School District of Manatee County
Education with Innovation and Imagination
As we close out Principals Appreciation Month, we can't help but feel grateful for the support our education leaders receive.
Our friends at Manatee High School sent these photos of Principal Fleming and the balloons she received last Friday from staff and students. Such a thoughtful gesture of gratitude.
Thanks to Mrs. Hofstra for sending us this Good News.
Our friends at Manatee High School sent these photos of Principal Fleming and the balloons she received last Friday from staff and students. Such a thoughtful gesture of gratitude.
Thanks to Mrs. Hofstra for sending us this Good News.
Palma Sola Elementary School National Elementary Honor Society students held their first ever 'Socktober' Sock Drive, and it was a huge success!
In just five days, they collected 3,255 pairs of socks (an incredible 6,510 individual socks). All socks were delivered to the School District's Migrant Program last week to directly support Manatee County students and their families.
"We are so grateful to all our Palma Sola families who donated, our NEHS students who worked hard collecting and counting socks each day, and our teachers who helped promote the drive," said Ms. Holt, Student Support Specialist. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
In just five days, they collected 3,255 pairs of socks (an incredible 6,510 individual socks). All socks were delivered to the School District's Migrant Program last week to directly support Manatee County students and their families.
"We are so grateful to all our Palma Sola families who donated, our NEHS students who worked hard collecting and counting socks each day, and our teachers who helped promote the drive," said Ms. Holt, Student Support Specialist. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
What an unforgettable night at Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary!
Staff and families gathered at the 4th Annual RGB Community Night
From a vibrant sea of bright orange t-shirts to the incredible energy at all the stations, it was a beautiful celebration of connection, fun, and school spirit.
A huge congratulations to all of the amazing students recognized during the Quarter 1 Awards Night!
Beyond celebrating academic achievements, families had a blast exploring the Book Fair, participating in fun activities, learning more about resources available from our community partners, enjoying food, and taking home some awesome giveaways.
Staff and families gathered at the 4th Annual RGB Community Night
From a vibrant sea of bright orange t-shirts to the incredible energy at all the stations, it was a beautiful celebration of connection, fun, and school spirit.
A huge congratulations to all of the amazing students recognized during the Quarter 1 Awards Night!
Beyond celebrating academic achievements, families had a blast exploring the Book Fair, participating in fun activities, learning more about resources available from our community partners, enjoying food, and taking home some awesome giveaways.
Let’s celebrate 22 outstanding Manatee County public high school students who are making a difference through service and leadership! Many of them joined their families at Tuesday’s School Board meeting to be recognized.
The Florida Department of Education, in partnership with the Florida Lottery, launched the Student Service Challenge to inspire student leadership, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
We’re proud that the School District of Manatee County, in partnership with the Manatee Education Foundation, was selected as one of only 20 school districts statewide to participate!
From September 7 to October 5, these dedicated teens each completed 20+ hours of volunteer service and wrote an essay reflecting on their experience. As a reward for their commitment, each student received a $500 scholarship!
Congratulations to:
Josilah S., Braden River High
Denise S., Bayshore High
Genesis R., Bayshore High
Kayla G., Lakewood Ranch High
Faith F., Lakewood Ranch High
Lily P., Lakewood Ranch High
Molly F., Lakewood Ranch High
Lexi S., Lakewood Ranch High
Merritt S., Lakewood Ranch High
Zoe C., Lakewood Ranch High
Leah D., Lakewood Ranch High
Yadira K., Manatee High
Elliot C., Manatee High
Leonard H., Manatee High
Rayna H., MSA
Mason E., Palmetto High
Jermar P., Palmetto High
Nora E., Parrish Community High
Conor K., Parrish Community High
Chloe K., Southeast High
Dulce C., Southeast High
Nohemi T., Southeast High
A special thank-you to the community partners, including Soar in 4 and Manatee County Government, who helped make these meaningful service opportunities possible.
Together, we’re empowering students to lead, serve, and create lasting positive change.
Congratulations to our student leaders and thank you to everyone helping build a stronger Manatee County!
Join us in officially congratulating the Inaugural Class of the Braden River High School Athletics Hall of Fame—all proud members of the Class of 2013:
Myles Straw '13 (Baseball)
The ultimate example of heart and hustle—from working his way onto varsity after being cut as a freshman to hitting .370 as a senior, earning an MLB Heart and Hustle Award, playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, and competing in the 2025 World Series!
Courtney Mirabella '13 (Softball)
A record-shattering force in the circle who led Florida in ERA (0.23) as a senior, earned All-American honors, set NCAA D-I strikeout milestones at NCCU, and pitched professionally in Europe!
Trevon Young '13 (Basketball & Football)
A multi-sport powerhouse who was named FACA Class 7A Player of the Year in basketball (19.5 PPG) and an elite Florida Gators football recruit, before becoming a 1,000-point scorer at Eckerd College and playing 3 seasons of professional basketball overseas!
Congratulations, Pirates!
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.