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Nurturing children through nature, service and meaningful experience!

Join us at our  Autumn Open House!  Parent and children together can experience various activities of our program, plus a summer craft. Younger children are invited to enjoy the seasonal rhythm and warmth of our Early Childhood, complete with activities our students engage in daily, such as a captivating puppet story, a shared treat and tea, and other hands on aspects of our dynamic, play based, gentle curriculum.  Older students are invited to make Autumn trees, plus try out some of our grades activities.

RSVP required, as limited space is available.  Please email mangrovesarasota@gmail.com to reserve your space.  Please indicate your child’s age or grade in your response.  Thank you!

Our faculty will be present, and our classrooms open, each showcasing different aspects of our curriculum, with hands on activities, if you are interested in discovering how your child can benefit from our unique developmental approach: education for the head, heart, and hands.

Our course offerings are from newborn and up, including our drop off homeschool enrichment program, through grade 7 in 18-19.

We hope to see you there!

Join us for a sweet gathering to honor and welcome your new baby as the precious and unique gift to the world that they are! The year that follows birth is such a profoundly sacred time, one brimming with celebration and challenge alike and deserving of tender recognition, and energizing sweetness.  Offered quarterly – October, January, April, and June

Nurturing children through nature, service and meaningful experience!

Join us at our  Open House for the summer season.  Parent and children together can experience various activities of our program, plus a summer craft. Younger children are invited to enjoy the seasonal rhythm and warmth of our Early Childhood, complete with activities our students engage in daily, such as a captivating puppet story, a shared treat and tea, and other hands on aspects of our dynamic, play based, gentle curriculum.  Older students are invited to make a sea glass wind chime, plus try out some of our grades activities.

RSVP required, as limited space is available.  Please email mangrovesarasota@gmail.com to reserve your space.  Please indicate your child’s age or grade in your response.  Thank you!

Our faculty will be present, and our classrooms open, each showcasing different aspects of our curriculum, with hands on activities, if you are interested in discovering how your child can benefit from our unique developmental approach: education for the head, heart, and hands.

Our course offerings are from newborn and up, including our drop off homeschool enrichment program, through grade 7 in 18-19.

We hope to see you there!

Join us for I love the Earth Nature Camp! J’aime la nature!

Hosted by Miss Jessica

Little Naturalist French Immersion Summer camp

Week 1 – June 11-15

Week 2 -June 18-22

Week 3 – June 25-29

At summer camp this year we will focus on nature and loving the earth, while learning about trees, birds, insects and plants.

We will care for the garden and connect with plants and growing our own food.

We will play games, create art , and make organic home made popsicles.

We will speak and learn French!

We will play in the water!

We will sing songs from around the world!

We will dance dances of universal peace!

Free play too!

This camp will take place outdoors and inside, from 9am-1pm.

Please pack: bathing suits, towels, water bottles, snacks, change of clothes, and a sun hat.

Jessica has been teaching kids camps for 20 years and is a nature trained instructor, leader of the dances of universal peace, song collector worldwide, peace maker, traveler, gardener, french teacher, and lover of nature.

Limited space available. The cost per week is $175. Drop in is possible with pre-registration, and is based on availability. Mangrove students of 18-19 are eligible for discount, please inquire.

Click here for the registration form

Merci beaucoup ! Thank you very much!

Mangrove School of Sarasota will once again celebrate the tradition of May Day, this time with a Florida twist!

In ancient traditions, the lovely festival of May Day marks what is considered the first day of summer in Celtic lands.  For many years, we have upheld this tradition, gathering in an open field to dance the Maypole in the mid-day sun, as it is done up North.  A few years ago, we adapted this sweet festival for our own climate and culture, by celebrating the coming of summer with a beach evening, and dancing the maypole at sunset.

We will have our Maypole with flowers on the top and ribbons hanging from it to weave in and out with skipping songs and dances. We will  all join hands and hearts around the Maypole to festive live music and rejoice in the coming of  summer, with many relaxing, breezy evenings at the beach.

Families are invited to  enjoy the lovely dancing, singing, and live music that are woven throughout the festivities!

We Invite You To Join Us For:

Live music, and maypole dancing.

What To Bring:

Blanket and/or chairs, and a picnic dinner for your own picnic. Flowers, if you would like to make a floral wreath. We will have vines and other supplies on hand, if you need.

What To Wear:

White, or light colors

What to Expect:

Fun for adults and kids of all ages!

What Location:

Siesta Key Main Beach, near the yellow lifeguard stand

What Time:

5:30 -8:00 pm

This is a FREE event, our gift to the Sarasota community.

What is the Giving Challenge?

The Giving Challenge is a 24 hour online fundraising opportunity for non-profits in our community.  All donations between $25 and $100 are matched 1:1!

Is there an event I have to attend or can I do this from home? 

