them if they are not here or miss school frequently. The other is
our outdated technology.
“One project we are extremely proud of this year is the Only One
You project. Dr. DeLaCruz, School Psychologist, and Mr. Malecki,
Art Teacher, co-led a school-wide art project here at Manatee
Elementary School to teach students about the importance of
acceptance and diversity.
“Students participated in this project throughout the month of
October as part of National Bully Prevention Month. All classes
read the book Only One You, by Linda Kranz, to learn ways they
can make a difference in their own lives, and in the lives of those
around them. To celebrate their own uniqueness, the students
completed a rock-painting activity during art class where they
decorated their own individual stones. A wooden mural was
created to display the rocks and was mounted in the school
lobby with a sign that reads: “There is only one you in this great
big world. Make it a better place.”
VanOverbeke’s passion for her students and staff are abundantly
clear when she is at work, but her passions don’t stop there.
She said: “I love running, which I do every day, scrapbooking,
cardmaking, and most importantly, spending time with my family.”
She relocated from Minnesota in July with her husband, three
children, and their rescue dog, Zeus.
Her husband, Jim, a former Blackhawk pilot in the Army with
the 101st Airborne Division, served in Desert Storm and Desert
Shield. While stationed in Korea, he ew with Mike Durant, from
the movie Blackhawk Down. Jim is currently working for the
United States Postal Service.
VanOverbeke said: “Andrew, our oldest son, has been in the
Army since high school. Alli, our daughter, is also serving in the
Army. She is a pre-med student and aspires to be a pediatric
oncologist. Our youngest son, Aaron, recently
graduated from high school. He is attending
school to be a psychiatrist.”
One of my favorite questions to ask Florida
residents is how they landed here in Manatee
County, and like most living here, VanOverbeke
had a great story.
She recalled: “Very early one morning, Alli and I
were sitting in the living room watching a movie
together. During one of the commercials, she
told me that we should move to Florida with her
because she would be attending LECOM.
“For the past few years, we had talked often about
moving somewhere warmer. A few commercials
later, we located LECOM and the surrounding
school district. Shortly after that, Alli very excitedly
informed me that there was an elementary
principal job opening in the School District of
Manatee County.
“I thought about it for a little while, and then decided to apply
for the job. Next, I was invited to participate in an interview with
district staff members using FaceTime and, shortly after, ew to
Florida to interview with school staff members, more district staff
members, parents, and community members.
“The next day, I was invited to the District ofce to meet with
Mike Rio, Elementary Executive Director, and Cynthia Saunders,
Assistant Superintendent, where they offered me the job.
Before leaving that day, I had the pleasure of also meeting
Superintendent Greene.”
Mike Rio said: “Tami walked into a very difcult situation. She
is a dynamic leader who cares about her staff, unconditionally
loves her students, and is one of the hardest working principals I
have had the privilege to work with. Data indicates that Manatee
Elementary is on the road to success!”
“We are excited to add Dr. VanOverbeke’s experience and
credentials to our outstanding team of school administrators,” said
Cynthia Saunders, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services.
“Tami has done a great job with the Manatee Elementary team.
Since Ms. VanOverbeke arrived, she has worked day and night
to continue the improvement Manatee Elementary has made this
past school year,” said Dr. Diana Greene.
VanOverBeke concluded: “I am very passionate about children
being afforded the opportunity to be whatever it is they aspire
to be. I want them to have choices and, to do that, they need to
receive a quality education.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else at this point in my life. I
love and believe in the children. I love supporting staff who
work hard at making a positive impact. I love being a part of
children succeeding, and I love teamwork. Clearly, I love being
a Principal!”
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