PRINCIPAL'S PORTRAIT 📸 October is National Principals Month, and all month long, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible principals who lead, inspire, and make a difference in our schools every day! 💙
Through Principal's Portraits, you'll get to know some of the tremendous leaders behind the principal's desk, learning what they love most about leading their school, a tradition they love to participate in, plus a fun fact their students and families might not know!
First up, meet Monica Barber, the proud principal of B.T. Washington Elementary School! Join us in celebrating Principal Barber and the incredible work she does for our Hornets. 🐝
How many years have you served in education, and how many as a principal?
18 years in education and 6 years as a principal.
What do you love most about being a principal?
I love building relationships with students, staff, and families while creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students grow and celebrating the impact our team has on their lives every day.
What is one word that describes your leadership style?
Collaborative. I believe the best results come from working together, valuing different perspectives, and empowering others to lead.
What is your favorite school tradition?
My favorite school tradition is our 12 Days of Holiday Celebrations. I especially love dressing up as the Elf on the Shelf and seeing the excitement it brings to our students and staff. It's a fun way to build school spirit, create lasting memories, and celebrate together as a BTWE family.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
Students might be surprised to learn that I still get excited and nervous before big events, especially when speaking in front of students, staff, and families. Even as a principal, I still get butterflies sometimes, which helps me understand how they feel when they're presenting or performing!
🏆 Celebrating excellence in mathematics!
The King High School Mu Alpha Theta team was recognized by the City of Temple Terrace during the September 15 City Council meeting for their outstanding performance at the national Mu Alpha Theta Convention in Texas.
King’s students earned top-10 national finishes in all three team divisions, including a 5th-place finish in the Mu Division — the highest-placing public school calculus team in the nation!
Congratulations to these talented students and their coaches on this incredible accomplishment! 👏📐
The King High School Mu Alpha Theta team was recognized by the City of Temple Terrace during the September 15 City Council meeting for their outstanding performance at the national Mu Alpha Theta Convention in Texas.
King’s students earned top-10 national finishes in all three team divisions, including a 5th-place finish in the Mu Division — the highest-placing public school calculus team in the nation!
Congratulations to these talented students and their coaches on this incredible accomplishment! 👏📐
🍎💙 More Than a Principal
This National Principals Month, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated school leaders who do so much more than lead. Our principals are mentors, advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for their students, staff, and school communities.
We’re grateful for the leadership, dedication, and heart they bring to our schools every day!
This National Principals Month, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated school leaders who do so much more than lead. Our principals are mentors, advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for their students, staff, and school communities.
We’re grateful for the leadership, dedication, and heart they bring to our schools every day!
➕➖ MATH HOMEWORK HOTLINE WEEK 4 ➗✖️ Tonight's topic for Math Homework Hotline is "Solving Equations."
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
🍴 Learning goes far beyond the kitchen at Pierce Middle School!
Second-year Culinary students in Chef Michael Richter II’s class are developing valuable skills that will serve them well in and out of the kitchen, including time management, teamwork, organization and budgeting.
During a recent lesson, students worked in teams, rotating through six stations with just six minutes at each one to prepare a fresh garden salad. They even put their creativity to work by making their own salad dressings! 🥗👨🍳
It’s hands-on learning that helps students build skills for the kitchen — and for life.
Check out the student's lesson here: https://youtu.be/asG7uuBbs2U
Second-year Culinary students in Chef Michael Richter II’s class are developing valuable skills that will serve them well in and out of the kitchen, including time management, teamwork, organization and budgeting.
During a recent lesson, students worked in teams, rotating through six stations with just six minutes at each one to prepare a fresh garden salad. They even put their creativity to work by making their own salad dressings! 🥗👨🍳
It’s hands-on learning that helps students build skills for the kitchen — and for life.
Check out the student's lesson here: https://youtu.be/asG7uuBbs2U
What does a future in marine science look like? 🌊
For some of our AICE Marine Science and AICE Environmental Management students at Wharton High School, it looked like a live conversation with NOAA Ocean Exploration scientists aboard a research vessel exploring American Samoa and the surrounding waters.
