School District of Manatee County
Education with Innovation and Imagination
Shout out to PCHS Junior Savannah White for being this year’s recipient of the Yale Book Award. This prestigious recognition is presented annually by local Yale alumni clubs to outstanding high school juniors (11th graders) demonstrating exceptional personal character, leadership, and intellectual promise.
Topping out at Rye Ranch Elementary School! We're grateful for the dedication, craftsmanship, and pride this crew brings every day. From foundation to future, Executive Principal, Dr. Melinda Lundy, is excited to welcome students, families, and staff this August! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The energy was undeniable at Southeast High School this week!
AVID students in grades 9th through 11th heard from Andres Lara, also known as The Cuban Guy, whose powerful message centered on one key truth—success comes from hard work and relentless effort.
As he continued visiting schools across Manatee County, students were reminded to stay focused, stay driven, and never lose sight of their goals.
✨ Put in the work. See the results. ✨ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A powerful message of purpose and perseverance was shared at Sugg Middle School this week. Students and staff had the opportunity to hear from Darrell “Coach D” Andrews. He encouraged staff to prioritize self-care and well-being. He challenged 8th grade students to understand that success is built through hard work, consistency, and effort. As he continues visiting schools across Manatee County, one message stood strong: ✨ What you put in today shapes who you become tomorrow. ✨ We’re grateful to our community partners, including Manatee Education Foundation, for championing these annual efforts to uplift educators, empower students, and encourage everyone to push toward the finish line. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Spirit Week at Daughtrey Elementary School was nothing short of electric! 🎉
When you bring together hundreds of K–5 students, passionate educators, and a motivational speaker who blends music, energy, and a love for literacy—you get an unforgettable experience.
This week, L. Kobie Da Wiz brought the hype with high-energy pep rallies across Manatee County, inspiring students to believe in themselves and give it their all.
One message rang loud and clear:
✨ “Do your best on the test!” ✨
Special thanks to our generous community partners, including Manatee Education Foundation for supporting Spirit Week! #manateeschoolsgoodnews
Congratulations to all the middle and high school performers who wowed the crowd on Saturday at “Yes We Can DANCE”.
Dancers from Manatee High and Bayshore High schools took to the stage in the beautiful Davis Theatre at MHS. They were joined by dancers from Braden River Middle, Lee Middle, and more. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Kinnan Elementary’s STREAM Night was truly out of this world!
Families recently blasted off into an evening packed with hands-on math games, stellar reading activities, and plenty of time to connect as a school community. From start to finish, the fun was astronomical!
Safe to say these young learners are reaching for the stars!
Families recently blasted off into an evening packed with hands-on math games, stellar reading activities, and plenty of time to connect as a school community. From start to finish, the fun was astronomical!
Safe to say these young learners are reaching for the stars!
Families are invited to learn from an expert panel about supporting your student's learning journey!
Join us for a Parent University on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Desoto Boys & Girls Club, located at 5236 30th Street West, Bradenton.
Students are welcome to attend.
Please RSVP by email to Omar Edwards at edwardso@manateeschools.net.
Meet Stefanie Minihan, one of the creative forces behind Braden River High School's student success! Recently named an ABC7 Chalkboard Champion, her experience in marketing, fashion design, and photography is helping teens turn creativity into career readiness.
Under her leadership, the Pirates launched Captain’s Cargo, a student-run store generating $35,000 in annual sales through student-designed merchandise. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, Mrs. Minihan.
Watch her impact in action: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/03/19/stefanie-minihan-teaches-marketing-graphic-design-through-school-clothing-store/ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
At Lakewood Ranch High School, two school leaders (both Bayshore High School alumni) turned fundraising into a full-on showdown. Thomas "Fancy Sauce" Bellantonio and Tommy "Team Ranch" Cuervo challenged students to support United Way Suncoast with a lunch competition. The prize? Ringside seats to a chicken nugget eating battle for the ages.
In just five minutes during “C” Lunch, the cafeteria erupted with chanting crowds, ranch guzzling, and nonstop, live-streamed action. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio claimed the title, downing 29 nuggets and avoiding the ultimate fate… a chicken costume for the rest of the day.
School spirit. Community impact.
Now THAT’s how you give back. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
View the epic video here: https://vimeo.com/1175524046/d1f1b05901?share=copy
In just five minutes during “C” Lunch, the cafeteria erupted with chanting crowds, ranch guzzling, and nonstop, live-streamed action. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio claimed the title, downing 29 nuggets and avoiding the ultimate fate… a chicken costume for the rest of the day.
School spirit. Community impact.
Now THAT’s how you give back. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
View the epic video here: https://vimeo.com/1175524046/d1f1b05901?share=copy
A Manatee High School student is already chasing his dream of becoming a pilot, and a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Manatee Technical College will give him hands-on experience to better understand aircraft and launch a successful career in aviation.
