The Soar Lab welcomed new friends from Braden River Elementary and Palm View K - 8 School on Thursday!
Visit https://www.soarin4.org to learn how this amazing learning space is amplifying early childhood education in Manatee County with little to no cost for most families. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Breaking News from Parrish Community High School: Zoey Morelli won the first FHSAA Individual State Championship title in Weightlifting for PCHS history on Wednesday! She set a state record in the Olympic division with a 315 pound total to win the 110 pound division. Zoey also finished in 2nd place in the Traditional division. Congratulations, Zoey! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Last week, Bayshore High School proudly celebrated Signing Day as student-athletes officially took the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. From the diamond to the gridiron, their dedication, discipline, and determination have truly paid off!
Baseball
• Jordan Greene — Warner University
Football
• Kary Alexis — Thomas University
Stay tuned…
More athletic scholars are still weighing their options, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!
We couldn’t be prouder of these Bruins as they continue their journey as collegiate athletes and future leaders beyond Bayshore.
Once a Bruin, always a Bruin!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Baseball
• Jordan Greene — Warner University
Football
• Kary Alexis — Thomas University
Stay tuned…
More athletic scholars are still weighing their options, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!
We couldn’t be prouder of these Bruins as they continue their journey as collegiate athletes and future leaders beyond Bayshore.
Once a Bruin, always a Bruin!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Last week, Southeast High School celebrated Signing Day as student-athletes officially took the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. From the court to the gridiron, their hard work, discipline, and determination have paid off!
🏐 Volleyball
• Jaeda Dean — State College of Florida
• Layla Holmbeck — State College of Florida
• Annabelle Kemper — Hollins University
🏈 Football
• Jayden Fields — Webber International University
• Liam Fernandez — SUNY Maritime College
• LaDavion Johnson — Clarke University
• Myreon Lowe — William Penn University
• Caleb Steele — William Penn University
We couldn’t be prouder of these Seminoles as they sign on to become future collegiate athletes and leaders beyond Southeast.
Once a Seminole, always a Seminole!
🏐 Volleyball
• Jaeda Dean — State College of Florida
• Layla Holmbeck — State College of Florida
• Annabelle Kemper — Hollins University
🏈 Football
• Jayden Fields — Webber International University
• Liam Fernandez — SUNY Maritime College
• LaDavion Johnson — Clarke University
• Myreon Lowe — William Penn University
• Caleb Steele — William Penn University
We couldn’t be prouder of these Seminoles as they sign on to become future collegiate athletes and leaders beyond Southeast.
Once a Seminole, always a Seminole!
Behind the scenes and into the future! An incredible group of students recently visited Manatee Schools Television, where they got an inside look at how a team of communications pros shares good news from more than 50 schools. From touring the TV studio to stepping inside the live truck that broadcasts high school sports, students learned what it takes to build a career behind the camera and become powerful storytellers. These experiences are part of a partnership between the School District of Manatee County’s ESE Department, the Manatee Education Foundation, and The Able Trust, giving students hands-on exposure to college and career opportunities right here in our community. From Manatee Technical College to upcoming visits at LECOM Park and the State College of Florida, the journey is all about building confidence, discovering interests, and envisioning future success. Huge thanks to our community partners for helping inspire and empower our students every step of the way! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The School District of Manatee County’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department has partnered with the Manatee Education Foundation and The Able Trust to provide students with hands-on field trip experiences that introduce them to college and career opportunities right here in our community.
Students recently visited Manatee Technical College, where they enjoyed an incredible behind-the-scenes look at a variety of programs, including building and construction, barbering, and cosmetology. The visit gave students the chance to explore potential career pathways in a fun and engaging environment. One student even left with a fresh haircut!
These meaningful experiences help students discover their interests, build confidence, and envision their future success. The journey continues with upcoming visits to Manatee Schools Television, LECOM Park, and the State College of Florida.
We are grateful for our community partners who help create opportunities that empower and inspire our students every day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Students recently visited Manatee Technical College, where they enjoyed an incredible behind-the-scenes look at a variety of programs, including building and construction, barbering, and cosmetology. The visit gave students the chance to explore potential career pathways in a fun and engaging environment. One student even left with a fresh haircut!
These meaningful experiences help students discover their interests, build confidence, and envision their future success. The journey continues with upcoming visits to Manatee Schools Television, LECOM Park, and the State College of Florida.
We are grateful for our community partners who help create opportunities that empower and inspire our students every day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Friday, January 30th, volunteers with Braden River High School JROTC partnered with Keep Manatee Beautiful to plant hundreds of Florida Native Pine saplings at Camp Honi Hanta, a 123-acre Girl Scout camp located on the Braden River just west of the high school.
These saplings will help restore native habitat and support the long-term health of our local environment. Huge thanks to the JROTC cadets for their hard work and dedication!
Thanks to Keep Manatee Beautiful for sharing this Good News.
These saplings will help restore native habitat and support the long-term health of our local environment. Huge thanks to the JROTC cadets for their hard work and dedication!
Thanks to Keep Manatee Beautiful for sharing this Good News.
Recently, Brigitte from Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School visited Turning Points to present them with a check raised by their incredible students and families.
Through their collective efforts, items were sold to the entire school across four separate mornings. Another teacher helped by creating signs, and together they made a poster displayed at the school recognizing the students who donated to Turning Points.
These young changemakers came together to support our mission and help neighbors in need, and it’s truly inspiring to see students in our community learning the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving back.
We are sincerely grateful for their thoughtfulness and support—this kind of kindness truly makes a difference. Posted by Turning Points on Facebook.
Through their collective efforts, items were sold to the entire school across four separate mornings. Another teacher helped by creating signs, and together they made a poster displayed at the school recognizing the students who donated to Turning Points.
These young changemakers came together to support our mission and help neighbors in need, and it’s truly inspiring to see students in our community learning the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving back.
We are sincerely grateful for their thoughtfulness and support—this kind of kindness truly makes a difference. Posted by Turning Points on Facebook.
Good News shared by Gullett Elementary: Ms. Beary’s 1st grade classroom has a very special class pet named Bowie Bear.
Bowie goes home with students on weeknights and weekends, and when he does, the fun (and learning!) continues.
Each child writes about their adventures with Bowie in his journal using the prompt “first, next, then, last.”
This has been such a fun and meaningful way for students to practice writing outside of school. They also include photos and get to share their entries the next day during our Author’s Chair.
This experience has helped grow students’ love for reading at school and at home—students LOVE flipping through the journal and reading about all the adventures Bowie has had with their friends.
It’s always a highlight of the day in Ms. BEARy’s class. Go Gators!
Bowie goes home with students on weeknights and weekends, and when he does, the fun (and learning!) continues.
Each child writes about their adventures with Bowie in his journal using the prompt “first, next, then, last.”
This has been such a fun and meaningful way for students to practice writing outside of school. They also include photos and get to share their entries the next day during our Author’s Chair.
This experience has helped grow students’ love for reading at school and at home—students LOVE flipping through the journal and reading about all the adventures Bowie has had with their friends.
It’s always a highlight of the day in Ms. BEARy’s class. Go Gators!
Kinnan Elementary rolled out the red carpet for guest readers in celebration of literacy week on Wednesday. Many of the special guests were current and retired educators and administrators, who had a great time visiting with old friends.
Thanks to Reading Coach Ellie Sharp, Principal Melissa Porco and AP Beth Campbell for the warm welcome on a chilly day! Special shoutout to Ms. Venafro and her magical second graders for being so kind to their guest reader, who is part of our #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from Lincoln Memorial Middle School: It’s a boy x4!
Four baby goats were recently born right on campus, and they’re already stealing hearts! All four bucklings are part of the school’s agriculture program, where students and teacher Emily Ralston helps care for them and even get to name them. The two oldest are officially named Nash and Flash.
Despite the recent cold snap, the little goats are staying warm and cozy thanks to heat lamps, fresh hay and shavings, and even donated blankets from generous staff members.
Now that the Manatee County Fair has wrapped up, Lincoln Memorial Middle is home to 26 animals in total, including barn cats, beef cows, chickens, a rabbit, and 14 goats.
The Manatee County Fair was a big success for Lincoln FFA, with 32 plant and animal projects entered and several top honors earned, including Grand Champion Nubian Doe and Reserve Grand Champion Non-Registered Cow-Calf Pair, along with multiple top-five showmanship finishes.
From hands-on learning to award-winning achievements, the agriculture program continues to grow and shine!
Celebrate Literacy Week - Daughtrey Elementary
Volunteer readers are visiting classrooms across Manatee County this week as part of a statewide literacy initiative!
