Sarasota County Schools News

This news release was provided by the Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project

SARASOTA - The Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project is sponsoring the seventh annual Winter Semester School Supply Giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at Newtown Estates Gymnasium, 2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.

Free school supplies will be given to elementary, middle and high school students; college students attending undergraduate and graduate programs; and students attending technical and vocational schools.

The Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project is collecting school supplies and funding to purchase supplies for the giveaway. Supplies needed include notebook paper, pencils, notebook binders, rulers, calculators, protractors, compasses, backpacks, erasers, crayons, glue, folders, ink pens, color markers, scissors and lunch boxes.

Since its founding in 2002, thousands of Sarasota and Manatee county students have received the free school supplies. The Sarasota-based organization was established to help low-income children receive free school supplies. The Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project, Inc., is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

To donate school supplies, funds or for more information contact Mary Bradley Weeks at 941-953-4499.

This news release was provided by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation

SARASOTA COUNTY - Parents may register their children now for Sarasota County Parks and Recreation's Winter Vacation in the Park Camp or Mad Science Camp at Colonial Oaks Park.

Winter Vacation in the Park Camp offers traditional camp activities including games, sports, arts and crafts, as well as daily up-close guest programs including the Sheriff's Office equestrian unit, marine touch tank, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and more.

Two half-day sessions are available each day; 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5:30 p.m. A supervised lunch hour is provided for children attending both daily sessions offered on Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, and Jan. 2. The cost is $8 per session. Parents are responsible for supplying lunch, snacks and beverages.

Mad Science Camp focuses on fun and excitement while unlocking scientific mysteries in a safe, hands-on setting. Demonstrations and activities involve chemical reactions, special effects and other scientific forces. Participants can make "slime," engineer structures, create controlled explosions and participate in many other activities and take-home projects.

Mad Science Camp takes place from 9 a.m.-noon on Dec. 29, 30, 31 at Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota. The cost is $105 and includes all activities and take-homes. If early morning drop-off is needed, Mad Science pre-camp allows children to attend the Winter Vacation camp from 7:30 to 9 a.m. all three days for just $8. A minimum of 10 campers is required for this program to take place. Visit www.madscience.org/wstampabay for more information about Mad Science Camp.

Parents may register their children for the camps at http://www.parksonline.scgov.net/ or by calling 941-861-9930. For general information about Sarasota County parks, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.

Alafia River Basin Board member Cheryl Johnson (left) and SWFWMD Deputy Executive Director Lou Kavouras present award to former Phoenix Academy teacher Stephanie Dunda (center) for the school's water resources education program. Photo courtesy SWFWMD

TAMPA - The Southwest Florida Water Management District has recognized Phoenix Academy for its outstanding water resources education program. The project was one of 26 that were recognized by SWFWMD Nov. 19 during the Partners in Watershed Education Conference at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East Hotel.

Phoenix Academy, a Sarasota County public school opened in 2004, gives struggling eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders new opportunities for academic success. The school�??s 10th-grade class studied Florida-friendly gardens and created a hydroponics system for the school after conducting research at Selby Botanical Gardens and the Sarasota Garden Club. After completing the research in fall 2007, students designed a landscape for a Florida-friendly garden in spring 2008. The hydroponics system, called Hydro-Stackers, was used to grow Florida native plants. The students then took these plants home to use in their own yards.

Phoenix Academy also worked with Mote Marine Laboratory to implement a hands-on experience with their eighth- grade students. Students conducted experiments and collected data on local watersheds surrounding Sarasota Bay and the Myakka River, performing water quality tests in these areas. Studies included macro and micro diversity analysis of plants and animals, as well as the human impact on estuarine ecosystems.

Research was conducted under the leadership of teacher Stephanie Dunda, who accepted the award on behalf of Phoenix Academy. This year science teacher Sue Forrest will carry on the hydroponics and water quality studies with Phoenix Academy�??s eighth-grade and ninth-grade students.

To select the awardees, SWFWMD staff reviewed school projects funded through the Splash! mini-grant program and grants applied for by community members, local governments and non-profit groups through the community education grant program. SWFWMD-sponsored programs that use volunteers to educate others about water conservation were also considered.

Sarasota County SWFWMD projects are funded by the District's Manasota Basin Board, which also includes Manatee County. Many of SWFWMD�??s grant projects focus on various aspects of all four of the water management district's areas of responsibility �?? water supply, water quality, natural systems protection and flood protection.

The Mighty Sailor Band in the bleachers at Sarasota High's Cleland Stadium

SARASOTA �?? Three student bands and the drumline from Sarasota High School performed �??An All-American Concert�?? at a special fundraising concert at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Police Athletic League (PAL) Sailor Circus Arena near the school. A suggested donation of $5 or more was requested to help fund a trip by the bands to Washington, D.C. in January for events related to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The Sarasota High School Wind Ensemble, the Admirals jazz band, the Mighty Sailor Marching Band and the drumlime displayed their talents playing American music as diverse as John Philip Sousa marches, jazz from the Big Band era and Frank Ticheli�??s �??American Elegy,�?? a tribute to the victims of the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy in Colorado. The Mighty Sailor Band also performed its signature piece, the U.S. Navy anthem �??Anchors Aweigh.�??

