HALF-PENNY SALES TAX REFERENDUM
We are proud that Hillsborough County Public Schools continues to be the #1 choice for families in our community. That success is possible because of the incredible support we receive from our families and community members.
One example of this support is the half-penny sales tax referendum approved by voters in 2018. At that time, our district faced more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Many schools needed immediate A/C replacements, roof and window repairs, and other facilities and technology upgrades.
Thanks to voters, the half-penny referendum provided funding to address these needs, with a promise that every school would receive at least $500,000 in improvements. Since then, more than $1.2 billion has been invested in school facilities, safety, and technology across the district. More than $680 million of that work was awarded to local businesses, supporting jobs in our community.
We are grateful for your continued support. If you would like more information about the referendum and the projects it has funded, please visit the district’s website >> https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/half-penny-sales-tax-referendum
Hundreds of educators from Hillsborough County Public Schools signed up this week to explore how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning.
Through hands-on training and collaboration, teachers and administrators are discovering practical ways AI can save time, streamline planning, and support student success. At the end of the week, participants will earn a credential recognizing their new skills and commitment to innovation.
Through hands-on training and collaboration, teachers and administrators are discovering practical ways AI can save time, streamline planning, and support student success. At the end of the week, participants will earn a credential recognizing their new skills and commitment to innovation.
HCPS students are spending their summer at the World Languages Summer Camp! The month-long program teaches students American Sign Language (ASL), French, and Spanish through fun and interactive activities. 🤩
For more information on the World and Dual Languages programs, visit https://loom.ly/YHtBl5A
NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL COMING TO WIMAUMA: Today, we celebrated a major construction milestone for our newest middle school with a topping out ceremony and construction walk-through.
Currently known as "Middle School VV," the school will serve up to 1,600 students and is scheduled to open in August 2027. The campus is set on the same property as Aquilla J. Morgan High School to help meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing communities in Hillsborough County.
As Wimauma continues to grow, so does our commitment to providing families with strong neighborhood schools close to home. This new school will be a place where students learn, grow, build lasting friendships, explore their interests, and begin envisioning their future.
Stay tuned! The naming recommendation process will begin in the coming weeks. Follow our social media channels and check our district website for the latest updates.
Watch a construction walk-through recap video!
A new chapter begins at Erwin Technical College! ✂️💈✨
This week, Erwin Tech celebrated the Grand Opening of The Studio at Erwin Technical College with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting, unveiling a completely redesigned cosmetology facility that will expand opportunities for future beauty and barbering professionals.
The redesigned space will allow The Studio to offer advanced esthetician courses, expand barbering instruction to both day and evening programs, and welcome 20 additional students in each incoming class.
The Studio is expected to begin serving members of the public in late 2026.
Interested in launching your career in barbering or cosmetology? Learn more about Erwin Tech's programs at hillsboroughschools.org/o/erwin.
This week, Erwin Tech celebrated the Grand Opening of The Studio at Erwin Technical College with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting, unveiling a completely redesigned cosmetology facility that will expand opportunities for future beauty and barbering professionals.
The redesigned space will allow The Studio to offer advanced esthetician courses, expand barbering instruction to both day and evening programs, and welcome 20 additional students in each incoming class.
The Studio is expected to begin serving members of the public in late 2026.
Interested in launching your career in barbering or cosmetology? Learn more about Erwin Tech's programs at hillsboroughschools.org/o/erwin.
☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens All Summer Long 🍎
When school is out, Summer BreakSpot is here to help! Children and teens 18 and under can receive no-cost meals and snacks all summer long.
✅ No application required
✅ No registration needed
✅ Just visit a participating location during operating hours: https://www.summerbreakspot.org
Many sites also offer activities and enrichment opportunities for students. Find a Summer BreakSpot location near you and enjoy a healthy, happy summer!
When school is out, Summer BreakSpot is here to help! Children and teens 18 and under can receive no-cost meals and snacks all summer long.
✅ No application required
✅ No registration needed
✅ Just visit a participating location during operating hours: https://www.summerbreakspot.org
Many sites also offer activities and enrichment opportunities for students. Find a Summer BreakSpot location near you and enjoy a healthy, happy summer!
Starting July 1, a new Florida Law — the Second Chance Act (Florida Statute 1006.20) — will require first-time high school athletes to have a cleared electrocardiogram (ECG) before participating in any Florida High School Athletic Association sport.
This applies to...
➡️ Rising 9th graders planning to play a high school sport
➡️ Students in grades 10–12 participating in FHSAA athletics for the first time
For a list of upcoming free or low-cost regional ECG screening opportunities for students, visit hillsboroughschools.org/ecgscreenings.
This applies to...
➡️ Rising 9th graders planning to play a high school sport
➡️ Students in grades 10–12 participating in FHSAA athletics for the first time
For a list of upcoming free or low-cost regional ECG screening opportunities for students, visit hillsboroughschools.org/ecgscreenings.
🍽️ Future culinary leaders in the making!
This week, Erwin Technical College's Culinary Arts Program hosted 30 HCPS students during the Rising Senior Leadership Camp. Students from Hillsborough, Tampa Bay Tech, Strawberry Crest, and Freedom High Schools gained hands-on experience in menu development, food safety and compliance, workflow optimization, and leadership and mentorship.
What a great week of learning, leadership, and career exploration!
This week, Erwin Technical College's Culinary Arts Program hosted 30 HCPS students during the Rising Senior Leadership Camp. Students from Hillsborough, Tampa Bay Tech, Strawberry Crest, and Freedom High Schools gained hands-on experience in menu development, food safety and compliance, workflow optimization, and leadership and mentorship.
