WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! To ensure we continue to provide high-quality, rigorous learning opportunities that meet the needs of our students and prepare them for college and careers, we are asking HCPS families to complete a brief survey.
The survey shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to fill out and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district stronger.
You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone now through Friday, January 23. Please check your email for a direct link from your school's survey coordinator.
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses and support.
The survey shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to fill out and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district stronger.
You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone now through Friday, January 23. Please check your email for a direct link from your school's survey coordinator.
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses and support.
LEADING THE WAY FOR SKIN HEALTH ☀️ We’re proud to announce that three Robinson High School seniors have been named 2025 Congressional App District Challenge winners by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor!
Sharan Santharam Srinivasan, Ammar Omar, and Sujay Korada developed “SunScreened,” an app designed to educate users about the dangers of UV exposure and the importance of sunscreen for overall skin health.
Inspired by Florida’s sunny climate, the students created SunScreened to raise awareness about skin health. The app features real-time UV tracking, personalized SPF recommendations, burn-time calculations, and AI-powered skin analysis.
Watch a demonstration of their app via the video link below ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnrJUq6MK-A
Monday, January 5, is a non-student day. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, January 6.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SPOTLIGHT 🎉 Congratulations to 11 students from Turner/Bartels K-8 School for their outstanding performance at the 2025 Florida Technology Student Association (TSA) Space Coast Regional Competition!
Our Tigers placed in multiple categories, showcasing their creativity, collaboration, and technical skills.
🥈 2nd Place – Chapter Team Parliamentary Presentation
🥈🥉 2nd/3rd Place – Dragster Design
🥉 3rd Place – Biotechnology
🥉 3rd Place – Children’s Stories
🥉 3rd Place – Inventions & Innovations
🥉 3rd Place – Parliamentary Exam
We’re proud of these students as they advance to the Florida TSA State Competition in March! To learn more about TSA and the competitive events, visit https://floridatsa.org/.
Our Tigers placed in multiple categories, showcasing their creativity, collaboration, and technical skills.
🥈 2nd Place – Chapter Team Parliamentary Presentation
🥈🥉 2nd/3rd Place – Dragster Design
🥉 3rd Place – Biotechnology
🥉 3rd Place – Children’s Stories
🥉 3rd Place – Inventions & Innovations
🥉 3rd Place – Parliamentary Exam
We’re proud of these students as they advance to the Florida TSA State Competition in March! To learn more about TSA and the competitive events, visit https://floridatsa.org/.
Congratulations to our students who recently participated in and received top honors at the 2025 Congressional App District Challenge, hosted by Congresswoman Laurel Lee!
This national competition encourages middle and high school students to learn coding and create innovative applications that address real-world problems.
🥇 1st Place: Sarayu Karedla, Yashika Garg, and Navita Mishira (Middleton High School) — NeuroPath App: An AI-powered app designed to detect and monitor neurodegenerative diseases, supporting earlier diagnosis and care.
🥈 2nd Place: Alex Sun (Steinbrenner High School) — RemindMe App: An app created to help individuals with memory-related conditions stay connected with their loved ones.
🥉 3rd Place: Sahil Patel, Krishiv Patel, and Shaan Patel (Steinbrenner High School) — CareConnect App: An app that connects people in need of assistance with those ready to help.
We are so proud of these students for using their creativity and technical skills to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom!
This national competition encourages middle and high school students to learn coding and create innovative applications that address real-world problems.
🥇 1st Place: Sarayu Karedla, Yashika Garg, and Navita Mishira (Middleton High School) — NeuroPath App: An AI-powered app designed to detect and monitor neurodegenerative diseases, supporting earlier diagnosis and care.
🥈 2nd Place: Alex Sun (Steinbrenner High School) — RemindMe App: An app created to help individuals with memory-related conditions stay connected with their loved ones.
🥉 3rd Place: Sahil Patel, Krishiv Patel, and Shaan Patel (Steinbrenner High School) — CareConnect App: An app that connects people in need of assistance with those ready to help.
We are so proud of these students for using their creativity and technical skills to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom!
COZY UP AND GRAB A BOOK 📚❄️ Don't forget, the Superintendent’s Winter Break Reading Challenge is underway! Students in PreK–12 are encouraged to grab their favorite book during Winter Break and log every minute they spend reading.
