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 1 month ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
2026-2027 Student Academic Calendar
🚨 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!
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Students Return March 24
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.
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
CGCS 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.
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Cambridge Awards

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.

about 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:
📍 Freedom High School
🗓️ Wednesday, March 25, 6–8 p.m.

📍 Morgan High School
🗓️ Wednesday, April 1, 6–8 p.m.
about 2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
decorative image with title of event
🌞Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday for Daylight Saving Time! ⏰
2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
 Daylight Savings
It's Women’s History Month, celebrating the women who bolster HCPS every day. Their accomplishments and commitment influence students' future. We honor educators, staff, administrators, and partners whose leadership elevates our district and motivates future leaders.
2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Womens-History

🥣✨ It’s National School Breakfast Week! HCPS celebrates the role of a nutritious start in students' learning, growth, and success. Thanks to our Student Nutrition Services team, students can enjoy free breakfast daily at school, helping them start the day focused and ready to excel. A big thank you to our cafeteria staff for fueling student achievement every day!

2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
school breakfast week decorative graphic
🎉 It’s National School Social Work Week! HCPS celebrates the dedicated professionals in the School Social Work Association of America who promote student success. Our social workers support mental health, families, and positive school climates, ensuring every student can thrive. Join us in appreciating our outstanding School Social Workers! 🙌
2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
National School Social Work Week decorative graphic

Longhorns,
We are having our 1st Longhorn Loot Celebration! Enjoy a free period with ice cream sundaes, games, music and more!

When: Friday, March 27th during 8th period in the cafeteria.

Ticket Reservation: Tickets are on sale now for 75 Badge Points found in your Focus account. You must have 75 Badges available to reserve a ticket.

Cost: 75 Badges-Points

How to reserve? Scan the QR code or click the link to fill out the form to reserve your ticket today!

Longhorn Loot Celebration Link

Tickets "on sale" Feb 20th - Mar 13th, use the form link (above), QR code, see Mrs. Windheuser at lunches or stop by the Longhorn Loot store. Tickets will be distributed the week of March 27th at lunches.

You MUST have a ticket to attend. See Mrs. Windheuser with any questions.

2 months ago, Lennard High School
Longhorn Loot Celebration on Friday, March 27

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!

2 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
No Vaping or Smoking
Please join our Thurgood Marshall Club February 23 - 27 for a door decorating contest and Black History Month Spirit Week!
3 months ago, Lennard High School
Door Decorating Contest
Thurgood Marshall Black History Month Spirit Week!
Honoring School Resource Officers at HCPS! 👏💙

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.
3 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
4 HCPS schools resource officers
It's Family Day at the Florida State Fair! 😎🎡🌭

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!
3 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Ferris Wheel
Big Slide
HCPS Gallery
Student Art Pieces
Simmons Career Center FFA Student
FFA Students
Family Day at the Fair
Family Day at the Fair
Student showing off her art piece
HCPS Transportation Team
It's almost time for Family Day at the Florida State Fair! Friday, February 13, is a non-student day. 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. #FLStateFair
3 months ago, Lennard High School
Fair Day is Friday, February 13!
Fair Day is Friday, February 13, so there is no school.
Students from 28 of our high schools participated in the 2026 Poetry Jam at Centro Asturiano in Ybor City!

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
3 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
2026 Poetry Jam
HCPS celebrates Love the Bus Month! 🚌💛

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!
3 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
says education delivered with a school bus
Last week Athena Wint took 2nd place in the District Poetry Jam!

The HCPS Poetry Jam is a program coordinated between Hillsborough County Public Schools Library Media Services and Arts in Education departments and supported by the Hillsborough Education Foundation. At each participating high school, a local poet works with the library media specialist to host a poetry writing and performance workshop followed by a Poetry Jam competition where students performed their own work.

Congratulations to Athena and our media specialist Ms. Ross!
3 months ago, Lennard High School
HCPS Poetry Jam 2nd Place!
Hillsborough County Public Schools recognizes that student success is driven by the unwavering dedication of our school counselors. 💙 During National School Counseling Week, we proudly honor you—the essential core of HCPS!
3 months ago, Hillsborough County Public Schools
an HCPS counselor sitting with two HCPS high school students