Students got a firsthand look at the many career paths that make this work possible, from marine scientists and engineers to IT specialists and beyond. Experiences like this help our students see what’s possible and discover that their future can take them anywhere.
We’re preparing students for what’s next and opening their eyes to the possibilities along the way.
For some of our AICE Marine Science and AICE Environmental Management students at Wharton High School, it looked like a live conversation with NOAA Ocean Exploration scientists aboard a research vessel exploring American Samoa and the surrounding waters.
Students got a firsthand look at the many career paths that make this work possible, from marine scientists and engineers to IT specialists and beyond. Experiences like this help our students see what’s possible and discover that their future can take them anywhere.
We’re preparing students for what’s next and opening their eyes to the possibilities along the way.
As part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ “Raise the Flags” campaign, the Bucs stopped by Buchanan Middle School today to get students moving and learning on the football field! 🏈
Students worked on a variety of flag football skills, from route running and passing to flag pulling and more. It was a fun day of learning, teamwork and football! 🏴☠️
Students worked on a variety of flag football skills, from route running and passing to flag pulling and more. It was a fun day of learning, teamwork and football! 🏴☠️
A remarkable achievement for the welding program at Rick Lott Technical College in Plant City! 🔥
All 17 welding students, led by instructor Pedro Castrejon, recently earned a 100% pass rate on the SMAW Stick AWS 3G and 4G Vertical Position welding certification test — an impressive accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, skill and preparation.
Through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, these students are gaining the skills they need to become Future Ready and take the next step toward successful careers in the welding industry. 👏
Click here to learn more about this remarkable achievement: https://youtu.be/5QImWkGzGDA
All 17 welding students, led by instructor Pedro Castrejon, recently earned a 100% pass rate on the SMAW Stick AWS 3G and 4G Vertical Position welding certification test — an impressive accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, skill and preparation.
Through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, these students are gaining the skills they need to become Future Ready and take the next step toward successful careers in the welding industry. 👏
Click here to learn more about this remarkable achievement: https://youtu.be/5QImWkGzGDA
After more than 50 years of coaching, mentoring, and shaping the lives of student-athletes, Hillsborough High School Football Coach Earl Garcia Jr. has earned a lasting place in Terriers history. 🏈❤️🖤
From joining the Terriers as an assistant football coach in 1977 to leading the program as head coach since 1993, Coach Garcia has built a tradition of excellence on the field while emphasizing academics, character, discipline, and leadership off the field.
With more than 300 career victories, multiple conference and district championships, postseason appearances, and hundreds of student-athletes earning college opportunities, his impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
Now, that legacy will live on every time the Terriers take the field.
We are proud to celebrate the naming of Earl Garcia Jr. Stadium in honor of a coach who has dedicated his life to developing young men and strengthening Hillsborough High School.
Congratulations, Coach! Your legacy will now live on in the place where generations of Terriers have made memories.
Students from Brandon High School and George D. Chamberlain High School participated in Think Big For Kids Student-Player Mentoring Program this week! 🏈🤝
Students are partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, cheerleaders, and staff for four training sessions each year. They participate in activities that build their communication and leadership skills and help them set goals for life beyond the classroom.
Students are partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, cheerleaders, and staff for four training sessions each year. They participate in activities that build their communication and leadership skills and help them set goals for life beyond the classroom.
➕➖ MATH HOMEWORK HOTLINE WEEK 3 ➗✖️ Tonight's topic for Math Homework Hotline is "Expressions."
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
🎯 Future Ready starts with real-world experience in Freedom High School's Marketing Class!
Students in Freedom High School’s Marketing program are getting hands-on experience running a business from the ground up. Students market, design, create and distribute shirts, jackets, banners and more for clubs and organizations both inside and outside of the school.
From creativity and communication to production, customer service and business operations, students are developing the real-world skills they need to be Future Ready.
▶️ See the program in action: https://youtu.be/67PltRDL03o
🛍️ Want to learn more or place an order? Check out www.freedomcte.org
Students in Freedom High School’s Marketing program are getting hands-on experience running a business from the ground up. Students market, design, create and distribute shirts, jackets, banners and more for clubs and organizations both inside and outside of the school.
