Recently, Brigitte from Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School visited Turning Points to present them with a check raised by their incredible students and families.
Through their collective efforts, items were sold to the entire school across four separate mornings. Another teacher helped by creating signs, and together they made a poster displayed at the school recognizing the students who donated to Turning Points.
These young changemakers came together to support our mission and help neighbors in need, and it’s truly inspiring to see students in our community learning the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving back.
We are sincerely grateful for their thoughtfulness and support—this kind of kindness truly makes a difference. Posted by Turning Points on Facebook.
Through their collective efforts, items were sold to the entire school across four separate mornings. Another teacher helped by creating signs, and together they made a poster displayed at the school recognizing the students who donated to Turning Points.
These young changemakers came together to support our mission and help neighbors in need, and it’s truly inspiring to see students in our community learning the importance of compassion, generosity, and giving back.
We are sincerely grateful for their thoughtfulness and support—this kind of kindness truly makes a difference. Posted by Turning Points on Facebook.
Good News shared by Gullett Elementary: Ms. Beary’s 1st grade classroom has a very special class pet named Bowie Bear.
Bowie goes home with students on weeknights and weekends, and when he does, the fun (and learning!) continues.
Each child writes about their adventures with Bowie in his journal using the prompt “first, next, then, last.”
This has been such a fun and meaningful way for students to practice writing outside of school. They also include photos and get to share their entries the next day during our Author’s Chair.
This experience has helped grow students’ love for reading at school and at home—students LOVE flipping through the journal and reading about all the adventures Bowie has had with their friends.
It’s always a highlight of the day in Ms. BEARy’s class. Go Gators!
Bowie goes home with students on weeknights and weekends, and when he does, the fun (and learning!) continues.
Each child writes about their adventures with Bowie in his journal using the prompt “first, next, then, last.”
This has been such a fun and meaningful way for students to practice writing outside of school. They also include photos and get to share their entries the next day during our Author’s Chair.
This experience has helped grow students’ love for reading at school and at home—students LOVE flipping through the journal and reading about all the adventures Bowie has had with their friends.
It’s always a highlight of the day in Ms. BEARy’s class. Go Gators!
Kinnan Elementary rolled out the red carpet for guest readers in celebration of literacy week on Wednesday. Many of the special guests were current and retired educators and administrators, who had a great time visiting with old friends.
Thanks to Reading Coach Ellie Sharp, Principal Melissa Porco and AP Beth Campbell for the warm welcome on a chilly day! Special shoutout to Ms. Venafro and her magical second graders for being so kind to their guest reader, who is part of our #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from Lincoln Memorial Middle School: It’s a boy x4!
Four baby goats were recently born right on campus, and they’re already stealing hearts! All four bucklings are part of the school’s agriculture program, where students and teacher Emily Ralston helps care for them and even get to name them. The two oldest are officially named Nash and Flash.
Despite the recent cold snap, the little goats are staying warm and cozy thanks to heat lamps, fresh hay and shavings, and even donated blankets from generous staff members.
Now that the Manatee County Fair has wrapped up, Lincoln Memorial Middle is home to 26 animals in total, including barn cats, beef cows, chickens, a rabbit, and 14 goats.
The Manatee County Fair was a big success for Lincoln FFA, with 32 plant and animal projects entered and several top honors earned, including Grand Champion Nubian Doe and Reserve Grand Champion Non-Registered Cow-Calf Pair, along with multiple top-five showmanship finishes.
From hands-on learning to award-winning achievements, the agriculture program continues to grow and shine!
Celebrate Literacy Week - Daughtrey Elementary
Volunteer readers are visiting classrooms across Manatee County this week as part of a statewide literacy initiative!
Big thanks to media specialist Amy Johnson at Daughtrey Elementary School for welcoming special guests to pick a book and share their love of reading.
Volunteer readers are visiting classrooms across Manatee County this week as part of a statewide literacy initiative!
Big thanks to media specialist Amy Johnson at Daughtrey Elementary School for welcoming special guests to pick a book and share their love of reading.
We are grateful to Manatee Community Foundation CEO Veronica Thames for joining Superintendent Breslin and district leaders on Monday to celebrate Samantha Webb, Manatee County’s Principal of the Year.
Samantha was also presented with a $300 award in recognition of her outstanding impact on students, educators, and our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
(L-to-R): Kaththea Johnson, Samoset Elementary Principal Samantha Webb, Veronica Thames, and Dr. Laurie Breslin.
Samantha was also presented with a $300 award in recognition of her outstanding impact on students, educators, and our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
(L-to-R): Kaththea Johnson, Samoset Elementary Principal Samantha Webb, Veronica Thames, and Dr. Laurie Breslin.
Congratulations to Dr. Lisandra Tayloe, Manatee County's Assistant Principal of the Year. On Monday, Manatee Community Foundation CEO Veronica Thames presented Dr. Tayloe with a check for $300 to congratulate and thank her for helping educate tomorrow's leaders. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
📸 (L-to-R): Dr. Chuck Fradley, Lincoln Memorial Middle School Principal Ronnie King, Dr. Tayloe, Veronica Thames, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin.
📸 (L-to-R): Dr. Chuck Fradley, Lincoln Memorial Middle School Principal Ronnie King, Dr. Tayloe, Veronica Thames, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin.
The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entity/262385.
