EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Education Opportunities

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Your Child’s Path to Learning

Today children have so many choices to reach educational milestones. A streamlined approach is not the only option available for families to choose from. But for those of you that feel there could be a better fit for your child’s path to learning, please review the options available throughout our area. Over the past few years, the ways we educate our youth has changed to better fit our needs.

What is choice enrollment?

Students are assigned to the school in the attendance area in which their parents live, but the district also provides a number of opportunities for parents to select other schools for their children to attend.

Sarasota County offers the ability to attend magnet or charter schools as an option. In order for children to attend these schools and participate in programs that focus on specific areas of interest, these are available to students who meet eligibility requirements. Applications should be turned in to the school of choice. The McKay Scholarship program for private or public school is available to students who have active Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meet certain other eligibility criteria. Parents can access that option online with Florida Department of Education, www.fldoe.org.

The district annually offers Controlled Open Enrollment (Choice) to parents. During that time, parents may apply to enroll their child in a different school in the next academic year. Application information is subject to availability. Information for this process is released in the first few months of each year. If you would like more information please call Deborrah Metheny, who supervises the School Choice programs for Sarasota County Schools. Additional information can be found by visiting www.floridaschoolchoice.org

What is a Charter School?

Sarasota County Schools has oversight responsibility for all charter schools within the county, but they function largely independently under the terms of their contract, or charter, with the district. Organizations wishing to be granted permission to operate a charter school within the district must apply to the School Board of Sarasota County, submitting details about the proposed school and its governing board. Children can attend charter schools at no cost!

What is Virtual School?

School districts are now required by the Florida Department of Education to offer a virtual school, an online learning option for students in grades K-12. In accordance with this state requirement, Sarasota Virtual School is an interactive learning environment created through technology, where the student and teacher are separated by time, space or both. It uses a state-approved curriculum with instructional materials that include a computer, Internet access and printed materials. Computers and Internet may be provided at no charge for participants that meet qualifications. Instructors are highly qualified and/or certified teachers, as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law.

Sarasota Virtual School is graded, just as all schools in Florida receive a grade each year. Teachers monitor student progress and give assignments online and through physical materials shipped to and from students. Students, parents, and teachers communicate via e-mail and telephone. Student attendance is monitored, based on online activity. Textbooks and traditional instructional materials are used, but much of the content is delivered via the providers’ web sites, www.k12.com/flvp (grades K-8) and www.flvs.net (grades 9-12).

If you would like more information please call Deborrah Metheny, who supervises the School Choice programs for Sarasota County Schools. For more information, call the Sarasota Virtual School at (941) 927-9000, ext. 32171 or www.sarasotacountyschools.net/
departments/schoolchoice

What is Community of Caring?

Many of the Sarasota County Schools participate in the Community of Caring. The Community of Caring program is built around five core values that empower young people to be responsible and caring members of a community: Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Trust and Family. These five values serve as a foundation and umbrella for school activities and initiatives in Community of Caring schools. Our schoolwide, K-12 program helps schools become caring, respectful, responsible, trustworthy and family-oriented communities. In doing so, we put children, teachers and school staff at the center of education, weaving the core values into every aspect of school life and the existing curriculum.

Community of Caring…

fosters character and citizenship development

improves school attendance and academic performance

improves school climate and creates a caring school community

fosters greater acceptance of diversity, including students with intellectual disabilities

creates safer school environments by preventing bullying and other forms of violence

prevents teen pregnancy with a youth development focus

reduces tobacco, drug and alcohol use

helps implement school reform

Glenallen Elementary

“First and Finest”

www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/ga

School Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM

Mrs. Amy Archer, principal

7050 Glenallen Blvd.

North Port, FL 34287

(941) 426-9517

Mission The mission of Glenallen Elementary School is to ensure successful learning experiences for all students by providing
an academically challenging environment that is both caring and supportive.

Vision All students will develop intellectually, emotionally, and physically to their highest potential in a safe environment that is stimulating, caring, and supportive. All students, at the end of their elementary education, will have developed the necessary skills to function effectively in the community and meet the challenge of continuing their education into middle school.

Glenallen Elementary offers 21st Century Programs to provide academic, social and recreations activities in a safe learning environment.

• Community of Caring

• Mascot is the Panther

• Transportation provided within the district.

• No uniform required

Cranberry Elementary

“Home of the Cougars”

www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/cranberry

School Hours: 8:15 AM – 3:00 PM

Ms. Linda Daniels, principal

2775 Shalimar Terrace

North Port, FL 34286

(941) 480-3400

Vision Cranberry Elementary School students will “make tracks toward excellence” in a safe, caring, and respectful environment, which promotes life-long learning and socially responsible citizens.

Mission Cranberry Elementary School will establish a climate of community and cooperation between all students, parents, teachers, and staff so that all students can reach their fullest potential.

Cranberry Elementary School participates in the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) program that helps prepare them to be respectful, responsible and ready to learn! Students are recognized on the school’s morning news weekly for following these three expectations.

Our mascot frequents many events at Cranberry. He is a cougar named “Cooper”.

For the 2009-2010 school year Cranberry was an “A” school, Made AYP and received the Golden School Award and the Five Star School Recognition.

We have a “Lunch Buddy Program” where Ms. Linda Daniels, Principal and Mr. John Carey, Assistant Principal work with students from various grade levels on reading and/or math to increase academic achievement.

Cranberry’s Cross Age Tutorial Program (CAT) connects students in grades three through five with area middle and high school students to prepare for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). It is held at Cranberry three Saturdays in the month of February/March. Donations from Grandmothers of LaCasa and Grandmothers Club of Harbor Cove help support this program.

We have a Chorus and Orff program after school for interested students which perform every year around the holidays and at the end of the school year.

• Mascot is the Cougar

• After school care provided for a fee

• Transportation provided within the district

• Uniform required

Lamarque Elementary

“Pride, Purpose, Performance”

www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/lamarque

School Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

Sally Mancheno, Principal

3415 Lamarque Ave.

North Port, FL 34286

(941) 426-6371

Lamarque is excited to be starting their fifth year. They are a student-focused and family oriented 5-Star School and Community of Caring. This year, Lamarque will also be a Title I school, and are looking forward to providing more classroom support and adding more family learning nights. They are always in need of volunteer help and gladly welcome the support of our family and community members. Throughout the year, celebrations are held to recognize student achievement in many ways. In addition to Honor Roll awards, they also have monthly Citizen of the Month celebrations where students are recognized who demonstrate our five Community of Caring core values: caring, trust, respect, responsibility and family. We believe in always doing our personal best. Lamarque we take pride in all we do, we bring purpose to learning and we achieve success in our performance. We continually strive to be respectful, responsible and safe. We place a strong emphasis on superior quality instruction; we value the richness of diversity; and we hold high academic and behavioral expectations for students and ourselves. We believe in active learning and stretching students’ imaginations through hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning.

Mission The mission of Lamarque Elementary School is to prepare students to achieve the highest learning standards by providing a challenging curriculum that meets individual student needs and promotes active learning in a technology-rich and collaborative environment.

Vision The vision of Lamarque Elementary School is to embrace a community of learners that promotes pride and respect for others, celebrates individual differences, challenges students and fosters life-long learning for success in the real world.

• Mascot is the King of Learning – Lion

• School song

• Community of Caring

• Transportation provided within the district.

• Uniform required

• Follow Lamarque on Twitter

Toledo Blade Elementary

“Soaring to New Heights”

www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/nptb

School Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

Christopher Renouf, principal

1201 Geranium Ave

North Port, FL 34288

(941) 426-6100

Our Meet Your Teacher Day is August 19, 4:00 – 5:30 PM

Mission Dedicated to Success!

Toledo Blade Elementary has received the following Awards:

Florida School Recognition Award A+ 5 consecutive years

Awards to schools that demonstrate sustained or significantly improved student performance.

AYP Award – 3rd Consecutive Year

(NCLB -Average Yearly Progress) Required as a part of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, AYP requirements target the performance and participation of various student subgroups on statewide assessments based on race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and English proficiency.

Josten’s Renaissance Media WOW Award

Each year at the Jostens Renaissance National Conference, two or three schools are recognized for the exceptional coverage that you are receiving from your local print/electronic media for outstanding student recognition.

Five Star School Award

The Five Star School Award, created by the Commissioner’s Community Involvement Council is presented annually to those schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement.

Golden School Award

The Golden School Award is presented to recognize elementary, secondary, and adult schools that meet the following criteria: A minimum of 80% of the school staff participated in training related to school volunteerism.

Toledo Blade offers the following programs to students:

SOAR – South County Identified Gifted Cluster Site

SOAR is intended to benefit students whose capacity for intellectual achievement and need for academic enrichment go beyond what may be provided in traditional classrooms. The program provides a uniquely differentiated curriculum and allows students the opportunity to interact with intellectually similar peers throughout the day.

Renaissance – Student Recognition Program

Participant of a national recognition program called Renaissance, which recognizes the educational accomplishments and outstanding contributions of students, staff members, and patrons of the school.

Eagles Nest

The Eagles Nest is a designated training & tutoring center on the TBES Campus. Volunteers including parents, grandparents, business partners and community residents are trained and then matched up to work with individual students ranging from grades K – 5 in specific academic areas where deficiencies have been noted.

• Mascot – Eagle

• School song

• Classroom Creed

• Community of Caring

• Transportation provided within the district

• Uniform required

Atwater Elementary

“Home of the All Stars”

www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/atwater

School Hours: 8:15 AM – 3:00 PM

Kirk J. Hutchinson, principal

(941) 257-2317

4701 Huntsville Ave

North Port, Florida 34288

Atwater Elementary character education program is based on a positive behavior support process that is proactive in teaching the character traits we want our students to internalize and display…Those are the five components of HEART. Our students work everyday to live out the tenets of our five overarching ideals. We expect each All-Star to be: Hardworking, Empathetic, Active Learner, Respectful and Trustworthy

When our students demonstrate these five attributes, we recognize them for having HEART.

Atwater offers a wonderful related arts program that includes three choruses and Orff ensembles; this past year we also had a great violin program. Environmental sustainability is also very important to us. We have a school-wide recycling program and are currently installing a butterfly garden on our campus. We have also written a grant to begin a composting program, and recently planted seven new trees that were donated to us by People for Trees and the City of North Port. Our students and staff are supportive of our school’s “green features” and are actively work to help the environment.

Last year alone Atwater students donated approximately $2500 in coins to the United Way and the Red Cross. They had the largest student donation during Sarasota County’s United Way campaign. Staff also received a number of grants from the Education Foundation and Sarasota County.

• Transportation provided within the district.

• Uniform required

Woodlands Middle

“On the Tracks to Success!”

www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/woodland

School Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Mrs. Lawrence, principal

2700 Panacea Blvd

North Port, FL 34289

9(41) 240-8590

Mission Statement Woodland Middle School is a community offering a safe, encouraging environment that celebrates learning and innovation. All learners model and promote integrity, empathy, and responsibility.

School Vision Woodland Middle School places learning at the center of its activities to enable all learners to lead productive, responsible, and helpful lives.

Woodlands Middle School was honored to be the first North Port School to have a teacher honored by the Sarasota County and the Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year, Mr. Seth Gardner.

• Mascot is the Wildcat

• Participant of Community of Caring

• Transportation provided within the district.

• No uniform required

Heron Creek Middle

“Home of the Patriots!”

www.sarasota.k12.fl.HCMS

School Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Dr. Bill Bolander, principal

6501 West Price Blvd

North Port, FL 34286

(941) 480-3371

Mission: Heron Creek Middle School will establish successful learning experiences for all and create responsible citizens capable of life-long accomplishments in environments of change.

Heron Creek Middle School will:

Create a positive environment

Empower all people to reach their full potential

Remove barriers of bigotry and prejudice that infringe upon individual freedom, respect and progress

Attract talent that reflects our community

Heron Creek is exited about our Positive Behavior Support program. In our first year, we rewarded students for targeted behaviors, such as respect or cooperation, by giving them “ripples.” Student then had opportunities to purchase rewards like popcorn and smoothies, or buy dance tickets at a reduced price using these ripples. The year-end activity was a field day in the park that cost students 15 ripples to attend. We had approximately 500 students attend…they had a great time! This year we plan to have a field day every quarter, in addition to more reward options.

• Participant in Community of Caring

• Transportation provided within the district

• No uniform required

North Port High School

www.northporthighschool.net

School Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:15 PM

George Kenney, principal

6400 West Price Blvd

North Port, FL 34291

(941) 423-8558

NPHS Mission Statement: North Port High School will inspire tomorrow’s leaders by:

Providing rigorous instruction

Maintaining a safe & respectful environment

Developing socially responsible individuals in their community & beyond

• Transportation provided within district

• No uniform required

Imagine School at North Port

“Excellence through Integrity!”

www.imagineschoolatnorthport.com

School Hours: 8:15 AM – 2:45 PM

Grades K – 8

Justin Matthews, principal

1000 Innovation Avenue

North Port, Florida 34289

(941) 426-2050

The Mission of Imagine School at North Port is to educate all students in a safe, supportive, individualized and challenging environment where they can learn to be contributing citizens of our community.

