At Palmetto Elementary School, it takes a village... and Tamika Brown is a perfect example of that.
As a school bus attendant, Tamika already plays an important role in students’ daily routines, but she doesn't stop there.
She recently volunteered to chaperone the first grade field trip to Mote SEA, once again showing her dedication to students.
Thank you for always going above and beyond, Tamika!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews submitted by Assistant Principal Susie Ebbesmeyer.
As a school bus attendant, Tamika already plays an important role in students’ daily routines, but she doesn't stop there.
She recently volunteered to chaperone the first grade field trip to Mote SEA, once again showing her dedication to students.
Thank you for always going above and beyond, Tamika!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews submitted by Assistant Principal Susie Ebbesmeyer.
Mike Y.’s résumé reads like a season of a TV crime drama.
For 20 years, he served the streets of New York City working in street control, housing developments, anti-crime, and plainclothes units. He took on organized crime, narcotics, robberies, and homicides as part of the detective squad. It was intense, meaningful work but eventually, Mike knew it was time. The right time for change.
So he moved to Florida, guided by former NYPD officers who showed him how the skills he learned in the Big Apple could open new doors. Doors that led to protect hallways filled with students.
Now, Guardian Mike is celebrating his first school year as a school safety guardian at Parrish Community High. And while the setting has changed, the mission hasn’t.
“I like communicating with the kids,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and helps me communicate better with my own teenagers.”
As someone who grew up as a teen in the inner city of New York, the respect he receives means everything to him. No badges needed. “A fist pound is more than enough for me," he said.
Thank you, Guardian Mike, for your continued service and for keeping our students safe every single day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
For 20 years, he served the streets of New York City working in street control, housing developments, anti-crime, and plainclothes units. He took on organized crime, narcotics, robberies, and homicides as part of the detective squad. It was intense, meaningful work but eventually, Mike knew it was time. The right time for change.
So he moved to Florida, guided by former NYPD officers who showed him how the skills he learned in the Big Apple could open new doors. Doors that led to protect hallways filled with students.
Now, Guardian Mike is celebrating his first school year as a school safety guardian at Parrish Community High. And while the setting has changed, the mission hasn’t.
“I like communicating with the kids,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and helps me communicate better with my own teenagers.”
As someone who grew up as a teen in the inner city of New York, the respect he receives means everything to him. No badges needed. “A fist pound is more than enough for me," he said.
Thank you, Guardian Mike, for your continued service and for keeping our students safe every single day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
Hour of Code was celebrated during Computer Science Education Week, December 8–14, 2025. Hour of Code is a global movement designed to introduce millions of students to computer science and show that anyone can learn the basics of coding.
According to STEM Coordinator Lynne Johnston, teachers across the district incorporated coding into their classrooms throughout the week.
Mrs. Sara Broom shared photos of R. H. Prine Elementary School fifth-grade students investigating coding and exploring how it can be used for more than just video games and apps. Students learned how coding can be used to create and draft music. After coding their own musical compositions, students presented “table concerts” for the class to showcase their creations.
Kinnan Elementary STEM teacher Tammy Butler also shared photos of her students working with Ozobots, which are small, programmable robots that teach coding and computational thinking through hands-on, interactive activities. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
According to STEM Coordinator Lynne Johnston, teachers across the district incorporated coding into their classrooms throughout the week.
Mrs. Sara Broom shared photos of R. H. Prine Elementary School fifth-grade students investigating coding and exploring how it can be used for more than just video games and apps. Students learned how coding can be used to create and draft music. After coding their own musical compositions, students presented “table concerts” for the class to showcase their creations.
Kinnan Elementary STEM teacher Tammy Butler also shared photos of her students working with Ozobots, which are small, programmable robots that teach coding and computational thinking through hands-on, interactive activities. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews featuring the School District of Manatee County's IT Department, as shared by The Patterson Foundation: We're excited to announce a new milestone in The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All initiative.
The Patterson Foundation partnered with the School District of Manatee County, led by Scott Hansen, to expand local access to essential digital devices.
