Dr. Donna Devlin from FAU spoke to Nardi Routten’s fourth grade class at F.K. Sweet Elementaryabout Bio-Diversity.  Dr. Devlin is heading a mangrove restoration project where different genotypes of mangroves are planted, and  testing whether or not different genotypes grow better in a mixed group or in a similar group.  Mangrove restoration is taking place in several areas as they are vital to the ecosystem.  The fourth graders will meet Dr. Devlin at Blind Creek Park this week to assist with this project.

Manatee K-8 Academy showed up with a spirited team to support Autism Awareness during April’s Charity Flag Football event. Go team!

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

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

Principal Lilly Beauchamp, students, and staff welcomed members of business and community organizations to Manatee Academy as they gathered for the Chamber of Commerce’s Education & Business Breakfast. This event, sponsored by the Education Foundation, provided opportunities for participants to experience first-hand SLPS’s middle school Vet Tech Program, z-space (an interactive virtual reality learning experience), and other elements of digital literacy integrated into students’ academic routines.

Manatee Academy held our 2nd annual Geography Bee last month. After a sudden death tie-breaker, Gabriel Mustaciuolo was crowned Manatee Academy’s Geography bee winner for 2015 narrowly edging out runner-up Steven Forgoress! All participants did an outstanding job.  Gabriel will now take the state qualifying exam next month.  Many thanks to Dawn Montoya and Amy Mason for keeping this Geo Bee coordinator’s nerves in check and for serving as timekeeper and scorers.  More thanks to Mrs. Beauchamp and Mrs. Chase for cheering on our competitors. Update: Gabriel did take the exam and has qualified for the state test in Jacksonville … Read More

Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition’s first grade students recently enjoyed a presentation by the Ft. Pierce Manatee Observation and Education Center. Students heard information on “Habitats, Who Lives Where?” After the discussion, students were able to see and touch a turtle, snake and lizard. This was a fun, interactive learning experience for everyone.

Mr. Clarke’s science classes at Performance Base Preparatory Academy made a recent trip to the Manatee Center and afterward paid a quick visit to the nearby “Seven Gables House”.  Students first attended an outdoor lecture by Elyse Geraghty, the educational director at the Manatee Center, where they learned about manatee physiology, habitat, and evolutionary development. Afterward, students explored the indoor facility in which they observed, analyzed, and even interacted with some particular displays. Upon conclusion of the indoor tour, Mr. Clarke’s class exited and took a “walking tour” where they were able to observe manatees in their natural environment. Finally, … 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

Manatee Academy Vet Prep eighth graders and several of their parents visited Fort Pierce Westwood High School’s Veterinary Assisting Academy to tour the available programs offered through the Career and Technical Education Department. Middle school students studying animal science learned about the many benefits the attractor program has to offer. Seniors in the program guided them through several hands-on experiences that they could expect as students, such as proper dog restraints, dog grooming and the many college/career opportunities available through FFA. Speakers included Mr. Brandon Perdue, program instructor, Mr. John Lynch, school principal and Ms. Kathie Schmidt, CTE Director. Everyone … Read More

On the morning of October 11, some 147 students and their families from Manatee Academy K8 School participated in the third annual International Walk to School Day sponsored and promoted regionally by the South Florida Commuter Services by walking from nearby McChesney park to the school. School staff promoted the activity through morning announcements, PE classes, posters put up at the school, flyers provided were sent home and a message went home to all parents. Participating students were given backpacks, reflectors and bags from the agency. The event is to promote health, wellness and physical activity with children and families … Read More

Excited third graders at Manatee Academy show off their books at the first Skirmishes Over Stories (S.O.S.) for the 2013-14 school year.  Students read from a list of ten books, come to the Media Center for lunch, get prizes for answering questions correctly about those books and enjoy Mrs. Remington’s World-Famous brownies!   The Tournament of Champions will be on December 4th.  S.O.S. is a precursor for 4th and 5th grades Battle of the Books.

Our third graders are so excited to participate in their first “Skirmishes Over Stories” (S.O.S.) luncheon.  Students read a certain number of books prior to our meeting, then enjoy their lunch along with Mrs. Remington’s world-famous brownies, and a prize while answering questions about the books they’ve read.  S.O. S. is a precursor for “Battle of the Books” which our 4th and 5th graders eagerly participate in every month using the SSYRA books.

 Manatee Academy K8 newlyweds Caleb Bihari and Ashley Drum spent part of their honeymoon teaching impoverished children on the island of St. Lucia.  Their experience was made possible by the Sandals Foundation and their “Reading Road Trip” excursion.  Every Thursday a van leaves the comfort and luxury of the Sandals resort to go to Balata Primary school in Babonneau.  Volunteers sign up in the resort lobby for the opportunity to interact with the faculty and students and see what schooling is like for children in St. Lucia. “When I heard that this was a possibility I absolutely wanted to go,” Bihari … Read More

Manatee Academy students in Ms. Shaver’s 1st period Civics class won first place in the state finals of the Project Citizen for their portfolio. Additionally, they won 2nd place for the oral competition which was scored on their presentation and question responses. Representatives from Ms. Shaver’s class participated in the state finals of Project Citizen on May 20th. Students presented their project to a panel of two different sets of judges comprised of Nova faculty, the League of Women Voters, and Florida Law Related Association staff. The competition had a total of 6 middle schools, three from St. Lucie Public … Read More

Manatee Academy 8th grade students enjoyed lunch at a park after viewing an emotional Anne Frank exhibit sponsored by Temple Beth Am in Jupiter this week. The exhibit is part of a national tour from the Anne Frank Center, New York. Our students participated in a scavenger hunt by answering questions after reading the giant informational murals, pictures, and quotes from Anne and her family. Docents showed a 22 minute film, “The  Short Life of Anne Frank.”  Students were visibly moved by this documentary and accompanying exhibit.

Naiah James and Cade Saenz, 8th grade, placed 2nd and 1st, respectively, at the St. Lucie Schools District History Fair on February 21, 2015 for Individual Websites.  Since neither student had any prior experience creating a website, this was an outstanding accomplishment​! The History Fair Theme this year was Leadership and Legacy.  The students could pick any person in history who, positively or negatively, reflected each of those qualities.  Cade’s website was about John Dillinger, the notorious bank robber, who lead a gang to steal almost $300,00.00 (That’s $5.5 million in today’s money!).  Naiah’s website was about Nelson Mandela, the amazing South … Read More