Homeschooling

Last Day of Thursday Junior Co-op
2023-04-20 08:45 - 12:30 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Thank you for another GREAT year at LAF! We hope to see you back in the fall.
If you have any questions over the summer, feel free to reach out to info@learningandfamilies.org.

Last day of Middle/High School Co-op
2023-05-11 08:30 - 14:50 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States

School Picture Day
2023-10-05 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
When: October 5th, 9am – 1pm
Where: In the Gym at Co-op
Get those smiles ready! It’s school picture day! This is open to ALL LAF families. We want your picture in the Yearbook so mark the date! Please go on your parent portal now and verify that your student’s grade is correct.

Afternoon with Horses
2024-01-15 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | FL
Come spend the afternoon learning to halter, walk, and brush these beautiful horses. Kids will learn horse etiquette and will also have the opportunity to paint the horses. If there is time, we will also enjoy a campfire and s’mores!

Makeup Picture Day
2024-01-23 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Make up Picture Day is Tuesday January 23rd at Co-op from 9:00-12:00. If you missed Picture Day back in October or just didn’t like how it turned out… Come to the gym and sign in on the clipboard and get in line. We need your full name and current grade so that you will be put on the correct grade page. Our photography teacher Mrs. Ying will have everything set up to take your pictures. All of the pictures taken will be used in our 2024 Yearbook. We want everyone in Yearbook so sign up now so you don’t forget!

Spirit Week 80's Day
2024-01-23 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Show your LAF spirit by dressing up in any 80’s inspired outfit! Think acid-washed jeans, big hair, bright neons, scrunchies and more! Let’s see what you’ve got!

DeSoto National Memorial Field Trip
2024-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | DeSoto National Memorial, 8300 DeSoto Memorial HWY, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Come learn about the history of this beautiful park. Enjoy walking the scenic trails and learning about the nature of the area. We will even get to experience the Living History at Camp Uzita. We will spend some time listening to a park ranger and will get to see a firing of historical guns and bows.

Valentine's Exchange Party
2024-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34241, United States
Join us Friday, February 9th at Rothenbach Park to celebrate Friendship and Valentine’s Day!!
This is for ALL ages! Preschool through High school. Meet at Rothenbach Park at 1:00 for some fun play time. The Actual Exchanging of Valentines will start right at 1:30 pm. Do not be late for the exchange or you will miss it! There are 2 playgrounds and lots of shaded trails for the kids to enjoy.

Spirit Week - Twin Day
2024-02-20 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Come matching with any of your friends. Show your LAF spirit and “twin” with your friends, parents or siblings!

Science Fair
2024-02-29 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Selby Library, 1331 1st St., Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
We are excited to announce that LAF will be hosting their annual Science Fair Showcase on Thursday, February 29th. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Leap Day 2024!
We will be using the Scientific Method and the information must be presented on a tri-fold board that the student will create.
All entries will be judged by our very own LAF Science Teachers using a Scientific Method Rubric. The actual Rubric and all rules will be posted in the event.
For the Science Fair there will be a variety of prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the different grade levels. Each student will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Chick Fil A gift card.

Escape Rooms Unlocked Middle and High School Activity
2024-03-01 10:45 - 13:15 UTC | Escape Rooms Unlocked, 4930 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34232, United States
Middle and high schoolers, come enjoy some fun at Escape Rooms Unlocked, then join us for a pizza lunch at Donato’s afterwards!

Egg Drop Challenge
2024-03-05 13:00 - 14:45, 2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:45 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Don’t miss our annual Egg Drop Challenge!
LAF students of ALL AGES are challenged to design a system to protect a raw egg from cracking or breaking from a high fall. You can use any materials that you like to protect your egg so it will SURVIVE the fall!
There will be a participation prize for all contestants and special prizes for most creative, best design, most unusual material used and many other categories!

Manatee Village Historical Park Field Trip
2024-04-03 09:30 - 12:00 UTC | Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34208, United States
Come join us for an exciting tour at Manatee Village Historical Park. Students will enjoy a blacksmith demonstration as well as an artifacts show and tell from the late 1800s and early 1900s. After the tour, we can enjoy a picnic together on the grounds and continue to explore.

Bible Bucks Store
2024-04-09 12:45 - 14:00 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Come shop the Bible Bucks Store with all of your Bible Bucks you’ve been earning throughout the year! The shop will be set up on the west side of the back building, under the trees.

Mini Golf Mixer
2024-09-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Fish Hole at Lakewood Ranch, 10725 Rodeo Drive, Bradenton, FL, 34202, United States
Middle School and High School students are invited to kick off the school year with a fun night of Mini Golf.
Group discounted admission is $9 pp due at the door.
Please indicate you are coming and comment with name and age of students

School Picture Day
2024-10-01 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Renewal Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34241, United States
Picture Day 2024!! Tuesday October 1st, 9:00-1:00 in the gym at Co-opMark your calendars and get your smiles ready!! We want your picture in the Yearbook!!Picture day is open to ALL students registered in the LAF Support Community, as well as Co-op Facilitators/Staff. As our community has grown exponentially, we have limited time on Picture Day, so we can no longer offer parent photos. But bring all your kiddos and get pictures done for the LAF Yearbook.***There is no fee for this. You will receive a free set of proofs, and you are welcome to purchase picture packages if you would like. There is NO obligation to order pictures. When you arrive at Co-op head over to the gym and get in line. Lifetouch will have 2 photo booths set up and the line moves fast.If you are a Tuesday Co-op family come down to the gym during a break. If you are a Thursday Co-op family or a Support Community family come anytime from 9:00-1:00 and get in line.Watch for a detailed email! Can’t wait to see all those smiling faces!

Teen Only- Ax Throwing
2024-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Axe & Bull, 4088 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL, 34233, United States
Kick off the school year with LAF’s favorite Teen activity, Ax Throwing at AXE & BULL Sarasota!
Hosted by Sarah Connell – Contact number 530-354-4853Date: Wednesday, October 2ndTime: 5:00-7:00 pmLocation: Axe & Bull4088 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota
We did this activity the last few years and had a great turnout so it’s BACK by popular demand!
FAQ from their website: https://axeandbull.com/faqs/
Please log on to their website to complete a waiver ahead of time.
What to wear: Closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing
Cost: Pay when you get there, book online for the time slot, Groupon is available if you want to buy 4-6 tickets and split the cost with friends!Groupon Link: https://www.groupon.com/deals/axe-and-bull-1…
What to bring: A snack or drink to share. There is a table to put everything on and the kids can snack when they take breaks.
This activity is for teens only – must be 13 years and older to participate. Parents can drop their students off or stay. There will be chaperones there. No younger siblings please

Middle and High School Students!! Sky Zone Sarasota
2024-10-23 15:30 - 18:00 UTC | FL
Calling all Middle and High school students!! Join us at Sky Zone Sarasota for Glow!
Date: Wednesday, October 23rdTime: 3:30 – 6:00 pmLocation: Sky Zone Sarasota6189 Edgelake Dr. Sarasota
Hosted by Sarah Connell – contact number 530-354-4852
Cost: $28 per person for 120 minutes of jumpingDetails: Check in is from 3:30-4:00 with jumping from 4-6.Each student must bring their own Sky Zone socks and wear a White or Neon Shirt for the Glow Zone experience! Socks can be purchased there and Neon shirts can be purchased for $9.

Must have an updated waiver on fileMust Sign up and pay before October 20th to hold your spot

Purchase your tickets on the Website Shophttps://learningandfamilies.org/…/middle-high-school…/

High School Rock Climbing
2024-10-27 14:00 - 16:30 UTC | Vertical Ventures St Pete, 116 18Th St S., Saint Peterburg, FL, 33712, United States
Calling all High school students looking for some adventure!Join us at Vertical Ventures in St. Pete for some climbing fun!Date: Friday, October 11thTime: 2:00-4:30 pmLocation: Vertical Ventures116 18th Street South, St. Petersburg FL 33712Contact: Moriah Herrygers – 941-400-9111
Passes in groups of 5 or 10 can be purchased at a better rate. $17-18 ppLink for prices: https://verticalventures.com/prices/Middle school students may attend, but a parent MUST be present.Parents are welcome to join in the fun.Students are advised to wear comfortable stretching clothes like leggings or sweatpants, no jeans.Must fill out the waiver form the day before and bring a parent with their ID, or a copy of parents ID/drivers license.Link for the Waiver: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/610da6b53c6c0/web/Please comment in the thread with the names and grades of the students attending.

