Congratulations to all the middle and high school performers who wowed the crowd on Saturday at “Yes We Can DANCE”.
Dancers from Manatee High and Bayshore High schools took to the stage in the beautiful Davis Theatre at MHS. They were joined by dancers from Braden River Middle, Lee Middle, and more. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
5 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Kinnan Elementary’s STREAM Night was truly out of this world! Families recently blasted off into an evening packed with hands-on math games, stellar reading activities, and plenty of time to connect as a school community. From start to finish, the fun was astronomical! Safe to say these young learners are reaching for the stars!
9 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Families are invited to learn from an expert panel about supporting your student's learning journey!
Join us for a Parent University on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Desoto Boys & Girls Club, located at 5236 30th Street West, Bradenton.
Meet Stefanie Minihan, one of the creative forces behind Braden River High School's student success! Recently named an ABC7 Chalkboard Champion, her experience in marketing, fashion design, and photography is helping teens turn creativity into career readiness.
Under her leadership, the Pirates launched Captain’s Cargo, a student-run store generating $35,000 in annual sales through student-designed merchandise. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, Mrs. Minihan.
At Lakewood Ranch High School, two school leaders (both Bayshore High School alumni) turned fundraising into a full-on showdown. Thomas "Fancy Sauce" Bellantonio and Tommy "Team Ranch" Cuervo challenged students to support United Way Suncoast with a lunch competition. The prize? Ringside seats to a chicken nugget eating battle for the ages.
In just five minutes during “C” Lunch, the cafeteria erupted with chanting crowds, ranch guzzling, and nonstop, live-streamed action. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio claimed the title, downing 29 nuggets and avoiding the ultimate fate… a chicken costume for the rest of the day.
School spirit. Community impact. Now THAT’s how you give back. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A Manatee High School student is already chasing his dream of becoming a pilot, and a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Manatee Technical College will give him hands-on experience to better understand aircraft and launch a successful career in aviation.
With a state-of-the-art facility set to open early next year near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), students like Ashton will gain real-world skills that can take them from the classroom to high-demand careers in the aviation industry. ✈️
On Tuesday, students at Palma Sola Elementary School, including 4th and 5th grade, gifted, and STEM classes, returned to campus to find newly renovated classrooms waiting for them! ✨
A special shout-out to the school district staff and teachers who are making the magic happen during the school year. This transformation isn’t over yet… construction continues, so stay tuned for more exciting updates!
11 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Spring into STEAM at The Soar Lab!
Looking for something fun and educational to do during Spring Break? The Soar Lab will be OPEN the week of March 16th through 20th while schools are closed, offering hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Young learners can explore a variety of exciting themes throughout the week, including science, art, space, math, drama, and technology—all through interactive play and discovery.
Best of all, The Soar Lab is free for most families with children from infants through third grade.
Tuesday, March 17 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Mad Scientist) Wednesday, March 18 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Art-a-Palooza) Thursday, March 19 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Space) Friday, March 20 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Math Mania) Saturday, March 21 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Drama & Technology-Coding)
Bring your little explorers and let them learn, create, and imagine at The Soar Lab this Spring Break!
22 days ago, School District of Manatee County
More than a dozen teachers, staff, and both administrators from Palma Sola Elementary School are waking up with fresh ink. Their new “tattoos” feature everything from sea creatures and puppies to monster trucks and unicorns. All for a good cause, of course. Students who reached a fundraising goal got to #TattooATeacher ✨ Total raised for United Way Suncoast = $900+ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
23 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Volunteers spread to fourth grade classrooms across Manatee County on Thursday for the Manatee Chamber’s Project TEACH. Students learned about first impressions, career opportunities, and created their first business cards. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
23 days ago, School District of Manatee County
On Wednesday, students in the NSTEM program at Southeast High presented their hydroponics research, showcasing the innovative learning happening in our classrooms.
Using a hydroponics system that is one of only five in the country, students grew lettuce while testing different chemical variables to study how they impact plant growth. Representatives from the National STEM Honor Society National Office and EdRack manufacturers joined virtually to hear the students’ findings and answer questions.
Hands-on opportunities like this allow students to explore new passions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.
Thanks to Brittany Devlin, M.Ed. for guiding these talented students. The future of STEM is growing right here in Manatee County! 🌱🔬 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
24 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Throughout our kindergarten program, we aim to build six key skills in our students, setting them up for success on the rest of their educational journey:
Young performers, music educators, and families from approximately 30 schools came together on February 26, 2026, at Braden River High School for the All County Elementary Music Festival.
What a beautiful evening celebrating creativity and arts in education!
We had the pleasure of attending the K–12 School District of Manatee County Art Exhibit, now on display at the Herrig Center for the ARTS.