Through Monday, January 5, students can record their reading in Beanstack (Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started).
Schools with the highest participation will earn a Reader Leader trophy and $500 for library books! Winners will be announced during Celebrate Literacy Week, January 26 through 30.
Let’s keep reading and #GetCaughtReading this Winter Break!
Through Monday, January 5, students can record their reading in Beanstack (Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started).
Schools with the highest participation will earn a Reader Leader trophy and $500 for library books! Winners will be announced during Celebrate Literacy Week, January 26 through 30.
Let’s keep reading and #GetCaughtReading this Winter Break!
❄️ Take a moment for YOU this Winter Break!
This Winter Break, we’re sharing simple daily tips to help you recharge, stay active, and find balance. Follow our social channels each weekday for quick, feel-good ways to support your mind, body, and overall wellness all season long!
This Winter Break, we’re sharing simple daily tips to help you recharge, stay active, and find balance. Follow our social channels each weekday for quick, feel-good ways to support your mind, body, and overall wellness all season long!
From classroom to career — right here in Plant City. 🍓
Rick Lott Technical College provides hands-on technical training through Hillsborough County’s network of CTE programs. Students learn in real-world lab environments and can complete many programs in just one year, earning credentials that lead directly to high-demand jobs in the Tampa Bay region.
We’re proud to support Plant City — in education and in the community. That’s why we've partnered with Plant City Main Street to sponsor the 2nd Annual Plant City Strawberry Drop happening on New Year's Eve! https://www.plantcitymainstreet.org/strawberrydrop2026
For more information about Rick Lott Technical College, visit:
https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/rltc
Students in Durant High School’s Agriculture Program recently completed their 30th Annual Bike Drop-Off 🎄🚲, delivering donated bicycles to local Plant City elementary schools.
The Agriculture Department collected bike donations from Durant students and families, FFA Alumni, and several generous community businesses 🎁🤝. These bikes were distributed to J.S. Robinson Elementary, Trapnell Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Valrico Elementary, Walden Lake Elementary, and Yates Elementary 🎅🎄, helping bring smiles and holiday joy to students across the community.
This long-standing tradition highlights the program’s commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement during the holiday season ❤️✨
The Agriculture Department collected bike donations from Durant students and families, FFA Alumni, and several generous community businesses 🎁🤝. These bikes were distributed to J.S. Robinson Elementary, Trapnell Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Valrico Elementary, Walden Lake Elementary, and Yates Elementary 🎅🎄, helping bring smiles and holiday joy to students across the community.
This long-standing tradition highlights the program’s commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement during the holiday season ❤️✨
FIND YOUR FUTURE! ⚙️🍓 It was a wonderful morning in Plant City as we welcomed in the future of workforce education during today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rick Lott Technical College! City officials, county and community leaders, along with district leadership, came together to celebrate the opening of this exciting new campus.
Students will have the opportunity to enroll in hands-on programs such as building construction, electricity, HVAC, and welding, allowing them to gain the skills and industry certifications needed to enter the workforce.
To learn more information or enroll, visit hillsboroughschools.org/rltc. Classes begin January 12!
DON'T FORGET! Tonight is one of our District Financial Aid Nights. The workshop will take place at Tampa Bay Technical High School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the media center.
The next one will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Durant High School.
For a full list of dates, locations, and more information, visit hillsboroughschools.org/page/fafsa-nights.
The next one will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Durant High School.
For a full list of dates, locations, and more information, visit hillsboroughschools.org/page/fafsa-nights.
COZY UP AND GRAB A BOOK 📚❄️ We are excited to announce the Superintendent's Winter Break Reading Challenge! Students in PreK-12 are encouraged to dive into their favorite stories this upcoming break and log every minute they read.
From December 19 through January 5, students can record their reading in Beanstack (Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started). The schools with the highest participation will earn a Reader Leader trophy and $500 toward library books! Winners will be announced during Celebrate Literacy Week, January 26 through 30.
Let's #GetCaughtReading this Winter Break!
From December 19 through January 5, students can record their reading in Beanstack (Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started). The schools with the highest participation will earn a Reader Leader trophy and $500 toward library books! Winners will be announced during Celebrate Literacy Week, January 26 through 30.
Let's #GetCaughtReading this Winter Break!