Scott has been a long-time advocate for student technology needs. Before COVID, he worked closely with Tech4Students, helping distribute between 1,000 and 2,000 devices each year to families who needed them most.
After seeing the device drive flyer in The Patterson Foundation's newsletter, Scott grew curious about the possibilities and reached out to explore how they might work together to create an even greater impact.
The collaboration quickly turned into action.
Recently, Marla Smith and Beth Duda picked up 304 laptops that have been fully restored and cleaned.
All devices will be given to the Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG) for distribution.
This partnership demonstrates a commitment to closing the digital divide, and to date, DA4A has collected more than 600 devices!
Do you have an idea or a device to donate? If you’d like to learn how to wipe your own computer or get involved, reach out to Marla Smith, Device Drive Project Lead, at msmithtpf@gmail.com or 941-713-9724. You can also click here to see our drop-off locations: https://thepattersonfoundation.org/.../Device-Drive-Flyer...
When a community works together, progress is not just possible. It becomes unstoppable!
The Patterson Foundation partnered with the School District of Manatee County, led by Scott Hansen, to expand local access to essential digital devices.
Scott has been a long-time advocate for student technology needs. Before COVID, he worked closely with Tech4Students, helping distribute between 1,000 and 2,000 devices each year to families who needed them most.
After seeing the device drive flyer in The Patterson Foundation's newsletter, Scott grew curious about the possibilities and reached out to explore how they might work together to create an even greater impact.
The collaboration quickly turned into action.
Recently, Marla Smith and Beth Duda picked up 304 laptops that have been fully restored and cleaned.
All devices will be given to the Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG) for distribution.
This partnership demonstrates a commitment to closing the digital divide, and to date, DA4A has collected more than 600 devices!
Do you have an idea or a device to donate? If you’d like to learn how to wipe your own computer or get involved, reach out to Marla Smith, Device Drive Project Lead, at msmithtpf@gmail.com or 941-713-9724. You can also click here to see our drop-off locations: https://thepattersonfoundation.org/.../Device-Drive-Flyer...
When a community works together, progress is not just possible. It becomes unstoppable!
Florida forecast: 0% chance of snow, 100% chance of school spirit.
Lakewood Ranch High School's admin team is geared up for “Winter Sports Day," from ski slopes to slapshots… and maybe a mysterious black eye 👀🏒
You stay safe out there, Mrs. Carlson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Lakewood Ranch High School's admin team is geared up for “Winter Sports Day," from ski slopes to slapshots… and maybe a mysterious black eye 👀🏒
You stay safe out there, Mrs. Carlson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Sharing Good News Pays Off! Dr. Tawanda Means, Student Support Specialist, and AICE Coordinator Nicole Candelora from Samoset Elementary are truly megaphones for the Good News in their school community.
They celebrate partnerships, community generosity, and learning wins, all week long.
Dr. Means often sends in Good News on weekends and evenings, ensuring the positivity never stops! Ms. Candelora uses creativity and kindness to share the positive things happening from the cafeteria to the classroom.
Because of their enthusiasm and dedication, they were surprised last Friday with recognition as a Good News Champions!
This school year, we’ve partnered with Gecko's Grill & Pub, and other businesses including: Jeremiah's Italian Ice and MISSION BBQ to honor staff who go above and beyond to spread positivity across our district.
Congratulations Dr. Means and Ms. Candelora. Thanks for all you do to support your students and school!
Who will be next? Keep submitting your stories by tagging us, sharing news using #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and emailing goodnews@manateeschools.net.
(Photo L-to-R: Principal Samantha Webb, Dr. Tawanda Means, Nicole Candelora, Jamara Clark, and Lisa Taylor)
They celebrate partnerships, community generosity, and learning wins, all week long.
Dr. Means often sends in Good News on weekends and evenings, ensuring the positivity never stops! Ms. Candelora uses creativity and kindness to share the positive things happening from the cafeteria to the classroom.
Because of their enthusiasm and dedication, they were surprised last Friday with recognition as a Good News Champions!
This school year, we’ve partnered with Gecko's Grill & Pub, and other businesses including: Jeremiah's Italian Ice and MISSION BBQ to honor staff who go above and beyond to spread positivity across our district.
Congratulations Dr. Means and Ms. Candelora. Thanks for all you do to support your students and school!
Who will be next? Keep submitting your stories by tagging us, sharing news using #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and emailing goodnews@manateeschools.net.
(Photo L-to-R: Principal Samantha Webb, Dr. Tawanda Means, Nicole Candelora, Jamara Clark, and Lisa Taylor)
As middle school athletes prepare for the soccer playoffs, the intensity on the practice field is rising for the Louise R. Johnson K-8 Eagles.
Coach Troy Murray, a science teacher who thrives in both the classroom and on the pitch, captures the balance perfectly: “At the end of the day, I like being in the classroom and the release of being outside. Being able to run and seeing the students in a different light—it’s awesome.”
Originally from London, Coach Murray credits sports for helping him chase his dreams all the way to the U.S. Now in his fourth year teaching and coaching at Johnson K-8, he builds young players through leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
In the final huddle before practice ended, his message for the playoffs was clear: “Compete. We’ve been working hard—take that confidence into the game and have fun.”
And once soccer season wraps? He’ll shift onto the hardwood, bringing the same competitive drive to basketball.
Let’s go! 🦅⚽️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We’re grateful for Dep. John Murrell, Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies, and Bradenton Police officers, who made the season brighter by taking local kids shopping for their holiday wishes.
A beautiful reminder of community support and holiday giving shared by Dr. Tawanda Means from Samoset Elementary. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A beautiful reminder of community support and holiday giving shared by Dr. Tawanda Means from Samoset Elementary. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Meet Guardian Chris Scardino, now proudly serving his fifth school year at Parrish Community High School. A retired Union City, New Jersey police sergeant with 27 years of service, Chris brings a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and heart to the Bulls community.
At PCHS, Chris goes far beyond his daily duties. He pours his passion into training the Bulls’ JROTC cadets, inspiring the next generation of leaders. He also serves as a girls JV soccer coach, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence on and off the field.
You’ll also find Chris at the Soar in 4 Lab, where he’s part of the rotating team supporting this early learning center, which is free for most families with children from infancy through third grade.
His service touches every corner of the campus and beyond. Chris thrives on partnership and connection. “Everybody at PCHS works together,” he says. “They are family.”
Before joining the Bulls, Chris made a lasting mark in New Jersey by designing a memorial and leading the successful renaming of six city streets to honor fallen heroes of his former police department, an accomplishment he holds close to his heart. He continues to stay in touch with many of their families, keeping their legacies alive.
Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or serving the broader community, Chris leads with purpose. Working with teens and teaching them values (especially the importance of giving back) is his bottom line.
Thank you, Guardian Scardino, for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
At PCHS, Chris goes far beyond his daily duties. He pours his passion into training the Bulls’ JROTC cadets, inspiring the next generation of leaders. He also serves as a girls JV soccer coach, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence on and off the field.
You’ll also find Chris at the Soar in 4 Lab, where he’s part of the rotating team supporting this early learning center, which is free for most families with children from infancy through third grade.
His service touches every corner of the campus and beyond. Chris thrives on partnership and connection. “Everybody at PCHS works together,” he says. “They are family.”
Before joining the Bulls, Chris made a lasting mark in New Jersey by designing a memorial and leading the successful renaming of six city streets to honor fallen heroes of his former police department, an accomplishment he holds close to his heart. He continues to stay in touch with many of their families, keeping their legacies alive.
Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or serving the broader community, Chris leads with purpose. Working with teens and teaching them values (especially the importance of giving back) is his bottom line.
Thank you, Guardian Scardino, for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Hello December! This holiday season, we are reflecting on our blessings, and this year, we are especially grateful to welcome the Taggart Family Foundation into our Lincoln Memorial Middle School family.
