Bayshore Elementary

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

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

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

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.

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.

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#/entityId=262385.

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.