Author: LAURA EDWARDS

Students in the St. Lucie STAR program recently participated in a hands-on learning event designed to strengthen independent living and workplace readiness skills. As part of the experience, students visited a local mall where they practiced real-world tasks such as selecting items, managing a budget, and paying for purchases independently. This community-based activity allowed students to apply classroom lessons in a practical setting, building confidence in decision-making, communication, and financial responsibility. The STAR program’s mission is to graduate students who are work-ready by providing meaningful mentorship and scholarship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. By connecting students with community employers … Read More

TCPalm’s ‘Teacher of the Week’ for May 18- 23 went to Manatee K-8’s very own Jermeka Nixon. She’s known around Manatee as an incredible teacher, mentor, and all-around positive force on campus. Her colleagues describe her as an “absolutely incredible teacher and mentor,” someone who brings a wealth of enriching ideas and strategies to meet the needs of students across all achievement levels. Whether she’s easing student anxieties or offering a compassionate listening ear, Ms. Nixon’s presence is a source of comfort and encouragement. Her classroom is a space where every student feels seen, heard, and capable, thanks to her … Read More

On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Port St. Lucie community came together for the vibrant “Kickin’ It For Andrew” 5K Color Run, hosted at Manatee Academy K-8 School. This annual event, organized by the Andrew Schmeer Foundation, honors the memory of Andrew Schmeer, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on September 8, 2014. The foundation continues his legacy by raising funds to provide college scholarships for well-rounded students along the Treasure Coast, as well as supporting animal rescues and children’s charities. This year’s event was particularly special, as proceeds were dedicated to honoring Mrs. Cynthia Dekle, a … Read More

TCPalm’s Teacher of the Week for May 11- 16 featured Manatee K-8’s Ashley Langel as one of the exceptional educators nominated for that week. One of many beloved teachers at Manatee K-8, she has blossomed in her second year in the classroom. Her dedication to fostering meaningful connections with students has set her apart. Known for her outstanding rapport, she creates a classroom environment where students feel valued and understood, leading to increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Her ability to tailor lessons to individual needs and interests ensures that each student is not only heard but also inspired to … Read More

Manatee Academy K-8 recently unveiled an exciting new addition to its campus—a book vending machine designed to promote literacy and reward academic success. The brightly colored machine, filled with a wide range of engaging and age-appropriate books, will serve as an incentive for students who excel in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), i-Ready progress, and academic performance. Students who meet specific goals will receive a special token, allowing them to select a book to keep and take home. This innovative approach not only encourages reading but also motivates students to stay on track with their academic and behavioral goals. … Read More

Last month, Manatee Academy K-8 held its 2025 Taylor’s Teddy Bear Drive. Taylor’s Teddy Bears is a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Taylor Wade Bishop, who tragically lost his life in a plane accident on March 15, 2021. In honoring Taylor’s compassionate spirit, the organization seeks to bring comfort to children in distress by providing teddy bears to first responders. These small, comforting gifts are intended to be distributed by firefighters, police officers, and sheriff deputies to children they encounter in crisis situations. The goal is to offer a sense of security and warmth to children facing some of … Read More

Manatee Academy K-8 6th grade ELA students recently took part in an exciting classroom debate, tackling the statement: “The disadvantages of technology outweigh the benefits.” Over the course of a week, students carefully prepared for this challenging debate as the culminating activity for their Unit 3 lessons. Throughout the unit, they explored various stories that examined the positive and negative impacts of technology on society. This in-depth exploration allowed students to develop well-rounded perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions about the role of technology in their lives. By the end of the week, the students successfully demonstrated their ability to … Read More

The middle school science fair was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their curiosity and dive into hands-on experiments. Manatee Academy’s middle students dove right in with some of the most intriguing projects involving the investigation of how various factors influence growth and reactions. For example, one student’s topic was studying the pH levels in basil water and how it affects plant growth. Another student explored the growth of rock crystals by dissolving substances like salt or sugar in water and observing how they form crystals over time. These types of projects allowed students to engage with both the … Read More

Manatee Academy K-8 in partnership with New World’s Reading and Children’s Home Society of Florida hosted the first of four Family Fun Nights “Reading Reimagined!” on Thursday, January 30th. Parents and caregivers actively participated in an engaging workshop that explored the value of diverse reading formats to better understand the importance of embracing all types of reading resources. Students actively participated in fun and exciting STEM Story Book Activities and each student received a free book to further build their at-home library. We are eagerly looking forward to continuing our partnership with both NWR & CHSF as we further support … Read More

The Living Voices performance, funded by InSIGHT Through Education, provided 6th-grade students at Manatee K-8 with an educational experience that went beyond traditional classroom learning, offering them an immersive and emotional connection to history. By presenting the story from Sarah’s perspective, a composite character based on real testimonies, the performance allowed students to engage with the Holocaust in a deeply personal way. The students were able to witness the events through the eyes of a young girl their own age, experiencing her fears, struggles, and triumphs as she navigates life during this perilous time and survival. This perspective humanized the … Read More

Last month, Manatee Academy K-8 held their annual Cookies for Santa Event. This festive gathering has become a cherished highlight for families, offering a variety of activities that captured the magic of the season. Children enjoyed making reindeer treats and decorating sparkling snowflakes, unleashing their creativity in the craft stations set up throughout the event. The school also featured their annual holiday shop, where kids could pick out and wrap gifts for their loved ones, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. In the spirit of giving, families also brought toy donations for the Christmas 4 Kids organization, … Read More

Last month, Manatee Academy K-8 hosted a vibrant and engaging Literacy Night, designed to promote a love of reading while providing valuable resources to students and their families. The event was filled with exciting activities that encouraged reading, learning, and family participation, all while fostering a sense of community. One of the highlights of the evening was the highly anticipated book BINGO. Students and parents joined in the excitement as they tried their luck at winning free books. A wide section was provided by the community and several vendors were present to support the event as well including round table, … Read More

Manatee K-8’s annual Fall Festival celebrates the hard work and adherence to school-wide expectations by students throughout October. Students in grades K-5 cheered on their teachers as they competed in various fun events. Laughter and cheers filled the air as teachers took part in activities like the donut-eating contest and Red Light, Green Light. The festival not only highlighted the students’ achievements but also fostered a sense of community and school spirit. It was a joyful reminder of the bond between students and teachers, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities!

The Manatee K-8 PTO would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our school staff, families, and friends for making our first fundraiser of the year at Dave & Buster’s a tremendous success. Thanks to the advance Power Up card sales and Spirit Night, we raised nearly $1,500! It was fantastic to see our Manatee community come together for a night of fun and food, with students enjoying a variety of games and attractions at Dave & Buster’s. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support. A special thank you goes to Eleanor Harrison, who not only managed the … Read More

Grandparents Day at school is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds between students, their families, and the community. Manatee Academy K-8 welcomed grandparents on 9/06 to be a part of their grandchild’s morning. Grandparents were served breakfast and afterward the ‘ManaTeam’ walked grandparents to their grandchild’s classroom – each had a small token of appreciation waiting for them. Thank you to all the families that made this day special for students!