Their mission to empower youth through education, sports, workforce development, and personal growth is already making a powerful impact in our community.
Recently, 300 families were served with help from incredible volunteers, including Mayor Dan West, the Palmetto High School Boys Basketball Team, and everyone who helped make the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive a success.
From meal bags to hot meals served on-site, the day was filled with joy, gratitude, and service — everything this season is about. #DoSomething #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Their mission to empower youth through education, sports, workforce development, and personal growth is already making a powerful impact in our community.
Recently, 300 families were served with help from incredible volunteers, including Mayor Dan West, the Palmetto High School Boys Basketball Team, and everyone who helped make the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive a success.
From meal bags to hot meals served on-site, the day was filled with joy, gratitude, and service — everything this season is about. #DoSomething #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Let’s hear it for our fabulous route administrator and bus driver, Gina Miller, who safely transported the EEA Prize Patrol from Lakewood Ranch to Anna Maria Island on Thursday — helping us surprise outstanding educators and support staff across Manatee County! 🚌💙 Thank you for keeping the journey smooth, safe, and full of excitement! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol made its final stop at Anna Maria Elementary School!
Congratulations to Nicole O’Neill, Fifth Grade teacher, on being selected as a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist!
Her leadership, creativity, and dedication make a powerful difference in students’ lives across Manatee County.
We’re so proud of you, Mrs. O’Neill! 🌟
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
*When the Superintendent and dozens of people stop by to surprise you—and you’re dressed like a shark.
🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol brought Good News to Bayshore Elementary School!
Congratulations to Mara Gonzalez, Paraprofessional, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist!
Her dedication to students—whether one-on-one or in small groups—makes Bayshore shine. She is committed to inspiring them, even if it means dressing as a shark from Disney’s Finding Nemo on underground spirit day.
Thank you for everything you do, Ms. Gonzalez! 🌟
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol surprised “The History Dude” at Bayshore High!
Congratulations to John Walker, AICE Psychology & U.S. History teacher, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist!
His enthusiasm and impact continue to shape the culture and success of Bayshore High.
We’re honored to celebrate with you, Mr. Walker! 🌟
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 Next stop for the EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol... Harllee Support Center!
Congratulations to Shannon Lueders, Guidance Clerk for ACCESS & SABLE, on being named a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist!
Her experience, heart, and commitment help support students and staff at Harllee.
We’re so proud of you, Shannon! 🌟
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol is on a roll... Hello, Oneco Elementary School! Congratulations to Sylvia Wilson, Paraprofessional, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! A proud and devoted member of the SDMC family since the 1980s, she continues to uplift Cougars every day. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Wilson! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol rolls along to Braden River Middle School! Congratulations to Kat Brown, Mathematics teacher, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! For 25 years, she has inspired Panthers through exceptional teaching, leadership, and passion for STEAM. We appreciate you, Ms. Brown! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
🎉 The EEA Prize Patrol made their next surprise stop at Lakewood Ranch High School! Congratulations to Kristen Martin, Registrar, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! Her dedication, organization, and Mustang pride keep LRHS moving forward every day. We’re grateful for you, Kristen! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
The Prize Patrol kicks off surprise EEA finalist tour at Braden River High School! Congratulations to Cliff Dawson, Director of Bands, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! His passion for performing arts and leadership of the state-champion marching band program continue to inspire Pirate Nation. We’re proud to celebrate with you, Mr. Dawson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
The First-Ever Otter Thanksgiving Boat Parade was a splash!
Lake Manatee K-8 School students built sponge boats, powered them with nothing but straws, and raced them down a rain gutter with help from lots of deep breaths.
There were epic wins, dramatic capsizings, tons of cheering — and of course, the legendary 3-D printed turkey trophies for top finishers and Best Design!
So proud of these creative, determined young engineers, fabulous first-mates (parent and teacher volunteers), and their fearless captain, STEM Teacher Jenn Poplaski. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
