The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens today. Members of the class of 2027 can use this opportunity to help fund their future educational goals.

2026 FAFSA Workshops kickoff on Tuesday, October 6!

The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.

If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.

All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.

The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School

Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.

Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.

Join SDMC Visual & Performing Arts for the 2026 All-County Orchestra Concert this Saturday, October 3 at 4:30 p.m.

The All-County Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble that showcases some of the county's finest young musicians, including students from 10 of our traditional public schools.

The concert is open to the public 🎻 and free to attend!

📍 SCF (Neel Auditorium): 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207

Three Manatee County high school marching band programs put their best foot forward at the Seminole Sound Spectacular on September 26, 2026. According to the FFCC (Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit) musicians and performers from Braden River High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Parrish Community High School participated in the outdoor competition.

We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!

MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/

Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!

Representative from the University of Florida will visit Lakewood Ranch High School Friday. Seniors will have an opportunity to learn about the school's programs and opportunities.

Tuesday is post-secondary education night, an opportunity for students to learn more about the possibilities they face after graduation.

Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Mustangs will have a chance to hear from a wide variety of colleges and universities this month as they prepare for their post secondary futures.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has a variety of honors and awards available to student athletes. Contact the FHSAA for further information.

Representatives from the University of South Florida will visit LRHS seniors Monday, Aug. 31 in the school auditorium.

Representative from Florida State University will talk with LRHS seniors during third period Aug. 27.

Opportunity to Earn Volunteer Hours - Stuff the Bus: October 11, 2026

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.

Manatee County Government and the School District of Manatee County are excited to announce Model Manatee, a multi-week program designed to educate high school juniors and seniors on how County government works, how it impacts them, and how to engage in the decision-making process.

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.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Lakewood Ranch High School! Your dedication inside and outside the classroom has led to incredible accomplishments and your excellence shines brightly. Go forward with confidence, Mustangs!

Happy Graduation Week! ✨ Superintendent Laurie Breslin has a message for the Class of 2026 and all who have helped them reach this milestone. Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/1191294933/2b0ef8bf2e
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Encore! Excellence in Music Education at Lakewood Ranch High School

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

The 2026–2027 Superintendents’ Advisory Panel kicked off last week with current 11th-grade student leaders. Throughout the next year, they will meet with the superintendent and district leadership to share their perspectives on student success. Through thoughtful discussions, students will provide input on access to programs and resources, college and career readiness, and what is working well across their schools—as well as areas that could be improved. Their insights will help inform key elements of the district’s next strategic plan. The panel will reconvene in the fall when these students return as high school seniors, and we are grateful for their meaningful contributions and ongoing participation. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews