YOU’RE INVITED: We are hosting a series of town hall meetings for our community to learn more about the Half-Penny Promise referendum, which will appear for renewal on the November ballot.
The town halls will provide information about the referendum, including projects completed, ongoing investments in school facilities, and what reauthorization would mean for students and schools in the future.
Since voters approved the Half-Penny Sales Tax in 2018, HCPS has invested more than $1.326 billion in school improvements, with more than $716 million awarded to local businesses. These investments have supported critical upgrades across our district, including air-conditioning replacements, roof renovations, safety and security upgrades, and other essential infrastructure projects.
Town Hall Dates:
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 22 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Online >> https://bit.ly/3UZ0Gej
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Newsome High School
✏️ Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Gaither High School
✏️ Thursday, Oct. 1 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Hillsborough High School
✏️ Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Online >> https://bit.ly/4ivKpqX
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the Half-Penny Promise and its impact on our schools. To learn more, visit baycrestelementaryschool.org/half-penny-sales-tax-referendum.
PRINCIPAL'S PORTRAIT 📸 October is National Principals Month, and all month long, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible principals who lead, inspire, and make a difference in our schools every day! 💙
Through Principal's Portraits, you'll get to know some of the tremendous leaders behind the principal's desk, learning what they love most about leading their school, a tradition they love to participate in, plus a fun fact their students and families might not know!
Next up, meet Steven Sims, the proud principal of FishHawk Creek Elementary School! Join us in celebrating Principal Sims and the incredible work he does for our Falcons!
How many years have you served in education, and how many as a principal?
I have served in education for 35 years, including 17 years as a principal.
What do you love most about being a principal?
I love building strong teams and fostering connections among teachers, students, and families. Seeing people work together toward a common goal and watching students thrive is incredibly rewarding.
What is one word that describes your leadership style?
Coaching
What is your favorite school tradition?
Falcon Fest, an annual event hosted by our PTA. I’m always amazed by the incredible support from our families and community members. It’s a special evening that shows how strong the Fishhawk community is, and it's a great night for the kids.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of school, I really enjoy spending time golfing and captaining my boat at my lake house.
READ, LEAD, AND INSPIRE! 📚 October is National Principals Month, and we're celebrating with a districtwide reading challenge.
Throughout the month, principals, students, and teachers are invited to log their reading minutes in Beanstack and help their school climb the leaderboard.
Thanks to our partner in education, Suncoast Credit Union, winning principals and top student readers will receive prizes.
Ready to read? Visit hub.hcps.net and click on the Beanstack icon to get started!
Let's all Get Caught Reading! 📖
🍎💙 Teachers don't just teach subjects — they help students discover what they're capable of. On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage perseverance, and make a difference every day. Thank you, teachers!
Join us on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Leto High School for the annual Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration!
This event honors and celebrates our Hispanic community with incredible student performances, delicious food, a raffle, and free resources from our community partners. 🎉🤩
This event honors and celebrates our Hispanic community with incredible student performances, delicious food, a raffle, and free resources from our community partners. 🎉🤩
SEE THE IMPACT! We’re proud to share our 2025–2026 Impact Report, highlighting the progress happening across Hillsborough County Public Schools, from student achievement to operational improvements and the impact of our community’s investment in public education.
Behind every achievement are the students, educators, employees, families, and community partners who make it possible.
Together, we’re continuing to move HCPS forward and create more opportunities for every student.
Take a look at what we accomplished together and where we’re headed next ➡️ baycrestelementaryschool.org/impact
Behind every achievement are the students, educators, employees, families, and community partners who make it possible.
Together, we’re continuing to move HCPS forward and create more opportunities for every student.
Take a look at what we accomplished together and where we’re headed next ➡️ baycrestelementaryschool.org/impact
🧹 More than keeping our schools clean, they help make them feel like home.
On National Custodian Day, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated custodians who work behind the scenes to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff every day.
Their work makes a difference throughout our schools and communities.
Thank you to our incredible custodial teams for all you do. We appreciate you today and every day!
On National Custodian Day, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated custodians who work behind the scenes to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff every day.
Their work makes a difference throughout our schools and communities.
Thank you to our incredible custodial teams for all you do. We appreciate you today and every day!
It's time to leave your own mark with a bookmark for our Hillsborough Reads Bookmark Contest! 🎨📖
We are inviting HCPS educators and students in all grades to design a colorful 2.5" x 7" bookmark that captures the theme "Get Caught Reading!" for a chance to have their artwork professionally printed and shared across our schools.
Students can ask their school's media specialist or art teacher for a copy of the bookmark contest guidelines and must submit their entries to their school's media specialist by EOD on Friday, Oct. 30. Winners will be announced in December!
For more details or the official entry form, visit https://aptg.co/qn1B2l.
PRINCIPAL'S PORTRAIT 📸 October is National Principals Month, and all month long, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible principals who lead, inspire, and make a difference in our schools every day! 💙
Through Principal's Portraits, you'll get to know some of the tremendous leaders behind the principal's desk, learning what they love most about leading their school, a tradition they love to participate in, plus a fun fact their students and families might not know!
First up, meet Monica Barber, the proud principal of B.T. Washington Elementary School! Join us in celebrating Principal Barber and the incredible work she does for our Hornets. 🐝
How many years have you served in education, and how many as a principal?
18 years in education and 6 years as a principal.
What do you love most about being a principal?
I love building relationships with students, staff, and families while creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students grow and celebrating the impact our team has on their lives every day.
What is one word that describes your leadership style?
Collaborative. I believe the best results come from working together, valuing different perspectives, and empowering others to lead.
What is your favorite school tradition?
My favorite school tradition is our 12 Days of Holiday Celebrations. I especially love dressing up as the Elf on the Shelf and seeing the excitement it brings to our students and staff. It's a fun way to build school spirit, create lasting memories, and celebrate together as a BTWE family.
What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?
Students might be surprised to learn that I still get excited and nervous before big events, especially when speaking in front of students, staff, and families. Even as a principal, I still get butterflies sometimes, which helps me understand how they feel when they're presenting or performing!
🏆 Celebrating excellence in mathematics!
The King High School Mu Alpha Theta team was recognized by the City of Temple Terrace during the September 15 City Council meeting for their outstanding performance at the national Mu Alpha Theta Convention in Texas.
King’s students earned top-10 national finishes in all three team divisions, including a 5th-place finish in the Mu Division — the highest-placing public school calculus team in the nation!
Congratulations to these talented students and their coaches on this incredible accomplishment! 👏📐
The King High School Mu Alpha Theta team was recognized by the City of Temple Terrace during the September 15 City Council meeting for their outstanding performance at the national Mu Alpha Theta Convention in Texas.
King’s students earned top-10 national finishes in all three team divisions, including a 5th-place finish in the Mu Division — the highest-placing public school calculus team in the nation!
Congratulations to these talented students and their coaches on this incredible accomplishment! 👏📐
🍎💙 More Than a Principal
This National Principals Month, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated school leaders who do so much more than lead. Our principals are mentors, advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for their students, staff, and school communities.
We’re grateful for the leadership, dedication, and heart they bring to our schools every day!
This National Principals Month, HCPS is celebrating the dedicated school leaders who do so much more than lead. Our principals are mentors, advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for their students, staff, and school communities.
We’re grateful for the leadership, dedication, and heart they bring to our schools every day!
➕➖ MATH HOMEWORK HOTLINE WEEK 4 ➗✖️ Tonight's topic for Math Homework Hotline is "Solving Equations."
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at baycrestelementaryschool.org/mhh.
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at baycrestelementaryschool.org/mhh.
🍴 Learning goes far beyond the kitchen at Pierce Middle School!
Second-year Culinary students in Chef Michael Richter II’s class are developing valuable skills that will serve them well in and out of the kitchen, including time management, teamwork, organization and budgeting.
During a recent lesson, students worked in teams, rotating through six stations with just six minutes at each one to prepare a fresh garden salad. They even put their creativity to work by making their own salad dressings! 🥗👨🍳
It’s hands-on learning that helps students build skills for the kitchen — and for life.
Check out the student's lesson here: https://youtu.be/asG7uuBbs2U
Second-year Culinary students in Chef Michael Richter II’s class are developing valuable skills that will serve them well in and out of the kitchen, including time management, teamwork, organization and budgeting.
During a recent lesson, students worked in teams, rotating through six stations with just six minutes at each one to prepare a fresh garden salad. They even put their creativity to work by making their own salad dressings! 🥗👨🍳
It’s hands-on learning that helps students build skills for the kitchen — and for life.
Check out the student's lesson here: https://youtu.be/asG7uuBbs2U
What does a future in marine science look like? 🌊
For some of our AICE Marine Science and AICE Environmental Management students at Wharton High School, it looked like a live conversation with NOAA Ocean Exploration scientists aboard a research vessel exploring American Samoa and the surrounding waters.
