Manatee Bay Elementary School

Its Michael Robertson and i'm just saying hi to any of my past teachers that see this and thank you. Especially, Mrs.copper, Mrs. Velez, Mr.Allison, and Mrs. Biner (i think i spelled the last teacher wrong). By he way this school is amazing!!!

I have had both my boys go through Manatee Bay and I have been very active in volunteering. I believe it is so important to volunteer in your child's classroom and at other activities as often as you can so you can keep you finger on the pulse of what is going on in the classroom, other students and it helps to keep informed. If you NEVER volunteer how can you stand in judgement as to the environment??? The PTA has done an exceptional job in offering the children fun and educational activities. I must say I have been extremely impressed with the quality of the education my children have received. Of course some teachers are better than others but you have to expect that. The front office has changed a lot over the years and they are extremely helpful and caring. The new principal has provided a very warm environment that any child would enjoy and a fantastic learning eopportuniy for those who take advantage of all that is offered, she is very accessible. Unfortunately you can't please everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My son was a reassignment student in Manatee Bay Elementary. He was scrutinized because he was not from the community. They were racial comments made to him in school. And to make matters worse, he was constantly marked late without any proof, since tardiness is marked by the discretion of the teachers. If the teacher does not like your child, watch out. I reported these issues to the principal who did not believe that my son was targeted. Finally after being marked 31 times late I withdrew my son from Manatee Bay. I believed this would have been a wonderful school, but it is only wonderful if you are not of color. I would never recommend this school for any reassignment child and especially if you are of color.
--Submitted by a parent

This is by far the best elementary school around! The staff is friendly & teachers are very involved. My son is in the first grade & helps a family friend (who's in the 2nd grade & at a different school) with her homework. It's not breezy curriculum, they are challenged which I love. If I could grade it higher I would have.
--Submitted by a parent

Love the teachers and the PTA works very hard, lots of activities and challenges for the kids...
--Submitted by a parent

My son is entering into the 4th grade. At the Open House the teacher announced that our children will have only 15min. of recess TWICE A WEEK. On top of that she also announced there will be a 40 min. homework + 20 min. reading + special proyects. That trasnlate in at least an 1 1/2 of homework per day if you are one of the fastest ones. Computers is no longer a special. I cannot believe this school received a 10 by parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been at Manatee Bay for 5 years so far, going on my 6th and I have loved everything about it. I think the staff are professionaland friendly, and the teachers are fabulous. I was very hesitant coming from the Northeast but I couldn't have asked for more.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are having wonderful experience at Manatee Bay. Both are receiving a wonderful education and I can not say enough about the safety. I have been in the school for 2 real lockdowns and I was so impressed by the staff's professionalism. I never worry when my kids are at the school. I know that they are being well taken care of. My only complaint is about recess. I wish that the kids all had 15 minutes a day to just blow some steam off. I know for most kids this helps them refocus and enjoy coming to school. I feel that recess is a major part of a child's social development.
--Submitted by a parent

Manatee Bay is a very good school. My son has been there for 3 years now. Curriculum should be revised. I agree with other parents on the FCAT focussed curriculum. Big difference between teachers and the way they handle their classrooms. RECESS is a big issue, spaecially for very active kids, who often get detention because they were talking, or walking around the classroon when they should be listening to the teacher. Bottom line , curriculum and recess policy should be revised. Excellent PTA and no complains about Office staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so happy to see that I am not alone in my thoughts on Manatee Bay. As well you will notice that the majority of under 4 star ratings are in the last year. While I have my concerns and negative thoughts regarding this school I will say that academically my son has done better there than his previous 'A' school. While he has excelled academically, he has been scared emotionally. I do agree about the office staff and their lack on concern and sincerity where the kids are concerned. On a heavier note, they claim to embrace the no tolerance on bullying policy but have truly failed in that area. My son has been bullied there and emotionally scared since he came into the school a new student. After addressing it,the response is always that this generation of kids are horrible and they have to ignore it. Unacceptable!
--Submitted by a parent