DON'T FORGET! The 2026 Mid-Autumn Harvest Moon Children's Festival will take place this weekend from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alonso High School. 🌙🏮
Join us for an afternoon of cultural celebrations, dance performances, arts and crafts, family entertainment, Asian food vendors, a senior health fair, community resources, and more!
Bring the whole family to enjoy this special celebration and discover the richness of our community's Asian heritage while creating memories together.
Join us for an afternoon of cultural celebrations, dance performances, arts and crafts, family entertainment, Asian food vendors, a senior health fair, community resources, and more!
Bring the whole family to enjoy this special celebration and discover the richness of our community's Asian heritage while creating memories together.
Thank you, Plant High School's orchestra, for the wonderful performance before today's board meeting!
Learning CPR just got a high-tech upgrade at Martinez Middle School! 🫀
Students are using CPR Cubes to practice lifesaving skills while receiving real-time feedback on the effectiveness and rate of their compressions. The technology helps students build confidence and understand what it feels like to perform CPR correctly—turning practice into hands-on, real-world learning.
To learn more, click here: https://youtu.be/Qa5hT__2NYY
Students are using CPR Cubes to practice lifesaving skills while receiving real-time feedback on the effectiveness and rate of their compressions. The technology helps students build confidence and understand what it feels like to perform CPR correctly—turning practice into hands-on, real-world learning.
To learn more, click here: https://youtu.be/Qa5hT__2NYY
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌎💙
This Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month, HCPS proudly celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that strengthen our schools and community. This year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más - Together, We Are More,” reminds us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
Celebrate culture. Discover stories. Inspire learning.
❗️ THERE'S STILL TIME ❗️ Students can still submit artwork for our Every Day Matters Poster Contest, in partnership with United Way Suncoast.
Whether it’s a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both, we want to see your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up and make every day count!
Submissions are now due next Monday, September 21. Students should use the poster template found via the link in our bio to create their masterpiece. Once complete, posters should be turned in to their teacher and sent via school mail to Attendance Coordinator Thomas Lefevre (Route 7).
So grab your crayons, colored pencils, markers, or whatever inspires you, and show us why Every Day Matters! 🖍️🎨
Whether it’s a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both, we want to see your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up and make every day count!
Submissions are now due next Monday, September 21. Students should use the poster template found via the link in our bio to create their masterpiece. Once complete, posters should be turned in to their teacher and sent via school mail to Attendance Coordinator Thomas Lefevre (Route 7).
So grab your crayons, colored pencils, markers, or whatever inspires you, and show us why Every Day Matters! 🖍️🎨
Celebrating the Arts in Education 🎨🎭
The arts help students discover their creativity, build confidence, and see the world from new perspectives. From visual arts and music to theater and dance, arts education gives students meaningful opportunities to create, express themselves, and explore their talents.
This National Arts in Education Week, we’re celebrating the educators, students, and programs that bring creativity and inspiration into our classrooms every day! 💙
The arts help students discover their creativity, build confidence, and see the world from new perspectives. From visual arts and music to theater and dance, arts education gives students meaningful opportunities to create, express themselves, and explore their talents.
This National Arts in Education Week, we’re celebrating the educators, students, and programs that bring creativity and inspiration into our classrooms every day! 💙
Twenty-five years later, the stories are still being told. ✉️
Yesterday, students at Alonso High School opened a piece of history: letters written by former Ravens who were sitting in their exact same seats on September 11, 2001.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZ7OsrMN40
Inside each envelope were personal reflections and memories of that day, along with artifacts like newspaper clippings and keychains. Some letters even shared deeply personal connections to family members who were working in the World Trade Center when tragedy struck.
For today’s students, it was like opening a time capsule. It was a powerful, hands-on way to understand history through the eyes of those who lived it and to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11.
Some moments in history are meant to be remembered. Others are meant to be passed down so we never forget. 🇺🇸
Twenty-five years later, we remember.
This morning, Air Force JROTC cadets at Sickles High School led the school in a 9/11 memorial tribute at the flagpole, bringing students and staff together to honor the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The ceremony included the raising of the American flag, a performance of Taps, and the laying of a wreath at the base of the flagpole.
