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Tag: Anna Maria Elementary School

Temporary mask ‘mandate’ in effect for students, staff

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Health, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The Manatee County School Board passed a temporary mask mandate for all students and staff – with an opt-out provision – in an emergency meeting today.

A regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 5 p.m., and while the agenda has not yet been released, it is likely that an extension of the mandate will be discussed, among other COVID-19-related issues.

According to the School District of Manatee County, there have been 129 confirmed COVID-19 cases among students and 50 staff cases countywide since Aug. 10. No cases at Anna Maria Elementary have been reported so far.

As parents lined up to pick up their children on Tuesday, Aug. 10 after the first day of school, AME looked very much like any other first day before the pandemic changed everything.

Some children were wearing masks, but the majority were not. It was the same for faculty as they assisted children to get on the bus or line up the children for parents to pick up.

Kids
Students board the bus on the first day of school at Anna Maria Elementary. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

According to Principal Mike Masiello, many activities such as school plays will return this year after being canceled last year due to COVID. Students and parents also got to attend a live orientation prior to the start of school, something that was done virtually last year. In-person meetings between parents and staff are slated to return this year, at least for now.

“Because of COVID last year, we could only communicate through text and email, but this year we’ve been able to go to parent night and go see the classroom and meet the teachers. Fingers crossed it will stay that way, but we know that could change at any moment,” said Lori Zaworski, while waiting to pick up her first grade daughter on the first day of school.

Zaworski said the decision to wear a mask was left up to her daughter, who chose to go without the mask, but did ask her mother to put one in her backpack in case she changed her mind once she got to school.

School
Anna Maria Elementary students are dismissed on the first day of the 2021-22 school year. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“Personally, I feel that every parent should have their choice regarding the masks. Personally, it hasn’t hit close to me or my family; we haven’t lost anybody close to us. Maybe if we had lost a family member I would think differently, but it appears that if you are young and don’t have a compromised immune system, you’ll live through it. If me or my daughter were to get it, we would take the appropriate precautions and quarantine, but I think we’d be OK,” Zaworski added.

According to Principal Masiello, the school hasn’t had many calls or messages from parents on the mask issue as of the first day of school, but there are parents who feel strongly on both sides.

“We’re perfectly happy to do what the teachers are most comfortable with,” said Scott Hagen, who has a daughter in the second grade. “This whole thing has avalanched into political finger-pointing that everything seems to avalanche into nowadays. I would prefer a mask mandate. I would prefer sending my kids to school knowing they’re safe. I would prefer that my second grade daughter didn’t have to look around the school and see some people wearing them and some people not wearing them.”

Hagen’s daughter is wearing a mask at school. He said they talked about it as a family and given the information, she made the choice to wear the mask.

“I understand the talking point of giving parents control, but if parents don’t like sending their kids to school when masks are mandated, then maybe they can find other options,” Hagen said. “This is about a village, a collective, a group, and we’re trying to keep everybody safe. We are a family that believes in science, and the science is pretty clear on this issue.”

The county has updated its COVID-19 protocols to include the following:

  • All students who are sick or have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free.
  • Take temperature checks daily for all employees and randomly for students.
  • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.
  • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Deep clean schools and busses daily, or in between uses as needed.
  • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.
  • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.
  • All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.
  • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.
  • Everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

Updated information regarding changes in policy and protocols is available at www.manateeschools.net.

First day of school almost here

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The first day of school is Aug. 10 and it looks like the environment at Anna Maria Elementary will be much like it was before the COVID 19 epidemic. All students will be learning in the classroom, enjoying recess, eating in the cafeteria and getting to know their new principal.

According to the School District of Manatee County, school will open with a voluntary face mask/covering policy. Updated COVID-19 protocols for the district include:

  • Empowering families to make their own informed choices regarding the use of face masks/coverings and vaccines.
  • Continuing thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all schools.
  • Maintaining ample supplies of hand sanitizer, continued emphasis on handwashing protocols and having additional COVID-19 protection materials in stock and available.
  • Continuing to inform students, families and employees regarding accessibility for COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Maintaining the District Operations Center (DOC) to manage and coordinate the response to COVID-19 in our schools with the Florida Department of Health Manatee.
  • Continuing to provide the community with updates regarding positive cases in our schools.

