Palmetto High

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!

At Palmetto High School, a blank wall became something beautiful when one of our own came home. The original artist who painted the mural on the old gym wall decades ago, stood once again on campus - brush in hand - adding fresh stripes to the new administrative building. Before: a clean canvas. After: a piece of PHS past brought forward with pride. There was something unforgettable about watching him, and his classmates, step back and admire the work — same school, same Tiger spirit. Stay tuned for the full story next week. 🐅🖤❤️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The story of our #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence creator 🏆 When the Good News team asked Southeast High School technology teacher Nicholas Smith to help create a trophy for the inaugural Good News Award of Excellence, he didn’t hesitate. Instead, he turned the request into a teaching moment—an opportunity for students in his technology lab to take on a real-world design challenge.

Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.

In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.

Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.

Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.

David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.

Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.

Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.

This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.

Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

On Tuesday, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the first-ever recipient of the School District of Manatee County's Good News Award of Excellence — Palmetto High School!

This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of those who actively share the positive, everyday stories happening in our schools and worksites.

It also shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of our District students who design and create the award trophies, while inspiring others to amplify the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews around them.

Palmetto High School, under the leadership of Principal Monica DeLesline, has set the bar high. They submitted two joyful, creative stories celebrating connections between Palmetto High and well-known District administrators.

Thus were born:
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Ginger Collins (Southeast High)
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Dr. Guy Grimes (Johnson K-8)

In these fun, heartwarming stories, the administrators’ ID badges “traveled” around the campus of their alma mater with current Tigers' staff and students.

These playful posts didn’t just entertain; they sparked a wave of nostalgia, school pride, and connection across the community.

The response was awesome:
📱 130,000+ views on Facebook alone (Q1: Aug. 11-Oct. 10)
💬 A buzz that spread across schools and campuses throughout the District

Congratulations, Palmetto High School. Thank you for spreading the Good News with creativity, heart, and Tiger pride.
You've inspired us all to celebrate the everyday moments that make our District so special. Keep the Good News coming!

#GoodNewsAwardofExcellence

Pssst... Palmetto High School. Southeast High School has a message for you and Principal Monica DeLesline.
Thanks to SETV TV teacher Ricky Bowden and students for delivering this *BREAKING NEWS* from the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team! #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence

Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gb4efokjm/

The School District of Manatee County’s 👑 King of the Road 👑 is Nick Buto! This rookie school bus driver, who joined the district in August, scored the highest while maneuvering and avoiding errors on an obstacle course at Matzke Complex on Wednesday. He drives students to-and-from Palmetto High School and Harvey K-8 Copperstone & North River Ranch campuses. Welcome to the team! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #SchoolBusSafetyWeek

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! 🎉👏

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

MSTV Game of the Week (Football)
Lakewood Ranch High at Palmetto High
Scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Watch live at https://youtube.com/live/arA7hIPAkow?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

🎉 National Merit Scholar Semifinalist Spotlight — Part 3 of 3

We are thrilled to continue our celebration of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists with Benjamin Barr, a standout student from Palmetto 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.

Benjamin has big dreams of studying Mechanical Engineering and with his drive and determination, the sky’s the limit.

👏 Congratulations, Benjamin. We can’t wait to see what your future holds. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

We kicked off the week at Palmetto High School, not realizing our photos would spark one of the biggest responses yet—nearly 96,000 views and counting! The Tigers’ love and admiration for Ms. Renae, a PHS grad who has been serving students for 31 years, and the entire Food & Nutrition Services team brought us back to the cafeteria today to say THANK YOU and encourage them to keep up the amazing work. Go Tigers! 🐅 #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

The Tigers roared into the new school year with a mix of new faces and cherished traditions! 🐅☀️ On Monday, Palmetto High seniors came together for one last sunrise, marking the start of their final year. Faculty and staff were all smiles as they welcomed students back for another amazing year at PHS! #GoodNewsBackToSchool

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.