The Friendship Bridge, waterfalls and gardens are the result of a Kennedy Center/MetLife grant.
A metaphoric bridge intended to span and embrace the differences between young students became a literal one, as The Friendship Bridge was officially dedicated on the grounds of Oak Park and Lakeview Elementary schools. The two side-by-side Sarasota County schools have always had a mostly unused bridge between them. Over the years, it had fallen into neglect and was pretty much forgotten—until Brenda Smoak, National Very Special Arts (VSA) Teaching Artist Fellow and Teaching Artist with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, stepped in. “The students learned about each other and happily helped one another accomplish various tasks,” said Smoak, who is an occassional Patch contributor. “Having students work together like this at such a young …
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Oak Park Elementary School
7285 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL
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-82.424103
Lakeview Elementary School
7299 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL
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Lakeview Elementary School first opened Aug. 31, 1987.
- BACK TO SCHOOL
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Lakeview Elementary School will celebrate 25 years of educating students Friday (Aug. 31). The school first opened its doors to students Aug. 31, 1987. The school’s sign will feature a birthday greeting. Two hundred balloons in the school colors of blue and silver will line parent drop-off loops and decorate each classroom door. At 8:15 a.m., music teacher Karen Johns will lead the students and staff in a chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.” At lunch the entire school will enjoy birthday cake. “Lakeview is a great Sarasota elementary school,” said Principal Joan Bower. “We’re proud that our entire school family is celebrating 25 years of academic excellence…and counting!” Lakeview Elementary School is located at 7299 Proctor Road in Sarasota.
27.274075
-82.424103
Lakeview Elementary School
7299 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL
/articles/lakeview-elementary-celebrates-25-years
1643040
/locations/7691815
kurt Boesenberg
10:28 am on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
What a great opportunity for both students and staff at both schools. Now it is our challenge to move the message forward, that we can all touch and change lives by understanding each others abilities and limitations working together. I am one of the many teachers at Oak Park that had the privilege of collaborating in this project. Thank you to our administrators at both the school level and … more ›