Principal Michael Masiello says the school hasn’t received many phone calls regarding the COVID policy, citing only one call from a concerned parent. This is Masiello’s first year after taking over for Jackie Featherston, who retired at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

“Our hope is that we get back to some normal routines,” said Masiello, speaking of what this year will be like for students. “In the past, they’ve had a play for each grade level every month and we’re looking forward to getting back to that and other extracurricular activities. We want to be able to do everything we did pre-COVID.”

Anna Maria Elementary will host a back-to-school night on Aug. 5, when parents and students can come to the school and meet with teachers and staff, explore the school and see improvements that were made to the facility during the summer break. This was done virtually last year, so the staff is excited about the return of this annual event.

Renovations to the school include new flooring and the installation of smart boards in the classrooms. The smart boards are large screens that display anything a teacher needs from their computer, including the internet, but can also be written on like traditional chalk or dry erase board. Masiello is confident that students and teachers will enjoy the refreshed new look of the school.

Anna Maria Elementary leads county in brick and mortar learning option selections

New school year brings new principal to Anna Maria Elementary

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The 2021-22 school year is about to begin at Anna Maria Elementary on Aug. 10, and the first day for students is also the first day for Principal Michael Masiello.

Following the retirement of Principal Jackie Featherston, Masiello was transferred from Ballard Elementary, where he had been principal for the past five years.

A Manatee County native, Masiello has been an educator in the area for many years, serving as assistant principal at Bayshore Elementary, principal at Ballard and as a special education teacher at Stewart Elementary for 10 years. 

“AME is a school of excellence and I’d like to continue the high level of achievement they’ve had at this school,” Masiello said. “I want to bring a positive, upbeat growth mindset environment. I just want to bring everyone on staff together and work as a team to make it a positive environment.” 

Principal Masiello also stressed the importance of maintaining a relationship with parents.

“I love interacting with the kids and the parents. I have an open door policy and love for the parents to be involved in their child’s education. If they have concerns, I want them to come with me with their concerns. I’m here to problem solve and do what’s in the best interest of the kids,” said Masiello. 

Principal Masiello also stressed the importance of being involved with the community, hoping that students, parents and staff can make this a great year of learning and return to normalcy after a difficult 2020-21 school year due to COVID.

Class of 2021: AME friends stick together through high school

Class of 2021: AME friends stick together through high school

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

HOLMES BEACH – For decades, the “Little School by the Bay” has seen Island area students walk through the doors at the end of fifth grade to brave the world beyond Anna Maria Island, only to return with a fondness like no other.

The Class of 2021 high school graduates who attended Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) is no different.

As the fifth-graders, teachers and staff at AME felt the bittersweet emotions of the last day of school last week, the seniors at Manatee High School and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, and the like, were feeling similar emotions.

In preschool, Tyler Brewer, Tuna McCracken and David Daigle prepared for AME and met new friends at the School for Constructive Play and Busy Bees.

While Tyler and Tuna were already tight buddies as they entered kindergarten, David joined the merry crew, which became an almost inseparable trio.

In second grade, Morgan Horesh arrived on the AME scene and was welcomed by the boys. The Anna Maria Island Community Center, now known as The Center, helped to gel the friendship with after-school programs and recreational sports.

Blake Balais joined in on the fun in the third grade at AME. Performing in the school plays and participating in school activities furthered the closeness of the friendships that would last after elementary school.

Like many AME Dolphins before them, their handprints can be found on the walls of the elementary school, keeping the long-standing tradition alive.

Despite going to different middle schools, the five boys remained close and always made room for new friends as they arrived on the Island.

Early in their AME days, the boys were introduced to Javier Rivera who moved with his family to the Island not speaking English. With the help of his new friends, Javier soon acclimated to his new home and made good friends.

Another newcomer was Cole Carter, who moved to the area at the start of his freshman year at Manatee High School. Through his interest in sports, Cole quickly found his place with the Island boys.

While David and Morgan made their way through the gauntlet at Saint Stephen’s, the other boys proudly walked the halls as Hurricanes. But after school and on the weekends, they were the same Island friends.

Blake’s love of baseball took him to the diamond, while Tuna’s passion for football put him on the gridiron. David hit the hardcourt playing a season of basketball for the Falcons, as well as a season of soccer in high school. Tyler also played soccer while at Manatee.

The Center sports brought them back together year after year. For these teenagers, community center flag football was always the most anticipated season. Each year, David, Morgan, Tuna and Tyler maneuvered to be on the same team, hoping to be able to pick up other friends like Blake, Cole and Connor Ludwig, who moved to the Island in middle school.

The Island’s community center was a second home for many of the AME class of 2021 graduates. Most of them went directly from AME to The Center five days a week and played sports on the fields past sundown. It is this love of the community center that keeps these young people coming back to play, volunteer, work and coach.

The love of the Island, AME and The Center made a graduation party at the community center the obvious setting. The celebration for five young men who have their roots deeply planted on the Island was a poetic ending to a chapter in their lives.

To start the next journey, two of the Island boys – Tuna and Tyler – will continue to give back to the community by working at The Center while attending school locally as the start of their new journey. David and Morgan will be attending Florida State University as roommates, while Blake and Connor will room together at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Congratulations to these boys of Anna Maria Island and all of the Class of 2021 graduates! The Island will always keep you connected.

Anna Maria Elementary leads county in brick and mortar learning option selections

Masks to stay on at Anna Maria Elementary

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

UPDATED MAY 30, 2021 at 10:44 a.m. – A unanimous vote by the Manatee County School Board Friday morning will end the district’s mask policy. The board published a notice of intent to change the mask policy on April 30 but had to wait 28 days to make it official to stay in compliance with the board’s bylaws. Although the 2020-21 school year has ended, the decision will mean masks will be optional for summer classes, as well as FOR the 2021-22 school year.

ANNA MARIA – Ever since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order earlier this month that suspended all local COVID-19 emergency orders and related public health restrictions, it’s been left up to local government and school boards about how to proceed with their individual restrictions.

Anna Maria Elementary is the only public school on the Island, so it has been of particular interest to not only parents and faculty, but also area residents who are eager to see how COVID-19 will be handled at the local level.

According to Anna Maria Elementary Principal Jackie Featherston, students and faculty will continue to wear masks for the remainder of the school year, which is only a few more days; the last day of school is May 27.

“May 25, the school board meets and will specifically address how they will move forward for the 2021-2022 school year. I hope it will be a choice to wear a mask next year,” said Featherston.

The school has had two positive COVID-19 cases. The first was in November of 2020, and the second was February of this year. According to Featherston, both situations required a 14-day teacher quarantine. In the event of a kindergarten or pre-K case of COVID-19, the entire class, as well as the teacher would be required to quarantine for the same duration.  

Students were given the option of virtual learning this year, but Principal Featherston said very few did so.

“Eighty percent of students were back in the classroom at the start of the year in August, and by the end of the Christmas break, the number was up to 90%. The students were anxious to get back to normal,” said Featherston.

On Thursday, May 20, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he believed President Joe Biden’s goal of 70% of adults getting at least one dose of the vaccine will be reached. Fauci also said that it’s conceivable for middle schools and high schools to be completely mask-free in the fall. Since children under 12 have not yet been approved to get the vaccine, he did not specifically address that age group.

First COVID-19 case reported at Anna Maria Elementary

First COVID-19 case reported at Anna Maria Elementary

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – One Anna Maria Elementary (AME) School student has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the School District of Manatee County’s Nov. 2 COVID update.

It is the first COVID-positive case reported at the elementary school in Holmes Beach, according to the school district’s online COVID-19 dashboard.

First COVID-19 case reported at Anna Maria Elementary
This graphic at the school district website confirms the positive COVID-19 test. – School District of Manatee County | Submitted

When contacted Friday, AME Principal Jackie Featherston confirmed the positive test and provided some additional details.

“We did have four students and a teacher that will need to quarantine as a precaution because they happened to have a little closer contact with this student,” Featherston said.

Featherston was asked if the COVID-positive student’s classroom remains in use.

“We relocated the classroom before the kids even got in the room yesterday morning. We relocated the classroom to the auditorium. Our custodial staff went in and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the classroom before the remainder of the students could return there and we’ll have a substitute for the teacher for the next couple weeks,” Featherston said.

Featherston said the positive COVID test was reported on Thursday.

“All of this occurred yesterday. The families of the individual students that had to quarantine were notified yesterday. They got a letter from the health department and instructions. Yesterday evening, a message went out to all our families in the entire school, to let them know that we did have a COVID-positive case,” Featherston said.

In regard to this being AME’s first known COVID case, Featherston said, “It happens. You can’t control what exposure others might have on the outside. We know it wasn’t something that occurred at school. They had another family member that started feeling sick and got tested. Mom did the right thing and she didn’t take any chances. She took her children to get tested and one that happens to be one of our students ended up testing positive even though she didn’t have any symptoms or anything. They did everything they were supposed to do. It’s just one of those things that happen sometimes,” Featherston said.

When contacted Friday, Michael Barber, the school district’s communications, family and community engagement director, said, “We have been in school 12 weeks and this is the school’s first case. I think that says a lot about the safety protocols being practiced at the school and how the Anna Maria Island community is taking the safety measures seriously.”

According to the school district’s COVID-19 dashboard, six new positive cases had been reported districtwide as of Thursday, Nov. 5, with 208 positive cases reported among students and staff districtwide since the school year began on Aug. 17.

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84 COVID-19 cases reported on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Elementary students return

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Schools.

UPDATED Aug. 17, 2020 – HOLMES BEACH – The first school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic began Monday morning as about 195 students showed up for the opening day of classes at Anna Maria Elementary School.

“This is one of the smoothest openings we’ve had. I was very pleased. It went perfectly this morning,” Principal Jackie Featherston said regarding an opening day that included mandatory face coverings, plastic desk shields and social distancing in response to COVID-19.

The opening took place under guidelines adopted in an emergency meeting Friday by the Manatee County School Board and School Superintendent Cynthia Saunders. At that meeting, the board’s policy and operating protocols regarding cloth face coverings and plastic face shields for students, teachers and staff members were revised.

Policy 8450 provides additional flexibility as to when and where plastic face shields can be worn as an alternative to cloth face coverings.

The revised policy was adopted before students who selected the brick and mortar learning option returned to school campuses Monday morning. This includes 82% of the students at AME.

Students who selected the online eLearning option began their new school at home. Those who selected the hybrid learning method will spend some days at school and some days at home.

The revised policy and protocols recommended by Superintendent Saunders now incorporate the latest guidelines included in the “Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools” issued by the CDC on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Those guidelines were not included in the previous policy and protocols adopted the same day they were issued.

“A face mask must always be worn on school property, facilities, including school buses and/or engaged in school activities in accordance with Board Policy 8450,” according to the policy’s operating protocols.

“CDC recognizes wearing face masks may not be possible in every situation or for some people. In some situations, wearing a face mask may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency or introduce significant safety concerns.

“Adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a face mask or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading if it is not possible to wear one. Appropriate and consistent use of cloth face coverings may be challenging for some students, teachers, and staff, including:

  • “Younger students, such as those in early elementary school.
  • Students, teachers, and staff with severe asthma or other breathing difficulties.
  • Students, teachers, and staff with special educational or healthcare needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity,” according to the operating protocols.

“CDC recognizes there are specific instances when wearing a cloth face covering may not be feasible. In these instances, parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers, and school administrators should consider adaptations and alternatives whenever possible.

