Sarasota Back to School 2021

2021 BACK TO

SCHOOL

SARASOTA

Observer Southside Elementary School student Hank Hynds

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SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS Before & After Care School programs, ages 5-12. We will drop your child off to their school & pick them up after school.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT BRENNAN W. ASPLEN III

S

arasota County Schools concluded the 2020-2021 school year on June 11, and many in our devoted team have continued to assist students throughout the shortened break.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to these teachers and staff members who have soldiered on, working into the summer with the extended school year, summer intervention and summer meal programs.

ER T IS G W RE O N

Their commitment to our collective school district family is exemplary. I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of the stellar school-based and district-level personnel, along with our school board members who serve Sarasota County Schools.

Although we are looking forward to starting the 2021-2022 school year Aug. 10 as normally as possible, currently there is much planning still under way. Barring any drastic changes in local or national health guidance or COVID-19 cases, Sarasota County School District intends to open the next school year face to face, without remote learning or concurrent instructional delivery methods. This includes starting next school year with face masks optional for employees, students, par-

ents and visitors. Our schools are still working through their designs for welcoming volunteers and visitors safely back on their campuses.

One thing is certain: Our school district is excited to connect with the greater Sarasota County community again in person.

Please rest assured that Sarasota County Schools will continue to follow national and local health guidance, as well as health best practices.

One of our top priorities is to ensure that our students, teachers, staff members and schools are as safe and healthy as possible.

Throughout the summer, we will continue to work with the Department of Health in Sarasota and offer schoolbased COVID-19 vaccination clinics at campuses across the county.

The start of a new school year is the ideal time for us to renew our commitment and to focus on what matters most: supporting our educational personnel, equipping our students with skills and resources to grow and learn, and ensuring we continue to build on the great legacy of learning that is public education in Sarasota County.

I wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer that is so well deserved.

Additionally, I enthusiastically anticipate seeing the results of our collective efforts as we unite to provide the high-quality education and incredible opportunities that our students, teachers, staff members and school communities so richly deserve.

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What to expect BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

Here’s what your child can expect as they head back to campus Aug. 10.

FACE COVERINGS

Face coverings for students and staff will be optional for 2021-22. Parents will at the beginning of the year choose whether their child will or won’t wear a mask.

Forms will be distributed to parents to choose whether their child wears a face mask, and schools will monitor whether students wear the masks in conformance with the parents’ instruction.

Consistent with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive orders, the district cannot consider

File photo

Lily, Mason and Cassidy Berg wear face masks ahead of the 2020-21 school year at Southside Elementary School.

an individual’s vaccination status when interpreting the policy. It must solely be the parent’s decision.

DESK SHIELDS

During the 2020-21 school year, the district placed plastic shields on desks to have a barrier between students.

However, many students said it was hard to see the board and focus during class, particularly after the shields saw heavy use.

The shields will be removed ahead of the new year, though students will still be asked to distance as much as possible.

QUARANTINE PROCESS

The Department of Health in Sarasota County has advised the district’s health team that

at this time, the district’s lack of mask mandate will not change its current isolation and quarantine process.

DOH Sarasota will continue to track cases reported throughout the district and perform contact tracing as needed. It also will recommend isolation in the event of a case and quarantine in the event of an exposure.

Per the DOH Sarasota guidelines, students with both doses of the vaccine will not be quarantined out of school or

sports if they are exposed to COVID-19 unless they show symptoms.

ONLINE LEARNING

The district plans to open the 2021-22 school year solely brick-and-mortar, without remote learning or concurrent instruction.

The deadline for enrolling in Sarasota Virtual School was July 9. Those who did not meet the deadline should prepare to return to brick-and-mortar schooling.

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JULY 2021

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

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 ’90s are back in fashion for schoolaged children.

In fact, 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.

“But I’m so happy they’re back because I think the clothes are much more flattering than what we’ve had in recent years.”