Big thanks to media specialist Amy Johnson at Daughtrey Elementary School for welcoming special guests to pick a book and share their love of reading.
Volunteer readers are visiting classrooms across Manatee County this week as part of a statewide literacy initiative!
Big thanks to media specialist Amy Johnson at Daughtrey Elementary School for welcoming special guests to pick a book and share their love of reading.
We are grateful to Manatee Community Foundation CEO Veronica Thames for joining Superintendent Breslin and district leaders on Monday to celebrate Samantha Webb, Manatee County’s Principal of the Year.
Samantha was also presented with a $300 award in recognition of her outstanding impact on students, educators, and our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
(L-to-R): Kaththea Johnson, Samoset Elementary Principal Samantha Webb, Veronica Thames, and Dr. Laurie Breslin.
Samantha was also presented with a $300 award in recognition of her outstanding impact on students, educators, and our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
(L-to-R): Kaththea Johnson, Samoset Elementary Principal Samantha Webb, Veronica Thames, and Dr. Laurie Breslin.
Congratulations to Dr. Lisandra Tayloe, Manatee County's Assistant Principal of the Year. On Monday, Manatee Community Foundation CEO Veronica Thames presented Dr. Tayloe with a check for $300 to congratulate and thank her for helping educate tomorrow's leaders. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
📸 (L-to-R): Dr. Chuck Fradley, Lincoln Memorial Middle School Principal Ronnie King, Dr. Tayloe, Veronica Thames, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin.
📸 (L-to-R): Dr. Chuck Fradley, Lincoln Memorial Middle School Principal Ronnie King, Dr. Tayloe, Veronica Thames, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin.
The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entity/262385.
Celebrating new beginnings with the groundbreaking of what is currently known as “High School AAA” near Lorraine Road and Rangeland Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin, School Board Members, and community leaders participated in the turning of the dirt on Wednesday morning.
Stay tuned for exciting updates to come! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Wednesday, SDMC Visual & Performing Arts hosted the inaugural Battle of the Beats, a bracket-style drum-off featuring six groups of Manatee County middle and high school percussionists:
Buffalo Creek Middle School 🏆
Lincoln Memorial Middle School
Rowlett Middle Academy A & B
Braden River High School 🏆
Manatee High School
Palmetto High School
Parrish Community High School
After a hard fought battle 🥁 the judges chose the Hawks and Pirates as champions. Thank you to Jeff McDaniel, Will Vizoso, and Kendall Carrier for your time and musical expertise.
Kudos to Drum-master of Ceremonies Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, who kept the audience at the edge of their seats. We can’t wait until next year! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
An exciting day at Rye Ranch Elementary School in Parrish, where the drywall is about ready to go up.
Founding principal Dr. Melinda Lundy led a tour for School Board Members and school district leaders, proudly showing off classrooms and common areas taking shape.
The Pre-K through 5th grade school will begin its tradition of excellence beginning August 2026, where students and staff will be encouraged to learn, lead, and thrive! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Founding principal Dr. Melinda Lundy led a tour for School Board Members and school district leaders, proudly showing off classrooms and common areas taking shape.
The Pre-K through 5th grade school will begin its tradition of excellence beginning August 2026, where students and staff will be encouraged to learn, lead, and thrive! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Welcome to the family, Veterans Elementary! 🇺🇸 Located in Artisan Lakes (Palmetto) and adjacent to Manatee County, Florida Government’s Valor Commons, this Pre-K through 5th grade school will focus on leadership, community, and feature patriotic themes.
Founding principal Laura Campbell led a construction tour for School Board Members and school district leaders on Tuesday. Veterans Elementary opens this August 2026. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews shared by Megan Krueger, Braden River High School agriscience teacher:
“On Monday, during the Dairy Heifer Show at the Manatee County Fair, Jared Stancil (on right) and his Holstein heifer, Buckeye, earned Reserve Champion Junior Holstein Heifer—a fantastic accomplishment!
I would also like to recognize Maggie Faller, Zoe Loder, and Zailyah Ma. Jared's success was truly a team effort, and these students generously contributed their time, skills, and support to help make this achievement possible—all while continuing to manage their own projects. Their teamwork and dedication are something to be very proud of.”
Congratulations, Pirates! #KindnessMatters and your teamwork is inspiring ✨
