School District of Manatee County

The First-Ever Otter Thanksgiving Boat Parade was a splash! Lake Manatee K-8 School students built sponge boats, powered them with nothing but straws, and raced them down a rain gutter with help from lots of deep breaths. There were epic wins, dramatic capsizings, tons of cheering — and of course, the legendary 3-D printed turkey trophies for top finishers and Best Design! So proud of these creative, determined young engineers, fabulous first-mates (parent and teacher volunteers), and their fearless captain, STEM Teacher Jenn Poplaski. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Parrish Community High School Girls’ Golf team achieved their goal of winning the Class 3A FHSAA State Championship for the first time in program history.

Read details from The Bulletin, a student journalism program sharing #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from PCHS: https://www.manateeschools.net/o/parrish/article/2554405?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK2hZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1ZIyPjmFvuf1kx8wM9v-GQh2Nfi1Vd0TxVRUpfurMKVWSyNXNNzQk15Q-qc_aem_Kq9uFASK9G1fyeLZkeCydg

Learning is a big "dill" at Louise R. Johnson K-8 School of International Studies with Ms. Johnston! This meaningful experience gave students their first taste of participating in a science experiment. It also brought excitement to youth who need extra behavioral support.

From measuring ingredients to practicing patience while they brine, the class got to learn, explore, and take pride in something they made themselves. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

We recently had the opportunity to meet Liam F., a senior and QB for Southeast High School. He said Athletic Director Matt Kitchie and the Seminoles coaching staff welcomed him with open arms and led Liam in the right direction. “They’ve given me the tools to succeed and taught me integrity and leadership,” he said. “Coach Kitchie loves the community and is going to impact a lot of student’s lives, including my own.” Liam expressed interest in a future career in marine sciences. He was recently featured by Spectrum Bay News 9, while volunteering at Mixon Farms. You can check out the story by clicking this link: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/11/07/manatee-county-celebrates-the-ownership-of-mixon-fruit-farms-property #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC

Congrats to Palmetto High School senior, Maebry Paris, the new Miss Manatee County Fair Queen. Save the Date for the Manatee County Fair: January 15 to January 25, 2026 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Last week, Lakewood Ranch High School celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new College & Career Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! Under the leadership of College & Career Advisor Vito Bavaro, students were invited to explore the new space — a hub designed to connect them with scholarship opportunities, jobs, internships, colleges, technical schools, and military options.

The center offers something for every Mustang, whether they plan to attend a 4-year university, 2-year college, technical college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce after graduation.

A special thank you goes out to Career Pathways Coordinator Erin Koerper-Novarro for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and to Vito Bavaro and the entire LRHS administration team for their dedication and hard work in making this resource a reality for students.

💛 Celebrating World Kindness Day with a Heartfelt Farewell! 💛

In honor of his retirement, Myakka City Elementary's principal, school secretary, and registrar, surprised longtime school district courier Alton Lilly with shirts featuring his likeness! 🎉

For 19 years, Mr. Lilly has traveled nearly 60 miles round-trip from Myakka City to the Matzke complex — and all across Manatee County — keeping our schools connected and receiving the packages, envelopes, and letters they need.

“We couldn’t let Mr. Lilly retire without showing him how much he means to us,” said Principal Carol Ricks. It was an emotional moment filled with gratitude, kindness, and maybe a few tears.

Thank you, Mr. Lilly, for your years of dedication. As you make your last deliveries throughout November, we cheer you on 🎉 and hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement! 💛

#WorldKindnessDay #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Congratulations to Makayla M., an art student at King Middle School, whose acrylic painting “The Starry Croak” was selected as this year’s Art in the Capitol winner!

Florida State Senator Jim Boyd joined School Board Chair Chad Choate, Vice Chair Cindy Spray, Superintendent Laurie Breslin, and members of the district’s leadership team to surprise the young artist during her art class with teacher Robert Truby.

Makayla’s beautiful artwork will now be proudly displayed in the Florida Capitol. Her mother and sister were on hand for the surprise celebration, along with Principal Mike Mullen and the King Middle team — all proud of Makayla’s incredible accomplishment.

Congratulations Makayla, on representing our school district with creativity and excellence. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Southeast High School football team built more than just skills on the field this season, they’re building community and confidence!

A brand-new barbershop for players, Legend's Lounge, is operating inside the locker room with alumni barbers lending a hand, the Seminoles are looking sharp and staying united. Congratulations, Coach Bradley and team!

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Check out this inspiring story by FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay: https://www.fox13news.com/sports/southeast-high-football-team-builds-barbershop-locker-room-build-team-chemistry

The School District of Manatee County is closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to proudly honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation.

We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.

Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Braden River High School 2025 Marching Band of Pirates participated in the FFCC Outdoor State Championships this weekend in Orlando earning top honors in Percussion, Colorguard, General Effect, 1st Place in Division 3A and GRAND CHAMPION of Class 1A – 3A.  Congratulations to Director of Bands Cliff Dawson and the entire team!

