YOU’RE INVITED: We are hosting a series of town hall meetings for our community to learn more about the Half-Penny Promise referendum, which will appear for renewal on the November ballot.
The town halls will provide information about the referendum, including projects completed, ongoing investments in school facilities, and what reauthorization would mean for students and schools in the future.
Since voters approved the Half-Penny Sales Tax in 2018, HCPS has invested more than $1.326 billion in school improvements, with more than $716 million awarded to local businesses. These investments have supported critical upgrades across our district, including air-conditioning replacements, roof renovations, safety and security upgrades, and other essential infrastructure projects.
Town Hall Dates:
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 22 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Online >> https://bit.ly/3UZ0Gej
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Newsome High School
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Gaither High School
✏️ Thursday, Oct. 1 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Hillsborough High School
✏️ Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Online >> https://bit.ly/4ivKpqX
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the Half-Penny Promise and its impact on our schools. To learn more, visit hillsboroughschools.org/half-penny-sales-tax-referendum.
GET READY TO LACE UP 👟 We’re just over 50 days away from our 5th annual Race for Education, in partnership with Hillsborough Education Foundation and USF College of Education!
This year’s 5K and 1-mile run/walk is moving to a NEW LOCATION… the University of South Florida campus! 🎉
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to come together to support our schools. Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, and finisher medal, and will get to enjoy music performances by students along the route.
🏃 Register today >>> https://bit.ly/RaceforEducation5K
This year’s 5K and 1-mile run/walk is moving to a NEW LOCATION… the University of South Florida campus! 🎉
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to come together to support our schools. Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, and finisher medal, and will get to enjoy music performances by students along the route.
🏃 Register today >>> https://bit.ly/RaceforEducation5K
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌎💙
This Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month, HCPS proudly celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that strengthen our schools and community. This year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más - Together, We Are More,” reminds us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
Celebrate culture. Discover stories. Inspire learning.
❗️ THERE'S STILL TIME ❗️ Students can still submit artwork for our Every Day Matters Poster Contest, in partnership with United Way Suncoast.
Whether it’s a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both, we want to see your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up and make every day count!
Submissions are now due next Monday, September 21. Students should use the poster template found via the link in our bio to create their masterpiece. Once complete, posters should be turned in to their teacher and sent via school mail to Attendance Coordinator Thomas Lefevre (Route 7).
So grab your crayons, colored pencils, markers, or whatever inspires you, and show us why Every Day Matters! 🖍️🎨
Whether it’s a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both, we want to see your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up and make every day count!
Submissions are now due next Monday, September 21. Students should use the poster template found via the link in our bio to create their masterpiece. Once complete, posters should be turned in to their teacher and sent via school mail to Attendance Coordinator Thomas Lefevre (Route 7).
So grab your crayons, colored pencils, markers, or whatever inspires you, and show us why Every Day Matters! 🖍️🎨
Celebrating the Arts in Education 🎨🎭
The arts help students discover their creativity, build confidence, and see the world from new perspectives. From visual arts and music to theater and dance, arts education gives students meaningful opportunities to create, express themselves, and explore their talents.
This National Arts in Education Week, we’re celebrating the educators, students, and programs that bring creativity and inspiration into our classrooms every day! 💙
The arts help students discover their creativity, build confidence, and see the world from new perspectives. From visual arts and music to theater and dance, arts education gives students meaningful opportunities to create, express themselves, and explore their talents.
This National Arts in Education Week, we’re celebrating the educators, students, and programs that bring creativity and inspiration into our classrooms every day! 💙
Are you going to school, work, or exploring Hillsborough County? The Hillsborough Transit Authority is here to help!
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
CALLING ALL STUDENT ARTISTS! 🖍️ It’s time to show off your creativity with our Every Day Matters Poster Contest. In partnership with United Way Suncoast, we’re challenging students to show why coming to school every day makes a difference. Use a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both to share your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
🏆 National FCCLA Success!
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
School Board Member Jessica Vaughn is looking for high school students to be part of the District 3 Student Advisory Council. If you attend Freedom, Wharton, Steinbrenner, Strawberry Crest, Chamberlain, or Gaither, this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and drive positive change at your school and in the district. Please see the flyer for more information and to apply.
Step Up Scholarships Accepted at HCPS!
Did you know Hillsborough County Public Schools accepts Step Up For Students scholarships for eligible courses?
Students using the FES-EO or PEP Scholarship may be able to use scholarship funds toward eligible HCPS courses, including electives, advanced academics, CTE, elementary specials, and virtual courses: HCPSScholarships.com
Did you know Hillsborough County Public Schools accepts Step Up For Students scholarships for eligible courses?
