School District of Manatee County

McNeal Elementary School celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd with a fun and meaningful Book Swap! Students brought in a gently loved book from home and traded with classmates, giving stories a second life while discovering something “new” to enjoy. A simple, sustainable way to share the joy of reading and care for our planet! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

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

Learning comes to life in Tallahassee! Students from Braden River Middle School recently embarked on an unforgettable civics field trip to Florida’s state capitol and their daily travel posts are incredible.

From trying on robes in the very place where Florida Supreme Court justices preside, to stepping into a simulated Senate session where they proposed, debated, and voted on a bill about school cell phone policies... this is hands-on learning at its best.

While in Tallahassee, students also explored Mission San Luis, a National Historic Landmark that recreates a 17th-century Spanish mission where Apalachee and Spanish communities lived together—offering a powerful glimpse into Florida’s early history.

Follow along on their adventure at the Braden River Middle School Facebook page! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

From one Golden Herald winner to another 🎭 1980 Golden Herald winner Terri Rohde proudly celebrates 2026 honoree Alecia Duerr, a graduating senior she’s had the joy of supporting as Southeast High School Media Specialist and Noles Read sponsor. 💫 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

A huge congratulations to our students who excelled at this year’s Florida TSA State Conference!

Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles

Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!

Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School

From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.

Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.

Shout out to PCHS Junior Savannah White for being this year’s recipient of the Yale Book Award. This prestigious recognition is presented annually by local Yale alumni clubs to outstanding high school juniors (11th graders) demonstrating exceptional personal character, leadership, and intellectual promise.

Topping out at Rye Ranch Elementary School! We're grateful for the dedication, craftsmanship, and pride this crew brings every day. From foundation to future, Executive Principal, Dr. Melinda Lundy, is excited to welcome students, families, and staff this August! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The energy was undeniable at Southeast High School this week! AVID students in grades 9th through 11th heard from Andres Lara, also known as The Cuban Guy, whose powerful message centered on one key truth—success comes from hard work and relentless effort. As he continued visiting schools across Manatee County, students were reminded to stay focused, stay driven, and never lose sight of their goals. ✨ Put in the work. See the results. ✨ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

A powerful message of purpose and perseverance was shared at Sugg Middle School this week. Students and staff had the opportunity to hear from Darrell “Coach D” Andrews. He encouraged staff to prioritize self-care and well-being. He challenged 8th grade students to understand that success is built through hard work, consistency, and effort. As he continues visiting schools across Manatee County, one message stood strong: ✨ What you put in today shapes who you become tomorrow. ✨ We’re grateful to our community partners, including Manatee Education Foundation, for championing these annual efforts to uplift educators, empower students, and encourage everyone to push toward the finish line. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Spirit Week at Daughtrey Elementary School was nothing short of electric! 🎉 When you bring together hundreds of K–5 students, passionate educators, and a motivational speaker who blends music, energy, and a love for literacy—you get an unforgettable experience. This week, L. Kobie Da Wiz brought the hype with high-energy pep rallies across Manatee County, inspiring students to believe in themselves and give it their all. One message rang loud and clear: ✨ “Do your best on the test!” ✨ Special thanks to our generous community partners, including Manatee Education Foundation for supporting Spirit Week! #manateeschoolsgoodnews

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

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!

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

View the epic video here: https://vimeo.com/1175524046/d1f1b05901?share=copy

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. ✈️

Here's a link to the full story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/03/24/new-aviation-maintenance-technician-program-at-mtc-to-begin-in-january #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

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!

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)

📍 6423 9th Street East, Bradenton

Visit www.soarin4.org for more information.

Bring your little explorers and let them learn, create, and imagine at The Soar Lab this Spring Break!

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

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