Fall Festival & Kids Craft Market
2024-10-31 13:00 - 14:15 UTC | FL
It’s that time of year again!!! We are excited to be hosting LAF’s 1st Annual Fall Festival & Kids Craft Market (formerly Trunk or Treat) on Thursday, October 31st from 1:00-2:15 pm at Co-op!!
This will be our first Kids Craft Market at our Fall Festival. There is no fee to reserve a table, but space is limited to only 12 tables so please contact Adri Bradshaw at adribradshaw1@gmail.com to hold your spot. In the email please list the young entrepreneurs name, age, product they want to sell and the price point. Adri will reply back with all of the details.
We are excited to announce that we will be serving snow cones again this year free of charge! We also have an LAF dad coming to tie balloon animals and all kinds of fun balloon creations! There will be a special presentation by the Theatre Troupe class.
All participants must be dressed in a costume. Some fun ideas are dressing up as a character from a book, or your favorite Superhero! Please no scary costumes or scary masks! This is primarily for Jr. Co-op students; however Middle & High school students in costumes are welcome to participate as well. Middle & High school students that have a 1:00 class need to advise their teachers before attending the Trunk or Treat and must be wearing a non-scary costume to participate. Please note, masks are allowed, but absolutely no scary masks. Anyone wearing a scary mask will not be able to participate.** Please note, the 1:00 Jr Jazz class and Kids Spanish class will be canceled so students can attend the Fall Festival. We will be holding the festivities on the east side (right side) of the building by the maintenance building. We will try to set up the booths and trunks in the shade. Each family is asked to donate a large bag of candy or non-candy items to be distributed between the Trunks. We need about 12 families to volunteer to decorate a Trunk and pass out candy. If you decorate a trunk you do NOT need to donate candy. If you sign up to decorate a trunk, check out Pinterest for cool non-scary Trunk decoration ideas! THURSDAY Co-op families can pack their lunch or order pizza and eat immediately following dismissal at 12:30. TUESDAY Co-op families and Support Group families not decorating a trunk, can come on the 31st at 12:50 to drop off their bag of candy at the front table and wait in the gym. Please park anywhere except in the sectioned off area by the maintenance building and come join in the fun. Please consider decorating a trunk since you do not have classes that day and can come early to park and decorate. It is a fun way to meet our Thursday Co-op families and is greatly appreciated!! Remember, if you volunteer to decorate a trunk, you do not have to bring a bag of candy. Please comment in the posts below with the names and grades of the participants – and if you are bringing a big bag of candy, or if you are planning on decorating a trunk!!We are so excited to see everyone’s creative costumes! Let’s make our 1st Annual Fall Festival a huge success!

MS/HS Ice Skating
2024-11-01 13:30 - 16:00 UTC | FL
Who loves ice skating during this hot weather?!Meet us at 1:30 at Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex to get signed in and get skates on for our 2:00pm skate time. Wear long pants and at least a hoodie. Bring more if you like to be warm!Date: Friday, November 1stTime: 1:30-4:00 pmLocation: Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex5309 29th Street EastEllenton, FL 34222Cost: $18 per student- includes skatesMiddle and High School only!!Contact: Moriah Herrrygers – 941-400-9111
https://learningandfamilies.org/product/middle-high-school-ice-skating/

Florida Aquaruim
2024-11-04 09:30 - 12:00 UTC | FL
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024Time: 10:00-12:00pmLocation: Florida Aquarium701 Channelside DriveTampa, FL 33602Ticket Price: $15.00 per student $30.00 per adult and 3 and under free
This year our students are learning about sea creatures, so you might have noticed we have really been trying to get as many field trips as possible that encourage learning about sea creatures.
Everyone must be checked in together. So please arrive at the entrance no later than 9:45am. An employee of the Aquarium will check us all in together and go over rules then let us in. This is a self-guided field trip. Aquarium annual passes cannot be used. Families wishing to use passes should not sign up for the field trip. They can go on their own and meet us as these rates are heavily discounted. We all know that our children enjoy hanging with friends, but we have to make sure that they are not roaming alone and always have a parent or chaperone with them at all times.Green LAF field trip Shirts are required for this trip with no exceptions.
Make sure you allow yourself time for parking and walking to the entrance. Parking is available in the surface lot for $5 per hour or the garage across the street for $2 an hour.
The Aquarium has let us know we can pre order lunch or bring lunches. If we bring lunches, we will have to collect all the lunches ahead of time to be placed in a cooler upfront and that will get once out scheduled lunch time. We cannot bring in individual food or order from the cafe at the time of the trip. Everything has to be pre-planned ahead of time.
All Participants must wear a LAF green field trip shirt.
Parent and Chaperones MUST be present the entire Field Trip. This is NOT a drop off.
All Sales Are Final- There are NO REFUNDS. Unless trip Canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number participants requirements.

Picture Make Up Day
2024-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | FL
Make Up Picture Day!! Thursday November 7th, 10:00-12:00 in the gym at Co-opIf you missed the original Picture Day, Mark your calendars and get your smiles ready!! We want your picture in the Yearbook!!
Picture day is open to ALL students registered in the LAF Support Community, as well as Co-op Facilitators/Staff.
***There is no fee for this. You will receive a free set of proofs, and you are welcome to purchase picture packages if you would like. There is NO obligation to order pictures. When you arrive at Co-op head over to the gym and get in line. Lifetouch will only have 1 photo booth going so you may have to wait.If you are a Thursday Co-op family come down to the gym during a break. If you are a Tuesday Co-op family or a Support Community family come anytime from 10:00-1:00 and get in line.Can’t wait to see all those smiling faces!

