Bashaw Elementary School's top fundraisers are leaving their mark on campus. Students who raised more than $100 for Bashaw's 4th Annual Color Run will participate in a mural painting party during the next few weeks. Lots of fun, painting and creativity. Painted by Lillian Fox and Stephanie Guevara, the mural is part of a campus beautification initiative. Once completed, the exciting gathering place will be called "The Bashaw Courtyard of the Arts." The school community gave their input on the final design. Bashaw Elementary celebrates its 40th anniversary in August 2025.
Meanwhile, Palm View K-8 was inducted as a School of Distinction and STEM Data Verified School by Woz Ed founder, Steve Wozniak. Principal Jessica Kane and STEM Teacher Tarah Keefe accepted the two awards in Arizona from the co-founder of Apple. Woz Pathway Schools are an elite group of schools that exemplify teaching and learning designed for students to explore future careers in the technology sector. As the first school in the nation to receive Woz Pathways status, Palm View received accolades based on data from fourth and fifth grade students showing excellent awareness in STEM, (science, technology, engineering, and math) and connecting their hands-on learning with career pathways. Members from district leadership and instructional specialists also attended the annual conference.
This week, second grade teachers from Bashaw, Kinnan, Myakka City, Moody, Prine, and Sea Breeze Elementary Schools, along with their school-based reading coaches and district English language arts specialists, took part in training provided by professionals from the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. The University of Florida (Gainesville) educational research center provides professional development to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. Small groups discussed research behind the "science of reading". They will use what they learned to engage students in phonics, word study, and reading for meaning and writing. Prine's second grade team says the experience will directly impact their students' literacy growth and improve their own best practices.
A special group of students from Oneco Elementary met Superintendent Jason Wysong this week. The newly inducted safety patrols were being pinned by a member of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office during Dr. Wysong's regularly scheduled visit to school. He congratulated the students and thanked them for keeping their classmates safe throughout the year. Principal Nicole Williams said her employee, Jasmine Colon, sets a great example by leading this group of responsible young leaders.
Lakewood Ranch High School head athletic trainer is being credited for helping save the life of a longtime member of the Mustangs' football community. According to student journalists, Sydney Suppa jumped into action after Jerry Cable was hit on the sidelines during a tackle. Upon discovering that he wasn't breathing, Ms. Suppa retrieved an AED and performed compressions. Mr. Cable was rushed to the hospital and has since recovered. Ms. Suppa has worked at Lakewood Ranch High since 2017. To read more about this harrowing story, please read the Mustangs Ahead article linked here.