Stewart Elementary
Home of the Stars
On Friday, we were proud to SURPRISE and announce the inaugural recipient of the School District of Manatee County's Champion of Good News Award — Kristen Simpson from Ida M. Stewart Elementary School!
This award was created to recognize staff members who help move the school district forward, preparing every student for life, learning, and leadership.
Our Good News team recently shared a story about how one lesson in Ms. Simpson's classroom led to a meaningful father-son art business.
The fourth-grade student creates Gyotaku fish prints, which are now selling in several businesses on Anna Maria Island and West Bradenton with proceeds going to his college savings. You can watch the video at this link: https://vimeo.com/1213710794
By inspiring students, Ms. Simpson is setting them up for future success! We're grateful to have talented SDMC Visual & Performing Arts educators in our schools. #ManateeMomentum
Special thanks to our award sponsors, Detwiler's Farm Market and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.
This award was created to recognize staff members who help move the school district forward, preparing every student for life, learning, and leadership.
Our Good News team recently shared a story about how one lesson in Ms. Simpson's classroom led to a meaningful father-son art business.
The fourth-grade student creates Gyotaku fish prints, which are now selling in several businesses on Anna Maria Island and West Bradenton with proceeds going to his college savings. You can watch the video at this link: https://vimeo.com/1213710794
By inspiring students, Ms. Simpson is setting them up for future success! We're grateful to have talented SDMC Visual & Performing Arts educators in our schools. #ManateeMomentum
Special thanks to our award sponsors, Detwiler's Farm Market and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.
Adventure took us into wonderful fine arts programs on Thursday, beginning with Kristen Simpson’s art class at Ida M. Stewart Elementary School.
Students were using heat to create stunning 3-D works inspired by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Others working with fibers proudly shared their handmade creations — tiny pillows they’ll get to take home.
The delightful group welcomed us with open arms into their creative corner of the school, where they were quick to introduce us to their class pet, a bearded dragon named after bearded artist — Bob Ross.
It was a joyful reminder that art classrooms are more than places to learn techniques — they’re spaces where imagination, confidence, and community grow every day.
Students were using heat to create stunning 3-D works inspired by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Others working with fibers proudly shared their handmade creations — tiny pillows they’ll get to take home.
The delightful group welcomed us with open arms into their creative corner of the school, where they were quick to introduce us to their class pet, a bearded dragon named after bearded artist — Bob Ross.
It was a joyful reminder that art classrooms are more than places to learn techniques — they’re spaces where imagination, confidence, and community grow every day.
Dear Teachers, Here's a special message from Dr. Laurie Breslin regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.
https://vimeo.com/1184919879/fdb68f2a7f
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Young performers, music educators, and families from approximately 30 schools came together on February 26, 2026, at Braden River High School for the All County Elementary Music Festival.
Manatee Schools Television was there for the rehearsals held at Johnson K-8: https://vimeo.com/1168251040/b4292df969
Watch the entire 2026 All County Elementary Music Festival at this link: https://vimeo.com/1168251040
Looking for something meaningful and fun to do with your children, ages infant through third grade, this week?
The Soar in 4 Soar Lab is more than a place to visit. It’s a place where families learn how to play together.
Through hands-on activities, interactive learning stations, and guided exploration, parents and caregivers discover simple ways to spark curiosity, build confidence, and turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences.
Come explore! Create. Laugh. Learn.
Visit www.soarin4.org to plan your experience.
6423 9th Street East, Bradenton 34203
Free for most families.
This week's schedule:
Tuesday, March 3rd - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Musical Motion, Artist Spotlight, Ms. Luanne's Front Porch)
Wednesday, March 4th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Nursery Rhyme Scavenger Hunt, Artist Spotlight)
Thursday, March 5th - Open 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (Nature Detectives, 3D Printing)
Friday, March 6th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Storytime, Bubbles & Trikes, Little Explorers)
Saturday, March 7th - Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Mighty Machines & Special Guest: Teacher Author Kelly Kolomiychenko with Slime @ 11 a.m.)
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#/entity/262385.
“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
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.
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.