School District of Manatee County
Education with Innovation and Imagination
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.
Join SDMC Visual & Performing Arts for the 2026 All-County Orchestra Concert this Saturday, October 3 at 4:30 p.m.
The All-County Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble that showcases some of the county's finest young musicians, including students from 10 of our traditional public schools.
The concert is open to the public 🎻 and free to attend!
📍 SCF (Neel Auditorium): 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207
The All-County Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble that showcases some of the county's finest young musicians, including students from 10 of our traditional public schools.
The concert is open to the public 🎻 and free to attend!
📍 SCF (Neel Auditorium): 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207
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.
Opportunity to Earn Volunteer Hours - Stuff the Bus: October 11, 2026
Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.
Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.
Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.
Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.
Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.
All volunteers must register in advance to participate.
Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.
Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.
Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.
Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.
Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.
All volunteers must register in advance to participate.
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/
A new tradition begins on Monday at Veterans Elementary School. We are proud to welcome the very first class of Stars as they start their educational journey in a beautiful new learning environment. Go, Stars - we can't wait to see you shine!
Monday, August 10th isn’t just the first day of school — it’s the day we made history at Rye Ranch Elementary School.
Today, Principal Dr. Melinda Lundy and founding staff members began building traditions that will last for generations.
For the very first time, students walked through the front doors and classrooms came alive with new friendships. A beautiful new media center was the site for first stories read and first meals (chicken or cheeseburgers) were served in the cafeteria.
There were so many “firsts” today for this brand new school in Parrish — and years from now, we’ll look back and remember that we were here together for the very beginning.
Welcome to the first day of something extraordinary! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
There's something special about welcoming first-year teachers back to the very school district that helped shape them.
Just four years after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High School, Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Hartwig are beginning their teaching careers at Buffalo Creek Middle School.
As FFA members, they developed leadership skills that prepared them for this next chapter.
Now, they're already meeting with their FFA club officers, planning activities, and getting ready to inspire the next generation of student leaders.
From students to educators, their journey has come full circle - and we can't wait to see the impact this dynamic duo makes in their agriculture classrooms and beyond.
Welcome back, Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Hartwig! Here's to an incredible first year.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #FutureStartsHere
Just four years after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High School, Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Hartwig are beginning their teaching careers at Buffalo Creek Middle School.
As FFA members, they developed leadership skills that prepared them for this next chapter.
Now, they're already meeting with their FFA club officers, planning activities, and getting ready to inspire the next generation of student leaders.
From students to educators, their journey has come full circle - and we can't wait to see the impact this dynamic duo makes in their agriculture classrooms and beyond.
Welcome back, Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Hartwig! Here's to an incredible first year.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #FutureStartsHere
Plan Ahead. Every Day Counts.
School breaks are built into the calendar - so make the most of them!
Whether you're planning vacations, appointments, or family time in 2026-2027, use these scheduled days off to help keep your child in school on learning days.
Because when students are in class, every lesson, every connection, and every day counts.
Save this calendar for the school year ahead.
We can't wait to make it an amazing year together!
School breaks are built into the calendar - so make the most of them!
Whether you're planning vacations, appointments, or family time in 2026-2027, use these scheduled days off to help keep your child in school on learning days.
Because when students are in class, every lesson, every connection, and every day counts.
Save this calendar for the school year ahead.
We can't wait to make it an amazing year together!
New Educators - Welcome to the School District of Manatee County! We're excited to have you join our team for the 2026-2027 school year and we can't wait to see the lasting impact you'll make as you inspire, support, and prepare our students for future success every day.
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/manateeschoolsgoodnews) and Instagram (@manateeschoolsgoodnews) for Good News throughout the 2026-2027 school year!
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/manateeschoolsgoodnews) and Instagram (@manateeschoolsgoodnews) for Good News throughout the 2026-2027 school year!
