Manatee County, Fla. (WFLA) – Summer has officially ended for Manatee County families and staff.
That first day always brings a lot of excitement to parents, staff, especially students.
Alisha Robinson and her family are among thousands of people heading into the new school year.
“Everyone is excited. Everyone is excited. We did everything in preparation last night. We’re ready, so we’re here. The rest of the school year is probably not too early. Everyone is excited and having breakfast.”
The mother of five is the oldest she blinks, her children are all grown up and trying to finish middle school last year.
Robinson said children have goals for the 2025-2026 school year.
“They thrive, they have a good grade, they learn a lot, they make a lot of friends. They are also so fast, I always try to tell them that,” Robinson said.
Interim manager Kevin Chapman said he has seen so much growth in the county and said this year is a big deal.
“Our number one goal is always safety and security, not only 180 days of safe and secure school, but also student achievement. We’ve done some great things here in Manatee County. We’re mostly a school district. We’re going to hit it this year,” Chapman said.
School leaders always kick off their first and last days in a decade-old tradition.
“The district’s leadership team, our school board members should all wave to the bus drivers, thank you and have a great grade. It’s safe. It’s a great tradition. We’re with our lightsabers.
Over the summer, the district opened two brand new schools, including Lake Manatee K-8.
From science classes to bands, mathematics and acceleration courses, the kids walked with their outfits, notebooks and supplies back to school.
Chapman said there is likely to be a new supervisor by Labor Day.