Teenage girls, Gingerich finds, 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, even when it’s hot outside. Colorful sneakers are a must-have, and yes, Converse are still reigning supreme.

Athletic clothes are still popular, but so are chino shorts. Gone are the days of shorts that stretch well past the knee. Now they hit a few inches above the kneecap.

“Overall, the style today is

HOW TO ADD PERSONALITY WITH A UNIFORM 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.

Rather than choosing a new dress or T-shirt, 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.

more simple,” Gingerich said.

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

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.

Young boys typically like shorts in green or blue, Condrack said, paired with T-shirts that either have dinosaurs, sharks or trucks on them.

Courtesy photos

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

Many young boys are interested in comfort clothes while girls like floral patterns.

Aside from styles, Gingerich said that parents no longer look for specific brands. They instead focus on eco-conscious fabrics, sustainability and durability.

A trend that 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 while in middle school, but as she goes through high school, her perspective has changed.

“It all 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. In middle school, I always wore skinny jeans because that’s what everybody wore. I recently realized it doesn’t matter.”

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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 kindergarten.

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 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-the-

Courtesy photo

Aaron before his first bus ride to school in August 2013.

headlight-looking parents, sipping coffee and comforting one another. Thousands of parents in Sarasota and east Manatee County 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. The horror.

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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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FROM PAGE 8

him away that morning.

Elyse and I decided, given our anxieties, that the best choice we 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 position, phone in hand to document the scene. 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 shoulders. Determined look on his face, maybe a little bit uneasy — but mostly an “I got this” vibe. No bullying. No problems. Kindergarten was his for the taking.

Luckily, no one noticed me.

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.

SCHOOL YEAR AT A GLANCE AUGUST 2021

3 Staff returns 10 First day of classes

SEPTEMBER 2021

6 Labor Day; all district sites closed 6-8 Rosh Hashana 15-16 Yom Kippur

OCTOBER 2021

12 End of first grading period 15 Professional day; no classes

NOVEMBER 2021

22-26 Thanksgiving break; no classes 25-26 Thanksgiving break; all district sites closed 28-30 Hanukkah

DECEMBER 2021

1-6 Hanukkah 22 End of second grading period 23-31 Winter break

JANUARY 2022

3-7 Winter break 10 Professional day; no classes 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day; all district sites closed

FEBRUARY 2022

21 Presidents Day; all district sites closed

MARCH 2022

11 End of third grading period 14-18 Spring break; no classes 21 Professional day; no classes

APRIL 2022

15 Mini break; no classes 15-23 Passover

MAY 2022

27 Last day of classes 30 Memorial Day; all district sites closed

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ALTA VISTA ELEMENTARY 1050 S. Euclid Ave. 361-6400 Principal: Barbara Shirley 2019 school grade: B 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.

ASHTON ELEMENTARY 5110 Ashton Road 361-6440 Principal: Kristi Jarvis 2019 school grade: A 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

ENROLLMENT

family are embraced by staff, students and parents.

ATWATER ELEMENTARY 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port 257-2317 Principal: Cynthia Thro 2019 school grade: A About the school: Atwater Elementary incorporates many green features into its construction. These include the use of regional building materials, recycled-content materials and low 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 W. Tamiami Circle 359-5800 Principal: Chad Ericskson 2019 school grade: A

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.

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 2019 school grade: A 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 2019 school grade: B About the school: Cranberry is a mandatory uniform school and of-

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.

Freya Robbins, CDFA™ Supreme Court Certified Mediator 941-366-0202 ZollingerMediation.com

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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JULY 2021

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS fers special classes in music, art, media and science labs.

EMMA E. BOOKER ELEMENTARY 2350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way 361-6480 Principal: Edwina Oliver 2019 school grade: D 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 3:15-5:30 p.m. daily for students in second through fifth grade.

ENGLEWOOD ELEMENTARY 150 North McCall Road, Englewood 474-3247 Principal: Curt Schwartz 2019 school grade: A 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.