The exhibit highlights incredible student 2-D and 3-D works from young artists across the district.
One of the best parts of the evening was meeting the artists themselves, who proudly shared their pieces and the stories behind them.
Families, school board members, educators, and community members all came together to support and celebrate these students.
Awards were also presented in several categories by Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin and Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, recognizing outstanding creativity and achievement.
If you have the chance, stop by the Herrig Center for the Arts through March 20th to see this inspiring exhibit!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
29 days ago, School District of Manatee County
🎉 104 years young! Happy Birthday to legendary coach and WWII Navy veteran Eddie Shannon.
Manatee High School alumni and friends gathered at MISSION BBQ to celebrate with stories, laughter, and heartfelt wishes for the coach who inspired generations.
Coach always reminds us: “Keep a going.” And at 104, he’s still showing us how. 💙🏈 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
29 days ago, School District of Manatee County
A little sparkle. A lot of heart. Recently, a simple meeting room was transformed into a boutique filled with beautiful gowns, shimmering jewelry, and endless possibility.
Through the incredible partnership between the School District of Manatee County's Project Heart, Harbor58, and Hope Pathways, 64 high school juniors and seniors were gifted more than dresses and accessories, they’re being given an unforgettable prom experience.
Each hanger holds a dream. Each necklace adds a touch of confidence. And each young woman who walked through the doors is reminded that her community is cheering her on.
We are so grateful to our community partners and dedicated volunteers who helped make this magical moment possible. Here’s to confidence, celebration, and a prom night they’ll never forget.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
about 1 month ago, School District of Manatee County
Looking for something meaningful and fun to do with your children, ages infant through third grade, this week?
The Soar in 4 Soar Lab is more than a place to visit. It’s a place where families learn how to play together.
Through hands-on activities, interactive learning stations, and guided exploration, parents and caregivers discover simple ways to spark curiosity, build confidence, and turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences.
Come explore! Create. Laugh. Learn. Visit www.soarin4.org to plan your experience.
6423 9th Street East, Bradenton 34203
Free for most families.
This week's schedule:
Tuesday, March 3rd - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Musical Motion, Artist Spotlight, Ms. Luanne's Front Porch)
Wednesday, March 4th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Nursery Rhyme Scavenger Hunt, Artist Spotlight)
Thursday, March 5th - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Nature Detectives, 3D Printing)
Friday, March 6th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Storytime, Bubbles & Trikes, Little Explorers)
Saturday, March 7th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Mighty Machines & Special Guest: Teacher Author Kelly Kolomiychenko with Slime @ 11 a.m.)
about 1 month ago, School District of Manatee County
On Wednesday, Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School students had the incredible opportunity to welcome back children’s author Shanita Allen for her fourth consecutive year visiting campus!
As part of their Black History Month celebration and a school district-wide focus on literacy, Ms. Allen shared her inspiring book, "Let's Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari", the newest in a series. The stories spark imagination, confidence, and a love for reading in young learners.
This year’s visit was especially meaningful. Shanita Allen not only spoke with students about her career in literature and publishing, but she also gifted every student a copy of her newest book, along with an additional copy for each classroom she visited.
We're grateful for her generosity and valuable time spent with future writers, business leaders, and dreamers!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
about 1 month ago, School District of Manatee County
On Monday, Bayshore High School AVID sophomores and two of their teachers, participated in an exciting pilot field trip that opened their eyes to future career possibilities across Manatee County.
Students toured HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Tropicana, and Manatee Technical College (MTC), gaining firsthand exposure to industries that offer strong career pathways right here in our community.
At HCA Florida Blake, students learned how an entry-level position in the healthcare industry can grow into a rewarding long-term career. Representatives shared how employee benefits include tuition assistance programs that allow team members to return to school and earn certifications in areas such as radiology and other specialized fields, creating opportunities for advancement while working.
At Tropicana, students experienced behind-the-scenes access rarely available to the public. They learned the secrets of orange juice bottling, watched citrus drinks speed through the manufacturing process, and visited the quality control lab where chemists test every batch for consistency and imperfections.
Many professionals working in local industries began their journey at Manatee Technical College. During the visit to MTC, students observed electrical and manufacturing classes in action and peeked into classrooms focused on culinary arts, barbering, diesel technology, engine repair, and more, seeing hands-on career training happening in real time.
This impactful experience was made possible through the partnership between the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the School District of Manatee County.
The wheels are turning for these students. In just two short years, they will be making important decisions about their futures. Thanks to opportunities like this, they are better informed, inspired, and ready to explore the possibilities ahead. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC
about 1 month ago, School District of Manatee County
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
about 1 month ago, School District of Manatee County
