Did you know Florida offers a free at-home literacy program to help young readers build confidence and strengthen their reading skills? 📖
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!
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!
With a 4.0 GPA and a College Board School Recognition Award, Charlie Nash from Plant High School has made his mark both in and out of the classroom—and was one of just 24 student-athletes statewide named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team. 🎓👏
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! 🐊📚
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! 🎙️
It’s graduation season, and that also means scholarship season! 🎓
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! 👏
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! 🎙️
Congratulations to the high school and career center students who were honored at the Pin Chasers Turnaround Achievement Awards yesterday! 🏆
Each student was presented with a plaque recognizing their academic achievements, as well as their effort, perseverance, and commitment to reaching their goals.
Each student was presented with a plaque recognizing their academic achievements, as well as their effort, perseverance, and commitment to reaching their goals.
Seventeen juniors and seniors from King High School spent the past eight months working side by side with scientists and researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center at USF 🔬🧪. Through each session, students explored the Hallmarks of Cancer and applied their learning in real-world, hands-on lab experiences.
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 🎓✨.
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 🎓✨.
Tonight, our School Board unanimously voted to name the media center at Davis Elementary School in honor of Mrs. Sandra (Sandy) Guadalupe!
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!
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!
April is the Month of the Military Child. We recognize and celebrate our students and military-connected families for their achievements and contributions at our schools and in the community. 💜🇺🇸
Congratulations to three of our seniors for creating winning "I Voted" sticker designs as part of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office Vote Hillsborough art contest!
🗳 Juniper Worthington, Blake High School
🗳 Angelica Pertab, Durant High School
🗳 Simran Wadhera, Wharton High School
The designs will be reproduced as a 2" by 2" round sticker and given to voters who vote early or drop off their mail ballot during the two weeks leading up to Election Day for the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
Each student will also receive a prize from this year's sponsors Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and The Florida Aquarium.
🗳 Juniper Worthington, Blake High School
🗳 Angelica Pertab, Durant High School
🗳 Simran Wadhera, Wharton High School
The designs will be reproduced as a 2" by 2" round sticker and given to voters who vote early or drop off their mail ballot during the two weeks leading up to Election Day for the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
Each student will also receive a prize from this year's sponsors Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and The Florida Aquarium.
Congratulations to the next round of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Krewe Award recipients for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉☠️
🏈 Christine Wasylkiw, principal of Sumner High School
🏈 Christine Milius, 4th-grade teacher at Limona Elementary School
🏈 Priscila Cedeno, secretary at Pride Elementary School
They were recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
🏈 Christine Wasylkiw, principal of Sumner High School
🏈 Christine Milius, 4th-grade teacher at Limona Elementary School
🏈 Priscila Cedeno, secretary at Pride Elementary School
They were recognized during tonight’s board meeting.
Principals in Practice: Family & Community Engagement - Celebrating Principal Otis Kitchen from Twin Lakes Elementary.
We’re proud to celebrate outstanding principals across Hillsborough County Public Schools who are leading with purpose and heart. Nominated by their peers, these leaders bring families, staff, and community partners together to support student success.
They show us that strong family and community connections make a real difference in our schools every day.
Otis Kitchen is the proud principal of Twin Lakes Elementary.
Belonging is not a feeling you stumble into; it is a culture you build. Principal Kitchen has earned the 2026 Principals in Practice Excellence in Family and Community Engagement Award, recognizing his remarkable commitment to cultivating a school community where families are warmly welcomed, deeply engaged, and celebrated as essential partners in student learning. At Twin Lakes, every family belongs, and that makes all the difference.
Congratulations, Principal Kitchen!
Principals in Practice: Family & Community Engagement
We’re proud to celebrate outstanding principals across Hillsborough County Public Schools who are leading with purpose and heart. Nominated by their peers, these leaders bring families, staff, and community partners together to support student success.
They show us that strong family and community connections make a real difference in our schools every day.
We begin with Principal Elizabeth Padilla Garay from Pierce Middle School.
Principal Padilla Garay has earned the 2026 Principals in Practice Excellence in Family and Community Engagement Award, recognizing her extraordinary commitment to empowering families as expert advocates and true partners in their students’ education.
At Pierce, every family belongs. Every voice matters. And every student benefits.
Lowry Elementary School held its annual Multicultural Night this week! The family event featured art, student performances, fun activities, and food from various countries! 🌎🤩
Erik Youngs, Director of Culinary at Erwin Technical College and the VooDoo Chef, spent the weekend at the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival! 🍽️
Alongside his team of volunteers from the VooDoo Chef Foundation, plus instructors and students from the Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College, they served up incredible food and shared hands-on learning experiences with nearly 5,000 attendees. 👨🍳✨
Alongside his team of volunteers from the VooDoo Chef Foundation, plus instructors and students from the Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College, they served up incredible food and shared hands-on learning experiences with nearly 5,000 attendees. 👨🍳✨
Ever wonder where the milk HCPS students drink comes from? 🥛
Students from Armwood High School’s agriculture program got a behind-the-scenes look during a tour of M&B Dairy in Lecanto! Led by Armwood graduate Leon McClellan, students explored every aspect of dairy farm operations—from milking cows and processing milk to safety protocols and how waste is sustainably reused in on-site hay and corn fields.
