
A "Meet and Greet" has been scheduled with newly-appointed LRHS Principal Mike Mullen for 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 15 at the school's media center.

Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.
Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.
Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.
Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.
Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.
All volunteers must register in advance to participate.


Junior Leadership Manatee offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, businesses, government, and organizations shaping our community - while helping 11th graders build leadership skills, make connections, and explore your future.
Apply for Junior Leadership Manatee at juniorleadershipmanatee.org
Deadline: Monday, August 31st.


Join us to meet with admissions representatives from colleges, universities and technical colleges, as well as representatives from military branches.
Learn more about college applications, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

Join us for a free FAFSA Informational Workshop on Thursday, August 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main Campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East in Manatee County.
This event will answer any questions you have regarding upcoming FAFSA workshops and need-to-know information about filling out the application beginning October 2026.

During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.




Spring course exams started Friday at Lakewood Ranch High School. After the three-day holiday weekend tests resume Tuesday. Next week is early release week and "no-backpack" week for students.








#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Anchors aweigh! Thanks to dual enrollment, hard work, and dedication, Lakewood Ranch High School senior Johnny Kornett has already launched his career, landing a job with local boat manufacturer Yellowfin before graduating high school next Monday.
Johnny will also graduate in June from Manatee Technical College’s Marine Science Technology program after traveling to Atlanta to compete at the SkillsUSA National Championships, where he qualified after earning 1st place at the state competition!
Learn more #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from Mustangs Ahead at https://www.manateeschools.net/o/lakewoodranch/news

We were blown away 🌬 by the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews shared by Lakewood Ranch High School recently.
We placed a microphone on campus and asked students to answer one question: “What’s something GOOD that’s happened to you lately?”
View the video here: https://vimeo.com/1189399170/e5d9674d7a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Music Department has once again earned national recognition as a Best Communities for Music Education School Award recipient from the NAMM Foundation marking their second year in a row receiving this prestigious honor!
Out of schools across the country, only a select few are recognized for their outstanding commitment to music education and Lakewood Ranch stands among the best in Florida.
This achievement reflects the dedication of incredible educators, supportive families, talented students, and a community that truly values the power of music. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

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





Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles
Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!
Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School
From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.
Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.

In just five minutes during “C” Lunch, the cafeteria erupted with chanting crowds, ranch guzzling, and nonstop, live-streamed action. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio claimed the title, downing 29 nuggets and avoiding the ultimate fate… a chicken costume for the rest of the day.
School spirit. Community impact.
Now THAT’s how you give back. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
View the epic video here: https://vimeo.com/1175524046/d1f1b05901?share=copy

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.
