Episode 14: Voices from the Board: School Board Chair Karen Perez
For today’s episode, we are talking about something that impacts every classroom, every family, and every student — mental health and overall well-being. We know that for students to learn and thrive, they must first feel safe, supported, and connected. And increasingly, schools play a critical role in supporting not just academic success, but the whole child. Joining the conversation is Karen Perez, Chair of our School Board, who has been a strong advocate for student mental health and well-being.
Students at Sheehy Elementary School received a special surprise last week! Thanks to Samaritan's Feet International and Truist, each student was given a free pair of shoes! 👟
"What we noticed is that it boosts their confidence; we saw smiles, happy kids all around the campus. All the teachers are excited. Everyone on campus is excited for this experience." - Principal Tshiamalenge.
"What we noticed is that it boosts their confidence; we saw smiles, happy kids all around the campus. All the teachers are excited. Everyone on campus is excited for this experience." - Principal Tshiamalenge.
Congratulations to Alexander Perez, one of three seniors selected to receive the Superintendent’s 2-Year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship!
This senior from King High School has had to overcome challenges that many of his peers could never begin to imagine. Despite it all, Alexander has excelled. He will graduate as the salutatorian of his class and plans to attend the University of South Florida, where he will major in psychology.
We are incredibly proud of you, Alexander, and know you will continue to defy the odds and accomplish great things in this next chapter of your life!
https://youtu.be/4e7WTCf2vaA?si=76b6BnOFFWAFRs37
The Teacher Appreciation Week surprises continued this morning at Giunta Middle School! Ms. Dawneva Faison is the winner of four orchestra-level seats to see Beetlejuice at the Straz Center.
Watch the video below of Superintendent Ayres surprising her!
https://youtu.be/BiuMYMT3DmA?si=tQX5jxANbR-udXM-
Surprise! Congratulations to Michkayla Dandreano, a 1st-grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary School, on winning today’s #TeacherAppreciationWeek gift! She received a $200 gift card to the Azure restaurant at the Tampa EDITION Hotel.
Superintendent Van Ayres and HCPS Teacher of the Year Christi Atkinson also recognized Mrs. Chatman and Mrs. Smith-Moncrieffe with $50 Racetrac gift cards!
Watch Ms. Dandreano's surprise below!
https://youtu.be/yH_zHhVEElQ?si=bTPSt9VdKj3Cf9hD
Meet the new principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, Meredith Scribner!
Meredith began her career with HCPS in 1994 as a music teacher at Walden Lake Elementary School. She also taught at Giunta Middle School and Progress Village Middle School. In 2013, she entered administration as an assistant principal at Rodgers Middle School and later at Boys Preparatory Academy at Franklin Middle School. She currently serves as assistant principal at Roosevelt.
Congratulations, Meredith! We know you’ll continue to build on the proud tradition of excellence for our Rough Riders. 🐴
Meredith began her career with HCPS in 1994 as a music teacher at Walden Lake Elementary School. She also taught at Giunta Middle School and Progress Village Middle School. In 2013, she entered administration as an assistant principal at Rodgers Middle School and later at Boys Preparatory Academy at Franklin Middle School. She currently serves as assistant principal at Roosevelt.
Congratulations, Meredith! We know you’ll continue to build on the proud tradition of excellence for our Rough Riders. 🐴
Please help us congratulate Lindsay Allen on being named the new principal of DeSoto Elementary School!
Lindsay began her teaching career in 2005 in Orlando. She joined the HCPS family in 2009 as a 5th-grade teacher at Cahoon Elementary School (now Woodson K-8 School). From 2014 to 2019, she taught 5th grade, served as a reading coach, and worked as a district resource teacher across several elementary schools. In 2021, she was named assistant principal at DeSoto.
Congratulations, Lindsay! Our DeSoto Dragons are ready to take flight under your leadership.
Lindsay began her teaching career in 2005 in Orlando. She joined the HCPS family in 2009 as a 5th-grade teacher at Cahoon Elementary School (now Woodson K-8 School). From 2014 to 2019, she taught 5th grade, served as a reading coach, and worked as a district resource teacher across several elementary schools. In 2021, she was named assistant principal at DeSoto.
Congratulations, Lindsay! Our DeSoto Dragons are ready to take flight under your leadership.
Meet the new principal of Cimino Elementary School, Anne Fiorita!
Anne began her teaching career in Maryland and New Mexico before joining the HCPS family in 2005 at Limona Elementary School. She later moved to Boyette Springs Elementary School, where she taught 1st and 2nd grades and served as a peer evaluator at both the school and district level. Most recently, she has served as the assistant principal at Cimino Elementary School.
