Classroom on Wheels (COW)
CLASSROOM ON WHEELS is a school bus-based traveling classroom for half-day field trips throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It provides an in-depth look into local businesses and industry, arts and culture, education, religion, government, social services, agriculture, and history in a way that one could not accomplish on one’s own. Students gain an appreciation of what goes into creating the quality of life we enjoy. Since 1974, Classroom On Wheels students have visited or learned about more than 1,300 places and people. These popular classes have gained a huge following of loyal students who love to learn about the area via field trips and lectures. Classes are held in the fall, winter, and spring.
TOPICS FOR APRIL/MAY
The Thrill of Flight – We will meet with the members of the Sarasota RC Squadron at their flying field. The group was created in May 2014 to fly their radio-controlled planes. Bring your folding chair or stool and watch the planes taxi to take off, fly various aerial maneuvers, and land. Bring your cameras. If your hearing is sensitive to the buzz of the planes, bring earplugs.
New Home for Books and More – We will visit the newest public library in Sarasota County. The William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library was dedicated on December 15, 2018, with an estimated cost of $8.8 million. We will learn who William H. Jervey, Jr. is and his importance to the Venice area. We look forward to seeing all that this new library has to offer.
Make an Entrance, Make an Impact – This is the motto of The Players Centre for Performing Arts. This nonprofessional community theater located on the “Cultural Coast” of Florida offers an incredible pool of talented workers and performers. For 89 years, The Players Centre has been dedicated to presenting a diverse and entertaining slate of quality, volunteer-driven theatrical experiences that educate, stimulate, and enrich the entire community. We will tour the theater, including “behind the scenes.” Long ago, they outgrew their facilities, both the interior and the parking lot. We will inquire as to their plans for building in Lakewood Ranch, including a projected timeline.
Emergencies and Preparation -- Every year, from May through November, we hear about the need to prepare ourselves and our homes for hurricane season. Do you really know what to do, and do you do it? Do you know what supplies to include in your hurricane kit? We are so dependent on our comfy homes and having all the utilities there when we flip a switch or turn a knob. Do you know what food to stock up on? What if you run out of bottled water; do you know how to treat water so it is safe to use? What would you do if basic services like electricity or water were unavailable? Where would you store your emergency kit so you can get to it quickly? Do know where you would go if you had to suddenly leave your home? Learn how to assemble an emergency supply kit and other ways to prepare for emergencies. This class will offer tips and realistic ways to prepare for unexpected disasters, such as hurricanes.
The bus pick-up location is at Suncoast Technical College, 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233:
Park your car and meet the Classroom on Wheels bus on the Suncoast Technical College campus. Enter the campus from Proctor Road. Go to the northwest corner adjacent to Building 5 (north of Building 3-ACE Office). Park near the fence adjacent to the ball field.
For course descriptions, please refer to the Classroom on Wheels Winter Schedule pamphlet located under Resources on the ACE web home page. Hover on instructor name for biography.
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