From the red carpet to the awards stage... a huge round of applause to the Robert E. Willis Elementary School Geckos who recently competed in the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival.
These young filmmakers shined at the state level, earning first place in Animation (Ava G. and Holly R. for "Color Fight"); second place in the Drama category (Grant M., Emily P., Eliana G., and Sloane R. for "Pencil Box Feud"; and third place in Animation (Fanya Z. and Avery Z. for "The Great Rescue".
Your creativity, teamwork, and hard work truly paid off. We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see what you create next!
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud principal Natalie Jadid and teacher, Hanna Cuervo. Email news@manateeschools.net to share your students and/or staff members amazing accomplishments!
These young filmmakers shined at the state level, earning first place in Animation (Ava G. and Holly R. for "Color Fight"); second place in the Drama category (Grant M., Emily P., Eliana G., and Sloane R. for "Pencil Box Feud"; and third place in Animation (Fanya Z. and Avery Z. for "The Great Rescue".
Your creativity, teamwork, and hard work truly paid off. We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see what you create next!
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud principal Natalie Jadid and teacher, Hanna Cuervo. Email news@manateeschools.net to share your students and/or staff members amazing accomplishments!
A familiar face is getting some well-deserved recognition! Clifford Lim, a dedicated physical education teacher in Manatee County, has been named Spectrum Spectrum Bay News 9's latest A+ Teacher!
Coach Lim didn’t start his career in public education, but he’s found his true calling by inspiring students to stay active, build confidence, and strive for their personal best every day.
Let’s give a huge round of applause to Coach Lim and the awesome students from Barbara A. Harvey K-8 at Copperstone for keeping #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews rolling!
Here's a link to the story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/10/28/a--teacher-shows-students-how-to-live-healthy-lifestyle-
Coach Lim didn’t start his career in public education, but he’s found his true calling by inspiring students to stay active, build confidence, and strive for their personal best every day.
Let’s give a huge round of applause to Coach Lim and the awesome students from Barbara A. Harvey K-8 at Copperstone for keeping #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews rolling!
Here's a link to the story from Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/10/28/a--teacher-shows-students-how-to-live-healthy-lifestyle-
Meet Shawn, one of our dedicated School Safety Guardians in Manatee County. A proud local, Shawn’s roots run deep in this community. He attended Oneco Elementary School, Harllee Middle, and graduated from Bayshore High School.
After an impressive 30-year law enforcement career, beginning with the Bradenton Police Department and concluding with the Tampa Police Department, Shawn returned home two years ago to continue serving—this time, protecting students and staff.
Every morning, Shawn can be found at Palma Sola Elementary School, greeting students with high-fives and smiles during drop-off. It’s his favorite part of the day, and it shows. His caring nature and connection with students make a lasting impact, especially on those who need a little extra support.
When asked about the best part of being a guardian, Shawn shared a story that speaks volumes about his heart:
“The other day, I helped a little boy put his shoe on, and he remembered me from about a month ago. You don’t often get a lot of responses out of children with special needs. After I put his shoe on, he grabbed me by the hand and led me to the swing because he remembered me pushing him before. It’s little stuff like that.”
Outside of school, Shawn is eagerly expecting his first grandchild in January, and it’s clear that family means everything to him. In fact, education runs in the family; his brother is a PE teacher at another elementary school in the district.
Thank you, Shawn, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. You are a true hometown hero! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
After an impressive 30-year law enforcement career, beginning with the Bradenton Police Department and concluding with the Tampa Police Department, Shawn returned home two years ago to continue serving—this time, protecting students and staff.
Every morning, Shawn can be found at Palma Sola Elementary School, greeting students with high-fives and smiles during drop-off. It’s his favorite part of the day, and it shows. His caring nature and connection with students make a lasting impact, especially on those who need a little extra support.
When asked about the best part of being a guardian, Shawn shared a story that speaks volumes about his heart:
“The other day, I helped a little boy put his shoe on, and he remembered me from about a month ago. You don’t often get a lot of responses out of children with special needs. After I put his shoe on, he grabbed me by the hand and led me to the swing because he remembered me pushing him before. It’s little stuff like that.”
Outside of school, Shawn is eagerly expecting his first grandchild in January, and it’s clear that family means everything to him. In fact, education runs in the family; his brother is a PE teacher at another elementary school in the district.
