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>>
Papa John’s Fundraiser Ends THIS Thursday, May 14th! 🍕
Hello Thunderbolt Families,
Our Papa John’s fundraiser is almost over! Thanks again to everyone who has already supported our school.
There’s still time to participate before the fundraiser ends on Thursday, May 14th. We are taking orders online, just click the link .
🍕 How It Works
Purchase a Papa John’s Nifty 50 Card for $15 and receive:
50% OFF your entire online menu-priced pizza order
Valid for up to 18 uses
Great for family dinners, sports nights, and busy evenings!
📲 Order your card online now:
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the link: Nifty 50 Pizza Card
🎉 Bonus Incentive
Students who sell more than 3 cards qualify for special prizes!
Thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and school programs through Thunderbolt PTA. Every purchase helps make a difference.
If you have any questions, please contact our Thunderbolt PTA (813-987-6987 ext. 230).
Sincerely,
Thonotosassa Elementary
Thunderbolt PTA
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.
Papa John’s Fundraiser Ends May 14! 🍕
Hello Thunderbolt Families,
Our Papa John’s fundraiser is almost over! Thank you to everyone who has already supported our school.
There’s still time to participate before the fundraiser ends on Wednesday, May 14.
🍕 How It Works
Purchase a Papa John’s Nifty 50 Card for $15 and receive:
50% OFF your entire online menu-priced pizza order
Valid for up to 18 uses
Great for family dinners, sports nights, and busy evenings!
📲 How to Order
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the link: Nifty 50 Pizza Card
🎉 Bonus Incentive
Students who sell more than 3 cards qualify for special prizes!
Thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and school programs through Thunderbolt PTA. Every purchase helps make a difference.
If you have any questions, please contact our Thunderbolt PTA (813-987-6987 ext. 230).
Sincerely,
Thonotosassa Elementary
Thunderbolt PTA
Thank you to our incredible educators who work tirelessly to support and uplift our students.
Want to make an impact? Visit TeachHCPS.com
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
Good morning Thunderbolt Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly reminder that ELP is TODAY from 2 pm to 5:20 pm and will continue to provide valuable academic support for our students. We encourage all enrolled students to attend consistently so they can take full advantage of this opportunity.
Your partnership plays an important role in your child's success. Thank you so much for helping us support our students' academic growth!
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
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!
📢 Parent Notice: KG - 1st Grade - 2nd Grade STAR Testing
Dear Thunderbolt Parents,
It’s testing season! Our K through 2nd Grade students will take the STAR Math Test TODAY.
Students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade will participate in important assessments TODAY.
🗓️ Key Reminders:
* Make sure your child gets a good breakfast.
* Ensure your child arrives at school on before 7:30 AM, as testing begins promptly.
* Encourage your child to do their best and stay positive!
These assessments help us measure student progress and guide instruction, so your support at home makes a big difference.
If you have any questions about the schedule or your child’s testing dates, please contact your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our Thunderbolts succeed! ⚡💙
📢 Parent Notice: KG - 1st Grade - 2nd Grade STAR Testing
Dear Thunderbolt Parents,
It’s testing season! Our K through 2nd Grade students will take the STAR Math Test TOMORROW and we want to ensure all families are informed and prepared.
Students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade will participate in important assessments tomorrow.
🗓️ Key Reminders:
* Make sure your child gets to bed early and have a good night’s sleep.
* Ensure your child arrives at school on time, as testing begins promptly.
* Encourage your child to do their best and stay positive!
These assessments help us measure student progress and guide instruction, so your support at home makes a big difference.
If you have any questions about the schedule or your child’s testing dates, please contact your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our Thunderbolts succeed! ⚡💙
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!
Good morning Thunderbolt Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly reminder that TODAY is the last ELP session from 2 pm to 5:20 pm!
That's right this is our final Thursday tutoring session. Your partnership plays an important role in your child's success. Thank you so much for helping us support our students' academic growth!
Good morning Thunderbolt Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly reminder that ELP is TODAY from 2 pm to 5:20 pm and will continue to provide valuable academic support for our students. We encourage all enrolled students to attend consistently so they can take full advantage of this opportunity.
Your partnership plays an important role in your child's success. Thank you so much for helping us support our students' academic growth!
📢 Parent Notice: KG - 1st Grade - 2nd Grade STAR Testing
Dear Thunderbolt Parents,
It’s testing season! Our K through 2nd Grade students will take the STAR Reading Test TODAY.
Students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade will participate in important assessments TODAY.
🗓️ Key Reminders:
* Make sure your child gets a good breakfast.
* Ensure your child arrives at school on before 7:30 AM, as testing begins promptly.
* Encourage your child to do their best and stay positive!
These assessments help us measure student progress and guide instruction, so your support at home makes a big difference.
If you have any questions about the schedule or your child’s testing dates, please contact your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our Thunderbolts succeed! ⚡💙