“Teachers and staff who may consider using clear face coverings include:

  • “Those who interact with students or staff who are deaf or hard of hearing, per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  • Teachers of young students learning to read.
  • Teachers and students in English as a second language classes.
  • Teachers of students with disabilities,” according to the operating protocols.

Clear face coverings

According to the revised operating protocols, “Clear face coverings are not face shields. CDC does not recommend the use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings because of a lack of evidence of their effectiveness for source control. Therefore, considering the CDC guidance, the board will make the following allowances to Board Policy 8450:

“A. Students who need a break from their face mask, may do so with teacher permission provided social distancing can be maintained under specific outdoor circumstances (not indoor).

“B. Employees who need a break from wearing their face mask while on school property, may do so if alone in their own office or classroom or outdoors maintaining social distancing. An employee may not utilize common space, for example a conference room, break room, stairwell or any unoccupied location for a mask break. A cloth face mask must be worn during all other times and locations.

“C. While eating breakfast or lunch or while drinking water, no face covering is required while eating or drinking in designated areas as long as social distancing practices are in place.

“D. No face covering is required during physical education classes, recess, or other outdoor activities as long as social distancing practices are in place. Students must wear cloth face masks to and from physical education class and to and from the recess location or activity.

“E. Face shields that completely cover the face, wrap around the face and extend below the chin, will be allowed to be worn by students in Grades PreK-5 and students with disabilities only in the classroom during specific instructional periods as long as either social distancing practices are in place and/or physical barriers of separation are in place between students. A cloth face mask must be worn during all other times and locations. Face shields are not substitutes for cloth face masks nor are being used for normal everyday activities and only allowed in this narrow use.

“F. Face shields that completely cover the face, wrap around the face and extend below the chin, will be allowed to be worn by teachers in all grade levels only in the classroom during specific instructional periods as long as social distancing practices are in place between the teacher and the students. A cloth face mask must be worn after specific instruction has been given or when social distancing cannot be followed between teacher and student, and during all other times and locations. Face shields are not substitutes for cloth face masks, nor are they being used for normal everyday activities and are only allowed in this narrow use.”

School reopening plan requires mandatory face coverings

School reopening plan includes mandatory face coverings

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County students, teachers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings and on school buses if schools reopen on Aug. 10 or soon thereafter.

If the Manatee County School Board decides to delay the start of in-person learning due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, students will start the school year using online eLearning.

The Manatee County School Board made the face-covering decision during the board’s June 25 meeting and reiterated that decision during its Thursday, July 9 workshop.

The face-covering requirement is included in the school reopening plan scheduled to be presented to the board for final approval on Tuesday, July 14. If approved by the school board as expected, the reopening plan will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education (DOE) for its approval.

The reopening plan requirements will apply to all schools in Manatee County, including charter schools and private schools. This includes Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach.

School reopening plan requires mandatory face coverings
The Manatee County School Board will decide if and when Anna Maria Elementary School and all others in the school district reopen for in-person learning. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Face coverings were one of many topics school board members and School Superintendent Cynthia Saunders discussed last week. Learning options, extra-curricular activities and reopening concerns were also among the topics discussed.

Face coverings

When discussing mandatory face coverings, Saunders said, “I’ve had just as many differing opinions on this subject as I have on should we open schools or not open schools. Our recommendation is that students, employees or anyone that cannot socially distance is expected to have a face covering.”

Saunders said many schools in the district have already purchased plastic face shields for students and teachers and plastic shields for the desks as well.

“It is very important in the learning years, the formative years, that they (the students) can clearly hear and see the pronunciation of words, the movement of mouth. Some people find it more comfortable to have a shield on than a face mask, so it is my recommendation that if they cannot socially distance, they are expected to have those on,” Saunders said.

School reopening plan requires mandatory face coverings
Manatee County School Superintendent Cynthia Saunders will oversee the county’s school reopening plan. – School District of Manatee County | Submitted

Saunders said the face-covering requirement will also apply to all secondary, post-secondary and transportation-related facilities, including school buses. She said face coverings will not be required when the children and staff members are outside and safely socially distancing.

