Mike Y.’s résumé reads like a season of a TV crime drama.
For 20 years, he served the streets of New York City working in street control, housing developments, anti-crime, and plainclothes units. He took on organized crime, narcotics, robberies, and homicides as part of the detective squad. It was intense, meaningful work but eventually, Mike knew it was time. The right time for change.
So he moved to Florida, guided by former NYPD officers who showed him how the skills he learned in the Big Apple could open new doors. Doors that led to protect hallways filled with students.
Now, Guardian Mike is celebrating his first school year as a school safety guardian at Parrish Community High. And while the setting has changed, the mission hasn’t.
“I like communicating with the kids,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and helps me communicate better with my own teenagers.”
As someone who grew up as a teen in the inner city of New York, the respect he receives means everything to him. No badges needed. “A fist pound is more than enough for me," he said.
Thank you, Guardian Mike, for your continued service and for keeping our students safe every single day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
For 20 years, he served the streets of New York City working in street control, housing developments, anti-crime, and plainclothes units. He took on organized crime, narcotics, robberies, and homicides as part of the detective squad. It was intense, meaningful work but eventually, Mike knew it was time. The right time for change.
So he moved to Florida, guided by former NYPD officers who showed him how the skills he learned in the Big Apple could open new doors. Doors that led to protect hallways filled with students.
Now, Guardian Mike is celebrating his first school year as a school safety guardian at Parrish Community High. And while the setting has changed, the mission hasn’t.
“I like communicating with the kids,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and helps me communicate better with my own teenagers.”
As someone who grew up as a teen in the inner city of New York, the respect he receives means everything to him. No badges needed. “A fist pound is more than enough for me," he said.
Thank you, Guardian Mike, for your continued service and for keeping our students safe every single day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians
Discover Your Pathway to Excellence: Class of 2030 High School Preview Events!
Is your student graduating 8th grade in 2026—or are you simply exploring the outstanding opportunities available in Manatee County high schools?
Now is the perfect time to see everything our schools have to offer!
From STEM academies and world-class arts programs to career & technical pathways, honors and AP courses, athletics, student leadership, and more—Manatee County high schools are ready to help your student thrive.
Manatee County high schools are hosting special preview events and/or offering private campus tours leading up to School Choice Open Enrollment in early 2026.
Families will have the chance to:
-Meet teachers, administrators, and current students
-Explore academic and specialty programs
-Tour classrooms, labs, and performance spaces
-Learn about clubs, sports, and enrichment opportunities
-Ask questions and find the best fit for your student’s interests and goals
Whether your student is part of the Class of 2030 or is simply ready to discover their future, these events are designed to help every family make an informed and confident choice.
📅 Save the Dates:
Bayshore High School:
January 13, 2026 - Time TBA or To schedule a private tour, email Jessica Schaefer at schaeferj@manateeschools.net.
Braden River High School - 7:45-9AM
Wednesday, December 10th and Friday, December 12th
RSVP Required: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hucFNeoFeEepTiFu5FjLNEZBhOmgSP1DvlQ7k8xAioBUQURNMFJURTlKUkU1MURFQTBPOFhMSFBXNi4u&origin=QRCode&fbclid=IwY2xjawOkDyVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3RGFLWjJxWnlKbnZVMXZhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrtI1x4Zoe6sPApiUdcThUywLpw0ouxq743gJINmiBVgsyhYnEA9Opv5E-zG_aem_2rC9w-PzaxltutqzrWI__w
Lakewood Ranch High School - 6-8PM
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Manatee High School - 5:30-7PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Palmetto High School -
Private Tours Available
Email: Jennifer Little at littlej@manateeschools.net
Parrish Community High School -
TBA (Early 2026)
Southeast High School - 5:30-7:30PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Your student’s bright future starts here in Manatee County schools!
Meet Guardian Chris Scardino, now proudly serving his fifth school year at Parrish Community High School. A retired Union City, New Jersey police sergeant with 27 years of service, Chris brings a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and heart to the Bulls community.
At PCHS, Chris goes far beyond his daily duties. He pours his passion into training the Bulls’ JROTC cadets, inspiring the next generation of leaders. He also serves as a girls JV soccer coach, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence on and off the field.
You’ll also find Chris at the Soar in 4 Lab, where he’s part of the rotating team supporting this early learning center, which is free for most families with children from infancy through third grade.
His service touches every corner of the campus and beyond. Chris thrives on partnership and connection. “Everybody at PCHS works together,” he says. “They are family.”
Before joining the Bulls, Chris made a lasting mark in New Jersey by designing a memorial and leading the successful renaming of six city streets to honor fallen heroes of his former police department, an accomplishment he holds close to his heart. He continues to stay in touch with many of their families, keeping their legacies alive.
Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or serving the broader community, Chris leads with purpose. Working with teens and teaching them values (especially the importance of giving back) is his bottom line.