FRUITVILLE ELEMENTARY 601 Honore Ave. 361-6200 Principal: Steven French 2019 school grade: A About the school: Among the features and programs of Fruitville Elementary is the Family Resource Room, located on the campus for social services support, health concerns and help with English as a second language.

GARDEN ELEMENTARY 700 Center Road, Venice 486-2110 Principal: Amy Archer 2019 school grade: C About the school: Among the

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JULY 2021

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

GLENALLEN ELEMENTARY 7050 Glenallen Blvd., North Port 426-9517 Principal: Rebecca Drum 2019 school grade: A 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 2019 school grade: B 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 paraprofessionals. Family support is offered to parents as well.

GULF GATE ELEMENTARY 6500 S. Lockwood Ridge Road 361-6499 Principal: Robin Magac 2019 school grade: A About the school: One of the programs Gulf Gate is most proud of is its 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 Hand Road 361-6571 Principal: Lisa Wheatley 2019 school grade: A About the school: Lakeview

focuses on interactive learning with individualized learning plans for students.

LAMARQUE ELEMENTARY 3415 Lamarque Ave., North Port 426-6371 Principal: Troy Thompson 2019 school grade: A 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 S. Tamiami Trail 361-6424 Principal: Holly Staley 2019 school grade: A 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

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

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY 1901 Webber St. 361-6420 Principal: Jamie Hannon 2019 school grade: A About the school: The school emphasizes data-driven instruction to monitor progress.

TATUM RIDGE ELEMENTARY 4100 Tatum Road 316-8188 Principal: Barry Dunn 2019 school grade: A 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.

TAYLOR RANCH ELEMENTARY 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice 486-2000 Principal: Tara Spielman

SEE PAGE 14

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 2019 school grade: A 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.

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TOLEDO BLADE ELEMENTARY 1201 Geranium Ave., North Port 426-6100 Principal: Jennifer Dolciotto 2019 school grade: A About the school: The Reward and Recognition program began in 2006. The program acknowledges the educational accomplishments and outstanding contributions of students, staff members and patrons of the school.

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About the school: Tuttle is a Title I school that has reached A level in the past six years. It is a mandatory uniform school.

VENICE ELEMENTARY 150 E. Miami Ave., Venice 486-2111 Principal: Kirk Hutchinson 2019 school grade: A 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 2019 school grade: C About the school: Wilkinson has been awarded the Florida Department of Education’s Five Star School Award for the past 14 school years.

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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS BOOKER MIDDLE 2250 Myrtle St. 359-5824 Principal: LaShawn Frost 2019 school grade: B About the school: Booker Middle 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.

BROOKSIDE MIDDLE 3636 S. Shade Ave. 361-6472 Principal: Ryan Chase 2019 school grade: A 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.

HERON CREEK MIDDLE 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port 480-3371 Principal: Kristine Lawrence 2019 School grade: B About the school: The 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.

MCINTOSH MIDDLE 701 S. McIntosh Road 361-6520 Principal: McHenry Lerebours 2019 school grade: A 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.

SARASOTA MIDDLE 4826 Ashton Road 361-6464 Principal: Jennifer Nzeza 2019 School grade: A 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.

VENICE MIDDLE 1900 Center Road, Venice 486-2100 Principal: Tomas Dinverno 2019 school grade: A 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.

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WOODLAND MIDDLE 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port 240-8590 Principal: Mark Grossenbacher 2019 school grade: B About the school: The school’s gifted magnet academy offers students the opportunity to take the PSAT in eighth grade.

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

HIGH SCHOOLS BOOKER HIGH 3201 N. Orange Ave. 355-2967 Principal: Rachel Shelley 2019 school grade: B 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 Educa-

SEE PAGE 16

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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS tion program, the Law Academy and junior ROTC. NORTH PORT HIGH 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port 423-8558 Principal: Shannon Fusco 2019 school grade: A 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.

