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>>


1 day ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Episode 17: Student Voices

Congratulations to Heather Spaier, a pre-K ESE teacher at Ippolito Elementary School! She was one of five winners of a one-year membership to BubbleDown Carwash and a $50 RaceTrac gift card for Teacher Appreciation Week!

https://youtu.be/CkOjNenJ2FU?si=xnPN4QKqrF_Cj_Cs

10 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Teacher Appreciation Week surprises
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.
13 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Hillsborough Virtual School - Your Local Online Learning Option , 200+ Courses that meet state & national standards, Full-Time & Part-Time Options as well as credit recovery for grades K-12, Free & Flexible curriculum available anytime, anywhere, Local Support from certified Hillsborough County teachers & counselors
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.
17 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
decorative image that saysAsian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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
17 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
decorative image saying celebrating teacher appreciation week and the word teacher is filled in with pictures of HCPS teachers
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
20 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Image saying HCPS Mental Health Awareness Month

FREE Summer VPK!

HCPS is offering a 30-day VPK program at select school campuses for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2026. June 3–July 23 | Mon–Thurs | 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Spots are limited—register now: https://bit.ly/HCPSSummerVPK

23 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Summer VPK Starts Here
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!
23 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
School buses spelling out "Love the Bus"
Did you know Florida offers a free at-home literacy program to help young readers build confidence and strengthen their reading skills? đź“–

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!
26 days ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
New Worlds Reading Program
LET’S GO BOLTS! ⚡️💙🏒 Alright, HCPS Family, it’s time to show off our Tampa Bay Lightning pride!

Be sure to wear your favorite Bolts gear this Friday, April 17, to celebrate the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Lightning take on the Montreal Canadiens.
about 1 month ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Tampa Bay Lightning Spirit Day
Florida Prepaid enrollment is open through April 30. Lock in costs now. Hillsborough families may receive $50 towards a plan with code HILLSBOROUGH2026. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4bQ2a0D
about 1 month ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Florida Prepaid Plans $29
In recognition of National Assistant Principals Week, we proudly celebrate all of our Assistant Principals for their exceptional leadership and dedication. Thank you for all you do!
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
National Assistant Principals Week with 4 APs
🌟 Happy School Library Month!

Our library is a hub for discovery, imagination, and growth. We are grateful for our amazing library staff who inspire a love of reading and learning in our students. 📚✨
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
April is school library month
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month!

Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who help our schools thrive and our students succeed. We are deeply grateful for the time, dedication, and heart our volunteers give to support our students and schools every day.
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
we love our volunteers

đź’ś At our school, we are proud to support and celebrate our military children and families during the Month of the Military Child.

Your strength, adaptability, and commitment inspire our students and staff every day.

about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Month of the military child
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.
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
2026-2027 Student Academic Calendar
🎓 College savings made simple.

Lock in future tuition with Florida Prepaid from just $29/mo. Use plans nationwide, with 10 years to redeem. Open Enrollment ends April 30.

Enroll: https://bit.ly/4bQ2a0D
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
FL prepaid college plans start at @29 a month
🚨 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!
2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Students Return March 24

We wish all students, families, and staff a restful and enjoyable Spring Break! 🏖️

We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, March 24, as we finish the school year strong.

2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
HCPS Students Wishing Everyone a Happy Spring Break
Save the Date: 'Building Your Future: School and Career Nights' in Spanish!

Join us for evenings focused on college, university, and career planning for grades 8–12. Topics include graduation requirements, college & technical programs, scholarships & financial aid, career exploration, and more.

Choose your preferred date and location:
đź“Ť Freedom High School
🗓️ Wednesday, March 25, 6–8 p.m.

đź“Ť Morgan High School
🗓️ Wednesday, April 1, 6–8 p.m.
2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
decorative image with title of event