Surrounded by their classmates, our cadets helped ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and lives of those we lost 25 years ago are never forgotten. 🇺🇸
This morning, Air Force JROTC cadets at Sickles High School led the school in a 9/11 memorial tribute at the flagpole, bringing students and staff together to honor the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The ceremony included the raising of the American flag, a performance of Taps, and the laying of a wreath at the base of the flagpole.
Surrounded by their classmates, our cadets helped ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and lives of those we lost 25 years ago are never forgotten. 🇺🇸
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR! 🎉 Math Homework Hotline is ready to kick off a new season. Tonight's topic is Operations with Rational Numbers.
Join hosts Maggie Mixon and Lisa Arias live at 6 p.m. Tutors will begin taking calls starting at 5:30 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Math Homework Hotline airs on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
Thank you to our sponsors, EdGems Math and Mathnasium!
Join hosts Maggie Mixon and Lisa Arias live at 6 p.m. Tutors will begin taking calls starting at 5:30 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Math Homework Hotline airs on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at hillsboroughschools.org/mhh.
Thank you to our sponsors, EdGems Math and Mathnasium!
🖤💚 "BEST DAY OF MY LIFE" 💙❤️
Every school year is a new beginning, but for our 5th graders at Miles Elementary School, it comes with a little extra mystery, excitement, and glitter!
During the school's annual House Reveal, students are randomly sorted into one of four houses, and the only way to find out which one they're joining is by popping a balloon and discovering their house color in a burst of glitter.
It's a moment reserved just for 5th grade, making it an extra-special way to cap off their elementary experience.
Watch a recap of this year's House Reveal >>> https://youtu.be/sKJVW4lHKLw?si=dPiByeuPakA8P_Av
Courage, duty, honor, and selfless service. These are just a few of the qualities three Lennard High School JROTC cadets recently demonstrated when their quick thinking helped save a fellow student’s life following an incident near the school.
Cadets Max Britton, Tess Britton, and Tyler Grooms immediately stepped in to help, providing lifesaving first aid, calling 911, and seeking additional assistance. They remained calm under extraordinary circumstances and stayed with the injured student until first responders arrived.
Today, the three cadets were honored by State Representative Danny Alvarez, school board members, and community leaders for their actions. Additional commendations were received from State Representative Michael Owen, State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller, Department of the Army, Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, and American Legion Post 246.
They are a powerful example of the leadership and character JROTC programs strive to develop in students, preparing them not only to lead, but to step up and serve when their community needs them most.
We are incredibly proud of Max, Tess, and Tyler!
Cadets Max Britton, Tess Britton, and Tyler Grooms immediately stepped in to help, providing lifesaving first aid, calling 911, and seeking additional assistance. They remained calm under extraordinary circumstances and stayed with the injured student until first responders arrived.
Today, the three cadets were honored by State Representative Danny Alvarez, school board members, and community leaders for their actions. Additional commendations were received from State Representative Michael Owen, State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller, Department of the Army, Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, and American Legion Post 246.
They are a powerful example of the leadership and character JROTC programs strive to develop in students, preparing them not only to lead, but to step up and serve when their community needs them most.
We are incredibly proud of Max, Tess, and Tyler!
Our district is expanding an initiative to help prevent and quickly respond to vaping on our campuses.
Vaping detectors will be installed in middle and K-8 school bathrooms. We have already been using these detectors in our high schools, where they have helped administrators identify vaping incidents more quickly and respond promptly.
The system uses technology that detects airborne vapor and immediately alerts school administrators so staff can check the area. The detectors do not record audio or video.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all HCPS campuses. Expanding this initiative is part of our broader effort to reduce vaping, support student health, and ensure our schools can respond quickly when incidents occur.
To learn more about consequences for vaping-related violations, please view the HCPS Student Code of Conduct: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/student-code-of-conduct
Are you going to school, work, or exploring Hillsborough County? The Hillsborough Transit Authority is here to help!