Thank you, Guardian Scardino, for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
At PCHS, Chris goes far beyond his daily duties. He pours his passion into training the Bulls’ JROTC cadets, inspiring the next generation of leaders. He also serves as a girls JV soccer coach, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence on and off the field.
You’ll also find Chris at the Soar in 4 Lab, where he’s part of the rotating team supporting this early learning center, which is free for most families with children from infancy through third grade.
His service touches every corner of the campus and beyond. Chris thrives on partnership and connection. “Everybody at PCHS works together,” he says. “They are family.”
Before joining the Bulls, Chris made a lasting mark in New Jersey by designing a memorial and leading the successful renaming of six city streets to honor fallen heroes of his former police department, an accomplishment he holds close to his heart. He continues to stay in touch with many of their families, keeping their legacies alive.
Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or serving the broader community, Chris leads with purpose. Working with teens and teaching them values (especially the importance of giving back) is his bottom line.
Thank you, Guardian Scardino, for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The Parrish Community High School Girls’ Golf team achieved their goal of winning the Class 3A FHSAA State Championship for the first time in program history.
Read details from The Bulletin, a student journalism program sharing #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from PCHS: https://www.manateeschools.net/o/parrish/article/2554405?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK2hZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1ZIyPjmFvuf1kx8wM9v-GQh2Nfi1Vd0TxVRUpfurMKVWSyNXNNzQk15Q-qc_aem_Kq9uFASK9G1fyeLZkeCydg
Read details from The Bulletin, a student journalism program sharing #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from PCHS: https://www.manateeschools.net/o/parrish/article/2554405?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK2hZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1ZIyPjmFvuf1kx8wM9v-GQh2Nfi1Vd0TxVRUpfurMKVWSyNXNNzQk15Q-qc_aem_Kq9uFASK9G1fyeLZkeCydg
The School District of Manatee County is closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to proudly honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation.
We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.
Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.
Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Don't miss the award-winning Bulls Theatre Company's production of The Curious Savage, a 1950s comedy with heart, a host of unique characters, and a little mystery, taking place at Parrish Community High School on Nov. 14th & 15th.
Don't miss this amazing production with all elements, including set construction, accomplished by our talented students on and off stage. Thanks for your support!
Tickets: https://our.show/curioussavageatpchs
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Don't miss this amazing production with all elements, including set construction, accomplished by our talented students on and off stage. Thanks for your support!
Tickets: https://our.show/curioussavageatpchs
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
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!
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
On Thursday, Gettel Automotive Group donated an additional $25,000 to the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair program at Parrish Community High School, raising its total contribution to $100,000.
From turning wrenches to turning dreams into careers, learn how Parrish Community High’s automotive students are gaining real-world skills and inspiration for the future, thanks to strong community partnerships.
Read more: www.manateeschools.net/goodnews
From turning wrenches to turning dreams into careers, learn how Parrish Community High’s automotive students are gaining real-world skills and inspiration for the future, thanks to strong community partnerships.
Read more: www.manateeschools.net/goodnews
Thank you to HCA Florida for inviting Parrish Community High School Allied Health students and their teacher, April Thornton, to the ribbon-cutting of the new ER at North River Ranch!
Accompanied by School Board Member Heather Felton and Assistant Principal Paul Champagne, students toured the facility, explored real medical equipment, and got a firsthand look at their future in healthcare.
We’re also incredibly grateful to HCA Florida and the Manatee Education Foundation for awarding PCHS a grant in December 2024 to support this career pathway.
Partnerships like these make a real difference in preparing our students for success beyond high school. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Accompanied by School Board Member Heather Felton and Assistant Principal Paul Champagne, students toured the facility, explored real medical equipment, and got a firsthand look at their future in healthcare.
We’re also incredibly grateful to HCA Florida and the Manatee Education Foundation for awarding PCHS a grant in December 2024 to support this career pathway.
Partnerships like these make a real difference in preparing our students for success beyond high school. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
FAFSA Workshop
Seniors and Parents, do you have questions about the FAFSA? Attend the FAFSA information workshop to get all you questions answered plus learn about the FAFSA workshops starting in October to help you complete the application.
August 28, 6:00-7:30
MTC Main Campus - Wagner Auditorium
6305 State Road 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203
For more information, contact:
Erin Koerper-Novarro
Career Pathways Coordinator
(941) 751-6550 x43090
koerpere@manateeschools.net
Seniors and Parents, do you have questions about the FAFSA? Attend the FAFSA information workshop to get all you questions answered plus learn about the FAFSA workshops starting in October to help you complete the application.
August 28, 6:00-7:30
MTC Main Campus - Wagner Auditorium
6305 State Road 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203
For more information, contact:
Erin Koerper-Novarro
Career Pathways Coordinator
(941) 751-6550 x43090
koerpere@manateeschools.net
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.