Congratulations, Anne! We know our Cougars will accomplish amazing things under your leadership.
Anne began her teaching career in Maryland and New Mexico before joining the HCPS family in 2005 at Limona Elementary School. She later moved to Boyette Springs Elementary School, where she taught 1st and 2nd grades and served as a peer evaluator at both the school and district level. Most recently, she has served as the assistant principal at Cimino Elementary School.
Congratulations, Anne! We know our Cougars will accomplish amazing things under your leadership.
Congratulations to Kelly Wackes on being named the new principal of Chiles Elementary School!
Kelly began her teaching career with HCPS in 2015 at Bing Elementary School. From 2017 to 2021, she served as a resource teacher at both Lewis and Robles Elementary Schools. In 2021, she entered administration as assistant principal at Clark Elementary School.
We’re excited to see our Falcons continue to soar under your leadership, Kelly!
Kelly began her teaching career with HCPS in 2015 at Bing Elementary School. From 2017 to 2021, she served as a resource teacher at both Lewis and Robles Elementary Schools. In 2021, she entered administration as assistant principal at Clark Elementary School.
We’re excited to see our Falcons continue to soar under your leadership, Kelly!
Please help us congratulate Adriana Wilsey on being named the new principal of Bay Crest Elementary School!
Adriana began her career with HCPS in 2007 as a 2nd grade teacher at Mary Bryant Elementary School. From 2008 to 2017, she taught multiple grade levels at Woodbridge Elementary School. She later joined Davis Elementary School, where she served as a 5th-grade teacher, resource teacher, math coach, and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Bay Crest.
Congratulations, Adriana! We’re excited to see our Seagulls continue to soar under your leadership!
Adriana began her career with HCPS in 2007 as a 2nd grade teacher at Mary Bryant Elementary School. From 2008 to 2017, she taught multiple grade levels at Woodbridge Elementary School. She later joined Davis Elementary School, where she served as a 5th-grade teacher, resource teacher, math coach, and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Bay Crest.
Congratulations, Adriana! We’re excited to see our Seagulls continue to soar under your leadership!
Meet the new principal of Apollo Beach K-8 School, Lindsey Nelson!
Lindsey began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. In 2015, she transferred to Collins K-8 School, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a resource teacher.
Since 2021, she has served as an assistant principal at Apollo Beach K-8, supporting both the elementary and middle school levels.
Congratulations, Lindsey! We’re excited to see our Dolphins continue to thrive under your leadership! 🐬
Lindsey began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. In 2015, she transferred to Collins K-8 School, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a resource teacher.
Since 2021, she has served as an assistant principal at Apollo Beach K-8, supporting both the elementary and middle school levels.
Congratulations, Lindsey! We’re excited to see our Dolphins continue to thrive under your leadership! 🐬
Congratulations to Robert Kleesattel, the new principal of Wilson Middle School!
Robert began his career with HCPS in 2005 as a social studies teacher at Dowdell Middle Magnet School through the Florida Troops to Teachers Program.
He entered administration in 2009 as an assistant principal at Ben Hill Middle School and later served at Sligh Middle Magnet School and Sgt. Smith Middle School. In 2019, he was named principal at Sgt. Smith.
We’re excited to see our Bulldogs continue to grow and succeed under your leadership, Robert!
Robert began his career with HCPS in 2005 as a social studies teacher at Dowdell Middle Magnet School through the Florida Troops to Teachers Program.
He entered administration in 2009 as an assistant principal at Ben Hill Middle School and later served at Sligh Middle Magnet School and Sgt. Smith Middle School. In 2019, he was named principal at Sgt. Smith.
We’re excited to see our Bulldogs continue to grow and succeed under your leadership, Robert!
Please help us congratulate Brooklyn Callaway on being named the new principal of Williams Middle Magnet School!
Brooklyn began her career in 2011 as a math teacher in Indiana and served in charter schools from 2012 to 2016. She joined the HCPS family in 2016 at Spoto High School and later moved into administration as an assistant principal at Lennard High School, and most recently, at Williams.
We’re excited for you, Brooklyn, and what’s ahead as you lead our IB students to think boldly, inquire deeply, and achieve more!
Brooklyn began her career in 2011 as a math teacher in Indiana and served in charter schools from 2012 to 2016. She joined the HCPS family in 2016 at Spoto High School and later moved into administration as an assistant principal at Lennard High School, and most recently, at Williams.
We’re excited for you, Brooklyn, and what’s ahead as you lead our IB students to think boldly, inquire deeply, and achieve more!
Meet the new principal of Sgt. Smith Middle School, Kevin Stephenson!
