Open house success

Sheila Zink, left, front office secretary at Anna Maria Elementary School, and Dawn Trejo, a teacher aide, smile Aug. 6 after the annual open house for students, parents and other guardians at AME. A squall with lightning and 50-mph winds rocked the area for about an hour just as the event was getting underway at the campus, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

VPK teacher Erin Bobo engages in conversation with a parent in the VPK classroom Aug. 6 during an open house at the AME campus in Holmes Beach. Classes began Aug. 10.

Bashful at the onset, Junie Presswood, almost 4, makes herself at home in the “kitchen” in her VPK classroom Aug. 6. An open house was her first introduction to Anna Maria Elementary School, previewing what was to come Aug. 10. See more on the start of school, page 5. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Students and their families find friends Aug. 6 at an Anna Maria Elementary open house. The 2026-27 academic year was to begin Aug. 10.

Richard Fosmore, right, sneaks up on a young friend during an open house in the VPK classroom at AME. Lots of familiar faces from generations of families were present at the event in support of family members, many new to the school.