Thank you, Shawn, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. You are a true hometown hero! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
Early Literacy Summit: A Powerful Day of Learning!
On Saturday, October 25th, the Elementary Curriculum Department hosted the Early Literacy Summit at Palmetto High School, bringing together more than 130 passionate Pre-K through 3rd grade educators from across the School District of Manatee County.
This inspiring event focused on building the foundational skills essential to student reading success, equipping teachers with tools and strategies to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
The summit began with an inspiring keynote session by Wiley Blevins, a renowned expert in phonics and fluency. Following the keynote, educators had the opportunity to choose from various breakout sessions covering topics such as dyslexia and interactive word walls.
Additionally, attendees participated in a community-sponsored giveaway, with prizes ranging from Bradenton Marauders tickets to educational books for their classrooms.
Check out photos from this extraordinary event! Let’s build strong readers—together! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Harrison Hove, senior lecturer and interim chair of the Journalism Department at the University of Florida, along with two of his students, visited with journalism and media studies students at Bayshore High School on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Professor Hove presented students with options available to them in the Journalism Department, discussed avenues for attending University of Florida, related SMI (Summer Media Institute) information, along with the availability of scholarships.
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud Paw Print newspaper advisor, Jean Faulk.
Professor Hove presented students with options available to them in the Journalism Department, discussed avenues for attending University of Florida, related SMI (Summer Media Institute) information, along with the availability of scholarships.
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud Paw Print newspaper advisor, Jean Faulk.
At Palmetto High School, a blank wall became something beautiful when one of our own came home. The original artist who painted the mural on the old gym wall decades ago, stood once again on campus - brush in hand - adding fresh stripes to the new administrative building. Before: a clean canvas. After: a piece of PHS past brought forward with pride. There was something unforgettable about watching him, and his classmates, step back and admire the work — same school, same Tiger spirit. Stay tuned for the full story next week. 🐅🖤❤️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
This week, we announced the winner of our first-ever Good News Award of Excellence. We also visited the creators of the award trophy, and the qualifying prototypes, which are now on display in Nicholas Smith's classroom at Southeast High School.
The students have moved on to new projects solving real-world problems, but we appreciate their skill and time helping us recognize the Good News happening in our schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
It’s Friday, friends—oh yes, it’s true,
A Halloween Friday? BOO-yeah, woo-hoo!
Costumes, candy, pumpkins that glow,
Stories of friendly ghosts saying hello.
From kindergarten giggles to seniors so cool,
Everyone’s feeling that Halloween rule:
Be kind, be safe, have fun with your crew,
Share laughs and smiles in everything you do.
Have a sweet day, enjoy every scene…
Happy Friday & Happy Halloween! 👻 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
In honor of National First Responders Day, School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services invited first responders to eat lunch with students at 11 elementary schools across Manatee County.
At R. H. Prine Elementary School, first responders from Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue sat shoulder-to-shoulder with kindergarten through fifth graders, talking about everything from Halloween costumes to math problems.
For the students, it was a chance to ask questions, say thank you and see their community heroes up close.
A simple lunch. A meaningful connection. A day our students won’t forget. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The story of our #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence creator 🏆 When the Good News team asked Southeast High School technology teacher Nicholas Smith to help create a trophy for the inaugural Good News Award of Excellence, he didn’t hesitate. Instead, he turned the request into a teaching moment—an opportunity for students in his technology lab to take on a real-world design challenge.
Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.
In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.
Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.
Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.
David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.
Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.
Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.
This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.
In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.
Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.
Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.
David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.
Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.
Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.
This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Tuesday, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the first-ever recipient of the School District of Manatee County's Good News Award of Excellence — Palmetto High School!
This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of those who actively share the positive, everyday stories happening in our schools and worksites.
It also shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of our District students who design and create the award trophies, while inspiring others to amplify the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews around them.
Palmetto High School, under the leadership of Principal Monica DeLesline, has set the bar high. They submitted two joyful, creative stories celebrating connections between Palmetto High and well-known District administrators.
Thus were born:
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Ginger Collins (Southeast High)
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Dr. Guy Grimes (Johnson K-8)
In these fun, heartwarming stories, the administrators’ ID badges “traveled” around the campus of their alma mater with current Tigers' staff and students.
