As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close on Wednesday, October 15th, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated educators and professionals who work every day to uplift students across Manatee County.
Meet Iris Garcia-Velez, an ESOL Resource Teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary. From inspiring young writers to organizing Hispanic Heritage events on campus, Mrs. Garcia’s journey into education began through volunteering in her own children’s schools. Since 2006, she has been a passionate advocate for students in Manatee County.
Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Mrs. Garcia encourages all students, regardless of where they come from, to celebrate and embrace the richness of all cultures. Thank you, Mrs. Garcia, for your dedication and for being a role model in our community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Meet Iris Garcia-Velez, an ESOL Resource Teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary. From inspiring young writers to organizing Hispanic Heritage events on campus, Mrs. Garcia’s journey into education began through volunteering in her own children’s schools. Since 2006, she has been a passionate advocate for students in Manatee County.
Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Mrs. Garcia encourages all students, regardless of where they come from, to celebrate and embrace the richness of all cultures. Thank you, Mrs. Garcia, for your dedication and for being a role model in our community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Teen Volunteers in Action: (L-to-R) Meet Conor (Parrish Community High School) and Alessandro (Manatee High School). These high school juniors, who are best friends, have teamed up to serve at The Soar Lab to help inspire passion and help kids develop a love of learning! They’re both involved in service and community organizations at their schools, including Key Club and Student Government. Bright futures ahead!
The Soar Lab
Open Friday, October 10th - 9AM-1PM
FREE for children (infants to 3rd grade) with an adult
📍6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We thought we had seen it all, but clearly The Pirates proved us wrong. To the student who brought their books to class in an air fryer for Braden River High School's #AnythingButABackpack spirit day, you are the GOAT! 🫠 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
🎭 From The Band Room to Broadway 🎶 Lakewood Ranch High School students had a rare and powerful experience this week. Two days of inspiration from Darian Sanders, Broadway’s Simba from The Lion King’s North American Tour. He shared more than a résumé. He shared his journey from worship pastor to national tours, from a $100 garage sale trumpet to standing ovations on stage.
His message? “The world needs you. Make your story ‘your story’." Thanks to award-winning director of bands, Dr. John Wilkerson and team, students walked away with more than advice. They left with belief in themselves.
Join The Mustangs, Southeast High School and more, for the 21st Annual Music in Motion Regional Competition:
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Tickets: General Admission $20 | Seniors/Military $15 | Kids 6-11 $10 | Kids 5 and Under FREE | Manatee County Students with School ID FREE
Gates open at 12 PM
Free Parking
Concessions on site
Mr. Jeff is the first smile, the first high-five, the steady presence who makes every child feel safe at Sea Breeze Elementary.
This school safety guardian once wore a badge as a New York City police officer. Five years ago, when retirement left him restless, he found a new calling by protecting and caring for the students of Sea Breeze.
“I’m like the Costco greeter… without the membership fees,” he jokes, but everyone knows Mr. Jeff is so much more.
Last week, his school family surprised him with flowers and balloons, naming him their site finalist for Support Staff Employee of the Year.
For Mr. Jeff, it was “like receiving a badge of honor.” For them, it was simply a chance to say thank you to the man who means everything to their school.
And while Sea Breeze has become his second family, nothing means more to Mr. Jeff than his first. Each morning on the commute across town, he shares a quick phone call with his daughter, a third-grade teacher at Palmetto Elementary, before they both step into their classrooms.
It’s a daily reminder that service, protection, and love for students truly run in the family. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
October is National School Principals Month. We recently asked "What makes your school leader special?".
Here's what was said about Samoset Elementary's greatest cheerleader: "Samantha Webb is an amazing hands on leader. She greets the students every morning in the cafeteria and reminds them over morning announcements how much they are loved. She still manages to be supportive of the faculty and staff both personally and professionally. She hasn't asked anything of her team that she's not willing to do."
We're grateful for you, Mrs. Webb! Thanks for all you do.
Stay tuned... more highlights to come this month.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #PrincipalAppreciation #PublicSchoolProud
🎉 Happy Fri-YAY! 🎉 A big shoutout to Monique and her team from Swig for surprising the Sea Breeze Elementary staff with treats today!
✨ They’re celebrating the release of Taylor Swift’s new album (FRIDAY ONLY) with a special drink called The Showstopper — and we love the way they’re showing support for teachers, too.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
💙 Thank you to all the local businesses who go out of their way to celebrate and encourage our incredible teachers and staff. Interested in partnering with our Good News team?
Reach out at goodnews@manateeschools.net
You might not always see them, but you always feel the impact of their work. Our custodians are the quiet force behind every clean classroom and worksite, every polished hallway, and every safe space our students learn and grow in.
They don’t just take care of our buildings and school campuses — they take pride in it. And we’re endlessly grateful.
Here’s to the custodians who go above and beyond, every single day!
We met these hardworking employees during our travels to schools and District worksites this week. For a chance to feature your favorite custodian(s), please tag us or email goodnews@manateeschools.net 🌟#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We’re proud to share that Lakewood Ranch High School is one of only three FFA chapters in Manatee County to earn national recognition through the prestigious National Chapter Award Program!
This 3-Star distinction, the highest level awarded, is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and passion of the students, advisors, and the entire Mustangs' agriscience program.
As Ms. J, agriscience teacher and FFA advisor, put it best:
“Earning recognition as a 3-Star National FFA Chapter is an incredible achievement. Our FFA chapter is an extension of the agriscience program, where classroom instruction in horticulture and animal science comes to life through leadership, hands-on experiences, and career development. This honor from National FFA validates the countless hours of hard work our students have poured into planning and executing impactful events, and it highlights the strength of agricultural education here at Lakewood Ranch High School.”
Congratulations to the LRHS FFA chapter for continuing to grow leaders, build community, and strengthen agriculture right here in Manatee County! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
This 3-Star distinction, the highest level awarded, is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and passion of the students, advisors, and the entire Mustangs' agriscience program.
As Ms. J, agriscience teacher and FFA advisor, put it best:
“Earning recognition as a 3-Star National FFA Chapter is an incredible achievement. Our FFA chapter is an extension of the agriscience program, where classroom instruction in horticulture and animal science comes to life through leadership, hands-on experiences, and career development. This honor from National FFA validates the countless hours of hard work our students have poured into planning and executing impactful events, and it highlights the strength of agricultural education here at Lakewood Ranch High School.”
Congratulations to the LRHS FFA chapter for continuing to grow leaders, build community, and strengthen agriculture right here in Manatee County! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
“How Tall Are You... in Spoons?” 📏🖐️🥄
The Soar Lab is growing, and so are our students!
It's the perfect place for families with infants and kids through third grade. Admission is free for qualifying families.
Stop by during our NEW extended hours to see just how tall you are (measured in spoons, hands, or blocks).
Soar Lab Hours:
Tuesday: 3 – 7 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Thursday: 3 – 7 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
🔗 https://www.soarin4.org/soar-lab
Come for the measurements. Stay for the momentum. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Congratulations to Joseph Baker, recently recognized by ABC7 as a Chalkboard Champion!
A dedicated educator at Buffalo Creek Middle School, Mr. Baker has been inspiring students for more than 35 years with his creativity, passion, and commitment to education.
On the day he was surprised by attorney Carl Reynolds, Mr. Baker was doing what he does best: making learning fun and memorable. He had his students playing Geo Twist — think Twister, but with a global twist! Students had to use their geography knowledge to move hands and feet to the correct countries on a world map mat.
Join us in celebrating Mr. Baker for his decades of dedication and innovative teaching style that keeps students engaged and excited to learn.
ABC 7's Chalkboard Champion Joseph Baker: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2025/09/29/manatee-county-history-teacher-mr-baker-making-learning-active
A dedicated educator at Buffalo Creek Middle School, Mr. Baker has been inspiring students for more than 35 years with his creativity, passion, and commitment to education.
On the day he was surprised by attorney Carl Reynolds, Mr. Baker was doing what he does best: making learning fun and memorable. He had his students playing Geo Twist — think Twister, but with a global twist! Students had to use their geography knowledge to move hands and feet to the correct countries on a world map mat.
Join us in celebrating Mr. Baker for his decades of dedication and innovative teaching style that keeps students engaged and excited to learn.
ABC 7's Chalkboard Champion Joseph Baker: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2025/09/29/manatee-county-history-teacher-mr-baker-making-learning-active
A life-size Lite-Brite?! Yes, please! Today's the perfect day to step into the glow of childhood nostalgia and let your little ones light up their imaginations at The Soar Lab!
Hands-on learning, creative play, and early childhood fun—all FREE for qualifying families.
📍 The Soar Lab at Harllee Center
📅 Open this week:
✔️ Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 3–7 PM
✔️ Thursday, Oct. 2 | 3–7 PM
✔️ Saturday, Oct. 4 | 9 AM–1 PM
📍 6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
🔗 soarin4.org/soar-lab
Because learning should be bright, fun, and unforgettable!
Hands-on learning, creative play, and early childhood fun—all FREE for qualifying families.
📍 The Soar Lab at Harllee Center
📅 Open this week:
✔️ Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 3–7 PM
✔️ Thursday, Oct. 2 | 3–7 PM
✔️ Saturday, Oct. 4 | 9 AM–1 PM
📍 6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
🔗 soarin4.org/soar-lab
Because learning should be bright, fun, and unforgettable!
Meet Mr. Bazell, Daughtrey Elementary school safety guardian!