“I have had a number of parents contact me and say that their child may have a medical issue or medical concern. We will definitely look into any child or any employee that could have a medical issue and address these on an individual basis,” she added, noting that a form will be used to document allowed face-covering exceptions.

Board member Rev. James Golden said, “You will wear a mask from the time you come into the jurisdiction of the Manatee County School Board until the time you leave, unless the teacher in that classroom exempts you for a medical reason or an IEP (Individualized Education Program).”

Saunders said students and staff will not be subjected to regular or random COVID-19 testing, but temperature checks will be conducted on all employees upon arrival and conducted randomly on students.

Golden asked Saunders to make photographs available to parents that show how classrooms are being set up to accommodate social distancing and other safety measures.

Learning options

Regardless of grade level, parents will decide whether their child or children attend school in person five days a week or continue full-time eLearningManatee at home. Hybrid programs that combine in-school and eLearning will be available for older students.

School reopening plan requires mandatory face coverings
The updated school reopening plan provides for in-school and/or at-home learning. –
Submitted | School District of Manatee County

Saunders recommends all students pre-K through sixth grade return to in-person schooling five days a week. She recommends a hybrid program for seventh- and eighth-graders, and for all high school students and Manatee Technical College students.

Before the school year starts, the school district will confirm which learning method each student will utilize, and that data will be reported to DOE.

In response to a question from board chair Gina Messenger, Saunders said there will be designated opportunities when a student can switch from in-person learning to eLearning or vice-versa.

Saunders also said, “Our eLearning will not be just assignments being pushed on there. There will be actual teacher instruction. If a teacher is teaching 10 students in front of them and has 10 that are at home for eLearning they will be able to see the teacher teaching that lesson streaming live at the same time. They will be able to ask questions, get their questions answered and be a part of the class even though half of them may be sitting in their living room. We have the technology for that to happen.

“If a teacher doesn’t want to do it that way, we’ve given them a day in the week where they can record all of their lessons. If you’re on eLearning, there will be a live or taped teacher instruction. They will see the lesson taught by the teacher. It’s just as if they’re in the classroom. The teaching is going be occurring,” Saunders said.

In response to a question from board member Dr. Scott Hopes regarding eLearning, Saunders said the school district has already purchased many electronic devices to distribute to lower-income families in need, but there are still concerns about internet access at the student’s home.

“I do think we are going to have some problems with internet service, but we will have to come up with a plan for this,” Saunders said.

Extra-curricular activities

When the school year begins, extra-curricular activities including sports, band and cheerleading will be limited to outdoor, socially-distanced training activities only. Saunders said there are currently no plans for students to engage in competitive sporting events with other schools.

COVID concerns

During last week’s meeting, Saunders acknowledged the lingering concerns about the coronavirus.

“We can’t really say that it does not affect children. It is a new virus. Until we have schools open, I don’t really know that we have all the facts yet,” she said.

Saunders’ presentation included a slide that referenced COVID-19 test results for children in Manatee County and Florida.

School reopening plan requires mandatory face coverings
The slide in the updated Manatee County school reopening plan references COVID-19 testing among youngsters. – Submitted | School District of Manatee County

“If you look at June 12th through now, and you compare our data and the number of cases compared to the state, in each one of these calculations we have exceeded the percent of infected cases per tested children than the state has. We’re at a 35.7% positive rate compared to 24.2% of those tested being positive for the state versus Manatee County. So our percentage is pretty substantial,” Saunders said.

Saunders’ reopening plan presentation can be viewed here.

More information on Manatee County school reopenings can be found here.

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School board members question legality of reopening order

Holmes Beach logo OLD

Holmes Beach mayor declares state of emergency

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Amid growing COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, concerns, Mayor Judy Titsworth declared a temporary state of emergency March 17. The state of emergency will last for seven days before it will either expire or another state of emergency will need to be declared.

