PLAN AHEAD 🗓️ As families begin planning for next year, we want to remind you that the 2026–2027 Student Academic Calendar is available.
A slight update has been made to reflect the Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day, which will take place on Monday, March 8, 2027.
For printable versions of the calendar, visit hillsboroughschools.org/events.
A slight update has been made to reflect the Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day, which will take place on Monday, March 8, 2027.
For printable versions of the calendar, visit hillsboroughschools.org/events.
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Boyette Springs Elementary School held its annual Amazing Shake competition last week! 🤝
During the event, students visited 40 interactive stations, engaging with community members and partners. The students had to demonstrate professionalism and put their communication and problem-solving skills to the test to complete each station.
Congratulations to John Newman, our Chief of School Security and Emergency Management, on being named Florida’s School Safety Specialist of the Year by the Florida Department of Education!
This honor recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to protecting students and staff across the state. The award was announced during Florida’s National Summit on School Safety in Orlando.
Since joining HCPS in 2014, Chief Newman has led a districtwide approach to school safety, helping position Hillsborough County as a model for other districts across Florida.
Before joining HCPS, he served 29 years with the Tampa Police Department, where he played a key role in public safety operations for major national events and emergency response efforts across the state.
We are proud to have Chief Newman leading our safety efforts and grateful for his continued commitment to protecting our students, staff, and community!
This honor recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to protecting students and staff across the state. The award was announced during Florida’s National Summit on School Safety in Orlando.
Since joining HCPS in 2014, Chief Newman has led a districtwide approach to school safety, helping position Hillsborough County as a model for other districts across Florida.
Before joining HCPS, he served 29 years with the Tampa Police Department, where he played a key role in public safety operations for major national events and emergency response efforts across the state.
We are proud to have Chief Newman leading our safety efforts and grateful for his continued commitment to protecting our students, staff, and community!
Hillsborough County Public Schools' Security and Emergency Management Department held its annual graduation and awards ceremony on Thursday! 🎓
The ceremony featured the graduation of several officers, promotions, and a retirement recognition.
"These graduations always remind you why you do what you do. These folks are going to go work at school sites, and you know they're going to have an impact on our kids." - Chief John Newman.
The ceremony featured the graduation of several officers, promotions, and a retirement recognition.
"These graduations always remind you why you do what you do. These folks are going to go work at school sites, and you know they're going to have an impact on our kids." - Chief John Newman.
Entrepalooza took over University of South Florida as middle and high school entrepreneurship students put their innovation and creativity on full display!
Students kicked off the event by hearing from keynote speaker Kevin Harrington, one of the original “sharks” from Shark Tank. They then competed in a startup tech showcase, pitched their business ideas to judges, and participated in a trade show featuring their own student-created companies.
Along the way, students gained real-world experience in marketing, networking, and problem-solving—building the skills needed to turn ideas into successful ventures. 🚀💡
Students kicked off the event by hearing from keynote speaker Kevin Harrington, one of the original “sharks” from Shark Tank. They then competed in a startup tech showcase, pitched their business ideas to judges, and participated in a trade show featuring their own student-created companies.
Along the way, students gained real-world experience in marketing, networking, and problem-solving—building the skills needed to turn ideas into successful ventures. 🚀💡
HONORING OUR CADETS 🎖️🇺🇸 Ten outstanding cadets were recognized last night during the 2026 Hillsborough County JROTC Cadet of the Year ceremony. Selected from more than 5,000 cadets across 28 programs, these students represent the very best in leadership, academics, and service.
Congratulations to C/Lt Col Vidyarth Sathya from Middleton High School on receiving the top honor, which included several scholarships and cash prizes from our military partners.
We also want to congratulate our nine other finalists:
👏 C/LTC Caroline Victoria - Alonso High School
👏 C/LTC Marielis Pena - Brandon High School
👏 C/Capt Miriam Chamizo - Chamberlain High School
👏 C/Col Charlotte Belloso - Durant High School
👏 C/LTC Isabelle Rivera - Newsome High School
👏 C/Lt Col Juliette Selman - Plant High School
👏 C/CDR Andrew Papp - Riverview High School
👏 C/LT Rebecca Siddall - Robinson High School
👏 C/ENS Gavin McGraw - Tampa Bay Tech High School
We are incredibly proud of these cadets for representing their schools, their programs, and our district with excellence!
Congratulations to C/Lt Col Vidyarth Sathya from Middleton High School on receiving the top honor, which included several scholarships and cash prizes from our military partners.
We also want to congratulate our nine other finalists:
👏 C/LTC Caroline Victoria - Alonso High School
👏 C/LTC Marielis Pena - Brandon High School
👏 C/Capt Miriam Chamizo - Chamberlain High School
👏 C/Col Charlotte Belloso - Durant High School
👏 C/LTC Isabelle Rivera - Newsome High School
👏 C/Lt Col Juliette Selman - Plant High School
👏 C/CDR Andrew Papp - Riverview High School
👏 C/LT Rebecca Siddall - Robinson High School
👏 C/ENS Gavin McGraw - Tampa Bay Tech High School
We are incredibly proud of these cadets for representing their schools, their programs, and our district with excellence!
Nearly 100 high school students from across HCPS took part in the Hospitality & Tourism Career Expo at USF! 🎓✨ Students heard directly from industry professionals during a panel discussion, gaining insight into what employers look for, how to stand out as a strong candidate, the value of networking, teamwork in the workplace, and the importance of pursuing a career you’re passionate about. They then put those skills into action by connecting with local hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions. 👏
The latest episode of “More to the Story” is out now! TAKE A LISTEN 🎧
For this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important stages in a child’s education — early childhood. Dr. Emily Cimino, Director of Early Childhood shares the power of early childhood education — and the opportunities our district offers families.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
TAKE A LISTEN 🎧 The latest episode of “More to the Story” is out now! In this episode, we explore the accelerated programs and academic pathways available to students across our district. Our special guests are Jazheel Lenegar, Executive Director of Instructional Support, and Brian Hoover, Director of Accelerated and Magnet Programs.
Families interested in our choice and magnet programs have until this Friday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m. to submit their application for this window round.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
Big learning day for our future vet techs! 🐾 Students from Gaither High School’s Vet Tech Program visited JohnK9 Dog Training to get hands-on experience with house dog training, service dogs, personal protection, and canine sports. Real-world skills. Real-world impact. 💙 #CTE
Watch the full experience and see these skills in action here: https://youtu.be/N3uTWweHLZw
Watch the full experience and see these skills in action here: https://youtu.be/N3uTWweHLZw
Congratulations to Plant City High School for being selected as a Disney on Broadway School of Excellence! This program recognizes middle and high schools across the U.S. for student leadership and creativity in theater production. 🎭
Plant City High School was awarded a grant, which they will use for their production of Peter and the Starcatcher. ⭐
For showtimes and tickets, visit https://raidthestage.ludus.com/index.php
Plant City High School was awarded a grant, which they will use for their production of Peter and the Starcatcher. ⭐
For showtimes and tickets, visit https://raidthestage.ludus.com/index.php
Three HCPS teams are on top of the classroom and the competition! 🏆📚
The FHSAA Winter 2026 Academic Team Champions have been announced:
⚽ Newsome boys soccer – Class 7A (3.66 GPA)
⚽ Plant girls soccer – Class 6A (3.827 GPA)
📣 Plant competitive cheer – Class 2A (3.847 GPA)
Way to represent excellence on and off the field! 👏
The FHSAA Winter 2026 Academic Team Champions have been announced:
⚽ Newsome boys soccer – Class 7A (3.66 GPA)
⚽ Plant girls soccer – Class 6A (3.827 GPA)
📣 Plant competitive cheer – Class 2A (3.847 GPA)
Way to represent excellence on and off the field! 👏
Don't miss out! The Magnet & School Choice Application Window is closing soon.
Secure your child’s spot today and explore specialized programs, innovative learning pathways, and expanded academic opportunities.
➜ Apply by March 27 at 11:59 pm at hillsboroughschools.org/choice.
Secure your child’s spot today and explore specialized programs, innovative learning pathways, and expanded academic opportunities.
➜ Apply by March 27 at 11:59 pm at hillsboroughschools.org/choice.
COOKING UP EXCELLENCE 🧑🍳 Congratulations to our Strawberry Crest culinary students on earning statewide recognition at the 25th Annual Florida ProStart Competition!