A Southeast High graduate, Mr. Bazell is posted just down the road from schools he attended, Bayshore Elementary and Harllee (formerly Middle). He’s a former Bradenton Beach police officer who also served with the district’s Safety & Security team before joining the Dolphins.
His mission goes beyond safety. He makes it a point to learn the name of each student on campus. Every morning, he greets them at the front of the school alongside the principal, and no one heads to class without a fist bump from him.
Thank you, Mr. Bazell, for protecting and uplifting our students! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A Southeast High graduate, Mr. Bazell is posted just down the road from schools he attended, Bayshore Elementary and Harllee (formerly Middle). He’s a former Bradenton Beach police officer who also served with the district’s Safety & Security team before joining the Dolphins.
His mission goes beyond safety. He makes it a point to learn the name of each student on campus. Every morning, he greets them at the front of the school alongside the principal, and no one heads to class without a fist bump from him.
Thank you, Mr. Bazell, for protecting and uplifting our students! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Daughtrey Elementary School is diving into $3,000 of new reads thanks to the kindness of others! District media specialist Lori Pick delivered about a dozen boxes of brand-new books to media specialist Amy Johnson on Monday. They were donated by Books-A-Million (Bradenton) customers who gave during an annual #BackToSchool drive.
We met a group of fifth-grade Dolphins who were excited to see more of their favorites like Dog Man, I Survived, Power Rangers, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dragon Ball Z, and more - coming to their shelves soon!
Thank you, Books-A-Million and its customers, for supporting literacy across all of our schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
What a fantastic turnout at Saturday morning’s middle school cross country meet, hosted by Lee Middle School at the Home of the Bayshore High School Bruins. Thank you to the coaches, administrators, and families who came out to support these amazing student-athletes!
🏃♀️ Girls Top Finishers:
🥇 Kaitlyn – R. Dan Nolan Middle School
🥈 Tatum – Dr. Mona Jain Middle School
🥉 Emma – Nolan Middle
🏃♂️ Boys Top Finishers:
🥇 Mitch – Dr. Mona Jain Middle
🥈 Sean – Dr. Mona Jain Middle
🥉 Nathaniel – Lincoln Memorial Middle
Great job to everyone who put their best foot forward! We can’t wait to see more strong finishes at the District middle school XC meet at Palmetto High School coming soon. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We are deeply grateful to Skanska, who is currently building Artisan Lakes and Rye Ranch Elementary Schools, for taking time out of their busy schedule to support our students in such a meaningful way.
On Friday, members of their team hand-delivered hundreds of new backpacks filled with school supplies to five of our Title I schools: Samoset Elementary, Bayshore High, Moody Elementary, Sugg Middle, and Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary.
Through the generosity of Skanska and their community partners, our students will continue the year with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for showing a strong commitment to our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Happy Fri-Yay 🎉 Meet Guardian Thomas, known as “Biggie” to his R. H. Prine Elementary School family. From transporting fugitives near St. Louis to turning frowns upside down in Bradenton, this School Safety Guardian has done it all.
A retired Jefferson County, Missouri sheriff’s deputy, he is now serving his third school year keeping the Patriots safe. A proud grandfather, he finds true joy in making sure students leave school happy, safe, and worry-free — “knowing at school they can just be a kid.”
The caring school community has embraced him as one of their own and you can see it in the hallways, where students and staff greet him fondly and jokingly during his daily rounds.
As he puts it, “If I can come to work every day and make a kid smile, I know I’ve done my job.” Thanks to Biggie and all our guardian heroes for protecting our schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Friday, September 26, 2025, is HR Professionals Day, and we wish to recognize and celebrate the heart of our district's operations — our Human Resources team.
Behind every teacher in the classroom, every staff member supporting our schools, and every administrator leading with vision, there is a team of dedicated HR professionals working tirelessly to make it all possible. Thank you!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Behind every teacher in the classroom, every staff member supporting our schools, and every administrator leading with vision, there is a team of dedicated HR professionals working tirelessly to make it all possible. Thank you!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
There aren’t words to fully capture what happened Tuesday afternoon at Barbara A. Harvey K-8 at Copperstone, but if you were there... you felt it.
When their two-campus school community learned a new and beloved staff member was paying up to $90 a day just to get to work, they came together to change her life.
Read the full story at www.manateeschools.net/goodnews #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
When their two-campus school community learned a new and beloved staff member was paying up to $90 a day just to get to work, they came together to change her life.
Read the full story at www.manateeschools.net/goodnews #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Congratulations to Lakewood Ranch High School Seniors Zachariah, Kylie, and Chloe! On Monday, these talented students were recognized at the Rotary Club of Bradenton luncheon for their winning entries in the Club’s Constitution Essay Contest. Each of them proudly shared their essays in front of Rotary members, District leadership, their teacher, and — most importantly — their families. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