From the red carpet to the awards stage... a huge round of applause to the Robert E. Willis Elementary School Geckos who recently competed in the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival.

These young filmmakers shined at the state level, earning first place in Animation (Ava G. and Holly R. for "Color Fight"); second place in the Drama category (Grant M., Emily P., Eliana G., and Sloane R. for "Pencil Box Feud"; and third place in Animation (Fanya Z. and Avery Z. for "The Great Rescue".

Your creativity, teamwork, and hard work truly paid off. We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see what you create next!

This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud principal Natalie Jadid and teacher, Hanna Cuervo. Email news@manateeschools.net to share your students and/or staff members amazing accomplishments!

A familiar face is getting some well-deserved recognition! Clifford Lim, a dedicated physical education teacher in Manatee County, has been named Spectrum Spectrum Bay News 9's latest A+ Teacher!

Coach Lim didn’t start his career in public education, but he’s found his true calling by inspiring students to stay active, build confidence, and strive for their personal best every day.

Let’s give a huge round of applause to Coach Lim and the awesome students from Barbara A. Harvey K-8 at Copperstone for keeping #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews rolling!

Here's a link to the story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/10/28/a--teacher-shows-students-how-to-live-healthy-lifestyle-

Meet Shawn, one of our dedicated School Safety Guardians in Manatee County. A proud local, Shawn’s roots run deep in this community. He attended Oneco Elementary School, Harllee Middle, and graduated from Bayshore High School.

After an impressive 30-year law enforcement career, beginning with the Bradenton Police Department and concluding with the Tampa Police Department, Shawn returned home two years ago to continue serving—this time, protecting students and staff.

Every morning, Shawn can be found at Palma Sola Elementary School, greeting students with high-fives and smiles during drop-off. It’s his favorite part of the day, and it shows. His caring nature and connection with students make a lasting impact, especially on those who need a little extra support.

When asked about the best part of being a guardian, Shawn shared a story that speaks volumes about his heart:

“The other day, I helped a little boy put his shoe on, and he remembered me from about a month ago. You don’t often get a lot of responses out of children with special needs. After I put his shoe on, he grabbed me by the hand and led me to the swing because he remembered me pushing him before. It’s little stuff like that.”

Outside of school, Shawn is eagerly expecting his first grandchild in January, and it’s clear that family means everything to him. In fact, education runs in the family; his brother is a PE teacher at another elementary school in the district.

Thank you, Shawn, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. You are a true hometown hero! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians

Don't miss the award-winning Bulls Theatre Company's production of The Curious Savage, a 1950s comedy with heart, a host of unique characters, and a little mystery, taking place at Parrish Community High School on Nov. 14th & 15th.

Don't miss this amazing production with all elements, including set construction, accomplished by our talented students on and off stage. Thanks for your support!

Tickets: https://our.show/curioussavageatpchs

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Harrison Hove, senior lecturer and interim chair of the Journalism Department at the University of Florida, along with two of his students, visited with journalism and media studies students at Bayshore High School on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Professor Hove presented students with options available to them in the Journalism Department, discussed avenues for attending University of Florida, related SMI (Summer Media Institute) information, along with the availability of scholarships.

This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud Paw Print newspaper advisor, Jean Faulk.

ESE Agency Fair on November 19th! Join the School District Of Manatee County as we welcome families of students with disabilities to explore support and services within the community, designed to help meet the needs of the ESE population. The ESE Agency Fair is taking place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30-7PM, at Harllee Center, 6423 9th Street East in Bradenton. More than 45 vendors from the community will be available to meet with parents and caregivers, including agencies, therapy providers, and specialized services targeting students with special needs. There will be resources, prizes, and fun as we also celebrate the grand opening of The Soar Lab - a a special place, built for all young learners (primarily ages infant to 3rd grade) and their families to grow. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2025 Advanced Learning Expo! Join us at Manatee Technical College (Main campus) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6–7:30PM, for a glimpse into the advanced learning programs and opportunities for K-12 students across the district. Come check out the elementary school interactive, hands-on, learning stations. Visit with staff and student representatives from every middle and high school showcasing their advanced academic programs, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities. Connect with many community partners ready to challenge and engage your student! There is undoubtedly something for everyone to explore at the Advanced Learning Expo! This informative and interactive family event takes place before the school choice application window opens for the 2026-27 school year, offering an opportunity for families to engage with school-based teams and explore the K-12 gifted programming and advanced learning opportunities available. Don’t miss the Advanced Learning Expo…it’s not just for gifted students anymore!

At Palmetto High School, a blank wall became something beautiful when one of our own came home. The original artist who painted the mural on the old gym wall decades ago, stood once again on campus - brush in hand - adding fresh stripes to the new administrative building. Before: a clean canvas. After: a piece of PHS past brought forward with pride. There was something unforgettable about watching him, and his classmates, step back and admire the work — same school, same Tiger spirit. Stay tuned for the full story next week. 🐅🖤❤️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews