We are proud to announce that Hillsborough County Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the first time in more than a decade! 🎉🎉
This milestone follows a year of remarkable student achievement, reflecting all the hard work and dedication from our students, administrators, teachers, support staff, and families.
We are ready to continue to build on this momentum this upcoming school year.
Thank you to our HCPS Family for helping us lead the way!
🍎📚✨ Last week, more than 1,500 educators from across the country — including 235 Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers and administrators representing more than 70 HCPS sites — attended the AVID Summer Institute in downtown Tampa.
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
Don't Forget!
Starting Wednesday, July 1, a new Florida Law — the Second Chance Act (Florida Statute 1006.20) — will require first-time high school athletes to have a cleared electrocardiogram (ECG) before participating in any Florida High School Athletic Association sport.
This applies to...
➡️ Rising 9th graders planning to play a high school sport
➡️ Students in grades 10–12 participating in FHSAA athletics for the first time
For a list of upcoming free or low-cost regional ECG screening opportunities for students, visit hillsboroughschools.org/ecgscreenings.
Help your student start this upcoming school year healthy and ready to learn with Project LINK’s 2026 Back-to-School Health Clinics. Eligible students can receive school physicals, immunizations, Florida Form DH 680 certificates, and immunization record transfers.
Services are available for children ages 5–17 who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid, including students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, or enrolling in Hillsborough County Public Schools for the first time.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled at www.b2shc.org or through the Back2School Clinic Scheduler app. A one-time $10 registration fee applies per family.
Clinics will be held on Saturdays from July 11 to August 15. Register early to secure your spot and get your child ready for the first day of school!
Hundreds of educators from Hillsborough County Public Schools signed up this week to explore how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning.
Through hands-on training and collaboration, teachers and administrators are discovering practical ways AI can save time, streamline planning, and support student success. At the end of the week, participants will earn a credential recognizing their new skills and commitment to innovation.
Through hands-on training and collaboration, teachers and administrators are discovering practical ways AI can save time, streamline planning, and support student success. At the end of the week, participants will earn a credential recognizing their new skills and commitment to innovation.
🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this milestone, and this is just the beginning. Wishing you continued success and exciting new opportunities ahead!
Smiles are big, and summer is here! Thank you for a year full of growth and great moments. Have an amazing summer.
Over the next nine days, more than 14,000 seniors will proudly walk across the stage and officially become graduates of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Behind every diploma is a story of hard work, perseverance, growth, unforgettable memories, and dreams for the future. We could not be more proud of everything you have accomplished. Your future is bright, and this is only the beginning.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓🎉
Click here to watch the Class of 2026 graduation video: https://youtu.be/ZjIbPIwlq8c?si=xFn6HY9UJWQDkpmp
Episode 17: Student Voices
For the final episode of our very first podcast season, we turn the microphone over to the voices at the heart of our schools — our students. Two graduating seniors, Ella Connell and Dillon Colaso, join us to reflect on their K–12 journey, from their earliest days in kindergarten to the milestones of their senior year. They share the moments, experiences, and educators that made an impact, how they’ve grown along the way, and what lies ahead as they prepare to take their next steps beyond high school.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes! 🎙️
More information about the More to the Story podcast>>
🏆 Big congratulations to Hillsborough County Public Schools and Armwood High School for being named a 2026 Discovery Education School of the Year! 🎉
👏 Armwood was one of just SIX schools nationwide selected for this prestigious recognition!
This national honor celebrates Armwood’s commitment to student success through innovation, meaningful learning experiences, strong relationships, and real-world opportunities for students. 💙📚
👏 Armwood was one of just SIX schools nationwide selected for this prestigious recognition!
This national honor celebrates Armwood’s commitment to student success through innovation, meaningful learning experiences, strong relationships, and real-world opportunities for students. 💙📚
Give your student a boost this summer.
More Opportunities Start Here with Hillsborough Virtual School’s flexible online courses for credit recovery, GPA improvement, or acceleration. Local HCPS teachers support students every step of the way.
Learn more at hillsboroughschools.org/virtual.
More Opportunities Start Here with Hillsborough Virtual School’s flexible online courses for credit recovery, GPA improvement, or acceleration. Local HCPS teachers support students every step of the way.
Learn more at hillsboroughschools.org/virtual.
24 students from Alonso, Armwood, and Steinbrenner High Schools represented Hillsborough County Public Schools at the DECA International Career Development Conference 2026 in Atlanta, joining more than 20,000 students from around the world. 🌎
DECA is more than a competition—it’s where students grow as leaders, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.
🎉 Special congratulations to Charlotte McDonough on earning a $500 J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation DECA Scholarship!
DECA is more than a competition—it’s where students grow as leaders, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.
🎉 Special congratulations to Charlotte McDonough on earning a $500 J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation DECA Scholarship!
The countdown is on for our Class of 2026! 🎓
We’re excited to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our graduating seniors. Ceremonies will take place May 22–30.
Find schedules, locations, livestream details, and updates here: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/graduation
We’re excited to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our graduating seniors. Ceremonies will take place May 22–30.
Find schedules, locations, livestream details, and updates here: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/graduation
Students from the Finance Academies at Armwood, Brandon, Jefferson, and King came together this morning for the NAF Academy of Finance Completers’ Celebration at The Regency in Brandon.
Students heard inspiring words from Jefferson alum and NAF alum speaker Valeria Yepez, keynote speaker Paola Woodruff—VP of Servicing Operations at Grow Financial Credit Union and also a Jefferson graduate!
The highlight of the event: $90,000 in scholarships awarded to Finance Academy students, presented by Chris Taylor, of CT Equity Group, LLC, on behalf of the William A. Gregory Foundation. 🎓💼
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have shaped our nation through language, art, science, leadership, and innovation. This month, we invite students to dive into the rich histories and vibrant cultures across Asia and the Pacific Islands as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month.
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! 🌟
Thank you to our incredible educators who work tirelessly to support and uplift our students.
Want to make an impact? Visit TeachHCPS.com
Thank you to our incredible educators who work tirelessly to support and uplift our students.
Want to make an impact? Visit TeachHCPS.com
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. All month long, we’ll share simple ways to support emotional well‑being for students, families, and staff.
Check our social channels each week for:
✨ Motivating Mondays – Encouragement to start the week strong
🌿 Wellness Wednesdays – Tips and resources for mental wellness
Explore additional resources anytime at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/mentalhealth
Check our social channels each week for:
✨ Motivating Mondays – Encouragement to start the week strong
🌿 Wellness Wednesdays – Tips and resources for mental wellness
Explore additional resources anytime at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/mentalhealth
Bright mornings, safe rides, and kind smiles — our school bus drivers make every school day possible. 🚍✨
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!
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!
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON ⏳🎓 Class of 2026, there are just 26 days until graduation ceremonies begin!
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.
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.
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.