RIVERVIEW HIGH 1 Ram Way 923-1484 Principal: Erin Del Castillo 2019 school grade: A About the school: Riverview is an IB school and offers the International Baccalaureate Career Program, which allows students the rigor of IB classes, with a focus on engineering or international busi-

ness. 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 2019 school grade: A About the school: The school offers Advanced International Certificate of Education credits, along with AP and honors courses. The Math Science and Technology Research Institute is a magnet program for students looking to conduct college-level research in their high school years. Graduates of the program have been accepted to such universities

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VENICE HIGH 1 Indian Ave., Venice 488-6726 Principal: Zoltan Kerestely 2019 school grade: A 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

Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences

CHARTER SCHOOLS DREAMERS ACADEMY (grades K-5) 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. 867-0779 Principal: Cathy Rodriguez About the school: Dreamers Academy is the first bilingual charter school in Sarasota County. Students learn half the day in English and half in Spanish.

The goal is for students to be completely bilingual and biliterate by fifth grade.

IMAGINE AT 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

2019 school grade: B 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. IMAGINE PALMER RANCH (grades voluntary pre-K to 8) 6220 McIntosh Road 923-1125 Principal: Melissa Stevenson 2019 School grade: B 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. ISLAND VILLAGE MONTESSORI (grades K-8) 2001 Pinebrook Road, Venice; 11011 Clark Road 484-4999 Head of school: Jennifer Ocana 2019 school grade: A About the school: The school mixes traditional Montessori edu-

cation 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: Jodi Kopacz 2019 school grade: A 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) 877-7737, 926-1700,

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Leadership: Frederick Fout, head of school for high school campus; Thomas Vara, head of school for prep middle school campus 2019 school grade: B 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 lottery will be used if more students apply than open positions.

SARASOTA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (grades 6-8) 717 Central Ave. 330-1855 Principal: Tara Tahmosh 2019 school grade: A 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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We Take Your Child’s Vision Seriously

SARASOTA SUNCOAST ACADEMY (grades K-8) 8084 Hawkins Road 924-4242 Principal: Steve Crump (K-5); Joshua Leinweber (6-7) 2019 school grade: A About the school: Suncoast Academy is open to any student who resides in the school districts of Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

SKY ACADEMY ENGLEWOOD (grades 6-8) 871 S. River Road, Englewood 999-4775 Principal: John Bailey 2019 school grade: A About the school: The school, in partnership with the SKY Family YMCA, focuses on research that proves physical activity builds and conditions the brain for learning.

Subjects are studied through the lens of wellness.

SEE PAGE 20

Signs of Vision Problems in Children:

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•Drifting · Driftingof aneye eye •Drifting ofofan an eye •Crossing · Crossingof aneye eye •Crossing ofofan an eye •Squinting · Squintingor blinking •Squinting ororblinking blinking · Sittingclose closeto tothe the television television •Sitting •Sitting close to the television · Tilting or turning of the head head •Tilting or turning of •Tilting or turning of the the head

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eyelid ·•Droopy Droopy eyelid •Droopy eyelid tearing ·•Excessive Excessive tearing •Excessive tearing while reading ·•Headaches Headaches •Headacheswhile whilereading reading ·•Closing Closing or covering eye or covering eye •Closing or coveringanan an eye ·•Drop Drop in school performance in school performance •Drop in school performance

Scott Silverman, M.D., Dr. Silverman and his Dr. Silverman and his friendly staff work hard friendly staff work hard to make routine eye to make routine eye exams seem like fun, exams seem like fun, with a caring approach with a caring approach that makes kids that makes kids comfortable. comfortable.

Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Silverman and everyone at Coastal Eye Institute, make routine eye exams seem like fun, with a caring approach that makes children comfortable.