These playful posts didn’t just entertain; they sparked a wave of nostalgia, school pride, and connection across the community.
The response was awesome:
📱 130,000+ views on Facebook alone (Q1: Aug. 11-Oct. 10)
💬 A buzz that spread across schools and campuses throughout the District
Congratulations, Palmetto High School. Thank you for spreading the Good News with creativity, heart, and Tiger pride.
You've inspired us all to celebrate the everyday moments that make our District so special. Keep the Good News coming!
#GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of those who actively share the positive, everyday stories happening in our schools and worksites.
It also shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of our District students who design and create the award trophies, while inspiring others to amplify the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews around them.
Palmetto High School, under the leadership of Principal Monica DeLesline, has set the bar high. They submitted two joyful, creative stories celebrating connections between Palmetto High and well-known District administrators.
Thus were born:
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Ginger Collins (Southeast High)
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Dr. Guy Grimes (Johnson K-8)
In these fun, heartwarming stories, the administrators’ ID badges “traveled” around the campus of their alma mater with current Tigers' staff and students.
These playful posts didn’t just entertain; they sparked a wave of nostalgia, school pride, and connection across the community.
The response was awesome:
📱 130,000+ views on Facebook alone (Q1: Aug. 11-Oct. 10)
💬 A buzz that spread across schools and campuses throughout the District
Congratulations, Palmetto High School. Thank you for spreading the Good News with creativity, heart, and Tiger pride.
You've inspired us all to celebrate the everyday moments that make our District so special. Keep the Good News coming!
#GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
Pssst... Palmetto High School. Southeast High School has a message for you and Principal Monica DeLesline.
Thanks to SETV TV teacher Ricky Bowden and students for delivering this *BREAKING NEWS* from the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team! #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gb4efokjm/
Thanks to SETV TV teacher Ricky Bowden and students for delivering this *BREAKING NEWS* from the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team! #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gb4efokjm/
As School Bus Safety Week rolled to a close, the Manatee District transportation family came together to celebrate.
From the drivers and aides to the mechanics, route administrators, and dispatchers — every role plays a part in ensuring that thousands of students arrive at school and return home safely.
On Friday, Bayside Community Church (North River Campus) showed their appreciation by serving a delicious lunch, while several community and business partners added to the celebration with special treats and tokens of gratitude.
Adding to the fun, Linda Agresta took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Matzke garage, where our unsung heroes are working under the hoods of school buses, repairing engines, changing tires, and performing countless tasks that keep our fleet running strong.
On Saturday, Jay and TJ drove a brand new school bus to The Soar Lab for the smallest learners and their families to explore.
It was a perfect way to wrap up a week dedicated to safety, teamwork, and appreciation.
Happy School Bus Safety Week! 🚌💛 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Being a school principal is sometimes a dirty job, but somebody AWESOME has to do it! On Friday, Principal Jennie Grimes (front left) and Asst. Principal Heather Sills became human ice cream sundaes in the spirit of school fundraising.
A member of the Palma Sola Elementary School family recently wrote this about Jennie Grimes:
“Mrs. Grimes is the heartbeat of our little community school. She wants the best for all of her students, supports her staff, created an environment where they’re thriving with active construction on campus, and is always willing to be fun and goofy for the students! She keeps parents informed, is a great communicator, and exemplary leader on campus.
She is accessible, kind, and innovative - always striving towards improvement and new ideas for our PSE community. So lucky to be a Panther! 🐾 💙 💛”
We couldn’t agree more! Thank for all you do, Mrs. Grimes. #NationalPrincipalsMonth #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A member of the Palma Sola Elementary School family recently wrote this about Jennie Grimes:
“Mrs. Grimes is the heartbeat of our little community school. She wants the best for all of her students, supports her staff, created an environment where they’re thriving with active construction on campus, and is always willing to be fun and goofy for the students! She keeps parents informed, is a great communicator, and exemplary leader on campus.
She is accessible, kind, and innovative - always striving towards improvement and new ideas for our PSE community. So lucky to be a Panther! 🐾 💙 💛”
We couldn’t agree more! Thank for all you do, Mrs. Grimes. #NationalPrincipalsMonth #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Hometown pride is shining as Braden River High alum Myles Straw (Class of 2013) takes the field on baseball’s biggest stage. The Toronto Blue Jays center fielder joins his team in the World Series on Friday night.
