WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2023
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 11
County school, district grades will differ this year By MEGHAN BRADBURY
news@breezenewspapers.com
Volunteers participate in annual Live Mollusk Count The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that a group of 27 volunteers observed more than 1,400 live mollusks and thousands of colorful coquinas as they examined 12 miles of shoreline at sunrise on Jan. 22 as part of the 2023 Live Mollusk Count. The SCCF partnered with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum for the count to collect important post-hurricane baseline data on the health of the mollusk population on Sanibel's shore. As the three top species, the count identified more than 500
Atlantic giant cockles, one of the largest shallow water bi-valves; over 300 adult Florida fighting conchs, one of the islands' most abundant and best-known mollusks; and 160 pear whelks, a smaller right-handed cousin of the lightning whelk. “In my opinion, the 2023 Live Mollusk Count was a great success. Participants were able to observe a large number of live See MOLLUSK COUNT, page 2
The implementation of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking testing this year means how schools and the School District of Lee County will be graded has changed — the number of components on which they are measured has decreased. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said there will be fewer opportunities for schools to gather necessary points. “The biggest impact going into this year is the lack of learning gains,” he said. “Principals talk a lot about learning gains. They have students that are in level one and two already and really want to move that student along. Some are going to move a few feet, some move a mile. The good news is the denominator is changing.” In a typical year, the district and the schools within it receive an annual grade based on student achievement, growth and other academic measures. To receive an A grade, they need to receive 62 percent of points or greater; 54 percent to 61 See GRADES, page 3
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Atlantic giant cockle SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Hurricane Ian hammers bee population Donation effort benefits Sanibel beekeeper, others By CJ HADDAD
cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com
In addition to devastation to infrastructure and property, Hurricane Ian also greatly impacted wildlife. That includes bees. According to the University of Florida's Entomology Department, up to 400,000 bee hives were lost during the storm — a substantial number that will have impacts on crop pollination nationwide. See BEE POPULATION, page 7
Mountain Sweet Honey Company Chief Executive Officer Ray Civitts, left, with Sanibel Honey operator Brad MacKenzie, who lost all 50 of his hives on the island during Hurricane Ian. The northern Georgiabased supplier traveled to Southwest Florida to visit beekeepers who lost hives due to either flooding or wind, bringing with him roughly $12,000 in beekeeping supplies. PHOTO PROVIDED
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