Kevin began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Wharton High School. He later served as assistant principal at Wharton before becoming principal at Freedom High School in 2015.
Our Sharks are ready to welcome you into the shiver, Kevin! Congratulations!
Kevin began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Wharton High School. He later served as assistant principal at Wharton before becoming principal at Freedom High School in 2015.
Our Sharks are ready to welcome you into the shiver, Kevin! Congratulations!
Congratulations to Chandra Todd, the new principal of Marshall Middle Magnet School!
Chandra began her career with HCPS in 2000 as a VE teacher at Progress Village Middle School. She joined Marshall in 2004, where she has served as a VE and math teacher, resource teacher, success coach, and, most recently, assistant principal.
We are very excited for you, Chandra! We can’t wait to see our Dragons continue to grow and thrive under your leadership. 🐉
Chandra began her career with HCPS in 2000 as a VE teacher at Progress Village Middle School. She joined Marshall in 2004, where she has served as a VE and math teacher, resource teacher, success coach, and, most recently, assistant principal.
We are very excited for you, Chandra! We can’t wait to see our Dragons continue to grow and thrive under your leadership. 🐉
Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Sanzo, a 4th-grade teacher at Lutz K-8, on being named the winner of our first big #TeacherAppreciationWeek prize… Tampa Bay Lightning first-level tickets, autographed mini hockey sticks, and a signed puck!
Watch the video below of Superintendent Ayres and our Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, surprising her!
https://youtu.be/Dh0X_Idp4vg?si=bXBJjE6JCcMlD7D3
Congratulations to our seven high schools recognized last night by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office for their outstanding voter registration efforts! 🗳️
Voter registration drives were conducted at all 29 of our high schools, and the following schools had among the most successful drives, based on the percentage of students registered.
🎉 Sumner High School - Grand Champs
🎉 Brandon High School
🎉 Durant High School
🎉 East Bay High School
🎉 Gaither High School
🎉 Jefferson High School
🎉 Newsome High School
A powerful example of how our schools are preparing students to lead, serve, and participate in their communities!
Voter registration drives were conducted at all 29 of our high schools, and the following schools had among the most successful drives, based on the percentage of students registered.
🎉 Sumner High School - Grand Champs
🎉 Brandon High School
🎉 Durant High School
🎉 East Bay High School
🎉 Gaither High School
🎉 Jefferson High School
🎉 Newsome High School
A powerful example of how our schools are preparing students to lead, serve, and participate in their communities!
Episode 13: Christi Atkinson, Teacher of the Year
Each year, we recognize an educator who represents the very best of our profession — someone who inspires students, uplifts colleagues, and reminds us why teaching is one of the most meaningful callings there is. On this episode, we’re joined by our district Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, who is here to share her journey, her passion for teaching, and what this recognition means — not just personally, but for her students and school community.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
Congratulations to the final round of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Krewe Award recipients for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉☠️
🏈 Mandy Sierra, principal of Lake Magdalene Elementary School
🏈 Danielle Acosta, gifted teacher at Limona Elementary School
🏈 Jessica Lovett, ESE paraprofessional at Lithia Springs Elementary School
The Buccaneers also surprised John Newman, our Chief of School Security and Emergency Management, who will be retiring in just a few months.
Chief Newman has been instrumental in school security not just for our district, but for the state and nation. We are beyond grateful for his dedication, impact, and vision in keeping all students and staff in HCPS safe, and we will greatly miss him when he retires.
They were all recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
🏈 Mandy Sierra, principal of Lake Magdalene Elementary School
🏈 Danielle Acosta, gifted teacher at Limona Elementary School
🏈 Jessica Lovett, ESE paraprofessional at Lithia Springs Elementary School
The Buccaneers also surprised John Newman, our Chief of School Security and Emergency Management, who will be retiring in just a few months.
Chief Newman has been instrumental in school security not just for our district, but for the state and nation. We are beyond grateful for his dedication, impact, and vision in keeping all students and staff in HCPS safe, and we will greatly miss him when he retires.
They were all recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet School recently celebrated its 100th anniversary 🎉, welcoming back the family of Hugh Macfarlane, the school’s namesake, along with former students, teachers, and staff.
Students explored the rich history of West Tampa and the Macfarlane Park community 🏫, hearing from local leaders including the Honorable E.J. Salcines and Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda. They also had the opportunity to view artifacts that brought the school’s story to life 📸—photos, books, and historical documents spanning the past century 📚.
Students explored the rich history of West Tampa and the Macfarlane Park community 🏫, hearing from local leaders including the Honorable E.J. Salcines and Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda. They also had the opportunity to view artifacts that brought the school’s story to life 📸—photos, books, and historical documents spanning the past century 📚.
