Spend just five minutes with Tania Vidal from School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services, and it feels like flipping open a page of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her warmth, humor, and heart for children have made her a beloved figure at Prine Elementary School, where she’s been serving breakfast, lunch (and a whole lot of love!) for the past 28 years.
It all began when Tania’s own children were students at Prine. Living just across the street, she was already a familiar face on campus as a daily volunteer. Then came the thought that changed everything:
"I figured, I might as well get paid if I’m going to be up here all the time."
So, she joined the cafeteria team as a four-hour food service worker. Fast forward nearly three decades, and she’s now the school’s cafeteria manager, a role she’s held for the past 12 years. But ask anyone at Prine, and they'll tell you: Tania is much more than her title.
She’s the one in the colorful hat. The tutu. The costume. Whatever it takes to bring joy to the kids.
“We do a lot of theme days and special events,” she says with a proud smile. “First Responders Day is one of my favorites. The firefighters come in and eat with the kids. It’s a big deal for them.”
Her energy is contagious, and her love for students is unwavering. That’s what also led her to volunteer with Girls on the Run, an extracurricular club that empowers girls through movement.
“I love showing them that a 63-year-old can still get out there, stretch, and have some fun,” she laughs. “They get a real kick out of me in my tutus.”
Tania and her cafeteria crew don’t just feed Prine students. They also prepare meals for a local private school and charter school. And yes, when she shows up in full costume to deliver lunches, she’s met with cheers and hugs.
She’s now feeding the children and grandchildren of former students, a legacy that humbles and delights her. She shares a favorite memory from a visit to Walmart with her late husband, when a little boy couldn’t take his eyes off her. He tugged on his mother’s pants and whispered, “She’s the one.” When his mother asked who he meant, he answered without hesitation:
“She’s the one who cooks better than you!”
Even in the grocery store, Tania gets questions about lunch balances, though she laughs and gently reminds people, “I deal with 800 students. I can’t tell you how much little Johnny has on his account.”
But even with the long days, the laughter, and the occasional costume, what Tania talks about most is her team.
“I am so extremely fortunate. I have a true team effort here,” she says. “Everybody steps up and helps anybody that needs help.”
Even when they’re short-staffed, even when the day gets tough, the cafeteria crew keeps going. Staff from across the school have been known to jump in with hairnets and gloves to help when needed. Because at Prine, that’s just how things are done.
“This is what I live for... working here,” Tania says, eyes lighting up. “I really do. I love it.”
And judging by the generations of students who still remember her, laugh with her, and feel cared for in her cafeteria, the love she gives has never gone unnoticed. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
It all began when Tania’s own children were students at Prine. Living just across the street, she was already a familiar face on campus as a daily volunteer. Then came the thought that changed everything:
"I figured, I might as well get paid if I’m going to be up here all the time."
So, she joined the cafeteria team as a four-hour food service worker. Fast forward nearly three decades, and she’s now the school’s cafeteria manager, a role she’s held for the past 12 years. But ask anyone at Prine, and they'll tell you: Tania is much more than her title.
She’s the one in the colorful hat. The tutu. The costume. Whatever it takes to bring joy to the kids.
“We do a lot of theme days and special events,” she says with a proud smile. “First Responders Day is one of my favorites. The firefighters come in and eat with the kids. It’s a big deal for them.”
Her energy is contagious, and her love for students is unwavering. That’s what also led her to volunteer with Girls on the Run, an extracurricular club that empowers girls through movement.
“I love showing them that a 63-year-old can still get out there, stretch, and have some fun,” she laughs. “They get a real kick out of me in my tutus.”
Tania and her cafeteria crew don’t just feed Prine students. They also prepare meals for a local private school and charter school. And yes, when she shows up in full costume to deliver lunches, she’s met with cheers and hugs.
She’s now feeding the children and grandchildren of former students, a legacy that humbles and delights her. She shares a favorite memory from a visit to Walmart with her late husband, when a little boy couldn’t take his eyes off her. He tugged on his mother’s pants and whispered, “She’s the one.” When his mother asked who he meant, he answered without hesitation:
“She’s the one who cooks better than you!”
Even in the grocery store, Tania gets questions about lunch balances, though she laughs and gently reminds people, “I deal with 800 students. I can’t tell you how much little Johnny has on his account.”
But even with the long days, the laughter, and the occasional costume, what Tania talks about most is her team.
“I am so extremely fortunate. I have a true team effort here,” she says. “Everybody steps up and helps anybody that needs help.”
Even when they’re short-staffed, even when the day gets tough, the cafeteria crew keeps going. Staff from across the school have been known to jump in with hairnets and gloves to help when needed. Because at Prine, that’s just how things are done.
“This is what I live for... working here,” Tania says, eyes lighting up. “I really do. I love it.”
And judging by the generations of students who still remember her, laugh with her, and feel cared for in her cafeteria, the love she gives has never gone unnoticed. #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
“How Tall Are You... in Spoons?” 📏🖐️🥄
The Soar Lab is growing, and so are our students!
It's the perfect place for families with infants and kids through third grade. Admission is free for qualifying families.
Stop by during our NEW extended hours to see just how tall you are (measured in spoons, hands, or blocks).
Soar Lab Hours:
Tuesday: 3 – 7 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Thursday: 3 – 7 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 6413 9th Street East, Bradenton
🔗 https://www.soarin4.org/soar-lab
Come for the measurements. Stay for the momentum. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Happy Fri-Yay 🎉 Meet Guardian Thomas, known as “Biggie” to his R. H. Prine Elementary School family. From transporting fugitives near St. Louis to turning frowns upside down in Bradenton, this School Safety Guardian has done it all.
A retired Jefferson County, Missouri sheriff’s deputy, he is now serving his third school year keeping the Patriots safe. A proud grandfather, he finds true joy in making sure students leave school happy, safe, and worry-free — “knowing at school they can just be a kid.”
The caring school community has embraced him as one of their own and you can see it in the hallways, where students and staff greet him fondly and jokingly during his daily rounds.
As he puts it, “If I can come to work every day and make a kid smile, I know I’ve done my job.” Thanks to Biggie and all our guardian heroes for protecting our schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Thank you to ABC7's Linda Carson for inviting Derek Jensen, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, and Debra Estes, Director of ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language programs to celebrate #HispanicHeritageMonth on Suncoast View.
They discussed how the dual language programs are preparing students for a successful future, and thanked the educators who are involved in such impactful work every day.
The dual language programs are available at Braden River Elementary, Daughtrey Elementary, Palmetto Elementary and Prine Elementary Schools.
You can watch the segment at this link: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2025/09/17/manatee-countys-dual-language-programs
Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer joined Mayor Gene Brown and members of the department on Wednesday to officially pin badges on Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary’s school safety patrols.
“May this be the first of many badges you wear in your lifetime,” said Chief Cramer.
As their peers watched proudly on, these fifth grade leaders took the pledge to promote safety and lead by example.
What made the moment even more special? Many of the leaders doing the pinning once wore those very same badges as students:
⭐ Mayor Gene Brown – Bayshore Elementary
⭐ Assistant Chief Brian Thiers – Stewart Elementary
⭐ Captain Dennis Stahley – Prine Elementary
We're proud of these fifth-grade leaders, and all Manatee County safety patrols, who show up every day to keep their classmates safe. Your service matters! 🙌🚸 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
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.