From creativity and communication to production, customer service and business operations, students are developing the real-world skills they need to be Future Ready.
▶️ See the program in action: https://youtu.be/67PltRDL03o
🛍️ Want to learn more or place an order? Check out www.freedomcte.org
Shaw Elementary School, in partnership with Suncoast Credit Union, celebrated the grand opening of a student-run branch! The first of its kind in Hillsborough County, the student-run branch is open every Tuesday. It features financial education for families and the opportunity for students to open a Suncoast Credit Union account.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM! 🤩 Starting this school year, every PreK through 8th Grade student in Hillsborough County Public Schools has the opportunity to experience a standards-aligned field trip at no cost to schools or families, thanks to our millage referendum.
From exploring the world of science and art to serving our community and discovering new career possibilities, these experiences bring classroom learning to life and give students opportunities to explore, ask questions, make connections, and see their learning in action.
Check out some of our students who were out and about learning at the Glazer Children's Museum, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, Inc., Nature's Classroom, and through a Day of Service with Hillsborough County, Florida Government!
We’re proud to invest in experiences that inspire curiosity today and help prepare our students for brighter futures tomorrow.
For more information, please visit https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/page/prek-8-millage-partnerships-field-trips.
Roland Park K-8 Magnet School held its annual International Day of Peace Celebration this morning!
The event featured art, music, and dance performances by students and staff, demonstrating the importance of peace, love, and unity in our community. ☮️
The event featured art, music, and dance performances by students and staff, demonstrating the importance of peace, love, and unity in our community. ☮️
“Because of AVID, I…”
Today we celebrate AVID Day, joining schools across the country in recognizing the impact of educators and students working together to expand access and opportunity.
AVID strengthens skills like critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, helping students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the growth we see every day in our AVID students and grateful for the shared commitment of the educators who help make it possible.
AVID continues to elevate potential, expand opportunity, and strengthen pathways to the future. 💙
Hear from some of our high school juniors and seniors on how AVID has prepared them for life >> https://youtu.be/zlv1hubrVBI
Did you know Florida offers a free at-home literacy program to help young readers build confidence and strengthen their reading skills? 📖
New Worlds Reading supports students in VPK through 5th grade who may need additional reading support by sending 9 free books each school year and literacy resources directly to their homes.
To check your student's eligibility and apply, visit https://bit.ly/NewWorldsReadingHCPS.
Let’s help every student grow into a confident reader!
➕➖ MATH HOMEWORK HOTLINE WEEK 2 ➗✖️ Tonight's topic for Math Homework Hotline is "Order of Operations."
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
Thank you to our sponsors, EdGems Math and Mathnasium!
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
Thank you to our sponsors, EdGems Math and Mathnasium!
🐄 Building career-ready skills through hands-on learning!
Students in Mrs. Newcomb’s Vet Tech 4 class at Freedom High School put their classroom training to work as they helped run cattle into the chute and observed hoof trims with a cattle farrier from Happy Herd Services in Gainesville.
#FutureReady #CTE
Students in Mrs. Newcomb’s Vet Tech 4 class at Freedom High School put their classroom training to work as they helped run cattle into the chute and observed hoof trims with a cattle farrier from Happy Herd Services in Gainesville.
#FutureReady #CTE
GET READY TO LACE UP 👟 We’re just over 50 days away from our 5th annual Race for Education, in partnership with Hillsborough Education Foundation and USF College of Education!
This year’s 5K and 1-mile run/walk is moving to a NEW LOCATION… the University of South Florida campus! 🎉
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to come together to support our schools. Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, and finisher medal, and will get to enjoy music performances by students along the route.
🏃 Register today >>> https://bit.ly/RaceforEducation5K
This year’s 5K and 1-mile run/walk is moving to a NEW LOCATION… the University of South Florida campus! 🎉
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to come together to support our schools. Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, and finisher medal, and will get to enjoy music performances by students along the route.
🏃 Register today >>> https://bit.ly/RaceforEducation5K
