Sea Breeze Elementary

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close on Wednesday, October 15th, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated educators and professionals who work every day to uplift students across Manatee County.

Meet Iris Garcia-Velez, an ESOL Resource Teacher at Sea Breeze Elementary. From inspiring young writers to organizing Hispanic Heritage events on campus, Mrs. Garcia’s journey into education began through volunteering in her own children’s schools. Since 2006, she has been a passionate advocate for students in Manatee County.

Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Mrs. Garcia encourages all students, regardless of where they come from, to celebrate and embrace the richness of all cultures. Thank you, Mrs. Garcia, for your dedication and for being a role model in our community! #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

Mr. Jeff is the first smile, the first high-five, the steady presence who makes every child feel safe at Sea Breeze Elementary. This school safety guardian once wore a badge as a New York City police officer. Five years ago, when retirement left him restless, he found a new calling by protecting and caring for the students of Sea Breeze. “I’m like the Costco greeter… without the membership fees,” he jokes, but everyone knows Mr. Jeff is so much more. Last week, his school family surprised him with flowers and balloons, naming him their site finalist for Support Staff Employee of the Year. For Mr. Jeff, it was “like receiving a badge of honor.” For them, it was simply a chance to say thank you to the man who means everything to their school. And while Sea Breeze has become his second family, nothing means more to Mr. Jeff than his first. Each morning on the commute across town, he shares a quick phone call with his daughter, a third-grade teacher at Palmetto Elementary, before they both step into their classrooms. It’s a daily reminder that service, protection, and love for students truly run in the family. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians

🎉 Happy Fri-YAY! 🎉 A big shoutout to Monique and her team from Swig for surprising the Sea Breeze Elementary staff with treats today! ✨ They’re celebrating the release of Taylor Swift’s new album (FRIDAY ONLY) with a special drink called The Showstopper — and we love the way they’re showing support for teachers, too. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews 💙 Thank you to all the local businesses who go out of their way to celebrate and encourage our incredible teachers and staff. Interested in partnering with our Good News team? Reach out at goodnews@manateeschools.net

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.