Robert E. Willis Elementary School

Our amazing third, fourth, and fifth graders know our Willis school‑wide expectations by 💙💚heart, and they’re ready to shine! They showed such excitement and leadership during our assembly today, and we can’t wait to see all the kindness, teamwork, and learning they bring to this wonderful year ahead.

Today, our K–2 Geckos came together for our Expectations Assembly! 🦎❤️

Our teachers and students had a great time learning and practicing the Willis Ways:

🌟 Be Safe
🌟 Be Respectful
🌟 Be Responsible

We are so proud of our students for participating, listening, and showing what it means to be a Willis Gecko. Here’s to a safe, positive, and successful school year! 💙🦎

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A huge thank‑you to all families for your patience with all things dismissal! Our goal is to get better everyday!

We’re excited to report that carline dismissal was a success from start to finish!

Our Wonderful Willis team showed outstanding commitment to keeping students safe and ensuring a smooth process, and we truly appreciate the district team for coordinating crossing guards and police support. What a great day of teamwork! We are so grateful for your help in making our systems work better and better each day.

🎒🦎 Happy First Day of School!

We’re so glad to welcome our Willis Gecko students back! 💚 It was wonderful seeing all those smiling faces today.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with 📚learning, growth, friendships, and lots of Gecko pride! 🌟

Let’s make it a great year, Geckos! 🦎
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Cortez came to Willis this morning to say, “Welcome Back to School!”

📚 A little back-to-school homework for families!

Before the first day of school on Monday, August 10th, take a few minutes to log in to the FOCUS app.

You'll find important information about your child's school, transportation, and more. It's also the place to make sure your contact information is up to date so you don't miss important updates throughout the school year.

Thank you for helping us start the school year prepared for success. We can't wait to welcome students back! ✨

We’re back and ready for a great year! Last night’s Back to School Night was the perfect way to welcome our Geckos back to campus and kick off the new school year! 💚

We were also so excited to introduce our new partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 🐠🌊 and welcome several of our amazing community partners who came out to connect with and support our families. We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make the night so special and can’t wait for all that’s ahead this year! 🦎

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/aug/04/manatee-principals-teacher-eager-new-year/

Manatee principals, teacher of the year eager to begin new school year | Your Observer Students return to school Monday, August 10 for the School District of Manatee County 2026-2027 school year.