Our Chargers brought home the following honors:
🥇 Culinary Team – 1st Place and Judges’ Choice Award for Best Dessert
🥇 Management Team – 1st Place
🏅 Edible Centerpiece – 4th Place and Judges’ Choice Award for Most Creative
🥇 1st Place Overall in the State of Florida
The team also earned a combined $500,000 in scholarships to postsecondary culinary and hospitality management programs. They will represent Team Florida at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, in April.
Our Chargers brought home the following honors:
🥇 Culinary Team – 1st Place and Judges’ Choice Award for Best Dessert
🥇 Management Team – 1st Place
🏅 Edible Centerpiece – 4th Place and Judges’ Choice Award for Most Creative
🥇 1st Place Overall in the State of Florida
The team also earned a combined $500,000 in scholarships to postsecondary culinary and hospitality management programs. They will represent Team Florida at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, in April.
🚨 REMINDER 🚨 We hope our students and families are enjoying Spring Break! Just a reminder that students return to school on Tuesday, March 24.
To view important upcoming dates and the remaining schedule for the 2025–2026 school year, visit hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/calendar25-26.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next week!
To view important upcoming dates and the remaining schedule for the 2025–2026 school year, visit hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/calendar25-26.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next week!
ATTENTION SENIORS 🎓 Check out this great scholarship opportunity from the Council of the Great City Schools in partnership with the Peters Pharis Foundation!
Class of 2026 students planning to enroll full-time at a four-year college or university and major in a STEM field are encouraged to apply. Four $10,000 scholarships will be awarded.
📅 Application deadline: Monday, April 13
🏆 Winners announced: June
For more information or to apply, visit cgcs.org/about-cgcs/awards-and-scholarships/math-and-science-scholarship.
Class of 2026 students planning to enroll full-time at a four-year college or university and major in a STEM field are encouraged to apply. Four $10,000 scholarships will be awarded.
📅 Application deadline: Monday, April 13
🏆 Winners announced: June
For more information or to apply, visit cgcs.org/about-cgcs/awards-and-scholarships/math-and-science-scholarship.
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students recognized in the 2025 Cambridge Learner Awards! 🎓🌍
Students from 19 high schools across our district earned a total of 200 Cambridge Learner Awards, an international recognition for exceptional performance on Cambridge International AICE exams.
These honors include:
🏅 154 Cambridge Scholar Awards
🏅 41 Scholar with Merit Awards
🏅 4 Scholar with Distinction Awards
🏅 1 Top in the USA Award
These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and administrators who continue to raise the bar for academic excellence.
To learn more about our Accelerated Programs, such as Cambridge AICE, visit hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms.
Students from 19 high schools across our district earned a total of 200 Cambridge Learner Awards, an international recognition for exceptional performance on Cambridge International AICE exams.
These honors include:
🏅 154 Cambridge Scholar Awards
🏅 41 Scholar with Merit Awards
🏅 4 Scholar with Distinction Awards
🏅 1 Top in the USA Award
These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and administrators who continue to raise the bar for academic excellence.
To learn more about our Accelerated Programs, such as Cambridge AICE, visit hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms.
Congratulations to Cisco Betances, a digital cinema student at Blake High School, on being named the Audience Choice Award winner at the Gasparilla International Film Festival High School Competition! 📽️🏆
This award recognizes his exceptional talent as a young filmmaker for his latest film, “The Book,” which tells the story of a young man learning to accept a breakup through the guidance of a book that helps him begin a new chapter in his life.
The Audience Choice Award is one of the festival’s most sought-after recognitions, celebrating both technical excellence and a filmmaker’s ability to resonate with audiences.
This award recognizes his exceptional talent as a young filmmaker for his latest film, “The Book,” which tells the story of a young man learning to accept a breakup through the guidance of a book that helps him begin a new chapter in his life.
The Audience Choice Award is one of the festival’s most sought-after recognitions, celebrating both technical excellence and a filmmaker’s ability to resonate with audiences.
READY, SET, LEAD! High School students participated in the annual GradNation: A Tampa Bay Community Summit yesterday morning!
The event featured guest speaker Scott Shickler, the author, CEO, and Founder of 7 Mindsets, as well as breakout sessions on the importance of new skills, student safety, philanthropy, and networking!
The event featured guest speaker Scott Shickler, the author, CEO, and Founder of 7 Mindsets, as well as breakout sessions on the importance of new skills, student safety, philanthropy, and networking!
