Education
Island School moves to Fellowship Church
October 18, 2024
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER
We would like to provide you with an update regarding our transition to our temporary location.
We are excited to welcome all students back on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, a…
GUEST COLUMNS: KELLENE CARPENTER
October 18, 2024
Reflecting on early childhood education at the preschool
BY KELLENE CARPENTER
Editor’s Note: Kelli Carpenter wrote this essay for the Beacon just before Helene. The school was hurt badly in th…
Island School hopes Monday open
October 3, 2024
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Students’ first day back to school is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. However, we still need the all-clear from the county. Lee County Faciliti…
Lighthouse United Methodist begins youth programs
September 19, 2024
The Lighthouse United Methodist Church WAG Club started up again for the school year on Monday, Sept. 16. WAG, which stands for Wiggly Afternoon Games, is a free after-school program for students in…
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michigan to Boca Grande Preschool, Jackie Eby
August 29, 2024
Being known as a jack of all trades is a good thing. It means you are versatile, resourceful, multi-talented and able to move smoothly from one helpful thing to another. The Boca Grande Preschool ha…
New procedure for Island School drop-offs
August 22, 2024
The Island School has changed the procedure for pick-up and drop-off while the Community Center undergoes construction. During pick-up on Friday, Aug. 16, the car line on First Street was backed up…
Jamaica bobsledder inspires backpack donations by Gasparilla Inn staff
August 22, 2024
BY COREY ANGLIN, THE GASPARILLA INN
During our annual Management Training last summer, we had the pleasure of connecting with Devon Harris, one of the founding members of the Jamaica National Bob…
History: A primer on the school buildings of Boca Grande
August 22, 2024
BY KIM KYLE
From 1893 to 1908 there was a school located on 4th Street in a frame building. The building may have also been used as a church. The first school on Gasparilla at the north end of th…
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Newest teacher at The Island School, Kristen Shank
August 8, 2024
With a passion for teaching, a deep love of children, a creative spark and 14 years of experience, Kristen Maitland-Shank is “super excited” to be the newest teacher at The Island School for third g…
School dates announced
August 1, 2024
The Island School will be back in session on Monday, Aug. 12 for the first day of school.
There will be a “Meet the Teacher” open house from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8. Families will…