5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 8

1. Manatee High School's LaCrosse team will host its first home game — ever. This is the inagural season for the team and parents and fans are expecte to gather at the high school to watch them play tonight at 7 p.m.

2. The Manatee Education Foundation is collecting prom appropriate dresses for its annual "Prince Charming and Cinderella Project." This effort provides free, first-class formal wear and cosmetology services to high school students who need financial assistance to attend their high school proms. This is the final week for the drive to collect dresses. Take donations to the Manatee School District’s , 215 Manatee Avenue West, or to the Tidewell Treasures Thrift Shop, 5917 Manatee Avenue West, to receive a 10% off coupon for the shop.  A special “Fitting Event” for the project will be held March 28 at the District’s Professional Support Center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  Students can obtain a registration form for the Project from their school office, guidance counselor, or at www.MEFinfo.org. 

3. Dog Days at De Soto takes place at the De Soto National Memorial from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to leash up their dogs and head to the national park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be a day filled with activities, demonstrations, and information promoting safe and healthy dogs. Get information on dog adoptions, enjoy kids activities and food.  For information call 941-792-0458.

4. Parents who would like for their child to attend Voluntary Prekindergarten at one of Manatee County’s public schools in the fall need to apply, in person,  at the School District’s , 234 Manatee Ave. E. during the “VPK Priority Choice Open Enrollment Period” which runs from Monday through Friday, March 30.  Applications will be available at school sites, the parent information center and online at www.manateeschools.net.  Parents need to bring identification, a certified birth certificate and the VPK Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the of Manatee County, Inc. 3526 9^th Street W.  Approval of VPK Priority Choice applications are subject to enrollment capacities and other demographic criteria.  VPK placement is not first come, first served.

5. This is the last week to see the Manatee Platers' presentation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA.  Performances are today and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $11 for students and may be reserved by calling 748-5875 or on the Manatee Players’ website: www.manateeplayers.com.   All performances are at 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton.