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!
2 days ago, School District of Manatee County
🌴☀️ Spring Break Is Almost Here, Manatee County! ☀️🌴
Students and staff in the School District of Manatee County will be enjoying a well-deserved Spring Break March 16–20, 2026. Time to recharge, relax, and maybe soak up a little Florida sunshine!
📅 Reminder: Because of a scheduled Record Day, students will return to school on Tuesday, March 24.
Whether you’re traveling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a slower week at home, we hope our SDMC families have a safe and fun break!
Need to check important dates? You can always find the full district calendar here:
🔗
https://www.manateeschools.net/page/calendars#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
5 days ago, School District of Manatee County
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.
5 days ago, School District of Manatee County
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
6 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Two Manatee County natives and longtime principals are making moves. Last month, Principals Laura Campbell and Dr. Melinda Lundy left their respective schools to oversee the completion of construction at two new elementary schools. Their teams at Tara Elementary and Bayshore Elementary (respectively) wished them a loving farewell as they left to prepare for the opening of Veterans Elementary (Palmetto) and Rye Ranch Elementary (Parrish) in August 2026. Founding principals play a critical role in building the school from the ground up—academically, operationally, and culturally. They establish a mission, design a school logo, hire and build a staff, align academic programs, coordinate student registration, create community business partnerships, plan for opening day, and much more! We wish both Principals Campbell and Lundy an amazing new journey and can't wait to work alongside them to build new traditions of excellence at their schools.
6 days ago, School District of Manatee County
Looking for something meaningful and fun to do with your children, ages infant through third grade, this week?
The Soar in 4 Soar Lab is more than a place to visit. It’s a place where families learn how to play together.
Through hands-on activities, interactive learning stations, and guided exploration, parents and caregivers discover simple ways to spark curiosity, build confidence, and turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences.
Come explore! Create. Laugh. Learn.
Visit www.soarin4.org to plan your experience.
6423 9th Street East, Bradenton 34203
Free for most families.
This week's schedule:
Tuesday, March 3rd - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Musical Motion, Artist Spotlight, Ms. Luanne's Front Porch)
Wednesday, March 4th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Nursery Rhyme Scavenger Hunt, Artist Spotlight)
Thursday, March 5th - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Nature Detectives, 3D Printing)
Friday, March 6th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Storytime, Bubbles & Trikes, Little Explorers)
Saturday, March 7th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Mighty Machines & Special Guest: Teacher Author Kelly Kolomiychenko with Slime @ 11 a.m.)
13 days ago, School District of Manatee County
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.
about 2 months ago, School District of Manatee County
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.
3 months ago, School District of Manatee County
*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
4 months ago, School District of Manatee County
“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
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 🧡💙 Dr. Adrienne Ward is a passionate educator and the dynamic AVID Coordinator at Bayshore Elementary School - the only traditional elementary school in Manatee County offering the AVID program.
A standout student in both academics and athletics, Dr. Ward graduated from Southeast High School in 1997, where she was a basketball player, a cheerleader, and voted “Most Likable,” a title that still holds true today.
While her childhood dreams once bounced between becoming a nurse or a lawyer, it was the world of education that ultimately captured her heart.
After earning her degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, she discovered her calling in higher education, where she found true fulfillment in guiding students toward their goals.
Dr. Ward’s journey to Bayshore Elementary was inspired by her own child’s school-age years. Her energy, encouragement, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential have made her a beloved figure on campus.
She was proud to share that former Bayshore AVID Cubs, who graduated from Bayshore High School in 2025, earned their diplomas in the top 10% of their class.
From cheering on the Seminoles from the sidelines to leading AVID “cheers” in the classroom, Dr. Ward brings the same spirit and enthusiasm to her work, empowering students to take charge of their futures.
Why AVID? “We’re here to help you understand the importance of being prepared, no matter what lies ahead,” said Dr. Ward. AVID students build essential skills like organization, collaboration, notetaking, and confidence.
On Friday, Dr. Ward (right) was standing proudly as part of Bayshore El’s leadership team, alongside Dr. Melinda Lundy (center) and Kimberly DeLeo (left). They believe in the message behind them on a mural made from college pennants: AVID gives you wings! How far will you fly?
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #MyAVIDWhy
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer joined Mayor Gene Brown and members of the department on Wednesday to officially pin badges on Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary’s school safety patrols.
“May this be the first of many badges you wear in your lifetime,” said Chief Cramer.
As their peers watched proudly on, these fifth grade leaders took the pledge to promote safety and lead by example.
What made the moment even more special? Many of the leaders doing the pinning once wore those very same badges as students:
⭐ Mayor Gene Brown – Bayshore Elementary
⭐ Assistant Chief Brian Thiers – Stewart Elementary
⭐ Captain Dennis Stahley – Prine Elementary
We're proud of these fifth-grade leaders, and all Manatee County safety patrols, who show up every day to keep their classmates safe. Your service matters! 🙌🚸 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
6 months ago, School District of Manatee County
AVID Spotlight: Building Success At Bayshore Elementary School! AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is helping students across grade levels build the skills they need to succeed! Students learn how to stay organized, take focused notes, and set meaningful goals to take charge of their learning. Teachers use enhanced AVID strategies like WICOR—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—to create engaging lessons that encourage deeper thinking and teamwork. These practices help students ask thoughtful questions, work together, and think critically. With AVID, students are developing strong habits and confidence that prepare them for future academic success and lifelong learning. Fifth grade students in the spotlight this week are being guided by Ms. Nichols, Ms. Rath, and Dr. Ward. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
7 months ago, School District of Manatee County
Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system.
For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit
https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.
10 months ago, School District of Manatee County
School Board Seeks Civic-Minded Citizens to Join Audit Committee –
The School Board of Manatee County is seeking civic-minded citizens to serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures. Membership on the Committee requires an average of five-to-eight hours per month, with meetings scheduled every other month for three hours. The term is approximately three years.
Those interested in serving must:
• Live in Manatee County.
• Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations.
• Submit a letter expressing interest, provide contact information and provide a brief summary of their work experience.
Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attention: School Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069.
Interested individuals may obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing the School Board Agency Administrative Associate at
cox3l@manateeschools.net.
10 months ago, School District of Manatee County
Family Empowerment Scholarship – Parents interested in applying for either FES-EO or FES-UA may review the eligibility requirements and application instructions at
https://www.manateeschools.net/FES.
10 months ago, School District of Manatee County