Celebrating new beginnings with the groundbreaking of what is currently known as “High School AAA” near Lorraine Road and Rangeland Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin, School Board Members, and community leaders participated in the turning of the dirt on Wednesday morning.
Stay tuned for exciting updates to come! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Wednesday, SDMC Visual & Performing Arts hosted the inaugural Battle of the Beats, a bracket-style drum-off featuring six groups of Manatee County middle and high school percussionists:
Buffalo Creek Middle School 🏆
Lincoln Memorial Middle School
Rowlett Middle Academy A & B
Braden River High School 🏆
Manatee High School
Palmetto High School
Parrish Community High School
After a hard fought battle 🥁 the judges chose the Hawks and Pirates as champions. Thank you to Jeff McDaniel, Will Vizoso, and Kendall Carrier for your time and musical expertise.
Kudos to Drum-master of Ceremonies Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, who kept the audience at the edge of their seats. We can’t wait until next year! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
An exciting day at Rye Ranch Elementary School in Parrish, where the drywall is about ready to go up.
Founding principal Dr. Melinda Lundy led a tour for School Board Members and school district leaders, proudly showing off classrooms and common areas taking shape.
The Pre-K through 5th grade school will begin its tradition of excellence beginning August 2026, where students and staff will be encouraged to learn, lead, and thrive! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Founding principal Dr. Melinda Lundy led a tour for School Board Members and school district leaders, proudly showing off classrooms and common areas taking shape.
The Pre-K through 5th grade school will begin its tradition of excellence beginning August 2026, where students and staff will be encouraged to learn, lead, and thrive! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Welcome to the family, Veterans Elementary! 🇺🇸 Located in Artisan Lakes (Palmetto) and adjacent to Manatee County, Florida Government’s Valor Commons, this Pre-K through 5th grade school will focus on leadership, community, and feature patriotic themes.
Founding principal Laura Campbell led a construction tour for School Board Members and school district leaders on Tuesday. Veterans Elementary opens this August 2026. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews shared by Megan Krueger, Braden River High School agriscience teacher:
“On Monday, during the Dairy Heifer Show at the Manatee County Fair, Jared Stancil (on right) and his Holstein heifer, Buckeye, earned Reserve Champion Junior Holstein Heifer—a fantastic accomplishment!
I would also like to recognize Maggie Faller, Zoe Loder, and Zailyah Ma. Jared's success was truly a team effort, and these students generously contributed their time, skills, and support to help make this achievement possible—all while continuing to manage their own projects. Their teamwork and dedication are something to be very proud of.”
Congratulations, Pirates! #KindnessMatters and your teamwork is inspiring ✨
It never fails! Every. Single. Year.
According to US National Weather Service Tampa Bay, a cold front is ushering in the coldest air of the season just in time for the Manatee County Fair, January 15th-25th.
941: This is your official "Sweater Weather Alert". Please send students to school nice and warm beginning Thursday (into next week!)
Nothing says tradition like cold weather and funnel cakes. 🥶#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
According to US National Weather Service Tampa Bay, a cold front is ushering in the coldest air of the season just in time for the Manatee County Fair, January 15th-25th.
941: This is your official "Sweater Weather Alert". Please send students to school nice and warm beginning Thursday (into next week!)
Nothing says tradition like cold weather and funnel cakes. 🥶#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The School District of Manatee County's Visual & Performing Arts Department presents the inaugural Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition at the Manatee County Fair on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Participating schools include Buffalo Creek Middle, Lincoln Memorial Middle, Rowlett Academy, Braden River High, Manatee High, Palmetto High and Parrish Community High. The show begins at 6 p.m. on the main stage. Visit https://www.manateecountyfair.com to learn more about the Manatee County Fair.
A big NOLES thank you goes out to Cheney Brothers!!! Chef Andrew and TJ, our sales rep, from Cheney Brothers visited Southeast High School Culinary and Agriculture students and presented a meat and seafood demonstration. The students were able to try sushi-grade salmon and beef tenderloin. It was nice seeing the students step out of their comfort zone. Thank you Chef Allen for setting this up!
Palmetto High School FFA is kicking off the Manatee County Fair in a BIG way! The amazing PHS FFA members officially launched fair week by competing in the Hay Bale Decorating Competition, and they brought creativity, teamwork, and school spirit to the Fair. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Tigers went all out with a show-stopping birthday cake for America - way to go, Tigers! The Manatee County Fair is January 15-25, 2026.
Bayshore Elementary welcomed every student into Santa’s workshop to choose one special toy for Christmas. With the generous support of our community partners, including Legacy Church, the joy was unmistakable.
Excitement and gratitude filled the room as each child proudly clutched their new treasure to take home. Because of the kindness of our community, we’re able to share moments like these and spread so much #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews. Thank you for making this possible.
Congratulations to Isabella, one of our Southeast IB Diploma Program students, on her acceptance to Yale University! This remarkable achievement reflects her dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence. We are so incredible proud of her and excited to see all she will accomplish! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Our hearts are full after spending a short time at Daughtrey Elementary School’s winter wonderland! We’re so grateful to be invited to capture the grateful smiles and holiday cheer, which is the result of an incredible staff and support from their community partners.
This year, a team of fantastic fifth grade elves joined Santa and the “chief elf” because they had the highest learning gains in science. Merry Christmas, Dolphins! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
