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>>
Biggest congratulations going out to our very own Libby Cope for being named HCPS Secondary Media Specialist of the Year! She does so much more than manage books—she fosters a love for reading, she leads the way in digital literacy, and she creates welcoming spaces for every student and teacher to grow. Thank you, Ms. Cope, for your dedication and for always being there for our Falcons! We are so grateful to have the best secondary media specialist in the district!
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.
Attention Seniors!! Grades freeze today Friday 5/8; however, attendance will count through May 19th until senior send-off. And then we will only see you again at May 24th at graduation. Please be sure to be in class and on time through May 19th, and please settle all outstanding debts prior to May 19th. CONGRATS to all of our graduating seniors! #FalconNation
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
Attention Leto Seniors who attended Oak Grove Elementary! This is for you!
Spirit Week is this week! Let's celebrate our graduating seniors by dressing up accordingly each day!
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
Summer 2026 Drivers Education program registration is now open!
Students ages 15–18 with a valid Florida learner’s license can register for a two-week session at one of seven high school locations. The program cost is $300.
Spots are limited, and are first-come, first-served!
For registration details and more information, please visit https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/summer-drivers-education.
Conference Night is TONIGHT 4-8pm! See you 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!
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!
Join our English Language Learner Parent Advisory Council meeting. We will discuss our school's English Language Learner Program, school resources and services, as well as parent and student rights.
Únase a nuestra reunión del Consejo Asesor de Padres de Estudiantes del Idioma Inglés. Discutiremos el Programa “English Language Learner” de nuestra escuela, recursos y servicios escolares, así como los derechos de los padres y estudiantes.
Únase a nuestra reunión del Consejo Asesor de Padres de Estudiantes del Idioma Inglés. Discutiremos el Programa “English Language Learner” de nuestra escuela, recursos y servicios escolares, así como los derechos de los padres y estudiantes.
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.
Thank you to all who participated in the Buckets of Hope for Jayden Fundraising Event today, especially all of the amazing faculty and staff members who volunteered to let the kids soak them!!! Buckets were sold for $2-$8, so that was a lot of abuse they took for a great cause! The money will be delivered straight to Jayden's mom to help the family during this difficult time.
Help from home by donating now:
https://gofund.me/cda34dd5e
On Friday, April 3rd, our loved one Jayden (19 years old) got into an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and multiple facial fractures. He is currently comatose and in the ICU after undergoing surgery that involved removing half of his skull.
Due to the extent of his injuries, we are unsure if he will be able to walk, talk, or see. The doctors have been preparing us for the worst. We can only take it hour by hour, day by day.
Jayden is the kind of person that brings people together. He is outgoing, hardworking, smart, and determined. He is a talented athlete, a skilled basketball player, and a great student set to graduate this May. He lights up every room with his humor and fun-loving attitude. Jayden has touched so many lives just by being him. We know he is so strong and we pray that he will make a full recovery, but we know the road to recovery is long.
Jayden's mother, Sheree, has had to stop working to be with her son during this difficult time.
We hope to raise funds to assist Jayden and his family during this unforeseen tragedy. Donations will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, accommodation near the hospital, daily living expenses, and bills.
This fundraiser has been organized by Jayden's cousin, Alysia, and his aunt, Shara.
All funds raised will be directly transferred to Sheree to support her, Jayden, and his little sister, Larielle, while he is in the hospital and after, as he continues to recover.
We greatly appreciate any donations, no matter the size, made to Jayden and his family. Any contribution allows his family to be by his side as he fights his most difficult battle yet. If you aren't able to donate, please share this page and keep Jayden in your thoughts and prayers.
We pray for Jayden's healing and for his strength, and we thank you for your love and support.
Help from home by donating now:
https://gofund.me/cda34dd5e
On Friday, April 3rd, our loved one Jayden (19 years old) got into an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and multiple facial fractures. He is currently comatose and in the ICU after undergoing surgery that involved removing half of his skull.
Due to the extent of his injuries, we are unsure if he will be able to walk, talk, or see. The doctors have been preparing us for the worst. We can only take it hour by hour, day by day.
Jayden is the kind of person that brings people together. He is outgoing, hardworking, smart, and determined. He is a talented athlete, a skilled basketball player, and a great student set to graduate this May. He lights up every room with his humor and fun-loving attitude. Jayden has touched so many lives just by being him. We know he is so strong and we pray that he will make a full recovery, but we know the road to recovery is long.
Jayden's mother, Sheree, has had to stop working to be with her son during this difficult time.
We hope to raise funds to assist Jayden and his family during this unforeseen tragedy. Donations will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, accommodation near the hospital, daily living expenses, and bills.
This fundraiser has been organized by Jayden's cousin, Alysia, and his aunt, Shara.
All funds raised will be directly transferred to Sheree to support her, Jayden, and his little sister, Larielle, while he is in the hospital and after, as he continues to recover.
We greatly appreciate any donations, no matter the size, made to Jayden and his family. Any contribution allows his family to be by his side as he fights his most difficult battle yet. If you aren't able to donate, please share this page and keep Jayden in your thoughts and prayers.
We pray for Jayden's healing and for his strength, and we thank you for your love and support.
Join Leto's Swim Team! Interest meetings will be held on the following dates during Lunch A and Lunch B in room 157: 4/14, 4/28, 5/5, and 5/19!
It’s graduation season, and that also means scholarship season! 🎓
We’re taking a moment to thank the incredible community partners who continue to invest in our Class of 2026 graduates. Your support opens doors, creates opportunities, and makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
📸 Pictured: Dimarien Ramirez, a senior at Leto High School, who plans to attend St. Petersburg College and major in business administration. She is the recipient of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay BIG Futures Scholarship powered by the Deloitte Foundation.
Congratulations, Dimarien! We’re cheering you on every step of the way! 👏
We’re taking a moment to thank the incredible community partners who continue to invest in our Class of 2026 graduates. Your support opens doors, creates opportunities, and makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
📸 Pictured: Dimarien Ramirez, a senior at Leto High School, who plans to attend St. Petersburg College and major in business administration. She is the recipient of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay BIG Futures Scholarship powered by the Deloitte Foundation.
Congratulations, Dimarien! We’re cheering you on every step of the way! 👏
Graduation News Part 1 of 2!
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.