His former coaches weighed in:
“Myles has always stayed grounded and humble,” said Matt Bowling, Manatee High AD. “The Myles we coached years ago is still the same Myles today.”
“He’s shown that hard work and perseverance pay off,” added Erik Nelson, BRHS teacher and former coach.
Southeast High Assistant Principal Craig Page said, “He was undersized and overlooked, but he never stopped working — and he never forgot where he came from.”
Your hometown is proud of you, Myles! 💙⚾️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Friday, Palma Sola Elementary pulled out all the stops to celebrate their beloved crossing guard, Maggie Pappa, on her 92nd birthday! 🎂💐 The devoted matriarch and lifelong Pittsburgh fan also stays active and healthy by being a fixture at LECOM Park during Pirates’ spring training and the Bradenton Marauders’ baseball season. More than two decades and running! See how the community came together to honor her kindness and spirit at https://www.manateeschools.net/goodnews We love you too, Ms. Maggie! 💛🖤
Bridget Jones had quite the Wednesday! After a regular day at work, she headed home with a brand new 65” smart TV. It was the grand prize in the School Bus Safety Week raffle held at the Matzke Complex, a gift provided with support from sponsors.
Bridget is a long-time district employee with more than three decades of dedicated service. Recently, she transitioned from her role as a teacher aide to become a bus aide in the Transportation Department. Though she’s only been with her new team for a few weeks, her coworkers were quick to celebrate her big win and even helped load the TV into her car!
Congratulations, Bridget, and thank you for your continued commitment to our students and schools! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Bridget is a long-time district employee with more than three decades of dedicated service. Recently, she transitioned from her role as a teacher aide to become a bus aide in the Transportation Department. Though she’s only been with her new team for a few weeks, her coworkers were quick to celebrate her big win and even helped load the TV into her car!
Congratulations, Bridget, and thank you for your continued commitment to our students and schools! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The School District of Manatee County’s 👑 King of the Road 👑 is Nick Buto!
This rookie school bus driver, who joined the district in August, scored the highest while maneuvering and avoiding errors on an obstacle course at Matzke Complex on Wednesday.
He drives students to-and-from Palmetto High School and Harvey K-8 Copperstone & North River Ranch campuses.
Welcome to the team! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #SchoolBusSafetyWeek
Drumroll, please! 🥁 The results are in for the 2025 Manatee County School Bus Rodeo, and the winning team is The Roadrunnerz (Beep Beep)!
Led by longtime route supervisor Gina Miller, who has dedicated 26 years of service to transportation, this team proved that even our newest drivers can rise to the challenge.
The four drivers who skillfully navigated the challenging obstacle course on Wednesday are all fairly new to our district:
🚌 Edinson and Nicholas – both joined in August
🚌 Don – celebrating one year of
service
🚌 Zeke – proudly driving for five years on and off
All the participating teams were celebrated by Director Jamie Warrington and Asst. Director Melanie Johnson.
We’ve tagged the schools whose routes they drive — please join us in congratulating them and sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews! 🎉👏
It’s School Bus Safety Week! Our Transportation team was all smiles while cheering on their favorite drivers at today’s District School Bus Rodeo! 🚌
After a decade-long hiatus, this friendly competition is back on the road and drivers were revved up to claim the title of King or Queen of the Road! 👑
Here’s a look at our Transportation family enjoying the fun in between school drop-offs and pick-ups.
A special thank you to all the sponsors who supported the event by providing lunch, prizes, and T-shirts. Your generosity kept the energy rolling!
Stay tuned - we’ll post the winning teams up next…#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #SchoolBusSafetyWeek
After a decade-long hiatus, this friendly competition is back on the road and drivers were revved up to claim the title of King or Queen of the Road! 👑
Here’s a look at our Transportation family enjoying the fun in between school drop-offs and pick-ups.
A special thank you to all the sponsors who supported the event by providing lunch, prizes, and T-shirts. Your generosity kept the energy rolling!
Stay tuned - we’ll post the winning teams up next…#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #SchoolBusSafetyWeek
