You could feel the excitement throughout Manatee County on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
(L-to-R): School Board Chair Chad Choate, Vice-Chair Cindy Spray, Gina Messenger, Superintendent (Dr.) Jason Wysong, Richard Tatem and Mary Foreman.
New superintendent, Dr. Jason Wysong, joined school board members and the district leadership team at the Matzke Complex before the sun came up on a new school year.
During the annual tradition, district leaders wave and cheer for bus drivers and their attendants as they leave the transportation hub for their first route of the day.
School Board Vice-Chair Cindy Spray got into the spirit for the occasion, wearing a dress adorned in yellow school buses.
Miles away, families gathered at a bus stop in Palmetto.
A flurry of television cameras caught their reaction as kids boarded the school bus, along with Dr. Wysong, who planned to take the trip, too.
Bus #2107 pulled into Palmetto Elementary, just as parents who walked their students to school gave them a tight goodbye hug.
Charles Taylor, who was carrying a grocery bag filled with brand new school supplies for his daughter, recognized a familiar face in the crowd.
Taylor greeted Sarasota Herald Tribune photographer, Thomas Bender, who once photographed him as a Manatee High School student athlete in the 90’s.
Dr. Wysong would tour several classrooms and the cafeteria before wishing Principal Billie-Jo Tyne-Fintel and Assistant Principal Susie Ebbesmeyer a successful school year.
In West Bradenton, a class filled with juniors and seniors learned about their upcoming clinical experiences with local medical facilities.
Manatee High School Principal Sharon Scarbrough said hands-on learning is critical to students in the Medical Academy, who are interested in healthcare careers.
Dr. Wysong continued his tour of the historic campus and learned more about the Marine Science, Culinary and Choral programs.
The Hurricanes have a brand new turf football field, one of two high schools undergoing the project this summer.
If you’d like to check it out yourself, Manatee High’s first home game, their "Kickoff Classic", is Friday, August 18, 2023, against IMG Academy.
In Lakewood Ranch, it’s a great start to the school year at Nolan Middle School.
Media center aides are learning about their new roles and FFA officers are already planning a big year ahead.
Agriculture teacher, Carolyn Gilbert, extended an early invitation to Dr. Wysong for the Manatee County Fair in January, where students (and animals) put their best feet forward.
The superintendent stepped into the innovative Garner Holt Laboratory for the first time to learn how young engineers can benefit from working with animatronics.
Down the hall, papers lined the wall outside a Language Arts classroom with a sign that read, "Wisdom from Mr. Troop's students..."
Superintendent Wysong took out his cell phone and snapped photos of last year's assignments, which included words of advice for this year's class.
Impressed by the gesture, he asked Principal Scott Cooper to meet teacher Jason Troop to compliment and thank him for his work.
A final stop to meet cafeteria staff, who are part of the entire Food & Nutrition Services team who serve 31,000 lunches per day in Manatee County.
What’s on the menu for the first day of school? Chicken wings, or macaroni and cheese, with vegetables.
The last stop of the day: Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School, near Downtown Bradenton.
Dr. Wysong was greeted by Principal Michael Escorcia, who was dressed in a crisp new red polo and khaki pants in order to set an example for students, who wear the same uniform.
The administrative team, including Rebecca Britto and Krista Keats, visited a number of kindergarten classes.
They helped with first day assignments and even comforted an emotional student whose tooth was hanging by a thread.
It was a great day to embark on a new adventure, greet new and familiar faces, and celebrate public education!
Here are some FAST FACTS about the School District of Manatee County:
55,000 - approx. projected enrollment (VPK through 12th grade);
6,864 - approx. employees (including short-term and part-time employees);
8,353,000 - approx. number of meals served during 2022-23 school year;
12,262 - approx. number of miles driven daily by school buses.