School District of Manatee County
Education with Innovation and Imagination
October 21st is Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Braden River Middle School celebrated by spreading kindness throughout campus.
A unity chain was displayed in the cafeteria, every student received a positive message card created by a peer, and student leaders wore orange T-shirts designed by social studies teacher Mrs. Llamas.
A unity chain was displayed in the cafeteria, every student received a positive message card created by a peer, and student leaders wore orange T-shirts designed by social studies teacher Mrs. Llamas.
Congrats, MBOP (Marching Band of Pirates)! Braden River High School Band and Colorguard named Grand Champion (Class 1-3A) at FFCC Durant. They also earned first place in Class 3A.
The honorable Judge Edward Nicholas recently visited to induct and welcome Miller Elementary fifth graders into K-Kids International.
Judge Nicholas spoke about the importance of community, giving back and treating everyone with kindness.
The student leaders took the K-Kids oath and completed a service project by placing bookmarks in Miller's school library books as surprises for other students.
The bookmarks contained positive messages, encouragement to keep reading, and reminders to be kind to everybody around them.
K-Kids sponsors at Miller Elementary include Mrs. Cindy Bigelow, Mrs. Debbie Brady, and Mrs. Brijet France.
When your budget gets the thumbs-up! Big Bank Theory is kicking off its 2026-2027 season.
Students are putting their budgeting skills to the test as they make real-life choices about housing, transportation, food, insurance and more. It’s an interactive way to turn financial literacy into a real-life learning experience.
Want to learn more and join the Manatee Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer? Visit https://www.manateechamber.com/BigBank/
Coach Scott Paravicini and the Lakewood Ranch High School Mustangs' football team demonstrated extraordinary heart and unity when the players surprised "Coach P" after his final chemotherapy treatment.
Their uplifting celebration resonated with the community, and a video from the Lakewood Ranch Touchdown Club received nearly 30K views on the school district Facebook page.
On Friday, we surprised Coach Paravicini with the news that he was chosen as the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews Champion for September. His ability to remain dedicated to students while navigating such a challenging journey is a testament to his inspiring resilience.
Thanks to all our community partners who support the Good News initiative by donating gift cards and other goodies, including Detwiler's Farm Market.
Their uplifting celebration resonated with the community, and a video from the Lakewood Ranch Touchdown Club received nearly 30K views on the school district Facebook page.
On Friday, we surprised Coach Paravicini with the news that he was chosen as the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews Champion for September. His ability to remain dedicated to students while navigating such a challenging journey is a testament to his inspiring resilience.
Thanks to all our community partners who support the Good News initiative by donating gift cards and other goodies, including Detwiler's Farm Market.
The School District of Manatee County is joining our community partners, CareerSource Suncoast and RI5E, to host a High School Student Job Fair to inspire, equip, and launch the next generation into successful careers and leadership opportunities.
Students, ages 14 and older, are invited to join their families at Manatee Technical College - Main Campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
About RI5E: Founded by Adrian McPherson, a Manatee County native and Southeast High School graduate, RI5E empowers youth and young adults through leadership development, academic support, financial literacy, workforce preparation, mentorship, athletics, and exposure to educational and career opportunities.
Register today: https://form.jotform.com/CareerSource/the-launchpad-student-registration
The National Honor Society is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Chapters of Distinction recognition program, including McNeal Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch!
These outstanding chapters exemplify the pillars of Honor Society through meaningful service, student leadership development, and a commitment to creating a lasting legacy within their schools and communities.
McNeal is the only school within 125 miles to receive this distinguished honor. Congratulations!
These outstanding chapters exemplify the pillars of Honor Society through meaningful service, student leadership development, and a commitment to creating a lasting legacy within their schools and communities.
McNeal is the only school within 125 miles to receive this distinguished honor. Congratulations!
Kinnan Elementary had some familiar voices on campus this week!
Miguel and Holly from Mix 100.7 stopped by to surprise Ms. Haddad with their Teacher of the Week honor.
The fifth-grade teacher was nominated by a former parent and student, who shared how much she inspires and impacts the students in her classroom.
For Principal Melissa Porco, the recognition comes as no surprise.
Ms. Haddad, who has been teaching since 2019, was also recently named Kinnan Elementary’s Educator of the Year site representative.
Congratulations, Ms. Haddad! Thank you for making a difference every day.
You can watch a special video posted to www.facebook.com/manateeschoolsgoodnews
Miguel and Holly from Mix 100.7 stopped by to surprise Ms. Haddad with their Teacher of the Week honor.
The fifth-grade teacher was nominated by a former parent and student, who shared how much she inspires and impacts the students in her classroom.
For Principal Melissa Porco, the recognition comes as no surprise.
Ms. Haddad, who has been teaching since 2019, was also recently named Kinnan Elementary’s Educator of the Year site representative.
Congratulations, Ms. Haddad! Thank you for making a difference every day.
You can watch a special video posted to www.facebook.com/manateeschoolsgoodnews
2026 FAFSA Workshops kickoff on Tuesday, October 6!
The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.
If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.
All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.
The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School
Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.
Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.
The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.
If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.
All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.
The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School
Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.
Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.
From the classroom to the coast, science came to life for Palm View K - 8 School 7th & 8th graders in Ms. Baylou's classroom!
Students recently traded their desks for an unforgettable day of hands-on learning at Emerson Point Preserve through a partnership with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and EarthEcho.
As part of a series of project-based learning experiences, students stepped into the role of real scientists. They explored local ecosystems through seine netting, tested water quality using professional tools, and examined plankton and zooplankton under microscopes to better understand the intricate connections that sustain marine life. The learning didn't stop at the shoreline.
Back in the classroom, MISS mentors guided students through analyzing their findings, entering data into spreadsheets, and creating graphs to communicate their results. Their water quality data was even submitted to the EarthEcho global database, allowing their scientific contributions to be viewed by people around the world.
This experience gave students the opportunity to develop critical thinking, collaboration, data analysis, and scientific investigation skills while discovering how they can make a real impact as community scientists.
Students recently traded their desks for an unforgettable day of hands-on learning at Emerson Point Preserve through a partnership with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and EarthEcho.
As part of a series of project-based learning experiences, students stepped into the role of real scientists. They explored local ecosystems through seine netting, tested water quality using professional tools, and examined plankton and zooplankton under microscopes to better understand the intricate connections that sustain marine life. The learning didn't stop at the shoreline.
Back in the classroom, MISS mentors guided students through analyzing their findings, entering data into spreadsheets, and creating graphs to communicate their results. Their water quality data was even submitted to the EarthEcho global database, allowing their scientific contributions to be viewed by people around the world.
This experience gave students the opportunity to develop critical thinking, collaboration, data analysis, and scientific investigation skills while discovering how they can make a real impact as community scientists.
The results are in! Congratulations to all of the middle and high school runners who crossed the finish line at the Lakewood Ranch XC Invitational!
Middle School - Team Results (Boys)
First place: R. Dan Nolan Middle School
Second place: Martha B. King Middle School
Third place: Dr. Mona Jain Middle School
Individual Top Three
First place: Kai C., Buffalo Creek Middle School
Second place: Maddox R., Barbara A. Harvey K-8
Third place: Sully S., Nolan Middle
Middle School - Team Results (Girls)
First place: Nolan Middle
Second place: Dr. Mona Jain Middle
Third place: Haile Middle School
Individual Top Three
First place: Katelyn M., Nolan Middle
Second place: Willa M., Haile Middle
Third place: Vivian B., Nolan Middle
In the Varsity (high school) race, Lakewood Ranch High School Girls earned First Place and Boys earned Second Place.
View all the results here: https://florida.tfrrs.org/.../Lakewood_Ranch_XC_Invite_2026
Three Manatee County high school marching band programs put their best foot forward at the Seminole Sound Spectacular on September 26, 2026. According to the FFCC (Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit) musicians and performers from Braden River High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Parrish Community High School participated in the outdoor competition.
We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!
MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/
Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!
We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!
MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/
Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!
On Monday, an exciting celebration took place to mark one year since the opening of the Soar in 4 Manatee Lab, an innovative space for early learners to explore and thrive. School district and non-profit leaders gathered to celebrate the successes and #ManateeMomentum of expanding opportunities in the future. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Hurricane pride is shining bright! Manatee High School custodian Lucas Dechelbor recently made waves at the Special Olympics Florida – West Coast Region swim meet, earning both GOLD and SILVER medals for his outstanding performance.
Lucas is known around Manatee High for his positive attitude, dedication and heart — and now he’s carrying that same determination into the pool. His support crew runs deep, including several fellow Hurricane alumni pictured here, who are celebrating right alongside him.
Next up: Lucas heads to Ocala this weekend to compete in the Special Olympics State Swimming Competition. Just keep swimming! We’re so proud of you. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Lucas is known around Manatee High for his positive attitude, dedication and heart — and now he’s carrying that same determination into the pool. His support crew runs deep, including several fellow Hurricane alumni pictured here, who are celebrating right alongside him.
Next up: Lucas heads to Ocala this weekend to compete in the Special Olympics State Swimming Competition. Just keep swimming! We’re so proud of you. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Some moments change a life forever.
“It’s surreal,” said Braden River Middle School Safety Guardian Joe Human, reflecting on the days leading up to the 25th remembrance of September 11, 2001. “It still feels like it’s not real.”
A retired NYPD detective who served for 20 years, Joe says his life was forever changed by that day. After first being assigned to secure a school on Staten Island, he went on to spend the next four months supporting recovery efforts at Ground Zero and other critical locations, including security checkpoints.
He and others worked 16-hour shifts in conditions we now know were dangerously toxic — service and sacrifice that continue to impact countless first responders and their families today.
This week, Guardian Human will speak with students in classrooms on campus, sharing a simple but powerful message: “Life is precious. Treasure it while you can.”
For Joe, September 11 will forever be a reminder of the close friends he lost following their brave service after the attacks.
Thank you to all of our School Safety Guardians who help protect Manatee County students and schools every day.
“It’s surreal,” said Braden River Middle School Safety Guardian Joe Human, reflecting on the days leading up to the 25th remembrance of September 11, 2001. “It still feels like it’s not real.”
A retired NYPD detective who served for 20 years, Joe says his life was forever changed by that day. After first being assigned to secure a school on Staten Island, he went on to spend the next four months supporting recovery efforts at Ground Zero and other critical locations, including security checkpoints.
He and others worked 16-hour shifts in conditions we now know were dangerously toxic — service and sacrifice that continue to impact countless first responders and their families today.
This week, Guardian Human will speak with students in classrooms on campus, sharing a simple but powerful message: “Life is precious. Treasure it while you can.”
For Joe, September 11 will forever be a reminder of the close friends he lost following their brave service after the attacks.
Thank you to all of our School Safety Guardians who help protect Manatee County students and schools every day.
On Friday, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the inaugural recipient of the School District of Manatee County's Champion of Good News Award — Kristen Simpson from Ida M. Stewart Elementary School!
This award was created to recognize staff members who help move the school district forward, preparing every student for life, learning, and leadership.
Our Good News team recently shared a story about how one lesson in Ms. Simpson's classroom led to a meaningful father-son art business.
The fourth-grade student creates Gyotaku fish prints, which are now selling in several businesses on Anna Maria Island and West Bradenton with proceeds going to his college savings. You can watch the video at this link: https://vimeo.com/1213710794
By inspiring students, Ms. Simpson is setting them up for future success! We're grateful to have talented SDMC Visual & Performing Arts educators in our schools. #ManateeMomentum
Special thanks to our award sponsors, Detwiler's Farm Market and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.
This award was created to recognize staff members who help move the school district forward, preparing every student for life, learning, and leadership.
Our Good News team recently shared a story about how one lesson in Ms. Simpson's classroom led to a meaningful father-son art business.
The fourth-grade student creates Gyotaku fish prints, which are now selling in several businesses on Anna Maria Island and West Bradenton with proceeds going to his college savings. You can watch the video at this link: https://vimeo.com/1213710794
By inspiring students, Ms. Simpson is setting them up for future success! We're grateful to have talented SDMC Visual & Performing Arts educators in our schools. #ManateeMomentum
Special thanks to our award sponsors, Detwiler's Farm Market and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.
Imagine experiencing your first-ever American baseball game and thinking… “It’s like in the movies!” That’s exactly what happened on Thursday when our 10 visiting teachers from Spain headed to LECOM Park in Bradenton.
Pablo (Daughtrey Elementary) and Sofía (Prine Elementary), two first-year School District of Manatee County Dual Language Program teachers, got to throw out the first pitch! But this experience is about so much more than baseball.
Our teachers from Spain are here to exchange ideas, share their culture, inspire our students, and learn about ours. Every classroom conversation, community experience, and new adventure gives them something to take back to Spain and share with their own students years from now.
Sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the classroom.
Pablo (Daughtrey Elementary) and Sofía (Prine Elementary), two first-year School District of Manatee County Dual Language Program teachers, got to throw out the first pitch! But this experience is about so much more than baseball.
Our teachers from Spain are here to exchange ideas, share their culture, inspire our students, and learn about ours. Every classroom conversation, community experience, and new adventure gives them something to take back to Spain and share with their own students years from now.
Sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the classroom.
We're excited for another year of inspiring the next generation of communications professionals!
Our MSTV High School Internship Program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at live television broadcasting from camera operation and production to play-by-play broadcasting.
And the learning doesn't stop there! Past interns continue to be an important part of the program, returning to mentor and inspire the next generation of young broadcasters.
We’re proud to watch these students learn, grow, and find their voice in the world of communications!
📸 L-to-R: Jackson H. (Braden River High grad); Pierce F. (Southeast High-10th grade); Brooke H. (Southeast High-11th grade); Brady D. (Parrish Community High-12th grade), Sophia L. (Southeast High-11th grade); Reenen S. (Parrish Community High-12th grade); Samantha T. (Parrish Community High-11th grade); Will P. (Parrish Community High grad); Tommy L. (Southeast High-12th grade); "Jammer" (Manatee Technical College grad and MSTV volunteer); and Carl (MSTV). Not pictured: Brooklynn D. (Parrish Community High-12th grade) and Yomar G. (Palmetto High-12th grade).
Our MSTV High School Internship Program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at live television broadcasting from camera operation and production to play-by-play broadcasting.
And the learning doesn't stop there! Past interns continue to be an important part of the program, returning to mentor and inspire the next generation of young broadcasters.
We’re proud to watch these students learn, grow, and find their voice in the world of communications!
📸 L-to-R: Jackson H. (Braden River High grad); Pierce F. (Southeast High-10th grade); Brooke H. (Southeast High-11th grade); Brady D. (Parrish Community High-12th grade), Sophia L. (Southeast High-11th grade); Reenen S. (Parrish Community High-12th grade); Samantha T. (Parrish Community High-11th grade); Will P. (Parrish Community High grad); Tommy L. (Southeast High-12th grade); "Jammer" (Manatee Technical College grad and MSTV volunteer); and Carl (MSTV). Not pictured: Brooklynn D. (Parrish Community High-12th grade) and Yomar G. (Palmetto High-12th grade).
Manatee County Government and the School District of Manatee County are excited to announce Model Manatee, a multi-week program designed to educate high school juniors and seniors on how County government works, how it impacts them, and how to engage in the decision-making process.
During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.
During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.
It's an exciting new year for the Samoset Elementary community, who recently learned they improved their school grade from a "D" to an "A". This change didn't happen overnight.
It's a powerful reflection of what can happen when educators, students, families, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and community business partners work together. Congratulations, Samoset - let’s keep the momentum going!
Watch a news story from ABC 7: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/08/07/samoset-elementary-principal-credits-students-staff-with-one-year-grade-jump/
It's a powerful reflection of what can happen when educators, students, families, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and community business partners work together. Congratulations, Samoset - let’s keep the momentum going!
Watch a news story from ABC 7: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/08/07/samoset-elementary-principal-credits-students-staff-with-one-year-grade-jump/