Imagine School at North Port is a multiple national award winning public charter school. The school is led by Justin Matthews, who was awarded the 2010 National Innovation Principal of the Year. ISNP utilizes the PROJECT: CHILD instructional delivery system in K-5, which consists of three-year looping cycles for students and teachers, and teaming of content area specialists.

Middle school academics are focused on the unique social, emotional and physical attributes of the middle school child with an emphasis on individualization of the curriculum to strengthen skills or provide challenges.

In addition to a strong academic program which includes gifted education and advanced academics for high school credit at the middle school level, ISNP also has a strong moral education curriculum, extracurricular activities, interest clubs, varsity and junior varsity interscholastic sports, foreign language classes, community service, and summer activities.

• Mascot is the Shark

• Pocket Pick transportation provided to North Port Students

• Uniform required

Island Village Montessori

www.islandvillage.org

School Hours:

South (K – 3) 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

South (5 – 8) 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM

2001 Pinebrook Rd.

Venice, FL 34292

South Campus: (941) 484-4999

What is Montessori? Basic to Montessori’s philosophy is her discovery of Sensitive Periods in a child’s development. During these periods, children seek certain stimuli with immense intensity, to the exclusion of all others. It is during these times that a child can most easily master a particular learning skill. Montessori materials are devised especially to aid children in each Sensitive Period. It is the responsibility of the teacher to recognize these periods in individual children and put them in touch with the appropriate materials in the classroom environment. While we do not suggest judging our school simply by these measures, the FCAT and AYP standards are important. At Island Village, we seek to balance the need to show accountability toward grade level expectations and our commitment to a learner-centered Montessori approach. There are many areas of student progress not measured by test scores…

Developing public Montessori programs are open to all children regardless of income, race, or socio-ethnic background.

IVMS is also dedicated to preparing children for the future through an emphasis on technology, foreign language, and the arts. In the end, a child’s future depends on a good self-concept, emotional balance, an ability to navigate social situations, as well as the development of social consciousness and self-direction. Each day at IVMS, our students are provided these opportunities in preparation for high school, college, and beyond.

• Pocket Pick up transportation is provided for North Port Students

Students Leadership Academy

www.studentleadershipacademy.org

School Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:10 PM

Grades: 6 – 8

Vickie Marble, principal

200 Field Avenue East

Venice, FL

(941) 485-5551

Mission at the Student Leadership Academy is clear: To provide an academic and social atmosphere that will promote SCHOLARSHIP in adolescents by encouraging them to discover and develop their individual talents and to recognize that reading is a requisite skill for scholarship in all areas;

To create stimulating opportunities for students to develop LEADERSHIP skills, and;

To instill in students, the value of volunteerism through SERVICE learning.

The Student Leadership Academy offers all of the advantages of Sarasota County’s traditional public schools and more. Our students enjoy smaller than average class sizes (averaging 20) in larger than average classrooms, all in an intimate school community. Our 27,000-square-foot, locked school campus is also exceptionally safe and secure. Our curriculum is rigorous and focused, and there is a strong emphasis placed on community involvement, volunteerism and leadership. The Student Leadership Academy supports extensive parental involvement in all aspects of school life. We have fostered an active and successful partnership between our parents and staff. Our board of directors, comprised primarily of community leaders and parents, helped establish our school and guide our current direction. Like all Sarasota County public schools.

• Pocket pick up is available for North Port Students

Sarasota Military Academy

www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.com

School Hours: 7:15 AM – 1:45 PM

Grades 9 – 12

Daniel Kennedy, Headmaster

801 N Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 926-1700

Mission The mission of The Sarasota Military Academy is to provide high school students the highest quality education possible, incorporating the principles of leadership, discipline, patriotism, and honor in a military environment. Our primary intent is to enable students to become exemplary citizens and to help them shape their futures into satisfying and fulfilling lives.

Vision The Sarasota Military Academy envisions an exemplary, trend-setting approach to education. State and District academic objectives in concert with Army JROTC curriculum and high standards of discipline will yield dynamic and comprehensive educational programs. Our new building and state-of-the-art resources will enrich the students’ experience in preparation for college and the career of their choice. The future of the American democracy will be enhanced by the knowledge, leadership, and patriotism of SMA graduates.

Beliefs The highest standards of education, including clear goals and expectations for student achievement, should guide classroom activities and curriculum development. Allocation of resources (human and fiscal) shall be aligned with the vision and the school’s continuous process of improvement. All students can and should be challenged to learn. Education and academic achievement are the chief priorities of our school. Each person should be treated respectfully as a valued individual. Daily Formation, paying respect to the flag, and wearing of military uniforms by students, faculty, and staff throughout the school day provide an effective atmosphere for discipline and learning on our campus.

