On Tuesday, Genny Gnopf, a longtime registrar for the School District of Manatee County, greeted families with a warm smile at the new Harvey K-8 at North River Ranch campus.
During a special event called Shark Quest, families walked a red carpet and met school principal Dr. Hayley Rio, a proven leader who collaborated with district staff and construction teams since the project began in November 2024.
The event celebrated family, memories, and education, setting the stage for the new school opening on August 11, 2025, for fourth through sixth graders.
The tour featured fun activities for all ages, including splatter painting a shark mural, a photo booth-style ribbon cutting, and a fossil dig under the new PE pavilion.
Students eagerly embarked on a scavenger hunt to find their classrooms, exploring the state-of-the-art facilities. Teachers and staff, decked out in shark accessories, were welcoming.
Rising sixth graders were excited about electives like agriculture, art, music, STEM, engineering, and the medical academy, catering to diverse interests.
Nick Leduc, a former Manatee County Teacher of the Year, greeted families. His STEM and engineering classroom will feature hands-on learning with computers, circuits, robots, and 3D printers.
Cory Bernaert, formerly a kindergarten teacher, is now leading the Innovation Lab, focusing on creative writing, TV production, yearbook creation, and more. His enthusiasm for building new traditions was evident.
Teacher Olivia Swartling offered wildflower seeds to her future students. Her Ag-Xplore class will combine agricultural lessons with home economics, covering animals, plants, sewing, baking, and career explorations.
Families admired the pristine cafeteria, “Sharks Café,” and the shiny new gymnasium, which will host middle school sports. The excitement and pride in the air were tangible.
As the event ended, families left with smiles and dreams of what’s to come. The opening of Harvey K-8 at North River Ranch marks the start of a journey filled with family, cherished memories, and a passion for excellence in education.