Congratulations to Beth Silva, the new principal of Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Student Education Center!
Beth began her career with HCPS in 1984 as a prep aide at Graham Elementary School. She later became a teacher, serving students at Schwarzkopf Elementary, Citrus Park Elementary, and Pizzo K-8 Schools across a variety of grade levels and exceptional student education settings.
In 2018, Beth was appointed AP at Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center, where she currently serves.
Our Dorothy Thomas students, staff, and families are fortunate to have such a dedicated leader, Beth!
Meet the proud new principal of North Tampa Success Center, Dr. Larry “Glenn” Bramlett!
Dr. Bramlett began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Robinson High School. In 2005, he was appointed AP at Middleton High School before serving in other leadership roles at Spoto and Plant High Schools, Giunta and Memorial Middle Schools, Brandon Success Center, and LaVoy Exceptional Center.
In 2023, Dr. Bramlett joined North Tampa Success Center as assistant principal, where he currently serves.
Congratulations, Dr. Bramlett!
Dr. Bramlett began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Robinson High School. In 2005, he was appointed AP at Middleton High School before serving in other leadership roles at Spoto and Plant High Schools, Giunta and Memorial Middle Schools, Brandon Success Center, and LaVoy Exceptional Center.
In 2023, Dr. Bramlett joined North Tampa Success Center as assistant principal, where he currently serves.
Congratulations, Dr. Bramlett!
Congratulations to the new principal of Mulrennan Middle School, Nicole Hildebrand!
Nicole began her career with HCPS in 2002 as a math teacher at Coleman Middle School. She later taught math at Shields and Barrington Middle Schools before becoming a math resource teacher at Monroe Middle School in 2015.
In 2018, Nicole returned to the classroom as a math teacher at Riverview High School before being appointed as AP at Progress Village Middle School in 2019, where she currently serves.
Our Mulrennan Mustangs are excited to welcome you into their herd, Nicole!
Nicole began her career with HCPS in 2002 as a math teacher at Coleman Middle School. She later taught math at Shields and Barrington Middle Schools before becoming a math resource teacher at Monroe Middle School in 2015.
In 2018, Nicole returned to the classroom as a math teacher at Riverview High School before being appointed as AP at Progress Village Middle School in 2019, where she currently serves.
Our Mulrennan Mustangs are excited to welcome you into their herd, Nicole!
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.baycrestelementaryschool.org/article/3047169
🌟 Registration for HCPS Head Start opens July 27!
Head Start offers 3- and 4-year-olds a high-quality early learning program that supports academic, social, and emotional development at specific HCPS elementary schools.
For eligibility information and registration details, visit baycrestelementaryschool.org/headstart.
Head Start offers 3- and 4-year-olds a high-quality early learning program that supports academic, social, and emotional development at specific HCPS elementary schools.
For eligibility information and registration details, visit baycrestelementaryschool.org/headstart.
🚌 Congratulations to the Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation team for proudly representing Florida at the International School Bus Rodeo in Austin, Texas! After winning the state competition, Cassandra Varnes, Juan Maldonado, and Romy Taju competed against the best drivers from across the U.S. and Canada, while Carlos Hernandez, David Munoz, and Juan Estramera were selected to serve as judges—a tremendous honor. Thank you for representing HCPS with professionalism, skill, and an unwavering commitment to student safety! 👏
🏆 Hillsborough County Public Schools students delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference, earning 6 national championships and 40 top 10 finishes in business, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership events! Congratulations to our incredible students and advisors for representing HCPS with excellence on the national stage. 👏🎉
See all the winners here: https://www.baycrestelementaryschool.org/article/3025351
See all the winners here: https://www.baycrestelementaryschool.org/article/3025351
Rodgers Middle Magnet School students made their mark on the world stage! 🤖🌎
Jake Phome, Carter Britt, and Tan Tran earned 2nd place in the world at the Robofest World Championship in Michigan in the Junior Bottle Sumo Robot Time Trials. After winning their regional competition, the Rodgers Robotics & Engineering team competed against students from 22 countries, showcasing STEM excellence, teamwork, and innovation!