Congratulations to Leanne Way, the new principal of Dover Elementary School! 🎉
Leanne began her career with HCPS in 2004 as a 5th grade teacher at Knights Elementary School. She later served as the school’s reading resource teacher before becoming assistant principal in 2010.
While we know her Knights family will miss her, we are excited to see her lead and inspire our Dover Dragons. Congratulations, Principal Way!
Meet Asya Adkins-Cenatus, the new principal of Oak Park Elementary School!
Asya began her HCPS career in 2013 as a kindergarten teacher at Oak Park before teaching multiple grade levels and serving as the school’s reading coach.
She later supported the Transformation Network as a reading coach in 2021 and became assistant principal at James Elementary School the following year.
In 2022, she returned to Oak Park, where she has continued to serve as assistant principal.
Congratulations, Principal Adkins-Cenatus! We can’t wait to see all you will accomplish in this next chapter.
Congratulations to the next round of our Buccaneers Best Krewe Award recipients for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉☠️
🏈 Scott Weaver, principal of Adum K-8 Magnet School
🏈 Beverly Hawkins, school social worker at Potter Elementary School
🏈 Victoria Fulton, lunchroom aide at Lanier Elementary School
They were recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
Tonight, we proudly recognized two exceptional leaders whose service on our Citizen Oversight Committee strengthened transparency, accountability, and public trust in the half-penny sales tax referendum.
Thank you to Chair Betty Castor for her lifelong dedication to education and steadfast leadership, and to Vice-Chair Sheriff Chad Chronister for his disciplined, community-focused service.
Together, their commitment to integrity and responsible stewardship has made a lasting impact on our schools, students, staff, and families.
Congratulations to our Hillsborough Reads Bookmark Contest winners! 📚🎉
From hundreds of submissions across more than 85 schools, these bookmarks stood out with incredible designs that brought our theme — “Get Caught Reading!” — to life.
Our winners are:
🏅 Mason R., 1st grade – Chiles Elementary School
🏅 Emilie (Ziyu) W., 5th grade – Clark Elementary School
🏅 Fiona L., 8th grade – Burns Middle School
🏅 Ashley R., 12th grade – Jefferson High School
🏅 April McMillion, Art Teacher – Sumner High School
Thank you to every student and educator who shared their creativity with us. We can’t wait to see these bookmarks printed and shared across our schools!
From hundreds of submissions across more than 85 schools, these bookmarks stood out with incredible designs that brought our theme — “Get Caught Reading!” — to life.
Our winners are:
🏅 Mason R., 1st grade – Chiles Elementary School
🏅 Emilie (Ziyu) W., 5th grade – Clark Elementary School
🏅 Fiona L., 8th grade – Burns Middle School
🏅 Ashley R., 12th grade – Jefferson High School
🏅 April McMillion, Art Teacher – Sumner High School
Thank you to every student and educator who shared their creativity with us. We can’t wait to see these bookmarks printed and shared across our schools!
📣 The Armwood Hawks lost a heartbreaker to the West Boca Bulls Friday evening at Lyle Flagg Field in the state semifinals, 14–13.
💙 The Hawks close out an incredible season with a 13–1 record.
#HillsboroughNightLights 🏈
💙 The Hawks close out an incredible season with a 13–1 record.
#HillsboroughNightLights 🏈
✨ Career Quest 2025 was a huge success! ✨
Over 600 Hillsborough County Schools seniors spent this morning exploring programs and career pathways at Hillsborough College. 🦅💙
Students connected with faculty, experienced hands-on learning, discovered the Hawk community, and enjoyed free swag and lunch! 🎉
Thank you to Hillsborough College for giving our seniors a powerful start to their college and career journeys. 🚀
Over 600 Hillsborough County Schools seniors spent this morning exploring programs and career pathways at Hillsborough College. 🦅💙
Students connected with faculty, experienced hands-on learning, discovered the Hawk community, and enjoyed free swag and lunch! 🎉
Thank you to Hillsborough College for giving our seniors a powerful start to their college and career journeys. 🚀
Students in Durant High School’s Technical Agriculture Operations class got hands-on with a variety of hand and power tools thanks to DeWalt and Grainger! 🔧⚡️
They explored tool safety, proper use, and even got a sneak peek at the newest gear hitting the market in the coming year. 👀✨