What a great week of learning, leadership, and career exploration!
DID YOU KNOW? Hillsborough County Public Schools was once again named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.
This designation reflects the passion, professionalism, and dedication of HCPS music educators, whose efforts ensure students across the district have meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, and grow through music. From classroom instruction and performances to advocacy and community partnerships, our music programs continue to make a lasting impact on students and across Hillsborough County.
This designation reflects the passion, professionalism, and dedication of HCPS music educators, whose efforts ensure students across the district have meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, and grow through music. From classroom instruction and performances to advocacy and community partnerships, our music programs continue to make a lasting impact on students and across Hillsborough County.
A huge thank you to Suncoast Credit Union for sponsoring our 2026 graduation ceremonies!
🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this milestone, and this is just the beginning. Wishing you continued success and exciting new opportunities ahead!
Smiles are big, and summer is here! Thank you for a year full of growth and great moments. Have an amazing summer.
Over the next nine days, more than 14,000 seniors will proudly walk across the stage and officially become graduates of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Behind every diploma is a story of hard work, perseverance, growth, unforgettable memories, and dreams for the future. We could not be more proud of everything you have accomplished. Your future is bright, and this is only the beginning.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓🎉
Click here to watch the Class of 2026 graduation video: https://youtu.be/ZjIbPIwlq8c?si=xFn6HY9UJWQDkpmp
Episode 17: Student Voices
For the final episode of our very first podcast season, we turn the microphone over to the voices at the heart of our schools — our students. Two graduating seniors, Ella Connell and Dillon Colaso, join us to reflect on their K–12 journey, from their earliest days in kindergarten to the milestones of their senior year. They share the moments, experiences, and educators that made an impact, how they’ve grown along the way, and what lies ahead as they prepare to take their next steps beyond high school.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
More information about the More to the Story podcast>>
WE APPRECIATE YOU ❤️🇺🇸 In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, students across our district created handmade cards, drawings, and pictures for local veterans currently receiving hospice care.
These heartfelt messages and creations are a small way to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country.
These heartfelt messages and creations are a small way to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country.
🎉 Congratulations to the nine seniors from Tampa Bay Technical High School who received a two-year scholarship from Florida Blue this week! 🎓 Their scholarships will cover the first 60 credit hours of college or trade school. We are proud of your hard work and excited for what’s ahead! 👏💙
Episode 16: Getting to Graduation
Our district has reached the highest graduation rate in our history — 90.9 percent, and when looking at traditional high schools alone, that number climbs to 93 percent! Behind every one of those percentages is a student, a story, and a team of educators working together to help that student reach one of the most meaningful milestones in their academic journey — walking across the stage to receive their diploma. Joining the podcast today to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes to make that moment possible is Christina Raburn, Executive Director for High School Education.
More information about the More to the Story podcast>>
The Elevate H.E.R. Teen Parent Program recently hosted “Blooming with a Purpose,” an inspiring celebration dedicated to honoring and uplifting our graduating teen mothers. 🌸💕
Through hands-on activities focused on self-love, resilience, financial wellness, confidence, and future planning, students were reminded that their journey does not end with early motherhood, but it evolves into a story of strength, determination, and purpose.
The event created a supportive space where these young women could reflect on how far they’ve come, celebrate their accomplishments, and feel empowered for what lies ahead.
We are so proud of these incredible students and the perseverance they continue to show every day!
Through hands-on activities focused on self-love, resilience, financial wellness, confidence, and future planning, students were reminded that their journey does not end with early motherhood, but it evolves into a story of strength, determination, and purpose.
The event created a supportive space where these young women could reflect on how far they’ve come, celebrate their accomplishments, and feel empowered for what lies ahead.
We are so proud of these incredible students and the perseverance they continue to show every day!
Support the students of the Durant High School FFA program at their annual plant sale! 🌱🌼
About half of the plants for sale were grown right in the school’s nursery, and all proceeds directly support the FFA program. The sale is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and wraps up for the season on Saturday, May 16.
Be sure to stop by, shop local and support these hardworking students! 🌿
About half of the plants for sale were grown right in the school’s nursery, and all proceeds directly support the FFA program. The sale is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and wraps up for the season on Saturday, May 16.
Be sure to stop by, shop local and support these hardworking students! 🌿
We are proud to celebrate several students who were recently named winners in the City of Tampa's 21st annual 3Rs Art and Poetry Contest!
Each year, students are invited to submit original artwork and poetry focused on waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
This year's winners are:
🎨 Art: Ariana Mendiola-Monrroy, Roland Park K–8 School
📝 Poetry: Henry Luksik, Roland Park K–8 School
🎨 Art: Swaroopini Meenakshi, Roland Park K–8 School
📝 Poetry: Olivia Joyner, Roland Park K–8 School
🎨 Art: Bella Guzman, Blake High School
The winning artwork will be displayed on a recycling collection truck for one year, while the winning poetry will be showcased at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park alongside the Tampa River Center Building.
Each year, students are invited to submit original artwork and poetry focused on waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
This year's winners are:
🎨 Art: Ariana Mendiola-Monrroy, Roland Park K–8 School
📝 Poetry: Henry Luksik, Roland Park K–8 School
🎨 Art: Swaroopini Meenakshi, Roland Park K–8 School
📝 Poetry: Olivia Joyner, Roland Park K–8 School
🎨 Art: Bella Guzman, Blake High School
The winning artwork will be displayed on a recycling collection truck for one year, while the winning poetry will be showcased at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park alongside the Tampa River Center Building.