Under the state of emergency, the city is eligible for federal and state emergency funds, if needed.

As of March 18, eight cases of patients with the coronavirus in Manatee County had been confirmed by the Florida Department of Health.

For residents and visitors to Holmes Beach, the declared state of emergency means that Titsworth may limit or suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages, establish a curfew and stop price gouging, among other things. Currently, no restrictions have been placed on Holmes Beach residents and visitors though everyone is encouraged by city, state and federal leaders to practice social distancing, limit gatherings to 10 people or less and wash hands regularly.

Some business owners have restrictions placed on them but those have come from the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis required all bars and nightclubs in the state of Florida to close for a 30-day period beginning at 5 p.m. on March 17. Restaurants can still operate, however, they are required to operate at 50% seating capacity for the safety of staff and diners.

Local schools also are affected by the coronavirus with schools, including Anna Maria Elementary School, shuttered until April 15. Manatee County School District employees will return to work for the week of March 23-27 to complete instructions for K-12 students to continue learning at home beginning March 30 using a remote learning program called Schoology. Students will be able to work online from home and communicate with their teachers through the program.

State testing and school grades for the year are canceled by DeSantis with students to have the option of moving forward next school year or remaining in their current grade.

For more information on the city of Holmes Beach’s response to the coronavirus threat, visit the city’s website. For more information on the school district, visit the Manatee County School District website.

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Fall Festival promises spooky fun

Fall Festival promises spooky fun

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Elementary School Fall Festival will feature a costume contest, haunted house and a parade on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students will gather in costume at 9:30 a.m. at Anna Maria City Pier Park, where their costumes will be judged for prizes at 9:45 a.m. The kids will then march with their class banners to The Center of Anna Maria Island for the festival.

The theme for the haunted house is “Haunted Toy Shop,” with a crazy shopkeeper as the guide. Puppets, creepy dolls and toys will come to life and there will be a crazy laboratory that is all aglow with evil potions.

Wristbands for unlimited games and activities, excluding the haunted house, will be $15 for the first child with a $5 discount for each additional child in that family. Haunted house tickets are $3, or two for $5. The wristbands will also include five additional tickets for food or drinks.

The fundraiser for the PTO is being organized by Lisa Coba and team. For more information, call the school at 941-708-5525.

The festival date is incorrect in this week’s print edition of The Sun.

Anna Maria Elementary open for learning

Anna Maria Elementary open for learning

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Schools.

HOLMES BEACH – The new school year got off to a relatively calm start Monday morning with a break in the rainy weather and a concerted effort by staff to keep track of how the students would be going home.

Before the students were allowed inside the building, teachers and staff determined whether they would walk or bike home, take the bus or ride with their parents. Each had a color-coded bracelet around his/her wrist to avoid confusion.

Outside, Makena Corr, Eliana Romeo and Mya Ferrari raised the United States flag, a duty that will be repeated every school day.

Students seemed too intent on getting to their classrooms to be worried about the first day of school. In the hall in front of Kelly Crawford’s kindergarten class, kids and their parents waited for the door to be opened then received the emotional good-bye hug and kiss from the folks to send them on their way to school.

Anna Maria Elementary hug
John Agnelli hugs his daughter, Sadie, before she heads into the kindergarten classroom of teacher Kelly Crawford for her first day of school at Anna Maria Elementary School. – Tom Vaught | Sun

Crawford is the only kindergarten teacher so far this year. There was a drop in the number of kindergarten enrollees and it bucked the trend of girls outnumbering the boys. Her class has 12 boys and four girls. Bridget Querrard, who also taught kindergarten last year, will teach third grade this year. This will settle and could change after a count of students on the 10th day of the school year.

After the bell rang, some parents headed for the “boo-hoo breakfast” held by the PTO, where last year’s president, Janae Rudacille, and this year’s president, Jamie Hynckle, spoke and the new parents heard from several staff members and teachers. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer introduced former resource officer Sgt. Brian Copeman and current resource officer Josh Fleischer, who will be providing security at the school.