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
We’re proud to announce that our newest middle school will be named Kenneth R. Otero Middle School, honoring a longtime Hillsborough County Public Schools leader whose nearly four decades of service helped shape the district we know today.
Mr. Otero began his career as a teacher at Plant High School in 1975 and went on to serve as a school administrator and district leader, including as principal of Sligh Junior High School (now Middle School) and Tampa Bay Technical High School, General Director, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Deputy Superintendent.
Throughout his career, Mr. Otero was dedicated to supporting student success, strengthening school leadership, and advancing educational excellence across Hillsborough County.
The approximately $72 million school, opening in August 2027, will serve up to 1,600 students and offer rigorous and accelerated academics, career and technical education, industry certifications, opportunities to earn high school credit, clubs, sports, and more.
We’re excited to bring Kenneth R. Otero Middle School to the Wimauma community and continue a legacy of excellence in education.
Mr. Otero began his career as a teacher at Plant High School in 1975 and went on to serve as a school administrator and district leader, including as principal of Sligh Junior High School (now Middle School) and Tampa Bay Technical High School, General Director, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Deputy Superintendent.
Throughout his career, Mr. Otero was dedicated to supporting student success, strengthening school leadership, and advancing educational excellence across Hillsborough County.
The approximately $72 million school, opening in August 2027, will serve up to 1,600 students and offer rigorous and accelerated academics, career and technical education, industry certifications, opportunities to earn high school credit, clubs, sports, and more.
We’re excited to bring Kenneth R. Otero Middle School to the Wimauma community and continue a legacy of excellence in education.
Congratulations to the grand winners of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Krewe Award for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉☠️
🏈 Carla Nolan, principal of Miles Elementary School
🏈 Stanley Glover, teacher at Marshall Middle Magnet School
🏈 Tiffany Sotelo, parent liaison/aide at Seminole Heights Elementary School
They were recognized and surprised during tonight's board meeting with season tickets.
🏈 Carla Nolan, principal of Miles Elementary School
🏈 Stanley Glover, teacher at Marshall Middle Magnet School
🏈 Tiffany Sotelo, parent liaison/aide at Seminole Heights Elementary School
They were recognized and surprised during tonight's board meeting with season tickets.
Thank you to Reddick Elementary School's Dual Language students for the wonderful performance before today's board meeting!
CALLING ALL STUDENT ARTISTS! 🖍️ It’s time to show off your creativity with our Every Day Matters Poster Contest. In partnership with United Way Suncoast, we’re challenging students to show why coming to school every day makes a difference. Use a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both to share your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
🏆 National FCCLA Success!
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
Army Brigade Nurse Major Isis Rosario spoke with medical students and JROTC cadets at Tampa Bay Technical High School this week about career and scholarship opportunities in the medical field, as well as ROTC and military pathways.
Students participated in a Q&A with Major Rosario, asking questions about her career journey and learning more about the opportunities available to help them pursue their own careers in medicine and the military. 🎓🩺🇺🇸
Students participated in a Q&A with Major Rosario, asking questions about her career journey and learning more about the opportunities available to help them pursue their own careers in medicine and the military. 🎓🩺🇺🇸
Congratulations to our Read, White, and Blue Summer Reading Challenge! 🎉
🏫 School Winners — Highest student and staff participation
🎉 Elementary: Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
🎉 Middle: Turkey Creek Middle School
🎉 High: Strawberry Crest High School
📚 Student Winners — Randomly selected from students who completed their reading bingo card
🎉 K-2: Jacob K., Essrig Elementary School
🎉 3-5: Selena I., Davis Elementary School
🎉 6-8: Luca M., Roland Park K-8 School
🎉 9-12: Swara D., Strawberry Crest High School
🏫 School Winners — Highest student and staff participation
🎉 Elementary: Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
🎉 Middle: Turkey Creek Middle School
🎉 High: Strawberry Crest High School
📚 Student Winners — Randomly selected from students who completed their reading bingo card
🎉 K-2: Jacob K., Essrig Elementary School
🎉 3-5: Selena I., Davis Elementary School
🎉 6-8: Luca M., Roland Park K-8 School
🎉 9-12: Swara D., Strawberry Crest High School
