Art teacher Mrs. Lemonidis transformed the multipurpose room into a vibrant gallery, where every student had two pieces of artwork on display. Families also enjoyed hands-on activities and the chance to create art together, making it a memorable celebration of creativity and community. 💛✨
Episode 11: Leading with Heart, Principal Latonya Anderson Rhodes
The role of a principal is complex. It requires vision, resilience, decision-making, and accountability. But the very best school leaders bring something more — they lead with heart. Joining the podcast for this episode is Latonya Anderson Rhodes, principal of Jennings Middle School. She’s here to share what it means to lead with compassion, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in students.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
Teachers, students, and families participate by designing outfits made from recycled materials and then wearing their amazing creations on the runway!
The event combines the school's magnet themes of environmental science and the arts, powerfully uniting creativity, sustainability, and community spirit.
These graduates aren’t just earning their high school diplomas; they’re also walking away with their Associate of Arts degrees through Hillsborough College. An amazing achievement and a powerful head start on their future!
Pictured: Spoto High School Collegiate Academy's Class of 2026 at their graduate recognition ceremony.
A big thank you to Hillsborough College for helping our students to reach new heights!
FREE Summer VPK!
HCPS is offering a 30-day VPK program at select school campuses for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2026. June 3–July 23 | Mon–Thurs | 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Spots are limited—register now: https://bit.ly/HCPSSummerVPK
Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Help us celebrate the people who guide our kids to learning with care and patience. Thank you for going the extra mile!
They competed across four tracks—Beef & Dairy, Food & Nutrition, Plant Identification, and even a tractor driving challenge—putting their agriculture knowledge to the test in hands-on, real-world scenarios 🚜👏 #CTE
Results from the 2nd Choice, Magnet, and Hillsborough Virtual School Application Window for the 2026-2027 School Year are now available!
Families can visit community.sdhc.k12.fl.us to access their results.
The response window will close on Wednesday, May 6, at 11:59 p.m.
If you need any assistance, please contact our Choice Information Line at 813-272-4692.
They learned about linemen, substations, and control panels, sat in on a wiring class, and worked alongside apprentices in a hands-on workshop. Students also connected with Plant City High grads who shared how classroom learning translates into real careers 👏
Altar'd State Tampa surprised Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School and West Tampa Elementary School on Friday with an incredibly generous gift! Each school received $20,000 in AdoptAClassroom.org funding.
Every teacher will receive an equal share to purchase the materials and resources they need to support their classrooms and students for the upcoming school year.
We are so grateful to Altar’d State and AdoptAClassroom.org for investing in our students, teachers, and school communities. It truly takes a village, and this is what that support looks like in action!
In less than a month, our seniors will walk across the stage and turn the page to their next chapter. We can’t wait to celebrate you! 🎉
View the full schedule of this year’s commencement ceremonies at hillsboroughschools.org/graduation.
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/4tZ6EYy.
Let’s help every student grow into a confident reader!
He serves as Vice President of Communications for National Honor Society and National French Honor Society, and leads as President and team captain of Plant High’s Mock Trial Team.
From orchestra and academic clubs to cross country and track & field, Charlie stays involved—and gives back through volunteer work with Special Olympics, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, the Gasparilla Distance Classic, and the St. Pete Run Fest.
Next stop: the University of Florida, where he plans to study political science on a pre-law track! 🐊📚
More to the Story Podcast Episode 10: Shake Washington
This episode is all about history, not just what’s in textbooks, but what’s lived, remembered, and carried forward. We’re joined by Shake Washington, who brings a powerful, full-circle perspective shaped by decades in education as a student, educator, school leader, and now a School Board member. He shares his journey, reflects on pivotal moments in history, and explains how those experiences continue to shape his leadership today. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
We’re taking a moment to thank the incredible community partners who continue to invest in our Class of 2026 graduates. Your support opens doors, creates opportunities, and makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
📸 Pictured: Dimarien Ramirez, a senior at Leto High School, who plans to attend St. Petersburg College and major in business administration. She is the recipient of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay BIG Futures Scholarship powered by the Deloitte Foundation.
Congratulations, Dimarien! We’re cheering you on every step of the way! 👏
More to the Story Podcast Episode 9: Shannon Lesperance (ESE)
In this episode, we’re focusing on something at the heart of our mission: ensuring every student is seen, supported, and able to thrive. We’re highlighting Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and how our district supports students with diverse learning needs from early childhood through graduation and beyond. Joining the conversation is Shannon Lesperance, Director of Exceptional Student Education. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
Each student was presented with a plaque recognizing their academic achievements, as well as their effort, perseverance, and commitment to reaching their goals.
The program culminated with student presentations to distinguished guests, including parents, doctors, and Moffitt researchers 👩⚕️👨🔬. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provided valuable insight into careers in biomedical science and research 🎓✨.
Mrs. Guadalupe has dedicated 33 years to HCPS, including the past 22 years as a 5th-grade ELA teacher at Davis. Throughout her time there, she has inspired generations of students to develop a genuine love of reading and learning. Through engaging read-alouds and thoughtfully chosen books, she helps every child discover stories that spark curiosity, imagination, and growth.
Her creativity and passion bring literature to life, making her classroom a place where stories inspire confidence and lifelong learning. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping readers who carry their love of literacy for years to come.
This recognition celebrates not only her extraordinary legacy but the lasting difference one dedicated educator can make!
