ESE Agency Fair on November 19th! Join the School District Of Manatee County as we welcome families of students with disabilities to explore support and services within the community, designed to help meet the needs of the ESE population. The ESE Agency Fair is taking place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30-7PM, at Harllee Center, 6423 9th Street East in Bradenton. More than 45 vendors from the community will be available to meet with parents and caregivers, including agencies, therapy providers, and specialized services targeting students with special needs. There will be resources, prizes, and fun as we also celebrate the grand opening of The Soar Lab - a a special place, built for all young learners (primarily ages infant to 3rd grade) and their families to grow. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2025 Advanced Learning Expo! Join us at Manatee Technical College (Main campus) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6–7:30PM, for a glimpse into the advanced learning programs and opportunities for K-12 students across the district. Come check out the elementary school interactive, hands-on, learning stations. Visit with staff and student representatives from every middle and high school showcasing their advanced academic programs, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities. Connect with many community partners ready to challenge and engage your student! There is undoubtedly something for everyone to explore at the Advanced Learning Expo! This informative and interactive family event takes place before the school choice application window opens for the 2026-27 school year, offering an opportunity for families to engage with school-based teams and explore the K-12 gifted programming and advanced learning opportunities available. Don’t miss the Advanced Learning Expo…it’s not just for gifted students anymore!

Hometown pride is shining as Braden River High alum Myles Straw (Class of 2013) takes the field on baseball’s biggest stage. The Toronto Blue Jays center fielder joins his team in the World Series on Friday night.
His former coaches weighed in:
“Myles has always stayed grounded and humble,” said Matt Bowling, Manatee High AD. “The Myles we coached years ago is still the same Myles today.”
“He’s shown that hard work and perseverance pay off,” added Erik Nelson, BRHS teacher and former coach.
Southeast High Assistant Principal Craig Page said, “He was undersized and overlooked, but he never stopped working — and he never forgot where he came from.”
Your hometown is proud of you, Myles! 💙⚾️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews





Drumroll, please! 🥁 The results are in for the 2025 Manatee County School Bus Rodeo, and the winning team is The Roadrunnerz (Beep Beep)!
Led by longtime route supervisor Gina Miller, who has dedicated 26 years of service to transportation, this team proved that even our newest drivers can rise to the challenge.
The four drivers who skillfully navigated the challenging obstacle course on Wednesday are all fairly new to our district:
🚌 Edinson and Nicholas – both joined in August
🚌 Don – celebrating one year of
service
🚌 Zeke – proudly driving for five years on and off
All the participating teams were celebrated by Director Jamie Warrington and Asst. Director Melanie Johnson.
We’ve tagged the schools whose routes they drive — please join us in congratulating them and sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews! 🎉👏

Teen Volunteers in Action: (L-to-R) Meet Conor (Parrish Community High School) and Alessandro (Manatee High School). These high school juniors, who are best friends, have teamed up to serve at The Soar Lab to help inspire passion and help kids develop a love of learning! They’re both involved in service and community organizations at their schools, including Key Club and Student Government. Bright futures ahead!
The Soar Lab
Open Friday, October 10th - 9AM-1PM
FREE for children (infants to 3rd grade) with an adult
📍6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Today marks one month since Dr. Laurie Breslin officially stepped into her role as Superintendent, and we’re proud to recognize this milestone!
In just a few short weeks, Dr. Breslin has already begun building strong connections, listening closely to school communities, and championing the success of every student and staff member. Her commitment to excellence shines through in every conversation and decision.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about the vision, experience, and heart Dr. Breslin brings to our district. Please join us in celebrating this first month of leadership and welcoming the many great things still to come.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
In just a few short weeks, Dr. Breslin has already begun building strong connections, listening closely to school communities, and championing the success of every student and staff member. Her commitment to excellence shines through in every conversation and decision.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about the vision, experience, and heart Dr. Breslin brings to our district. Please join us in celebrating this first month of leadership and welcoming the many great things still to come.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Please join us this Sunday, October 5, 2025, at select Publix locations throughout Manatee County to help Stuff the Bus.
Together, by donating non-perishable food items, we can help feed those in need and fill the shelves for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County. 🚌
✨ Watch MSTV's Stuff the Bus video: https://vimeo.com/1123574511
To volunteer or view a list of participating locations, please visit https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus

Game of the Week - Volleyball
Manatee High at Lakewood Ranch High
Scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Watch live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/zgRUsyNLoNw?feature=share
Manatee High at Lakewood Ranch High
Scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Watch live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/zgRUsyNLoNw?feature=share

Game of the Week - Volleyball
Palmetto High at Manatee High
Scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Watch live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/7nl4pKiPpeE?feature=share
Palmetto High at Manatee High
Scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Watch live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/7nl4pKiPpeE?feature=share

🎉 National Merit Scholar Semifinalist Spotlight — Part 2 of 3
We are thrilled to continue our celebration of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists with Richard Lay, a standout student from Manatee High School!
He is among the top students in the nation and part of a select group representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors who earned this prestigious honor based on their exceptional PSAT scores.
Richard plans to attend the University of Florida to study Chemical Engineering.
👏 Congratulations, Richard. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.
Stay tuned as we highlight our final National Merit Semifinalist on Thursday! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We are thrilled to continue our celebration of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists with Richard Lay, a standout student from Manatee High School!
He is among the top students in the nation and part of a select group representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors who earned this prestigious honor based on their exceptional PSAT scores.
Richard plans to attend the University of Florida to study Chemical Engineering.
👏 Congratulations, Richard. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.
Stay tuned as we highlight our final National Merit Semifinalist on Thursday! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

MSTV Game of the Week :
Get ready for Friday night lights as the Southeast Seminoles take on the Manatee Hurricanes in a can't-miss showdown!
📅 Friday, August 29, 2025
🕢 Kickoff at 7:30 PM
📺 Watch LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/APvFIDaGV8E?feature=share
Tune in to Manatee Schools Television for all the action and big plays as these two powerhouse teams battle it out under the lights. Don’t miss it!
Get ready for Friday night lights as the Southeast Seminoles take on the Manatee Hurricanes in a can't-miss showdown!
📅 Friday, August 29, 2025
🕢 Kickoff at 7:30 PM
📺 Watch LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/APvFIDaGV8E?feature=share
Tune in to Manatee Schools Television for all the action and big plays as these two powerhouse teams battle it out under the lights. Don’t miss it!

Please join us in congratulating Manatee High School custodian Lucas Dechelbor on his incredible achievement at the Special Olympics swim meet in St. Petersburg last weekend!
Lucas brought home the silver medal 🥈, and we couldn’t be more proud! He practiced all summer in the pool at G.T. Bray Park, and told us it was lucky lane #3 that brought the fast magic for him at competition.
His hard work, determination, and positive spirit shine both in and out of the pool. Lucas is not only a valued member of the Manatee High community, but also an inspiring example of perseverance and passion.
He graduated from MHS in 2017, where he received on-the-job training. Principal Shannon Fleming said he’s one of the most hard working custodians in the Hurricanes’ history!
Way to go, Lucas – we’re cheering you on! 🏊♀️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews







HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & FAMILIES : Is your student planning to attend college or technical school? Not sure where to start with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
Join us for a free FAFSA Information Workshop designed to guide families through the process of applying for financial aid.
📅 Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Manatee Technical College - 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton 34203
During this workshop, you'll learn:
✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s important
✅ Key deadlines and documents you’ll need
✅ Where to get help if you need it
Join us for a free FAFSA Information Workshop designed to guide families through the process of applying for financial aid.
📅 Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Manatee Technical College - 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton 34203
During this workshop, you'll learn:
✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s important
✅ Key deadlines and documents you’ll need
✅ Where to get help if you need it

Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system.
For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.
School Board Seeks Civic-Minded Citizens to Join Audit Committee –
The School Board of Manatee County is seeking civic-minded citizens to serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures. Membership on the Committee requires an average of five-to-eight hours per month, with meetings scheduled every other month for three hours. The term is approximately three years.
Those interested in serving must:
• Live in Manatee County.
• Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations.
• Submit a letter expressing interest, provide contact information and provide a brief summary of their work experience.
Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attention: School Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069.
Interested individuals may obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing the School Board Agency Administrative Associate at cox3l@manateeschools.net.
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#/entityId=262385.
Family Empowerment Scholarship – Parents interested in applying for either FES-EO or FES-UA may review the eligibility requirements and application instructions at https://www.manateeschools.net/FES.
