

To support student health and safety, Hillsborough County Public Schools is installing vaping detectors in our high school bathrooms following a three-month pilot program at six campuses to identify the most effective devices.
This school year, schools have recorded more than 1,000 vaping-related referrals. The new devices will detect airborne vapor and immediately alert administrators. They do not record audio or video.
Reducing vaping and protecting student health remain a top priority. Together, we can help keep our campuses safe!

Our SROs protect campuses, mentor students, and build strong connections that make schools safer and more welcoming. Today, we thank them for their dedication and service to our community.

Don't forget to stop by the Florida Center near Gate 2 and check out the HCPS exhibit area. We also have many schools and students showing livestock in the TECO Arena. Please stop by and cheer them on!
45 students from the Financial Academies at Armwood, Jefferson, and King took learning beyond the classroom through an incredible partnership with JA and Suncoast Credit Union!
Students participated in hands-on job shadowing across five key departments: Escalations, Service Center Operations, MCC Operations, Accounting, and Facilities — getting a real-world look at how a financial institution runs behind the scenes.
A huge thank you to guest speakers Jose Guevara, Youth Outreach Manager at Suncoast, and Tanya Morales for sharing their insight and inspiring the next generation of leaders!










Now in its 21st year, the high school competition empowers students through writing, public speaking, and storytelling. 📝
Congratulations to this year's finalists and winners!
1st Place: Zoey Tice, Plant City HS
2nd Place: Athena Wint, Lennard HS
3rd Place: Bailey Turnquist, Leto HS
Students' Choice Award: Bailey Turnquist, Leto HS








School buses safely transport thousands of students each day—replacing up to 36 cars on the road and making them the safest, most efficient ride to school. Thank you to our drivers and transportation staff for keeping every journey reliable and secure!

🚘 BEEP BEEP 🚘 The Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office is hosting another Student Services and Licence Renewals Saturday on February 21 in Plant City! If you know a student ready to take their written or road skills test to get their driver's license, or a family member looking to renew their license, this is their chance.
Appointments are required. Families can call 813-635-5200 (option 5) to register and schedule an appointment for this event, which goes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note: spots are limited and appointments cannot be made online.
For eligibility requirements and more information, please visit hillstax.org/saturday-license-services.


Honoring 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week, we continue his legacy through learning, experiences, and partnerships that highlight African American history and contributions. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3OeFIo7
Pictured: The Armwoods, digital artwork by Molly McGiveney, 2025 Blake High School graduate.

Youth ages 17 and under will receive free admission to the fair until 5 p.m. with an admission-paying parent or guardian 21 or older.
While you're at the fair, be sure to stop by the Florida Center and check out the HCPS exhibit area! We'll also have many schools and students showing livestock in the barns. Please stop by and cheer them on!
For more information on the Florida State Fair, please visit floridastatefair.com.

📚 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Schools across the district are hosting exciting events that highlight the power of reading, creativity, and student voice. Our students are showing that literacy is more than reading—it’s creativity, voice, and expression.
Literacy is alive and thriving in our schools! 🎉📖

Hillsborough County Public Schools Magnet & School Choice Application results are live online.
✅ If you received an offer, you have until Friday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m. to accept.
Don’t miss your opportunity to secure your spot!
👉 bit.ly/MagnetChoiceHCPS



This means 910 more students than the previous year crossed the stage, ready for college, careers, the military, or whatever their next journey in life may hold.
This achievement belongs to our entire HCPS family. From our staff and families to our community partners, thank you for helping our students succeed. Together, we are #LeadingTheWay!

Looking for stability, great benefits, and work-life balance? Attend our Transportation Job Fair on Wednesday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍9455 Harney Rd, Thonotosassa
We offer medical insurance, retirement plans, free training, paid holidays, guaranteed hours, school calendar vacations, summer 4-day work weeks, and overtime opportunities. Hiring bus drivers and mechanics!
➡️ HCPSJobs.com

The survey shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to fill out and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district stronger.
You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone now through Friday, January 23. Please check your email for a direct link from your school's survey coordinator.
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses and support.


Through Monday, January 5, students can record their reading in Beanstack (Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started).
Schools with the highest participation will earn a Reader Leader trophy and $500 for library books! Winners will be announced during Celebrate Literacy Week, January 26 through 30.
Let’s keep reading and #GetCaughtReading this Winter Break!