You can do either or both!  This year our annual Roll-a-thon will be on Wednesday, May 2nd to allow the students to get involved and to celebrate this amazing matching opportunity.  You are welcome to attend this super fun event, all donations need to be made online however, to qualify for the donor matching through the Patterson Foundation.

Who is Mangrove School of Sarasota?

Mangrove School of Sarasota is a non-profit educational center providing children and families in the Sarasota area with developmentally appropriate programming that supports real, lifelong learning.

Where will my donation go?

All funds donated to Mangrove School will go directly towards programs that enrich the lives of our students as well as the greater community.

How do I donate?

Anytime: Make a Pledge In Advance

1.     Call our office at 941-927-3711

2.     Your contact and credit information will be securely stored.

3.     On May 1, we’ll register your donation on the Giving Partner Website, and your child’s pledge form will be                updated.

4.     You will get an email from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County with a receipt for your 100% tax-                     deductible contribution.

OR, Day of the Challenge: Make a Donation Online, From Anywhere:

1.     Visit the Giving Challenge homepage during the challenge period.

2.     Enter Mangrove School of Sarasota on the organization name box in the top righthand corner.

3.     Fill in your contact information on the website’s secure form.

4.     Make your 100% tax-deductible donation with your credit or debit card.

5.     Make your donation “In Honor of” your child or children so their pledge form is updated automatically.

6.     You will receive an immediate receipt through your email address.

The link above will go LIVE on Tuesday 5/1 at Noon, and will remain available until Wednesday 5/2 at Noon.

Be the One to support education for the whole child – head, heart and hands!  Thank you so much for your support!

Open to all! Come make a Dream Catcher!

All ages welcome – all activities are designed to appeal to a wide variety of ages – older children can complete independently – younger ones may need assistance, very little ones may opt to play while mom or dad crafts, and that is ok too!

In our classrooms you will find gluten free bread baking in our cozy kindergarten from 10:45-11:15, for ages toddler and up (younger than that age are welcome to explore the room and play) along with warm herbal tea and refreshments throughout the event.

In addition, enjoy a puppet story for younger ones (or young at heart) at 11:15.

Our faculty will be present, and our classrooms open, each showcasing different aspects of our curriculum, with hands on activities, if you are interested in discovering how your child can benefit from our unique developmental approach: education for the head, heart, and hands.

Our course offerings are from newborn through 7th Grade for the 18-19 school year, including our drop off homeschool enrichment program.

We hope to see you there!

We are so grateful for the incredible support for our 2018 Mermaid Faire!

Thank you to sponsors – Veronica Fish and Oyster, Michelle Roy, LMT, and The Carroll-Pappanastos Family!

Thank you to donors 221 BC Kombucha, India Artisans and School Grandma Marion Scott!

Thank you to our vendors and friends – Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Circusoul Yoga, Soul to Soul Yoga, Lunavim, BeautyCounter by Kayla, Maisythebooklady.com, Yvi B Jones, Color Street, and Lindsay Tuttle.

Watching our community come together to create this incredible, unique event, was so heartening!  Each family contributing what they could, their talents to a particular area, this is an engaged community!

Thank you so much to:

• Anya Adams, for creating and managing the Treasure Hunt, to Stephanie Lallo, Annie Magnat, and Jessica Kramer, and Kalin Wilson for covering the activity!
• Angelo Chiroli, for extensive set up help and loaning us additional tents!
• Lisiane Jimenez, for managing the Mermaid Slime Booth!
• Suzanne McMillan, for managing the Candle Dipping!
• Keshara Alleyne, Tibisay Barrios, Shivani Lash, Jon Stevens, and Rita Radni for creating our Mermaid Cove
• Liz Pascoe-Broome – for her expert assitance to the 5/6th grade in their Journey to Atlantis installation!
• Laura Barrett, Birte Hoag and Kalin Wilson for their stupendous puppet story!
• Alison Goldy for creating “Neptune’s Challenge”, Jessica Bromby for set up!
• Sarah Holton, Dee Gangi and Yolanda Benoit for signage!
• Yolanda Benoit and Dee Gangi for treats and decor outside!
• The amazing Jean Kowacki for the best faire food ever!
• Ernest Pappanastos for an incredible greeting sign!!!
• Chris Maute for crafting treasures so equisitely!
• Geoff Pierce and Ivan Miller for light set up
• Jessica Rood, Rekha Chiroli and Michelle Carroll for promotion!
• Michelle Carroll, Heather Green and the Mermaids for taking pictures!
• Jean Kowacki, Jacques Kowacki, Rebecca Rothstein, Dee Gangi, Yolanda Benoit, Shane Ainsworth, and Judith Lescano, for food service!
• Akio Otomo, for managing parking the whole faire!
• Michelle Roy, Rekha Chiroli, Ernest Pappanastos, Natalie Maute and Brian Reichenbach for ticket taking and assisting with our indoor events.
• Michelle Carroll, Tibisay Barrios, Sheri Hartnell, Darcy Nelson, and Jennifer Suter for food donations!
• Our floaters, Jon Stevens, Jessica Bromby, Birdman, Eric Rodriguez, Adrienne Adiobun, and Judith Lescano. So helpful!
• Sarah Holton, Rekha Chiroli, Natalie and Chris Maute, Tracey and Kurt Swenson, Shivani Lash, Keshara Alleyne, Tibisay Barios, Liz Pascoe-Broom, Heather Green, Chuck Green, Saltmeadow School, Our 5th/6th grade, Eric and Aneta Lundquist, Yolanda Benoit, Jasen Benoit, Michelle Caroll, Ernie Pappanastos, Jennifer and Brian Suter, Rebecca Rothstein, Jean Kowacki, Jacques Kowacki, Dee Gangi, Darcy Nelson, Ian Nelson,  Laura Barrett, Birte Hoag, for your extensive help with clean up!  For the first time ever the Faire was completely undone just hours after the Faire.  Our endless gratitude for this!!!
• To Elena’s grandma for delighting children of all ages with her bubbles, to Ms Lisa for bringing an island feel with her relaxing tunes, and to our storyteller extraordinaire, Mermaid Marivi!
• To our 3/4th grade for their efforts in slime making preparations and execution during the Faire – lead by Mr Jon.
• To our 5/6th grade class, who were inspired to create and execute their own event – The Journey to Atlantis.  Engaged children worked for weeks to bring this vision to life, and were thrilled to see the reactions of their audiences.  They fulfilled their commitment with persistence, poise and joy!  To our actors and actresses, Gears, Bookworm, Galaxy, Mountain Rose,  Tea Tree, The Animal Whisperer, The Mooshie, Shadow, Parkour Master, Erika, Moonshine, Hibiscus, Destiny, and Sapphire, we are in awe! Thank you also to the families of the 5/6th grade for your support!
• Last but certainly not least – our enchanting mermaids, who brought such joy to our children, and tears to the eyes of adults.  Through you, we could all witness (and remember) the wonder of childhood. Thank you for allowing us to still believe in magic!

This event was community at its best – each person inspired to contribute their gifts and work towards the good of the whole.  Thank YOU for showing up, invested and engaged, and bringing this lovely event to the Sarasota area.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

Open to all! Come make a sweet Valentines Wreath!

All ages welcome – all activities are designed to appeal to a wide variety of ages – older children can complete independently – younger ones may need assistance, very little ones may opt to play while mom or dad crafts, and that is ok too!

In our classrooms you will find gluten free bread baking in our cozy kindergarten from 10:45-11:15, for ages toddler and up (younger than that age are welcome to explore the room and play) along with warm herbal tea and refreshments throughout the event.

In addition, enjoy a puppet story for younger ones (or young at heart) at 11:15.

Our faculty will be present, and our classrooms open, each showcasing different aspects of our curriculum, with hands on activities, if you are interested in discovering how your child can benefit from our unique developmental approach: education for the head, heart, and hands.

Our course offerings are from newborn and up, including our drop off homeschool enrichment program.

We hope to see you there!

Please join us in celebrating the magic and wonder of childhood at our annual Mermaid Faire. Enjoy an enchanting day for the whole family, with activities and entertainment for all to enjoy! Admission is free! Many free activities, too!

Delicious Faire Food + Live music too!

A variety of organic selections – including gluten free and vegan options.

Journey to Atlantis is a test for the curious, courageous and clever, as families travel through the labyrinth full of surprises and riddles. Younger children requires a parent escort. Maximum of three in a party. In our Nursery classroom. 4 tickets

Mermaid Slime – Make your own sparkling slime to take home and enjoy – 4 tickets

Neptune’s Challenge – Are you up to the task? Various creative tests encourage curiousity about our underwater world. Located near our garden. FREE!

Magical Puppet Story – A captivating tale enjoyable for all ages – located in our kindergarten. $5 per family.

Pirates Treasure – Dig for the treasures pirates past have left behind – Located in our play yard – 2 tickets.

Ship’s Light Candle Room (Create a beeswax lantern while listening to delightful music in an endearing space.) Located just beyond the courtyard. 5 tickets.

Mermaid’s Cove – Children will travel through an entrancing cave to reach the Mermaid’s grotto, where they will receive a handmade gift. Located in the 1/2nd grade classrooms. 4 tickets.

Painted Sea Horse: Transform yourself with an artist’s touch and a bit of sparkle. Henna or traditional face paint designs. 5 tickets.

Tickets are $1 each or less depending on how many you buy. All proceeds are a tax deductible donation, and support Mangrove’s mission to nurture children through nature!

Vendors welcome, please email mangrovesarasota@gmail.com for details. Compatible 501 c 3 organizations are free, email to register

Please email mangrovesarasota@gmail.com if you are interested in being a Mermaid Faire sponsor!

Please join us for this family event, where children and adults alike can make beautiful, meaningful memories, and handmade items to gift or enjoy themselves, in a sensory friendly environment.

We hope to see you there!