH Address: 4171 Fruitville Road Phone: 371-4917 Website: cmhs-sarasota.org Grades: 9-12 Program: Students are encouraged to make their Catholic faith the foundation for their learning.

There are also opportunities to participate in clubs, theatrical productions, music and the arts, advanced placement courses, foreign languages, computer technology and athletics.

THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY Address: 8751 Fruitville Road, Phone: 925-2153 Website: tcasarasota.com Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: Program offers rigorous, content-rich liberal arts education with its core curriculum based off teaching the timeline of the the world’s and U.S. history.

Teaching and modeling virtue is part of the educational core.

COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 5500 18th St. E., Bradenton Phone: 756-8748 Website: community christianfl. com Grades: K-12 Program: School-church ministry program serves about 300 children and aims to develop Christlike character in children.

CO-PARENTING FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS Let’s face it, going back to school affects parents as much as it does the kids! If you are a recently divorced parent or just taking a fresh stab at this co-parenting thing, here are a few suggestions that can help make the transition into the school year more pleasant all-around!

Be Your Best You: The sad truth is that sometimes separation and divorce cause us to be better parents. Either way, be involved, be present. Your child needs you, and even more right now. Yes, you may be lonely and hurt from the divorce, but so are your children and remember, you are the adult. Do yourself a favor, get a good counselor and focus on healing yourself so you can be there for your children while they desperately need you. They are only young for a short time and they need your undivided attention, your encouragement, your guidance and discipline.

No Bad Mouthing!: Your child’s future depends on how you handle this new chapter in your life. Children are harmed when then hear a parent say bad things about the other parent. Children are also

harmed when they hear any other family member or friend of their parents say anything bad about their other parent. And children do not miss a thing!

You will always be a family!: It may sound weird, but you will always be mother, father and children. What if as part of the breaking up of your family, you started a new tradition? Maybe you create your family day, where your family comes together and celebrate as a family. It doesn’t have to be a formal holiday, but it can be special for your family. One thing most kids likely want is time to remember the fond parts of their life as a child.

Set a Date: Create time every week to check with the other parent to discuss any issues that need to be addressed regarding your children. They will be delighted to know that their parents are taking time to talk about them. Our children really need to know that they are so important that we are able to put our own issues aside in order to focus on them. As children get older and have more school work and activities, it is imperative for us to stay connected to what is going

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The philosophy of co-parenting allows both parents to be equally involved in their child’s life. It’s incumbent upon each of us to develop relationships with their friends, teachers, coaches and centers of influence and not abdicate that responsibility to the other parent. Being involved is the first step for success. Have an amazing year!

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PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIALTY NEEDS

FOUNDATIONS CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY Address: 4141 Desoto Road (Hosted by The Tabernacle Church) Phone: 907-7078 Website: foundationscma.org Ages: Pre-K to 8 Program: School offers low student-teacher ratios, so teachers can write lesson plans and continually evolve student learning. It works to teach students critical thinking, a love of learning and encourage lives of character and leadership.

GOLDIE FELDMAN ACADEMY Address: 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Phone: 552-2770 Website: gfasarasota.org Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: This private Jewish day school is on the campus of Temple Beth Sholom. Its mission is to impact the world through academic excellence, global citizenship and compassionate action.

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IMG ACADEMY BOARDING SCHOOL Address: 5500 34th St. W., Bradenton Phone: 755-1000 Website: imgacademy.com Grades: 5 to Post-graduate Program: The focus of the IMG Academy curriculum is to develop critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance and communication skills through the study of traditional subject areas. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare student-athletes for the rigors of university life.

INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 2911 Bee Ridge Road, Phone: 924.8588 Website: incarnationschool.edu Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: Program applies Catholic Christian philosophy to core academic subjects and teaches children respect, problem-solving, teamwork and responsibility, among other values. School offers art, music, technology, world

OTHER language and physical education in addition to core subjects.

JULIE ROHR ACADEMY Address: 4466 Fruitville Road Phone: 371-4979 Website: julierohracademy.com Grades: 2 to pre-K Program: School’s goal is to provide students with problem solving techniques, performing arts experiences and academic skills necessary for them to become capable, contributing members of society.

NEWGATE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Address: 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota (Elementary); and 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota (Middle/High) Phone: 922-4949 (Elementary); or 222-0763 (Middle/High) Website: newgate.edu Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: Nonprofit, international college-preparatory Montessori school nurtures intelligence, curiosity and imagination while supporting and developing each student’s unique talents. NewGate teaches universal values and instills a global perspective and responsible citizenship, and it encourages an entrepreneurial spirit.

PALM GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 1087 Beneva Road, Phone: 373-0089 Website: pgmschool.com Grades: K-5 Program: School uses the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, which is based directly on the Bible to meet the needs of each student in an individualized approach. The school also offers a Home Education Program in which students wishing to receive a diploma from Palm Grove can study at home.

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JULY 2019

PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIALTY NEEDS

PINNACLE ACADEMY Address: 6215 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 755-1400 Website: thepinnacleacademy. com Grades: 18 months to 12 Program: School’s teaching model blends multisensory, brain-based and project-based learning approaches to support the theory of multiple intelligences in learning.

PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Address: 5600 Deer Drive, Sarasota (at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church) Phone: 727-6860 Website: pcsfla.org Grades: K-12 Program: Home-schooled students benefit from teacher-prepared lesson plans and classroom instruction two days a week and parent, home-schooled instruc-

OTHER tion three days per week (or two in high school). Participating families must complete “Growing Kids God’s Way” classes.

THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY Addresses: 444 Reid St. (Lower School); 5950 Deer Drive (Upper School) Phone: 349-3223 Website: oda.edu Grades: Pre-K to 5 (Lower); 6-12 (Upper) Program: Educational model is to pursue excellence through character building and a balanced program of academics, the arts and athletics. Core values are respect, integrity, service, excellence and responsibility.

THE PREW ACADEMY Address: 5020 Fielding Lane, Phone: 921-7739 Website: prewacademyofsarasota.com

Grades: 6-12 Program: School offers a flexible curriculum in a nurturing setting that facilitates self-acceptance, confidence in students’ abilities, enthusiasm for knowledge, academic success and a commitment to continued education.

ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Phone: 953-4181 Website: stmarthaschool.net Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: St. Martha Catholic School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, and students attend weekly Mass. The curriculum includes whole-child learning for younger students while older students’ learning focuses on state and national academic standards and life skills.

SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St. Phone: 371-6481 Website: sarasotachristian.org Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: School offers an accredited, faith-based education through which students develop critical thinking and communication skills and learn to collaborate through varied learning opportunities. Advanced and college-level courses are available for highschool students.

ST. MARY ACADEMY DREAMS ARE FREE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 4380 Fruitville Road Phone: 366-4010 Website: dreamsarefree.org Grades: K-8 Program: School specializes in children with special needs and has on-site occupational, physical and speech therapies.

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YourObserver.com

JULY 2019

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES EAST WEST COLLEGE OF NATURAL MEDICINE Address: 3808 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Phone: 355-9080 Website: ewcollege.edu EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY Address: 6001 Lake Osprey Drive, No. 110, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 866-907-2262 Website: evergladesuniversity. edu FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY REGIONAL MEDICAL SCHOOL CAMPUS — SARASOTA Address: 201 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota Phone: 316-8120 Website: med.fsu.edu/ sarasota/home FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING Address: 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

MANATEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Address: 6305 State Road 70 E., Bradenton Phone: 751-7900 Website: manateetech.edu

Phone: 351-9010 Website: asolorep.org/ conservatory KEISER UNIVERSITY SARASOTA Address: 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 907-3900 Website: keiseruniversity.edu/ sarasota LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE BRADENTON AND SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE Address: 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (colleges of medicine and pharmacy); and 4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (schools of dental medicine and graduate studies) Phone: 756-0690 (medicine and pharmacy); 405-1600 (dental); 405-1535 (graduate studies) Website: lecom.edu

MERIDIAN CAREER INSTITUTE Address: 7020 Professional Parkway E., Suite 200, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 377-4880 Website: meridian.edu NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA Address: 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Phone: 487-5000 Website: ncf.edu RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Address: 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Phone: 351-5100 Website: ringling.edu SUNCOAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE Address: 4748 Beneva Road,

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Sarasota Phone: 924-1365 Website: suncoast.edu SARASOTA SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY Address: 5899 Whitfield Ave., Suite 300, Sarasota Phone: 957-0577 Website: sarasotaschoolofmassagetherapy.edu STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA MANATEE-SARASOTA Address: 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; 7131 Professional Parkway E., Lakewood Ranch; and 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice Phone: 752-5000 (Bradenton); 363-7000 (Lakewood Ranch); and 408-1300 (Venice) Website: scf.edu UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE Address: 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Phone: 359-4200 Website: usfsm.edu

Help her prevent the cycle of child abuse “As an orthodontist with the majority of my patients under the age of 18, there is a natural synergy to working with CPC. My goal is to bring awareness to as many families as possible, through my practice, so that CPC can continue to decrease and eventually end child abuse.” Dr. Karen Varone, Orthodontist and Owner of Varone Orthodontics — Offices in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch THE GOAL: Raise $400,000 by November 2019

FOR MORE INFO 941-365-1277

DONATE TODAY!

By check: Payable to Child Protection Center, 720 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 By credit card: 941-365-1277 Online: cpcsarasota.org/40-anniversary/40th-anniversary-1

Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is a non-profit organization under Federal Tax Code 501(C)(3). Contributions made in support of CPC are tax deductible less goods and services received. The Federal Tax ID number is 59-2113850. CPC is registered with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs (registration number CH159) and receives 100 percent of all contributions. CPC does not contract with professional solicitors. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free (800) 435-7352 within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.

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Dr. Varone will donate $100 for every new patient that starts full braces or full Invisalign treatment until we reach $10,000 in donations!

$100 buys 7 Sootheze therapy toys $250 pays for 1 personal safety education workshop in Sarasota County schools $500 allows 3 intakes for supervised visitation $1,000 funds 8 hours of therapy for a child and their family $2,500 provides 5 forensic medical assessments

: p u o r G l a c i d e M l a t y l s i a m o c a F r u Inter o Y f o h t l a e H d n u o R r a e Y e h t For

orts p S l o o h c S Back-toms a x E l a c i s & Phy

l Accepting

new patients l Convenient locations and hours l Most insurance plans accepted

our y e l u Sched tments appoin N! SOO

Intercoastal Family Practice

941-953-5213 943 S. Beneva Rd., # 204, Sarasota, FL John Steele, M.D. Jessica Thomas, M.D.

Krista Toomre, M.D.

Intercoastal Palmer Ranch

941-921-6618 8592 Potter Park Dr., Sarasota, FL Harold Johnson, M.D. Joseph Larkin, M.D.

Beneva Family Practice:

Alex Austin, M.D. Amanda Lindberg, M.D. Randy Powell, M.D.

Dennis Pail, M.D.

941-365-7390 921 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL

Peter Quarles, M.D.

Sy Rabins, D.O.

Diego Ramos, M.D.

Philip Rubin, M.D.

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www.intercoastalmedical.com

Your Neighborhood, Board Certified, Family Practice Physicians