Cultural diversity and tolerance toward the ideas and beliefs of others are cornerstones of American democracy and should be modeled by teachers, staff, administrators, and students. Establishing clearly defined rules, with structure and discipline in the classroom, provides the best learning environment for students. A variety of instructional techniques employed in every classroom will support the different ways individuals learn. Students should be provided assessment tools that offer each the opportunity to demonstrate success in learning. Each student should be encouraged to seek continuous self-improvement. Students should strive to bring honor to themselves, their families, their community, and the United States of America.

•Uniform required

• Nearest Pocket pick-up in Venice

Edison Collegiate School

“Home of the Panthers”

www.echs.edison.edu

Diane Juneau, principal

Edison Collegiate High School – Charlotte Campus

26300 Airport Road

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

(941) 637-5673

ECHS became the first collegiate high school in Southwest Florida and the state’s only collegiate high school to incorporate ninth graders when it opened its doors in August of 2009. Located on the Charlotte Campus of Edison State College, ECHS, governed by the ESC Board of Trustees, is designed to provide students of all ability levels an opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. ECHS students enjoy a college environment along with a vast array of resources provided by ESC while also maintaining the traditional elements of high school life. And as Charlotte County’s only Charter school, ECHS is free to students.

Mission Edison Collegiate High School (ECHS) is a publicly
funded early college high school committed to educational innovation and academic excellence as it prepares students to become critical thinkers and productive global citizens. Teachers, staff and the extended school community are dedicated to providing educational equality in a caring environment. Exemplary pedagogical techniques address the needs and abilities of all students, and community service opportunities integrate learning with real life issues

Vision Edison Collegiate High School (ECHS) will distinguish itself as an innovative, academically inspiring, and student-centered early college high school providing equality of educational opportunities open to all, preparation for productive citizenship in a global environment, and graduates who are reflective and skilled in decision-making.

Values Caring: Evidenced through an institutional commitment to exhibiting concern for each student, primarily though a multi-faceted support program and engagement in community service.

Reflection: Manifested largely by personal introspection and critical thinking which engender a disposition to be mindful of others.

Pursuit of Excellence: Continued academic growth and personal development resulting from experiences that promote learning as meaningful and useful in our 21st century global society.

Each academic year ECHS will welcome a new 100-member ninth-grade class. Prospective students must attend an information session with their parent(s) or guardian(s) prior to submitting an application. To be eligible students must receive a passing grade on their eighth-grade FCAT and be certified by middle school as ready to advance to the ninth grade. Students must submit their latest FCAT scores and last report card along with the formal application. According to Florida Statutes, each class is selected by a random lottery. Applicants not selected for admission will be placed on a waiting list for consideration should space become available.

AMI Kids/Gulf Coast Marine Institute

“Separating a troubled past from a bight future”

www.amikids.org

School Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Reggie Jackson, Executive Director

220 Bahama Street

Venice, FL 34285

(941) 408-7600

Grades: 7 – 12

AMIKids Sarasota County is a private, not-for-profit organization, under contract with the Sarasota County School board and the Department of Juvenile Justice, serving at-risk youth. Students are motivated and taught responsibilities through a marine-based curriculum. The primary goal of the Institute is to change the behavior of the youthful offenders it serves so that they become productive members of society. This is accomplished by teaching them how to develop positive behavior skills and by increasing their educational and vocational abilities. Students are enrolled in the program for approximately six months. AMIKids Sarasota County is part of a national organization, the Associated Marine Institutes, Inc., which operates over 55 programs in nine states and the Cayman Islands.

Students referred to this school have a history of poor performance, high rates of absenteeism or truancy, or have disruptive school
behavior.

Areas of special emphasis are:

Block curriculum scheduling

Low student-teacher ratios allow for individual instruction

Availability of 20 academic courses for both middle and high school students

Individual, group, peer, and family counseling

Home visits

Job shadow program

Vocational program

Three to four months after-care service

Transportation provided through the SCAT system

GED option available

Individual academic and behavioral plans for all youth

Mission AMIkids is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. AMIkids’ mission is to protect the public safety and positively impact as many youth as possible through the efforts of a diverse and innovative staff. AMIkids works in partnership with youth agencies, local communities and families. Exceptional service for individual youths and their families.

• AMIKids Sarasota County is a year round school

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