Students using the FES-EO or PEP Scholarship may be able to use scholarship funds toward eligible HCPS courses, including electives, advanced academics, CTE, elementary specials, and virtual courses: HCPSScholarships.com
Proud to be on the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools list! This recognition is a reflection of the amazing teachers, staff, and students who make our school such a special place to learn and grow. Congratulations to all our students and staff.
2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct
Families can now view the 2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct online. The Code of Conduct provides important information about student expectations, rights, responsibilities, and district policies. It is broken up into four sections:
Introduction
Students’ and Parent/Guardians’ Rights and Responsibilities
Policies and Procedures
Discipline
For the full code of conduct, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/student-code-of-conduct.
Student schedules will be available to view beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, through the Focus Parent Portal.
To access your student's schedule, you must first complete all required back-to-school forms online.
For more details and information, visit: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/article/3057201
Back-to-school forms are now available through the HCPS Focus Parent Portal!
Starting today, families can complete all required new school year forms online before the first day, which is on Monday, August 10.
For more details and information, visit: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/article/3047169
🏆 Congratulations to 44 Hillsborough County Public Schools seniors named 2026 College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners! Their academic achievement, dedication, and commitment to excellence have earned them this prestigious national recognition. We are proud of these outstanding students! 🎓✨
See the complete list of winners: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/article/2966795
PLANNING AHEAD? 🗓️ We've got you covered! The 2027-2028 Student Academic Calendar is now available, giving families an early look at important dates for the FOLLOWING school year.
Students' First Day of School -Tuesday, August 10, 2027
Regular Student Day/No Early Release - Monday, August 16, 2027
Labor Day/Non-Student Day - Monday, September 6, 2027
End of 1st Grading Period - Friday, October 8, 2027
Veterans Day/Non-Student Day - Thursday, November 11, 2027
Fall Break/Non-Student Days - Monday, November 22 - Friday, November 26, 2027
Students Return to School - Monday, November 29, 2027
End of 2nd Grading Period/1st Semester - Friday, December 17, 2027
Winter Break/Non-Student Days - Monday, December 20 - Friday, December 31, 2027
Non-Student Day - Monday, January 3, 2028
Students Return to School - Tuesday, January 4, 2028
Martin Luther King, Jr./Non-Student Day - Monday, January 17, 2028
Florida State Fair/Non-Student Day - Friday, February 18, 2028
Presidents' Day/Non-Student Day - Monday, February 21, 2028
Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day - Monday, March 6, 2028
End of 3rd Grading Period - Friday, March 10, 2028
Spring Break/Non-Student Days - Monday, March 13 - Friday, March 17, 2028
Non-Student Day - Monday, March 20, 2028
Students Return to School - Tuesday, March 21, 2028
Non-Student Day - Friday, April 14, 2028
Last Day of School; End of 4th Grading Period/2nd Semester - Friday, May 26, 2028
Tentative Hurricane Make-Up Day(s) if needed: November 11, November 22-24, January 3, 2028.
Student Early Release Day schedule has not been finalized.
Monday, August 16, 2027, will be a regular student day.
The last day of school is a 2.5-hour early release.
In case you need THIS YEAR'S calendar, visit hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/calendar26-27.
We've extended our Summer Feeding Program's weekly meal box distribution by one more week!
Families can pick up a free seven-day meal box every Wednesday on July 15, July 22, and now July 29, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South County Career Center (2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin).
Each meal box includes seven days of breakfast and lunch meals, plus a gallon of milk for children and teens 18 and younger. Children do not need to be present for pickup.
Can't make it to the weekly pickup? HCPS also continues to offer free on-site meals at more than 150 locations throughout the summer. Find a meal site near you at summerbreakspot.org.
Did you know that seven of our Class of 2026 graduates achieved perfect attendance throughout their entire K–12 educational journey?!
That means these students completed 13 years of school without missing a single day:
Julius Montalvo, Gaither High School
Nathan Jorden, Lennard High School
Noah Jorden, Lennard High School
Amanda Harris, Newsome High School
Darius Donaldson-Dunphy, Plant City High School
Matthew Mason, Sickles High School
Sadie Jones, Sickles High School
They were recognized at a recent school board meeting, and each received a $500 scholarship gift card from our partner in education, Suncoast Credit Union.
Join Hillsborough County Public Schools at our Transportation Job Fair and explore careers as a Bus Driver or Mechanic. Enjoy great benefits, paid time off, free training, school breaks, and more.
📅 July 15 | 🕘 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
📅 July 29 | 🕘 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
📅 August 19 | 🕘 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
at our Transportation HQ located at 9455 Harney Rd, Thonotosassa
Help keep our students moving safely every day! Register Today: https://bit.ly/2026DrivetheBus
Learn more about our Transportation and the benefits of joining the team at http://hillsboroughschools.org/drive.
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!
