HILLSBOROUGH RESPONDS
An eLearning overview for families during the school closure
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT ADDISON DAVIS
Dear Families,
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms. Thank you, now more than ever, for being the glue that’s holding us together. So many of our moms are not only parenting, but also partnering with our teachers to keep our learners on the path to success. For this, I say “Thank You!”
It’s been an inspiring week in so many ways. I’ve had the chance to see how our schools celebrated their teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week and demonstrated their overwhelming support. Additionally, I had the privilege of attending a few of these events to personally thank and meet some of our outstanding teachers and leaders who are working so hard to help our students.
To our seniors, this is most certainly not how you envisioned the last couple weeks of your senior year. You have handled this change with such grace and maturity. At this time, we are still hopeful in-person graduations will be able to take place in July. However, the guidelines surrounding COVID-19 and social distancing are constantly evolving, so we will be sure to keep you updated.
I am so proud of each and every one of our learners and thankful for the support of our families and staff. The finish line for this school year is in sight, and we are actively working on a School Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Of course, much of what goes into the plan will be contingent on state and medical professionals guidance which we are prepared to implement.
As always, we will continue to communicate with you and be transparent in our decisions.
Respectfully,
Addison Davis
Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOLS DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2020
"The tassel is worth the hassle"
This week, even more of our high schools held "Graduation Drive thru's" so seniors could pick up their caps and gowns.
Many schools, like Plant High, have been going all out! Teachers created handmade signs for their students and parents lined the streets to celebrate the Class of 2020!
Congratulations to our Seniors... And we hope we see you walking across that stage in July!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR FAMILIES
The second School Choice Options Window is now open. Apply to our national award-winning Magnet and Choice options through May 17. Families will receive notifications in late May to log in and view results.
Hillsborough County Public Schools take top 5 spots in U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools in America rankings. Our teachers and administrators continue to demonstrate they are among the very best in the nation.
Has COVID-19 impacted your job? Do you have a non-education bachelor's degree or higher and want to make a difference? Hillsborough Schools is hiring. You can participate in the Exceptional Student Educator program starting soon.
WE'RE ALMOST THERE - eLEARNING TIPS TO GET US THROUGH THE NEXT THREE WEEKS
Tips from parents dealing with eLearning...
Some families have become comfortable with eLearning. Others are finding it to be a bit more of a struggle.
For those families, we have some advice from parents about what works for them when the eLearning gets tough...
- “My advice to parents of younger children is to participate in the fun activities with your child. I look silly dancing to the morning Go Noodle video exercises but it keeps my daughter entertained.”
- “It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the assignments for math, ELA, science and social studies. But we’ve found that the “specials” like music, art and P.E. really help my boys take a break and still remain engaged.”
- “If you notice a change in your child’s demeanor, reach out to the school to schedule a Zoom conference with a counselor. My daughter conferenced with the school psychologist. That 15-minute conversation was helpful for her to voice her own concerns over eLearning and the coronavirus itself.”
For more advice, check out Tampa Bay Parenting magazine
NOT THE GOODBYE SHE EXPECTED - BUT A SWEET ONE, NONETHELESS
After 44 years of teaching with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Armetta Jackson from Robinson Elementary School is retiring.
Jackson served Marshall Middle School, Buckhorn Elementary School and Robinson Elementary School during her time with Hillsborough Schools.
Teachers and students held a car parade this week to show their love and appreciation to her.
Thank you Mrs. Jackson for your many years of service to our district.
Burns Middle School student Gianna Leonard, received a special honor. Her art teacher surprised her with pizza for receiving an Honorable Mention in the Dali Museum of Art contest! Congratulations Gianna... And thank you Ms. Reeves for going above and beyond to honor your student during eLearning!
Build Tampa Bay, through the leadership of School Board Member Steve Cona, has partnered with the Brink Foundation on a $30,000 donation to support students interested in high-demand jobs in the construction industry. Leto and Middleton High Schools will each receive $15,000 to purchase equipment and other tools for their Electrical Programs.
Because of COVID-19, the Mission Hill Church has started a program called Manatee Meals to help families at Lake Magdalene Elementary. The church delivers full bags of groceries and toiletries every week to families who do not have transportation. The school says struggling to eat isn't just a physical burden for families but also a mental burden.
HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE OUTSTANDING SENIORS OF THE CLASS OF 2020
If you'd like the chance for your spectacular senior to be highlighted, email Newsletter@sdhc.k12.fl.us - Tell us their full name, which school they attend, what makes them special, their plans after graduation and a picture!
Nadia Buggs - Senior at Sickles High. Nadia is an outstanding senior who is dedicated to her academics and has a 5.5 GPA. Nadia plans to attend FAMU in the fall and major in Actuary Science. Her goal is to pursue a career in Risk Management and give back to her community.
Analiese Rubero - Senior at Gaither High. Analiese is graduating 6th in her class with Honors and will attend Florida State University to major in biological sciences.
Kelvin Andino - Senior at Brandon High. Kelvin is graduating with a 3.5 GPA. He played tennis at Tennis for Fun, adapted for teenagers with special needs. Last year, he participated in the Special Olympics in Orlando and won a gold medal in his category! He plans to attend Pepin Academies. His family and teachers are very proud of him!
Chassity Gatling-Beale - Senior at Freedom High. Chassity has dedicated her high school years to the Winterguard team, the Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, African American Studies, Legacy and FCA. She has chosen to attend USF on the USF Scholars Award Scholarship and 100% Bright Futures. She will major in Humanities & Cultural Studies.
Gracie O'Neal - Senior at Armwood High. Gracie is Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, President of the National Honor Society and named Miss Armwood High. She also lettered in volleyball all four years of high school. Gracie plans to double major in Journalism and Political Science.
Brodie Brown - Senior at Strawberry Crest High. Brodie is a National Merit Finalist with a 7.1 GPA and has made Principal's Honor Roll every semester since starting kindergarten! Brodie took part in many activities including Marching, Jazz, Concert Band, JROTC, Golf and one year with the Varsity sideline co-ed Cheer Team. Brodie will attend the University of Alabama on a full scholarship.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Email: newsletter@sdhc.k12.fl.us
Website: HillsboroughSchools.org
Location: 901 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL, USA
Phone: 813-272-4000
Facebook: facebook.com/HillsboroughSch
Twitter: @HillsboroughSch