We'd like to congratulate Christina Vega on being named the new principal of Buchanan Middle School!
Christina began her HCPS career as a bilingual aide at Dowdell Middle School. She later taught at Sligh Middle School before moving into administration at Sligh, Sulphur Springs, and, most recently, Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School, where she served as principal.
We can't wait to see the waves you'll make with our Buccaneers, Christina!
Christina began her HCPS career as a bilingual aide at Dowdell Middle School. She later taught at Sligh Middle School before moving into administration at Sligh, Sulphur Springs, and, most recently, Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School, where she served as principal.
We can't wait to see the waves you'll make with our Buccaneers, Christina!
Congratulations to Deanna McCahan on being named the new principal of Freedom High School!
She began her career with HCPS in 2001 teaching marketing. She later served at South County Career Acceleration Academy, East Bay High School, and Spoto High School in various teaching and administrative positions. Most recently, she was the principal of Shields Middle School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you will do with our Patriots, Deanna!
She began her career with HCPS in 2001 teaching marketing. She later served at South County Career Acceleration Academy, East Bay High School, and Spoto High School in various teaching and administrative positions. Most recently, she was the principal of Shields Middle School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you will do with our Patriots, Deanna!
We are proud to announce that Hillsborough County Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the first time in more than a decade! 🎉🎉
This milestone follows a year of remarkable student achievement, reflecting all the hard work and dedication from our students, administrators, teachers, support staff, and families.
We are ready to continue to build on this momentum this upcoming school year.
Thank you to our HCPS Family for helping us lead the way!
🍎📚✨ Last week, more than 1,500 educators from across the country — including 235 Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers and administrators representing more than 70 HCPS sites — attended the AVID Summer Institute in downtown Tampa.
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
"They helped me throughout my treatment, they've helped me throughout my whole journey, and I still come here to support the 1Voice Foundation."
HCPS and 1Voice Academy held a special ceremony to renew our partnership! The MOA commemoration highlighted the importance of helping students with cancer continue their education.
HCPS and 1Voice Academy held a special ceremony to renew our partnership! The MOA commemoration highlighted the importance of helping students with cancer continue their education.
Don't Forget!
Starting Wednesday, 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.
🏆 Congratulations to Liberty Middle School’s Business Leadership Academy students for an outstanding performance at the Virtual Enterprises International Youth Business Summit in New York City! Four teams advanced to the national championships, earning multiple top-three finishes, including a 1st Place Sales Pitch award. We’re proud of our students for showcasing their innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit on the national stage! 👏🎉
THE SURVEY IS NOW OPEN 📥 We're looking for name recommendations for our new state-of-the-art middle school opening in Wimauma in August 2027.
The school will be located on an 87-acre campus at 1716 West Lake Drive and will serve nearly 1,600 students. The property is also home to Aquilla J. Morgan High School and a future elementary school.
The survey will remain open through Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. All submitted names will be reviewed by the School Board, and a final decision will be made following the Sept. 1 School Board meeting.
Submit your suggestions here: https://bit.ly/middlevv
The school will be located on an 87-acre campus at 1716 West Lake Drive and will serve nearly 1,600 students. The property is also home to Aquilla J. Morgan High School and a future elementary school.
The survey will remain open through Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. All submitted names will be reviewed by the School Board, and a final decision will be made following the Sept. 1 School Board meeting.
Submit your suggestions here: https://bit.ly/middlevv
Help your student start this upcoming school year healthy and ready to learn with Project LINK’s 2026 Back-to-School Health Clinics. Eligible students can receive school physicals, immunizations, Florida Form DH 680 certificates, and immunization record transfers.
Services are available for children ages 5–17 who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid, including students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, or enrolling in Hillsborough County Public Schools for the first time.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled at www.b2shc.org or through the Back2School Clinic Scheduler app. A one-time $10 registration fee applies per family.
Clinics will be held on Saturdays from July 11 to August 15. Register early to secure your spot and get your child ready for the first day of school!
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.