🏆 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.baycrestelementaryschool.org/article/2966795
🎻 #ThrowbackThursday to Randall Middle School's incredible end-of-year Spring Concert!
Principal Colin Gerding joined Orchestra Director Robert Barnes and 120 Randall orchestra students on stage to perform an original composition written by Mr. Barnes. The piece was specially created so every 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade orchestra student could perform together. To make the moment even more memorable, Mr. Barnes surprised each student with matching orchestra "tattoo sleeves" for the performance.
What a fantastic finale to an outstanding year of music and memories!
See the full performance here: https://youtu.be/ENQFmRuPFWI
Principal Colin Gerding joined Orchestra Director Robert Barnes and 120 Randall orchestra students on stage to perform an original composition written by Mr. Barnes. The piece was specially created so every 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade orchestra student could perform together. To make the moment even more memorable, Mr. Barnes surprised each student with matching orchestra "tattoo sleeves" for the performance.
What a fantastic finale to an outstanding year of music and memories!
See the full performance here: https://youtu.be/ENQFmRuPFWI
Throwback Thursday to an incredible achievement! 🇺🇸🏆
Back in May, Middleton High School Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli earned the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Outstanding JROTC Cadet Award. After winning at the Tampa chapter and Florida state levels, Arthi went on to capture the national title, becoming the #1 JROTC cadet among more than 600,000 cadets from 3,400+ JROTC programs worldwide across all military branches.
We are incredibly proud of Arthi’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and achievement! 👏
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 baycrestelementaryschool.org/o/hcps/page/calendar26-27.
Congratulations to Christa Washington on being named the new principal of LaVoy Exceptional Student Education Center!
Christa began her career in education nearly 20 years ago in Virginia Beach, Virginia, teaching students with disabilities. She joined the HCPS family in 2019 as an Access Points teacher at Lopez Exceptional Student Education Center.
In 2022, she was appointed AP at East Bay High School before transferring to LaVoy Exceptional Center as AP in 2023. Most recently, she served as principal of Eisenhower Exceptional Student Education Center.
Our LaVoy Lancers will continue to enjoy a meaningful and personalized learning experience under your leadership, Christa!
Christa began her career in education nearly 20 years ago in Virginia Beach, Virginia, teaching students with disabilities. She joined the HCPS family in 2019 as an Access Points teacher at Lopez Exceptional Student Education Center.
In 2022, she was appointed AP at East Bay High School before transferring to LaVoy Exceptional Center as AP in 2023. Most recently, she served as principal of Eisenhower Exceptional Student Education Center.
Our LaVoy Lancers will continue to enjoy a meaningful and personalized learning experience under your leadership, Christa!
Meet the proud new principal of Woodbridge Elementary School, Kimberly Lee!
Kimberly began her career with HCPS in 2005 as a 3rd-grade teacher at Hunter's Green Elementary School. She later taught 3rd and 4th grades at Bryant and Deer Park Elementary Schools. In 2013, she became a peer evaluator at Deer Park before serving as lead teacher at Robles Elementary School in 2016 and transitioning to an instructional mentor with Leadership Development in 2017.
In 2020, Kimberly became a resource teacher supporting Transformation Schools and Woodbridge Elementary. Most recently, she served as the AP at Woodbridge since 2022.
The Wildcat pride is undeniable, and our Woodbridge students are lucky to have you, Kimberly! Congratulations!
Kimberly began her career with HCPS in 2005 as a 3rd-grade teacher at Hunter's Green Elementary School. She later taught 3rd and 4th grades at Bryant and Deer Park Elementary Schools. In 2013, she became a peer evaluator at Deer Park before serving as lead teacher at Robles Elementary School in 2016 and transitioning to an instructional mentor with Leadership Development in 2017.
In 2020, Kimberly became a resource teacher supporting Transformation Schools and Woodbridge Elementary. Most recently, she served as the AP at Woodbridge since 2022.
The Wildcat pride is undeniable, and our Woodbridge students are lucky to have you, Kimberly! Congratulations!
Congratulations to the new principal of Tampa Heights Elementary School, Michelle Alphonse!