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CHARTER AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS SKY ACADEMY VENICE (grades 6-8) 705 Center Road, Venice 244-2626 Principal: Patricia Forcier 2019 school grade: A About the school: The school, in partnership with the SKY Family YMCA, focuses on research that proves physical activity builds and conditions the brain for learning.

Subjects are studied through the lens of wellness.

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL (grades 9-12) 800 S. Tamiami Trail, Building 800, Suite 826, Venice 408-1430 Head of School: Karen Peck About the school: SCFCS is a tuition-free public charter school where students are dual-enrolled in college courses that also meet high school requirements.

Students will graduate high

NEW SCHOOL OPENS THIS YEAR

school with an associate’s degree.

SCFCS is a tuition-free public charter school where students are dual-enrolled in college courses that also meet high school requirements.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (grades 6-8) 200 Field Avenue E., Venice 485-5551 Principal: Jonathan Cooley 2019 school grade: A About the school: The curriculum focuses on community involvement, volunteerism and leadership. Uniforms are mandatory.

SUNCOAST SCHOOL FOR INNOVATIVE STUDIES (grades voluntary pre-K to 8) 845 S. School Ave. (elementary school); 4311 Wilkinson Road (middle school) 953-4433 Principal: Sherika Evans

Sarasota County Schools will open a new charter school for the 2021-22 school year.

Dreamers Academy is the county’s first dual-language charter school. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will spend half the day learning in Spanish and half

2019 school grade: C About the school: Students from an early age are introduced to technology through access to laptops and tablets.

About the school: Laurel Nokomis is the only K-8 school in the county system and offers self-contained services for gifted students.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

OAK PARK SCHOOL (grades K-12) 7285 Hand Road 361-6428 Principal: Jamie Lowicz About the school: Oak Park School is the center school for special needs in the Sarasota

LAUREL NOKOMIS SCHOOL (grades K-8) 1900 E. Laurel Road 486-2171 Principal: Raymond Wilson 2019 school grade: A

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the day learning in English.

By the time students exit fifth grade, they will be completely bilingual and biliterate.

The charter school is housed within the 10-acre Temple Beth Sholom campus. It will serve about 300 students in its first year.

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County School District serving students from pre-K to age 22.

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

PINE VIEW SCHOOL (grades 2-12) 1 Python Path 486-2001 Principal: Steven Covert 2019 school grade: A 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. These are reviewed by a committee of teachers and other personnel.

JULY 2021

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SARASOTA ACCELERATION ACADEMIES (ages 16-20) 935 Beneva Road 315-2122 Director: Mundi Wortham About the school: Acceleration Academies helps students not experiencing success in a tradition high school setting reengage with learning. Learning plans are tailored to an individual’s needs.

SUNCOAST POLYTECHNICAL HIGH (grades 9-12) 4650 Beneva Road 921-3981 Principal: Jack Turgeon 2019 school grade: A About the school: Specialized programming at the school includes animation, game arts and simulation, business entrepreneurship, digital video production, foundations of auto technology, health careers, health sciences/ EMT firefighter, robotics and applied engineering.

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JULY 2021

PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

OTHER

THE ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Address: 1201 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota Phone: 504-7547 Website: Achieve-Center.com Grades: 1-12 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. TAC is fully accredited and approved by the Florida Department of Education.

program, which allows students to work at their ability level and to progress at their own rates.

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

BRICKHOUSE ACADEMY Address: 3552 Webber St., Sarasota Phone: 924-7681 Website: Brickhouse-Academy. com Grades: 6-12 Program: The school provides high school and middle school stu-

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.

dents a comprehensive education in a compassionate, flexible learning environment. Children work in true pencil-to-paper fashion.

CALVARY CHAPEL SCHOOL Address: 3800 27th Parkway, Sarasota Phone: 366-6522 Website: CalvaryChapelSchool. com Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: The school offers Christian-based curriculum aimed to teach students to navigate the world in context of biblical truths and to become lifelong learners.