Eighty students from the three bands and 20 adults, including SHS staff and parent chaperones, will make the trip to the nation�??s capital to perform on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Festival at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

The Mighty Sailor Band also hopes to have the honor of performing in the inauguration day parade on Tuesday, Jan. 20 �?? including a march past the presidential reviewing stand in front of the White House. John Roseboom, SHS band director, submitted the application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee and hopes to get a positive response by early December.

�??We have letters of support from Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Mel Martinez and Congressman Vern Buchanan,�?? said Roseboom, �??as well as Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White. Only a relatively small number of high school and college bands from throughout the country are selected to march in the parade, but we�??ve given it our best shot.�??

By Friday, Nov. 14, more than 400 applications had been received by the committee. That was the original deadline, but it has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 18. In 2005, 47 civilian marching bands were selected from among 343 applicants. Still, Roseboom is optimistic that the Mighty Sailor Band will stand out to the committee, both for the video and audio samples of performances they submitted, and another key factor.

�??To my knowledge,�?? he said, �??we are the only high school band in America that�??s allowed to wear official U.S. Navy uniforms. Of course, our students are also hard-working young musicians who really want to be a part of this special moment in American history.�??

If the Mighty Sailor Band is tapped to march in the inaugural parade, they will not play �??Anchors Aweigh.�?? That tune is reserved for the U.S. Navy Band in inaugural ceremonies. Instead, they will play �??The Thunderer,�?? a Sousa march.

Roseboom emphasizes that playing in the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Festival is worth the trip to D.C., even if the band is not selected for the parade.

The cost of the trip is about $1,300 per person. That brings the total to about $130,000 for the hundred-person group. Those who wish to contribute to the travel costs may mail a check, made out to the SHS Mighty Sailor Band, to:

Mighty Sailor Band
Sarasota High School
1000 S. School Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34237

Anyone with questions may contact the SHS administration office at 941-955-0181.

Lamarque Elementary School, North Port

SARASOTA COUNTY �?? In a presentation to the School Board of Sarasota County at its Nov. 18 meeting, school district energy managers reported that Lamarque Elementary School in North Port has received the Energy Star rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The designation recognizes products and companies for energy efficiency and environmental protection.

The Energy Star rating for Lamarque is one result of an overall energy-saving program by Sarasota County Schools that has helped the district reduce the energy costs in its schools and facilities by an estimated $3.1 million in the past 18 months �?? saving taxpayer dollars while protecting the environment.

Many people recognize the Energy Star label from home appliances, but buildings also can earn the same award for being among the top 25 percent of facilities in the U.S. in terms of energy efficiency. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star label use an average of 40 percent less energy than a typical building and release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Thirty-one schools in Florida, including Lamarque, have earned the Energy Star award. Eighteen of these schools are partners with Energy Education, which is also the energy consulting firm for Sarasota County Schools.

Lamarque Elementary first welcomed students in August 2006. As part of the process of preparing the school to open, an engineer from Energy Education confirmed that lighting levels, air circulation and other aspects of the school�??s operation were at optimum levels for the safety and comfort of students and staff, while ensuring the efficient use of energy. The school�??s grade on these and other measures also made it a candidate for Energy Star status.

"Our school is not only beautiful and a great place for learning,�?? Lamarque Principal Sally Mancheno told the School Board during the presentation of the Energy Star award, �??it is also a great example of how we can all contribute to saving energy in simple ways, such as turning off lights when we leave a room. We will display the Energy Star award proudly at our school.�??

To ensure that energy is being used efficiently at all schools and offices, district energy specialists perform energy audits at each site to evaluate consumption and make recommendations for changes that will result in savings. New schools, such as Woodland Middle School in North Port, and schools under construction, such as Elementary I in North Port and the new Riverview High School in Sarasota, are built with energy-saving features such as those promoted by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The �??green�?? features at some of the district�??s new schools and facilities include:

• Regional building materials
• 20 percent recycled-content materials
• Materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Efficient storm-water management
• Water-efficient landscaping (no irrigation once foliage has been established)
• Water-use reduction, dual-flush water closets, reduced-flow lavatories, waterless urinals
• Energy-efficient air-conditioning system
• Enhanced refrigerant management
• Occupancy sensors to detect motion, turn lights off and on automatically
• Reflective roofing
• Light-pollution reduction

Public transportation access and alternative-transportation features, including bike racks and shower/changing rooms

Throughout the school district, energy specialists evaluate the use of heating and air conditioning equipment, such as chillers, air handlers, exhausts and pumps to determine whether changes in the usage times and frequency could affect the district�??s power bills. The expensive task of air conditioning 43 schools and a number of district facilities has been made less costly and more efficient by making ice at night during low-demand energy hours, then storing the ice in thermal energy storage tanks. Water is circulated over the ice during the day to create the chilled water needed for air conditioning.