Anna Maria Elementary last hug
Brian Biegel hugs his son, Brydon, outside the kindergarten classroom. – Tom Vaught | Sun

It was a positive start to the first day of school and AME Principal Jackie Featherston said she was sure it would be a productive one for the kids.

Ahead of the curve

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.

Another school year has come and gone with no harmful incidents to students or staff at Anna Maria Elementary School (AME).

In this day and age, safety has become a worry for all schools in this country. As a result, the Manatee County School District has opted to place armed personnel at all county schools to patrol the grounds and provide a first line of safety just in case the unthinkable should happen.

Here on Anna Maria Island, the Holmes Beach Police Department has been way ahead of the curve for years, doing a stellar job of protecting the grade-schoolers with a school resource officer and educating them with the DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance and Education) program.

At the AME Awards Ceremony last Wednesday, Holmes Beach Police Officer and AME School Resource Officer Josh Fleischer and Police Chief Bill Tokajer handed out DARE completion certificates to fifth-graders, with former resource officer Brian Copeman also present.

Select students read essays they wrote about the DARE class and what they had learned about the hazards of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

As the uniformed law enforcement officials stood in the auditorium, it was clear to all that they were there not just to provide protection but also to be a very human and intricate part of the program and these kids’ lives. At the close of the ceremony, parents and children gave the officers a loud and heartfelt round of applause.

It was just their way – the Island way – of saying thank you to those who keep the peace in paradise.

School turns back the clock

School turns back the clock

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

HOLMES BEACH – Part of the past was unearthed last week, although it was almost lost forever.

A time capsule, buried in 1994, was unearthed near the school’s auditorium after its location was blurred over time. The Manatee County School Board had to send a tractor to expedite finding it, according to AME Principal Jackie Featherston. “Instead of burying it just a little, it was buried four feet or so,” she told the crowd at the celebration Monday morning, May 20.

school time capsule 2019
A view of the future from 1994 by Shawn LaPensee, now Shawn Shield and a mother herself. – Tom Vaught | Sun

Staff opened the plastic capsule and removed stories students wrote in 1994. Some of those students attended the ceremony and some were parents of students today. Former principal James Kronus attended the ceremony and he was mentioned a lot during the festivities.

The students put on skits for the decades, beginning in 1900 when the school was a single room building in Anna Maria. The witty skits mentioned Kronus as they unfurled another decade.

school time capsule kronus
Former principal James Kronus speaks to the students. – Tom Vaught | Sun

After the ceremony, Kronus said it was great to see everybody and he was fervent about the need to keep the school going, despite the loss of Island residents. Presently, the majority of students live off-Island and attend the Island school through the School Choice program.

Students learn about the bay beyond

Students learn about the bay beyond

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Community News, Schools.

Anna Maria Elementary School is unique because of its location on Anna Maria Sound and every year teachers take advantage of that to further educate students about life in an estuary.

Third graders took the tour Friday. Thanks to a grant, guides from Around the Bend Nature Tours were there to identify the critters that were netted, put in water-filled containers, observed and returned to their habitat.

Third-grade teacher Karen Paul‘s class brought in some starfish, a tiny seahorse, some whelps and other shells. Many of the kids knew something about the creatures of the sea because of living near the beach both on the Island or the mainland nearby.

AME Sunny Owens Livia Sauls
Olivia Sauls looks at some critters. – Karen Paul | Submitted
AME Super achievers

AME super achievers

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News, Schools.

A team of five Anna Maria Elementary (AME) fifth-graders earned first place in the Manatee County School District’s countywide “Battle of the Books” competition on Friday, March 15 at State College of Florida.

The AME team had read all 15 books that are Sunshine State Readers for this school year. The school earned a trophy that will stay at AME until the battle next year. Each member of the team received their own personal trophy and a medal. Battle of the Books is a reading competition that Anna Maria Elementary has been doing every year for the last seven years. This was the first year that the county had a district competition.