Michelle began her career in education in Massachusetts, where she taught for seven years. She later joined the HCPS family in 2014 as a 4th-grade teacher at Fishhawk Creek Elementary School. In 2020, she transferred to Kenly Elementary School to serve as a math resource teacher. In 2022, she was appointed AP at Lamb Elementary School, where she currently serves.
Our Navigators are going to pave the way to an incredible future under your leadership, Michelle!
Michelle began her career in education in Massachusetts, where she taught for seven years. She later joined the HCPS family in 2014 as a 4th-grade teacher at Fishhawk Creek Elementary School. In 2020, she transferred to Kenly Elementary School to serve as a math resource teacher. In 2022, she was appointed AP at Lamb Elementary School, where she currently serves.
Our Navigators are going to pave the way to an incredible future under your leadership, Michelle!
Meet the new principal of Edison Elementary School, Lakisha Woodfork!
Lakisha began her career with HCPS in 2010 as a 1st-grade teacher at Oak Park Elementary School before teaching 3rd grade at Potter and Shore Elementary Schools. She later served as a reading coach at Edison, Clair Mel, and Summerfield Crossing Elementary Schools before becoming a literacy coach for the district's Transformation Schools. In 2022, she was appointed AP at Colson Elementary School, and in 2024, she joined Edison Elementary School as AP.
Congratulations, Lakisha! We know you will continue to help our Edison Eagles soar to new heights.
Lakisha began her career with HCPS in 2010 as a 1st-grade teacher at Oak Park Elementary School before teaching 3rd grade at Potter and Shore Elementary Schools. She later served as a reading coach at Edison, Clair Mel, and Summerfield Crossing Elementary Schools before becoming a literacy coach for the district's Transformation Schools. In 2022, she was appointed AP at Colson Elementary School, and in 2024, she joined Edison Elementary School as AP.
Congratulations, Lakisha! We know you will continue to help our Edison Eagles soar to new heights.
Congratulations to Dr. Solomon Lowery on being named the new principal of Shields Middle School!
Dr. Lowery began his career serving in the U.S. military from 1996 through 2004 before beginning his education career as a middle school teacher in Pinellas County in 2003.
Throughout his career with Pinellas County Schools, he has served as an assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels, principal of three middle schools, and most recently, as executive director of school climate and behavior. He has also served as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College and the University of Florida.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lowery as he joins the HCPS family!
Dr. Lowery began his career serving in the U.S. military from 1996 through 2004 before beginning his education career as a middle school teacher in Pinellas County in 2003.
Throughout his career with Pinellas County Schools, he has served as an assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels, principal of three middle schools, and most recently, as executive director of school climate and behavior. He has also served as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College and the University of Florida.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lowery as he joins the HCPS family!
📚✏️ Save on school supplies before the new school year!
Florida’s 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs July 20–August 20, giving families the opportunity to purchase qualifying school supplies tax-free. For a list of items, visit https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.
Stock up on essentials and get ready for a great year ahead! 🎒
Florida’s 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs July 20–August 20, giving families the opportunity to purchase qualifying school supplies tax-free. For a list of items, visit https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.
Stock up on essentials and get ready for a great year ahead! 🎒
Congratulations to our talented student artists! 🎨👏
Hillsborough County Public Schools earned top honors in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, with students taking 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place among entries from Florida's 16th Congressional District.
Ireland Cates (Bloomingdale High) earned 1st Place, and her artwork, The Capitol, will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C. Olivia Fields (Riverview High) received 2nd Place, and Madelyn Bowers (Bloomingdale High) earned 3rd Place.
Special congratulations to Malik Dante Walker and Adam Nuykin of Sumner High School for being named Facebook Fan Favorite winners!
We're so proud of these outstanding artists for showcasing the incredible talent and creativity found across HCPS! 🎉🎨
A vision from Alonso High School came to life at Lowry Elementary School! 🎨
IB students Alessandra Varszegi and Alessia Elbooz brought their creativity and passion to their IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project by designing and painting a mural for the Lowry Elementary community. Over several months, students and staff watched their vision unfold, sparking conversations, excitement, and inspiration along the way.
The completed mural is a beautiful example of student leadership, creativity, and the impact of bringing communities together through art.