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH Address: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4917 Website: CMHS-Sarasota.org Grades: 9-12 Program: The school’s approximately 500 students are encour-

aged to make their Catholic faith the foundation for their learning.

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

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

Teaching and modeling virtue are part of the educational core.

FOUNDATIONS CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY Address: 4141 Desoto Road, Sarasota Phone: 907-7078 Website: FoundationsCMA.org Ages: Pre-K to 8

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JULY 2021

Program: The school offers low student-teacher ratios, so teachers can write lesson plans and continually evolve student learning. It works to teach students critical thinking and a love of learning, and it encourages lives of character and leadership.

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day school on the campus of Temple Beth Sholom. Its mission is to impact the world through academic excellence, global citizenship and compassionate action.

GOLDIE FELDMAN ACADEMY Address: 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota 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.

HERSHORIN SCHIFF COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL Address: 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota Phone: 552-2770 Website: CommunityDay.org Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: This is a private, Jewish

INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 2911 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota Phone: 924-8588 Website: IncarnationSchool.edu Grades: Pre-K to 8 Program: The program applies Catholic Christian philosophy to core academic subjects to teach children respect, problem-solving, teamwork and responsibility, among other values. The school offers art, music, technology, world language and physical education in addition to core subjects.

JULIE ROHR ACADEMY Address: 4466 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 371-4979 Website: JulieRohrAcademy.com

SEE PAGE 24

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OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 7th 11-3pm For nearly a decade, Ovation School of Musical Theatre has been known as the area’s premier dance studio for young performers. Whether seeking professional instruction, or just enjoying a passion—our students LOVE what they do and who they are becoming.

This year, Ovation School of Musical Theatre transforms to Ovation… offering individualized instruction for all ages in:

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Acro, Lyrical, Musical Theatre Singing, Theatre and more.

READY TO GET STARTED? Now accepting beginner through advanced students for the 2021-2022 Season.

Fall Classes Begin August 9th Visit ovation-musicalschool.com or call 941-400-4854 Ask about our brand-new studio location and black box theatre scheduled to open this fall!

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PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

Grades: Age 2 to pre-K Program: The school’s goal is to provide students with problemsolving techniques, performing arts experiences and academic skills necessary to become capable, contributing members of society.

NEW GATE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Address: 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota (Elementary); 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota (Middle/High) Phone: 922-4949 (Elementary); or 222-0763 (Middle/High) Website: NewGate.edu Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: The nonprofit, international, college preparatory Montessori school nurtures intelligence, curiosity and imagination while supporting and developing each student’s unique talents.

New Gate teaches universal val-

OTHER ues and instills a global perspective, responsible citizenship and an entrepreneurial spirit.

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) Program: Its 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.

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

Grades: K-5 Program: The 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.

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

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

PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Address: 5600 Deer Drive, Sarasota Phone: 727-6860 Website: PCSFla.org Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: Home-schooled students benefit from teacher-prepared lesson plans and classroom instruction two days a week and home-schooled instruction three days per week. Participating fami-

SEE PAGE 26

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PRIVATE AND SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FAITH-BASED

SPECIAL NEEDS

lies must complete “Growing Kids God’s Way” classes.

SAINT STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Address: 315 41st St. W., Bradenton Phone: 746-2121 Website: SaintStephens.org Grades: K-12 SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota Phone: 371-6481 Website: SarasotaChristian.org Grades: Pre-K to 12 Program: The school offers an accredited, faith-based education for students to develop critical thinking and communication skills and learn to collaborate through varied learning opportunities. Advanced and college-level courses are available for high schoolers.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

OTHER ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota 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, and older students’ learning focuses on state and national academic standards and life skills.

ST. MARY ACADEMY Address: 4380 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Phone: 366-4010 Website: StMarySarasota.org Grades: K-8 Program: The school specializes in children with special needs and has on-site occupational, physical and speech therapies.