Heritage Bee Farm Tour
2024-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | FL
Date: Friday, November 8, 2024Time: 10:00-12:00PMLocation: Heritage Bee Farm13339 MJ Road, Myakka City, FL 34251
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey into the heart of the bee world! Immerse yourself in the incredible universe of bees as you are guided through an unforgettable adventure.Ever wanted to become a bee enthusiast? By delving into the vital role these buzzing wonders play in our ecosystem. Embark on a daring escapade as you witness the unveiling of several beehives. For the bold-hearted, you can seize the opportunity to hold a frame of bees and feel the adrenaline of a truly adventurous encounter.But that’s not all – savor the unparalleled freshness as you taste honey straight from the hive. It’s an experience that promises to heighten your appreciation for nature’s sweet nectar.You will discover the secrets of the commercial beekeeping operation, and where they produce queen bees for beekeepers nationwide. Learn the intricate process and marvel at the expertise involved in their mission to support beekeepers across the country.
Cost: $13.50 child $22.50 adult5 and under free
All Participants must wear the LAF green field trip shirt.
Parents and Chaperones MUST be present the entire Field Trip. This is NOT a drop off.
All Sales Are Final- There are NO REFUNDS. Unless the trip is canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number participants requirements.

West Manatee Fire & Rescue Station #2 Tour
2024-11-13 10:30 - 12:30 UTC | FL
Come out and tour the fire and rescue station #2. You’ll meet some of the Firemen and tour the station.
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024Time: 10:30 AMLocation: West Manatee Fire & Rescue #210350 Cortez Road West, Bradenton FL 34210
If you could please list the attendee’s names and grades below in the link so we can inform the station prior to arrival.
All Participants must wear the LAF green field trip shirt.
Parents and Chaperones MUST be present the entire Field Trip. This is NOT a drop off.
All Sales Are Final- There are NO REFUNDS. Unless trip is canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number participants requirements.

Glazer Children's Museum
2024-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Cost $12.00 per child and $10.00 per adult. Glazer does not accept memberships or Play Day passes for field trips.
All families need to arrive 30 minutes prior to the field trip time to make sure everyone is present. Which will make our check in much faster and smoothly.
The Exhibit that will be happening during the time of out field trip is based on the children’s books series Ada Twist the Scientist by Andrea Beaty and the Netflix Series Ada Twist the Scientist.
Please keep in mind that parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Any parents or chaperones driving their own vehicles will be directed to nearby parking garages or lots. Please note that the parking garage is owned by the City of Tampa, and they may close the garage or change rates without notifying the museum.
After the field trip has ended you are able to head on over to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to have lunch. If multiple families are wanting to plan lunches at the park, we will need to plan ahead so we can have one cooler for those lunches to be storage within the museum while on field trip. The museum does have a cafe also, if any families will want to purchase from the cafe, please note in the comments along with how many will be going. So, I can notify them ahead of time to make sure they are prepared.
All participates Must wear green LAF shirts.
Parents or Chaperones MUST be present the entire Field Trip. Students cannot be dropped off.
All Sales are Final- There are NO REFUNDS. Unless trip is canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number participate requirements.

Thanksgiving Break
2024-11-25 08:00 - 2024-11-30 15:00 UTC | FL
Enjoy your time with your family and friends. This week co-op is closed.
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me, to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
Psalm 50:23

Cat Depot Tour Field Trip
2024-12-04 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | FL
Come on out and see some cute cuddly cats? On this field trip you will be able to tour the shelter, be given a cat-themed science lesson.
Date: Wednesday, December 4thTime: 10:00-12:00PMLocation: Cat Depot2542 17th St Sarasota, FL 34234Cost: $3.00 per person
CAT ALLERGEN WARNING For this Field Trip
All Participants MUST wear a LAF green field trip shirt.
Parents and Chaperons MUST be present the entire Field Trip. This is NOT a drop off.
All Sales Are Final- There are NO REFUNDS, unless trip canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number participants requirements.

Cookie Cottage- Cookie Decorating
2024-12-11 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | The Cookie Cottage, 335 Gillespie Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Date: Wednesday, December 11thTime: 11:00AMWhere: The Cookie Cottage335 Gillespie Ave, Sarasota Fl 34236Cost: $10.00 per student
Let’s get together and decorate some Christmas cookies! This is a favorite field trip every year. The Cookie Cottage provides everything we need. Each child will get several cookies to decorate and take home.
FYI: Food Allergens
All Participants must wear a LAF green field trip shirt.
Parents and Chaperons MUST be present the entire Field Trip. This is NOT a drop off.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL- There will be NO REFUNDS unless trip canceled due to weather or not meeting the minimum number of participants.
