April 20, 2026
On Monday, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the third recipient of the School District of Manatee County's Good News Award of Excellence — Palma Sola Elementary School — under the leadership of Principal Jennie Grimes and Asst. Principal Heather Sills!
This award was created to recognize staff members who consistently shine a light on the positive, everyday moments happening in our schools and worksites.
The entire school, from teachers and cafeteria workers to administrators and families, has shown resilience through a major construction project.
Fourth and fifth grade teachers packed up their rooms to welcome students back to new classrooms after Spring Break.
The cafeteria team safely prepared food to nourish students as walls came down around them in the 'old cafeteria' to transport it across campus to the temporary cafeteria in a former music room.
Lastly, they have taken their #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews content to the next level! Marketing what matters, they are beaming with pride and a positive culture by creating engaging videos encouraging attendance, learning, and fun.
The Good News Award of Excellence (pictured) also highlights the incredible talent of our District students. This trophy was designed and created by Palmetto High School students, under the guidance of their technology teacher, Jason Merritt.
School administrators received a $100 Amazon gift card, made possible by our partners at the Manatee Education Foundation.
All SDMC employees are eligible to submit stories or ideas by email to goodnews@manateeschools.net. A final award will be given in Quarter 4. #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
This award was created to recognize staff members who consistently shine a light on the positive, everyday moments happening in our schools and worksites.
The entire school, from teachers and cafeteria workers to administrators and families, has shown resilience through a major construction project.
Fourth and fifth grade teachers packed up their rooms to welcome students back to new classrooms after Spring Break.
The cafeteria team safely prepared food to nourish students as walls came down around them in the 'old cafeteria' to transport it across campus to the temporary cafeteria in a former music room.
Lastly, they have taken their #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews content to the next level! Marketing what matters, they are beaming with pride and a positive culture by creating engaging videos encouraging attendance, learning, and fun.
The Good News Award of Excellence (pictured) also highlights the incredible talent of our District students. This trophy was designed and created by Palmetto High School students, under the guidance of their technology teacher, Jason Merritt.
School administrators received a $100 Amazon gift card, made possible by our partners at the Manatee Education Foundation.
All SDMC employees are eligible to submit stories or ideas by email to goodnews@manateeschools.net. A final award will be given in Quarter 4. #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence