2026 Back-to-School Jam!

FREE Family Event presented by the Bradenton Marauders and the School District of Manatee County.

Saturday, August 8
LECOM Park
Gates open at 5:00 PM.
Game starts at 6:30 PM.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Grand Slam Sponsor: SKANSKA
Fireworks Sponsor: SRQ Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Backpack Sponsors: Arsenault Dermatology, Bradenton Marauders, Chase Bank, MidFlorida Credit Union, United Data Technologies, United Way, Gulf Shore Cooling, The Carlton at Robinson Gateway, Blue Collar Roofing, B&I Contractors, Stoneybrook Neighborhood, and Del Webb Neighborhood

Students, Families and Staff - Let’s start the school year strong!
Celebrate, connect, and get ready for a great school year at this high-energy community kickoff event!

• Grab a FREE backpack filled with school essentials (while supplies last)
• Enjoy complimentary game ticket and meal voucher per person
• Explore resources from local community partners
• Experience the fun at LECOM Park with your family

Register for tickets. 

11 days ago, School District of Manatee County

Dear Teachers, Here's a special message from Dr. Laurie Breslin regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.
https://vimeo.com/1184919879/fdb68f2a7f
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

3 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school district leader wearing a red blouse smiling in front of a chalkboard graphic which reads, "Thank you, Teachers".

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.

5 months ago, School District of Manatee County
A school principal laughs as students clap and throw heart shaped confetti at her as a means of goodbye.
a school principal gives high fives through a school hallway with children clapping.