They also got hands-on experience working with a veterinarian to check if cows were pregnant, giving them a real-world look at animal care and herd management. 🐄
Students learned just how much milk is produced daily—around 150,000 pounds from roughly 700 cows.
Students also heard from Citrus County Sheriff’s Agricultural Deputy Bo Gallant, who shared career opportunities at the intersection of agriculture and law enforcement.
Students from Armwood High School’s agriculture program got a behind-the-scenes look during a tour of M&B Dairy in Lecanto! Led by Armwood graduate Leon McClellan, students explored every aspect of dairy farm operations—from milking cows and processing milk to safety protocols and how waste is sustainably reused in on-site hay and corn fields.
They also got hands-on experience working with a veterinarian to check if cows were pregnant, giving them a real-world look at animal care and herd management. 🐄
Students learned just how much milk is produced daily—around 150,000 pounds from roughly 700 cows.
Students also heard from Citrus County Sheriff’s Agricultural Deputy Bo Gallant, who shared career opportunities at the intersection of agriculture and law enforcement.
Congratulations to our students who were recognized this week during the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony!
This program, led by Nancy Millan in partnership with our district and the Hillsborough Education Foundation, gives fifth-grade students the chance to design their own vanity license plates while learning about local government.
Proceeds from Kids Tag Art sales will go directly back to each participating school's art program to fund various resources and supplies. The online store features license plates, keychains, mugs, and mousepads, all showcasing our students' designs!
Visit hillstax.org/shop to browse the collection. You can even search by student name or school to find specific artwork.
Blake High School held its first Magnet Signing Day this week! 🎭🎨
The event celebrated the following seniors who are continuing their education in the performing and visual arts:
Andre Lane
Erin Nakamura
Faythe Grayson
Isabel Geskey
Lucia Redner
Madelyn Hubbard
Ty’Driana Attis-Brock
Una Blenke
Amelie Heine
Anika Das
Jakob Stinson
Delaney Kane
Ryan Leahy
Emma Laitinen
Jayden Vega
Hayden Wahlgren Brown
Pearl Dolce
Elijah Turner
Sarah Glenn
Zane Polins
Calvin Van Pelt
Wade Richards
Evangelyn Rodriguez-Almague
NadyaMonet Adams
Nathaniel Johnson
Jaelin Borders
In total, these students earned over $1 million in scholarships!
"It was worth letting the students know that we wanted to celebrate them and how proud we were of them, and we felt that it would also empower them as artists as well as young learners." - Kandace N. Johnson, Blake High School's Magnet Lead.
The event celebrated the following seniors who are continuing their education in the performing and visual arts:
Andre Lane
Erin Nakamura
Faythe Grayson
Isabel Geskey
Lucia Redner
Madelyn Hubbard
Ty’Driana Attis-Brock
Una Blenke
Amelie Heine
Anika Das
Jakob Stinson
Delaney Kane
Ryan Leahy
Emma Laitinen
Jayden Vega
Hayden Wahlgren Brown
Pearl Dolce
Elijah Turner
Sarah Glenn
Zane Polins
Calvin Van Pelt
Wade Richards
Evangelyn Rodriguez-Almague
NadyaMonet Adams
Nathaniel Johnson
Jaelin Borders
In total, these students earned over $1 million in scholarships!
"It was worth letting the students know that we wanted to celebrate them and how proud we were of them, and we felt that it would also empower them as artists as well as young learners." - Kandace N. Johnson, Blake High School's Magnet Lead.
Bright Futures: College and Career Pathways - Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
For this episode, we’re talking about a big question many students — and families — are asking: What comes next after high school? For some students, that path may include college. For others, it may be a technical program, military service, or entering the workforce. The important thing is that students have guidance, support, and a plan that reflects their goals and interests. Joining me today to talk about how students can navigate those choices is Ansberto Vallejo, Supervisor of Adult and Community Education.
Big thanks to the Tampa Tarpons for hosting our students for a fun Day at the Park! ⚾
Our students had an incredible time enjoying the game, making memories, and experiencing a day at the ballpark. We’re grateful to the Tarpons for being such great partners in education and for supporting our students both on and off the field. 💙🙌
Our students had an incredible time enjoying the game, making memories, and experiencing a day at the ballpark. We’re grateful to the Tarpons for being such great partners in education and for supporting our students both on and off the field. 💙🙌