EAST WEST COLLEGE OF NATURAL MEDICINE Address: 3808 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Phone: 800-883-5528 Website: EWCollege.edu EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY Address: 6001 Lake Osprey Drive, Unit 110, Lakewood Ranch Phone: 907-2262 Website: EvergladesUniversity. edu FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY REGIONAL MEDICAL SCHOOL CAMPUS — SARASOTA Address: 5560 Bee Ridge Road, Suite D5, Sarasota Phone: 316-8120 Website: Med.FSU.edu/sarasota FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING Address: 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 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); 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

CHOOSE WELL, CHOOSE ONCE SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCEPTIONAL, CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION FOR PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE STUDENTS

Biblically-infused Academics - FCIS Accredited • Athletics - FHSAA Arts - Band, Choir, Visual Arts, Drama, Odyssey of the Mind and more

Beautiful 25-Acre Campus • Come experience the difference at SCS!

CAMPUS TOURS

96 04

Established in 1958 5415 Bahia Vista Street • Sarasota 941.499.8557 • www.sarasotachristian.org

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THURSDAYS 9:30am High School Tour 11:00am Elementary School Tour 12:30pm Middle School Tour

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TUESDAYS 9:30am Elementary School Tour 11:00am Middle School Tour 12:30pm High School Tour

YourObserver.com

MERIDIAN CAREER INSTITUTE Address: 7020 Professional Parkway E., 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, Sarasota

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Phone: 924-1365 Website: Suncoast.edu SARASOTA SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY Address: 5899 Whitfield Ave., Suite 300, Sarasota Phone: 877-613-7768 Website: SarasotaSchoolOf MassageTherapy.edu STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA MANATEE-SARASOTA Address: 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; 7131 Professional Parkway E., Lakewood Ranch; 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice Phone: 752-5000 (Bradenton); 363-7000 (Lakewood Ranch); 408-1300 (Venice) Website: SCF.edu UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE Address: 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Phone: 359-4200 Website: USFSM.edu

+ Acting

+ Ballet

+ Jazz

+ Voice + Tap + Musical Theatre Dance + Homeschool classes!

1400 Blvd of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236

941.552.8879 ThePlayers.org

Above & Beyond Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Frank Pazulski

A PERFECT SMILE THAT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD!

361009-1

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FRIENDLY, COMPASSIONATE, PROFESSIONAL CARE

since 1989

(941) 927-8395 3982 Bee Ridge Rd Bldg. H, Unit B Sarasota, FL 34233

360045-1

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

JULY 2021

: 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 ol o h c S o t k c Ba Sports and s m a x E l a c i s Phy

Schedule y appointm our ents SOON!

Cattleridge Medical Building 941-379-5121

3333 Cattlemen Rd., # 208, Sarasota, FL

Accepting new patients l Convenient locations & hours Most insurance plans accepted

David Mohr, D.O. Melissa Rohrbacher, D.O.

Intercoastal Family Practice

Palmer Ranch I & *II:

941-953-5213

8592 Potter Park Dr., Sarasota, FL *8590 Potter Park Dr., Unit A, Sarasota, FL

943 S. Beneva Rd., # 204, Sarasota, FL

Carrie Bonaroti, M.D.

John Steele, M.D.

Jessica Thomas, M.D.

David Bidle, M.D.

Beneva Family Practice:

Alex Austin, M.D.

941-921-6618

Brittney Benjamin, Amanda Lindberg, M.D. M.D.

Julia Havlovic, M.D.

Joseph Larkin, M.D.

Anthony Spinella, M.D.

*Dennis Pail, M.D.

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

Randy Powell, M.D.

Peter Quarles, M.D.

Sy Rabins, D.O.

Diego Ramos, M.D.

Philip Rubin, M.D.

www.intercoastalmedical.com

Your Neighborhood, Board Certified, Family Medicine Physicians 354979-1