Tara Elementary
Home of the Knights
Unforgettable moments during Tara Elementary School's Pre-K Prom. 👀 Tiny smiles, big personalities, and memories families will cherish forever. 🩷 More heartwarming moments coming soon... 📸 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
At Tara Elementary School, one special tradition continues to leave a lasting impression on both hearts and taste buds.
For one evening, the cafeteria transformed into the beloved Banana Leaf Restaurant, where Tara’s youngest learners take center stage. Under the guidance of teacher Jo Johnson, kindergartners step into the roles of chefs, hosts, and servers, welcoming families and staff to an unforgettable dining experience.
From greeting guests with big smiles to carefully serving dishes inspired by authentic Asian cuisine, students recently brought their learning to life in the most delicious way. Ingredients grown right in the school garden made each bite even more meaningful, connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences.
But the true highlight of the night wasn’t just the menu. It was the confidence, teamwork, and pride shining from every student. Laughter filled the room, families leaned in to savor the moment, and the joy was unmistakable.
At Tara Elementary, it’s traditions like the Banana Leaf Restaurant that turn learning into something you can see, feel, and even taste. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC
For one evening, the cafeteria transformed into the beloved Banana Leaf Restaurant, where Tara’s youngest learners take center stage. Under the guidance of teacher Jo Johnson, kindergartners step into the roles of chefs, hosts, and servers, welcoming families and staff to an unforgettable dining experience.
From greeting guests with big smiles to carefully serving dishes inspired by authentic Asian cuisine, students recently brought their learning to life in the most delicious way. Ingredients grown right in the school garden made each bite even more meaningful, connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences.
But the true highlight of the night wasn’t just the menu. It was the confidence, teamwork, and pride shining from every student. Laughter filled the room, families leaned in to savor the moment, and the joy was unmistakable.
At Tara Elementary, it’s traditions like the Banana Leaf Restaurant that turn learning into something you can see, feel, and even taste. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC
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
Two Manatee County natives and longtime principals are making moves. Last month, Principals Laura Campbell and Dr. Melinda Lundy left their respective schools to oversee the completion of construction at two new elementary schools. Their teams at Tara Elementary and Bayshore Elementary (respectively) wished them a loving farewell as they left to prepare for the opening of Veterans Elementary (Palmetto) and Rye Ranch Elementary (Parrish) in August 2026. Founding principals play a critical role in building the school from the ground up—academically, operationally, and culturally. They establish a mission, design a school logo, hire and build a staff, align academic programs, coordinate student registration, create community business partnerships, plan for opening day, and much more! We wish both Principals Campbell and Lundy an amazing new journey and can't wait to work alongside them to build new traditions of excellence at their schools.
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.
Stay safe out there! We have reports from Tara Elementary, a school safety guardian is in pursuit of Santa’s elves on campus #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
“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
Christmas came early for Tara Elementary teachers and staff on Monday. For the second year in a row, they were treated to a luncheon and back to school gifts at Beef 'O' Brady's Braden River. Owners Tim and Lauren Macri love giving back to the community #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Registration for Tara Elementary School’s Knights Academy (EDEP Program) will ONLY be July 16 from 8:00 – 10:00 AM through the Car Rider line.
Registration requires completion of the registration packet by the enrolling parent/guardian (all items must be initialed and signed). Payment of the nonrefundable registration fee is required plus the first week’s payment.
https://www.manateeschools.net/edep
Space is limited per grade, and we will place your child’s name on a waitlist on a first come first served basis once all seats are filled.
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.