With a state-of-the-art facility set to open early next year near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), students like Ashton will gain real-world skills that can take them from the classroom to high-demand careers in the aviation industry. ✈️
Here's a link to the full story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/03/24/new-aviation-maintenance-technician-program-at-mtc-to-begin-in-january #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
With a state-of-the-art facility set to open early next year near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), students like Ashton will gain real-world skills that can take them from the classroom to high-demand careers in the aviation industry. ✈️
Here's a link to the full story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/03/24/new-aviation-maintenance-technician-program-at-mtc-to-begin-in-january #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Tuesday, students at Palma Sola Elementary School, including 4th and 5th grade, gifted, and STEM classes, returned to campus to find newly renovated classrooms waiting for them! ✨
A special shout-out to the school district staff and teachers who are making the magic happen during the school year. This transformation isn’t over yet… construction continues, so stay tuned for more exciting updates!
Spring into STEAM at The Soar Lab!
Looking for something fun and educational to do during Spring Break? The Soar Lab will be OPEN the week of March 16th through 20th while schools are closed, offering hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Young learners can explore a variety of exciting themes throughout the week, including science, art, space, math, drama, and technology—all through interactive play and discovery.
Best of all, The Soar Lab is free for most families with children from infants through third grade.
Tuesday, March 17 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Mad Scientist)
Wednesday, March 18 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Art-a-Palooza)
Thursday, March 19 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Space)
Friday, March 20 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Math Mania)
Saturday, March 21 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Drama & Technology-Coding)
📍 6423 9th Street East, Bradenton
Visit www.soarin4.org for more information.
Bring your little explorers and let them learn, create, and imagine at The Soar Lab this Spring Break!
Looking for something fun and educational to do during Spring Break? The Soar Lab will be OPEN the week of March 16th through 20th while schools are closed, offering hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Young learners can explore a variety of exciting themes throughout the week, including science, art, space, math, drama, and technology—all through interactive play and discovery.
Best of all, The Soar Lab is free for most families with children from infants through third grade.
Tuesday, March 17 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Mad Scientist)
Wednesday, March 18 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Art-a-Palooza)
Thursday, March 19 - 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. (Space)
Friday, March 20 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Math Mania)
Saturday, March 21 - 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (Drama & Technology-Coding)
📍 6423 9th Street East, Bradenton
Visit www.soarin4.org for more information.
Bring your little explorers and let them learn, create, and imagine at The Soar Lab this Spring Break!
More than a dozen teachers, staff, and both administrators from Palma Sola Elementary School are waking up with fresh ink. Their new “tattoos” feature everything from sea creatures and puppies to monster trucks and unicorns. All for a good cause, of course. Students who reached a fundraising goal got to #TattooATeacher ✨ Total raised for United Way Suncoast = $900+ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Volunteers spread to fourth grade classrooms across Manatee County on Thursday for the Manatee Chamber’s Project TEACH. Students learned about first impressions, career opportunities, and created their first business cards. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Wednesday, students in the NSTEM program at Southeast High presented their hydroponics research, showcasing the innovative learning happening in our classrooms.
Using a hydroponics system that is one of only five in the country, students grew lettuce while testing different chemical variables to study how they impact plant growth. Representatives from the National STEM Honor Society National Office and EdRack manufacturers joined virtually to hear the students’ findings and answer questions.
Hands-on opportunities like this allow students to explore new passions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.
Thanks to Brittany Devlin, M.Ed. for guiding these talented students. The future of STEM is growing right here in Manatee County! 🌱🔬 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Throughout our kindergarten program, we aim to build six key skills in our students, setting them up for success on the rest of their educational journey:
⭐ Resilience
⭐ Integrity
⭐ Critical Thinking
⭐ Communication
⭐ Awareness
⭐ Adaptability
Enroll your child in Manatee County kindergarten and give them the strong start they deserve!
Get started at https://www.manateeschools.net/o/sdmc/page/registration.
⭐ Resilience
⭐ Integrity
⭐ Critical Thinking
⭐ Communication
⭐ Awareness
⭐ Adaptability
Enroll your child in Manatee County kindergarten and give them the strong start they deserve!
Get started at https://www.manateeschools.net/o/sdmc/page/registration.
Young performers, music educators, and families from approximately 30 schools came together on February 26, 2026, at Braden River High School for the All County Elementary Music Festival.
Manatee Schools Television was there for the rehearsals held at Johnson K-8: https://vimeo.com/1168251040/b4292df969
Watch the entire 2026 All County Elementary Music Festival at this link: https://vimeo.com/1168251040
What a beautiful evening celebrating creativity and arts in education!
We had the pleasure of attending the K–12 School District of Manatee County Art Exhibit, now on display at the Herrig Center for the ARTS.
The exhibit highlights incredible student 2-D and 3-D works from young artists across the district.
One of the best parts of the evening was meeting the artists themselves, who proudly shared their pieces and the stories behind them.
Families, school board members, educators, and community members all came together to support and celebrate these students.
Awards were also presented in several categories by Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin and Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, recognizing outstanding creativity and achievement.
If you have the chance, stop by the Herrig Center for the Arts through March 20th to see this inspiring exhibit!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
🎉 104 years young! Happy Birthday to legendary coach and WWII Navy veteran Eddie Shannon.
Manatee High School alumni and friends gathered at MISSION BBQ to celebrate with stories, laughter, and heartfelt wishes for the coach who inspired generations.
Coach always reminds us: “Keep a going.” And at 104, he’s still showing us how. 💙🏈 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