The district�??s custodial staff also helps identify potential savings and avoid potential loss at each site. Resources are well maintained to ensure optimum performance. Teachers and staff are coached to make sure lights are out when a room is not being used, windows and doors remain closed while air conditioning is in use, and electronic equipment is turned off each night.

�??Saving taxpayer money while saving the environment is a win-win,�?? said Alisha Miller, an energy manager for the school district�??s Facilities Services team. �??Our energy-saving program is sure to keep paying dividends for everyone, and the Energy Star rating for Lamarque Elementary is just one of the signs that this program is working.�??

SARASOTA �?? The graduation rate for students in Sarasota County public schools rose to 86 percent in 2007-08, while the dropout rate fell to an all-time low of 2.1 percent. The results for all 67 districts in the state, as well as overall statewide percentages, were released by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Nov. 19.

Sarasota County�??s graduation rate rose 2.5 percentage points from the 2006-07 rate of 83.5 percent. The statewide graduation rate also rose, from 72.4 percent to 75.4 percent. The 2007-08 Sarasota graduation rate is 10.6 percentage points higher than the state graduation rate of 75.4 percent.

In addition to the overall increase in the rate for Sarasota County, the graduation rates for all ethnic groups also increased. The rise from 2006-07 was 6.5 percentage points for black students, 4 percentage points for Hispanic students and 2.4 percentage points for white students.

Florida's high-school graduation rate is the percentage of students who graduated within four years of their initial enrollment in ninth grade. Incoming transfer students are included in this calculation, based on their grade level and year of entry into ninth grade. Deceased students and students who withdraw to attend school in another school system (public, private authorized home education program, or adult education program) are removed from the calculation. Each student in the remaining, adjusted group receives a final classification as a graduate, dropout or non-graduate.

Sarasota County�??s high-school dropout rate of 2.1 percent reflected a decrease of 0.6 percentage points compared to 2006-07. The district�??s dropout rates decreased 1.2 percentage points for black students, 0.6 percentage points for Hispanic students and 0.5 percentage points for white students. The state dropout rate also decreased, from 3.3 percent in 2006-07 to 2.6 percent in 2007-08. The Sarasota dropout rate is 0.5 percentage points lower than Florida�??s dropout rate.

According to the FLDOE formula, the dropout rate is an annual snapshot of the percentage of students in grades nine through 12 who leave school for any reason other than transfer to another school or graduation.

For Sarasota County, the long-term trend indicates a steady increase in the graduation rate, accompanied by a steady decrease in the dropout rate. School district administrators believe that the decrease in dropout rates may be due to a continued emphasis on efforts to measure academic progress and problems for all students, and to provide help for students who are identified as struggling.

School Board Chairwoman Caroline Zucker

SARASOTA �?? At the annual reorganization meeting of the School Board of Sarasota County Nov. 18, members of the board elected Caroline Zucker as chairwoman, succeeding Kathy Kleinlein. Zucker will serve until the board�??s next annual election of the chair in November 2009.

After completing a year as the School Board�??s vice chairwoman, Zucker was elected as the new chair after a swearing-in ceremony to begin her new term as a board member. She was re-elected to the District 2 of the School Board in August for another four-year term. Frank Kovach also was sworn in for a new term as a board member; he was unopposed for the District 3 School Board seat in the August election. Chief Judge Lee Haworth of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida administered the oath of office for Zucker and Kovach.

�??Despite these challenging economic times, I remain optimistic about the future of our excellent public school system in Sarasota County,�?? said Zucker. �??Now more than ever, the whole community needs to work together to support our schools. I�??m looking forward to serving as chair of the School Board to help rally this support.�??

Zucker has served for 10 years as a School Board member (1992-2000 and 2006-2008). She previously served as chairwoman in 1995-96.

She is director of Community Outreach and Volunteer Services for Jewish Family and Children�??s Services of Sarasota-Manatee. In Florida, she previously served as director of business development for the Family Counseling Service and owned and operated a full-service floor covering business.

Before moving to the state in 1988, Zucker managed a nationwide communications program for an international chemical company, produced a video with Dr. Michael DeBakey of the Houston Baylor Medical Center on how to prevent heart attacks and edited a children�??s magazine for Waldenbooks.

She has served as treasurer of the Sarasota County Juvenile Justice Council and a board member of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Circuit 12. She has served on the Sarasota County Mentoring Task Force and the Education Foundation�??s Evening of Excellence Committee. She is president of �??Do the Right Thing,�?? a youth recognition program; has acted as a celebrity waiter to raise funds for the Mental Health Community; and has been active with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce.

Zucker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York. She is married to Michael Zucker; they have three children and seven grandchildren.

At the same annual School Board reorganization meeting Nov. 18 in which Zucker was elected chairwoman, Shirley Brown was elected vice chairwoman.