Students got a firsthand look at the many career paths that make this work possible, from marine scientists and engineers to IT specialists and beyond. Experiences like this help our students see what’s possible and discover that their future can take them anywhere.
We’re preparing students for what’s next and opening their eyes to the possibilities along the way.
For some of our AICE Marine Science and AICE Environmental Management students at Wharton High School, it looked like a live conversation with NOAA Ocean Exploration scientists aboard a research vessel exploring American Samoa and the surrounding waters.
Students got a firsthand look at the many career paths that make this work possible, from marine scientists and engineers to IT specialists and beyond. Experiences like this help our students see what’s possible and discover that their future can take them anywhere.
We’re preparing students for what’s next and opening their eyes to the possibilities along the way.
As part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ “Raise the Flags” campaign, the Bucs stopped by Buchanan Middle School today to get students moving and learning on the football field! 🏈
Students worked on a variety of flag football skills, from route running and passing to flag pulling and more. It was a fun day of learning, teamwork and football! 🏴☠️
Students worked on a variety of flag football skills, from route running and passing to flag pulling and more. It was a fun day of learning, teamwork and football! 🏴☠️
A remarkable achievement for the welding program at Rick Lott Technical College in Plant City! 🔥
All 17 welding students, led by instructor Pedro Castrejon, recently earned a 100% pass rate on the SMAW Stick AWS 3G and 4G Vertical Position welding certification test — an impressive accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, skill and preparation.
Through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, these students are gaining the skills they need to become Future Ready and take the next step toward successful careers in the welding industry. 👏
Click here to learn more about this remarkable achievement: https://youtu.be/5QImWkGzGDA
All 17 welding students, led by instructor Pedro Castrejon, recently earned a 100% pass rate on the SMAW Stick AWS 3G and 4G Vertical Position welding certification test — an impressive accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, skill and preparation.
Through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, these students are gaining the skills they need to become Future Ready and take the next step toward successful careers in the welding industry. 👏
Click here to learn more about this remarkable achievement: https://youtu.be/5QImWkGzGDA
After more than 50 years of coaching, mentoring, and shaping the lives of student-athletes, Hillsborough High School Football Coach Earl Garcia Jr. has earned a lasting place in Terriers history. 🏈❤️🖤
From joining the Terriers as an assistant football coach in 1977 to leading the program as head coach since 1993, Coach Garcia has built a tradition of excellence on the field while emphasizing academics, character, discipline, and leadership off the field.
With more than 300 career victories, multiple conference and district championships, postseason appearances, and hundreds of student-athletes earning college opportunities, his impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
Now, that legacy will live on every time the Terriers take the field.
We are proud to celebrate the naming of Earl Garcia Jr. Stadium in honor of a coach who has dedicated his life to developing young men and strengthening Hillsborough High School.
Congratulations, Coach! Your legacy will now live on in the place where generations of Terriers have made memories.
Students from Brandon High School and George D. Chamberlain High School participated in Think Big For Kids Student-Player Mentoring Program this week! 🏈🤝
Students are partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, cheerleaders, and staff for four training sessions each year. They participate in activities that build their communication and leadership skills and help them set goals for life beyond the classroom.
Students are partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, cheerleaders, and staff for four training sessions each year. They participate in activities that build their communication and leadership skills and help them set goals for life beyond the classroom.
➕➖ MATH HOMEWORK HOTLINE WEEK 3 ➗✖️ Tonight's topic for Math Homework Hotline is "Expressions."
Tutors will begin taking calls at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m. For help on any math topic, call 813-840-7260.
Tune in on Spectrum Ch. 635, Frontier Ch. 32, or online at baycrestelementaryschool.org/mhh.
🎯 Future Ready starts with real-world experience in Freedom High School's Marketing Class!
Students in Freedom High School’s Marketing program are getting hands-on experience running a business from the ground up. Students market, design, create and distribute shirts, jackets, banners and more for clubs and organizations both inside and outside of the school.
From creativity and communication to production, customer service and business operations, students are developing the real-world skills they need to be Future Ready.
▶️ See the program in action: https://youtu.be/67PltRDL03o
🛍️ Want to learn more or place an order? Check out www.freedomcte.org
Students in Freedom High School’s Marketing program are getting hands-on experience running a business from the ground up. Students market, design, create and distribute shirts, jackets, banners and more for clubs and organizations both inside and outside of the school.
From creativity and communication to production, customer service and business operations, students are developing the real-world skills they need to be Future Ready.
▶️ See the program in action: https://youtu.be/67PltRDL03o
🛍️ Want to learn more or place an order? Check out www.freedomcte.org
