February 2026 Family and Community Newsletter

Pasco County Schools Virtual College and Career Fair for Middle and High School Students and Families will be hosted on Wednesday, March 4^th from 5pm to 8pm. This Expo is a great opportunity for students to explore college and career sessions all in one place! Sessions will include college athletics, career exploration, college admissions, career and vocational programs, financial aid and more. College representatives will be available too. 

To register, please visit this site: https://pasco.k12.fl.us/iasc/pasco-county-schools-college-and-career-fair

February - Attend and Achieve: February may be the shortest month, but every school day still makes a big impact! Students who attend consistently build strong habits, stay connected, and keep learning momentum going. For additional tips about attendance ​​​​​Click Here​​​​​! 

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invited students to participate in the 2026 Black History Month student art and essay contests with the theme, “Celebrating Black History.” Black history Month is recognized and celebrated during the month of February.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the profound contributions of African Americans to Florida’s rich history and culture,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I hope every student takes this opportunity to learn about the ways Florida has been shaped and strengthened by these contributions.”

“Black History Month contests provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence while honoring the lasting contributions of African Americans across our state,” said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “We are proud to recognize students and educators whose efforts bring history to life and inspire learning beyond the classroom.”

All Florida students are invited to participate in contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

About the Student Art Contest 

The 2026 Black History Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through grade three students in Florida. Each student should submit one original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks.

About the Student Essay Contest

The 2026 Black History Month essay contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.

Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual) and be able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words.

About the Excellence in Education Award 

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines 

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.floridablackhistory.com.

Volunteer Florida 

Black History Month Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Monday, February 9, 2026.   

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Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment period is underway, offering families an opportunity to lock in future college costs at today’s plan prices. With recent enhancements, planning for higher education is now more streamlined and affordable.

What’s new this year:

• A redesigned website to guide you through building a personalized savings plan
• Flexible  Prepaid Plan options, including the ability to purchase one year at a time
• Low monthly payment options starting at just $29

The earlier you begin saving, the greater the long-term benefit. Take advantage of these improvements and secure your child’s future today with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan.

Enroll now at https://bit.ly/4ag5elq

The Florida Department of Education’s ESE Parent Survey is open, and Pasco County Schools is committed to making sure our families are represented. If your child has an IEP and receives ESE services, please take a few minutes to complete the survey online today.

FDOE ESE Parent Survey

It’s essential to ensure your child's school has accurate contact information, as well as, updated health and medical information.

Why accurate and up-to-date emergency cards are Important:

• Custodial/Non-custodial Contacts: In the event of a health crisis or other unforeseen event at the school, accurate contact information is critical for the school to alert you. This also ensures appropriate friends/family members are designated as emergency contacts and/or pick-up for your child.
• Address: Inaccurate residential or mailing addresses could delay important school information.
• Health/Medical Information: In the event of a health crisis, your child's medical information is necessary. It also ensures the school is aware of specific health information related to your child.
• Court Orders related to your child: Providing updated custody and/or parenting plan documents is helpful to schools when navigating difficult issues.

If you don't have a parent portal yet, now is the time to create one.  You can find that information here.

For any questions regarding the Parent Portal or emergency cards, please visit the Pasco County Schools webpage and check out the parent resources section.

For iPhone:
Get myStudent on the App Store

For Android:

Get myStudent on Google Play

Families will be able to submit application for Head Start and Early Head Start beginning February 2, 2026. Eligibility interviews will be scheduled once application are received. Apply via the link found on the homepage of our website. 

For additional information and questions, please contact our office at 813-981-7301 or email us at hs_ehs@pasco.k12.fl.us

We are looking forward to another amazing year serving children and families in Pasco County.  

The celebration began yesterday, Sunday, February 1, marking the start of Love the Bus Month and launching a year-long initiative that underscores the significance of the school bus and the vital role it plays in education.

“Love the Bus Month sets the stage for a year of positive national focus on the importance and value of the school transportation industry,” said Molly McGee Hewitt, NAPT CEO and Executive Director.

Love the Bus celebrates the trusted yellow school bus and the professionals who safely deliver students to school each day, while highlighting the critical connection between safe transportation and educational access.

“Behind every safe ride is a team of professionals who care deeply about students and the communities they serve,” said Keith Kaup, President of NAPT.

“Love the Bus Month is a chance for communities to come together and recognize the people who make safe student transportation possible every day. When we support and appreciate these teams, we strengthen not only our transportation systems, but the connection between schools and the communities they serve.”

Check out our Employee Testimonial video and discover why Pasco County School District is not just where we work — it’s where we belong! 

Meet Penny Ward, a Behavior Specialist at Wesley Chapel High School with 20 years in Pasco County Schools. From helping students find their voice to celebrating the smallest breakthroughs, Penny’s passion is creating moments that change lives—one connection at a time.

Every day, our amazing bus drivers and transportation team roll in with patience, kindness, and a whole lot of heart. They keep our students safe, our routes running smoothly, and our community connected one mile (and one smile!) at a time.

Now it’s your turn to spread love! Help us shine a spotlight on these everyday heroes by sharing a message of appreciation. Let’s lift them up and celebrate the people who keep our district moving forward.

Share your message here: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=226932

Your Future Starts Here: Upcoming Recruitment Events

Our recruitment team is excited to connect with future educators at several upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs! Join us online on February 12th, 2026, for the University of Virginia Virtual Educators Expo from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. We’ll also be on campus at USF St. Pete for the Job & Internship Fair on February 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and later that day at the University of West Florida’s Health and Education Fair from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Come meet our team, ask questions, and explore exciting career opportunities!

But that’s not all, join us on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the District Office for an opportunity to connect directly with our recruitment team. Learn more about open positions across our schools and discover how you can become part of our community.

In addition, we will be hosting a Transportation Job Fair on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the District Office. We are actively recruiting Bus Drivers, Vehicle Technicians, and additional transportation team members.

Register Here: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=233791

Have you heard about the RESILIENCY COACH program?

Approved Volunteers can become Resiliency Coaches with Pasco County Schools and be eligible for a $150.00 stipend. 

Steps to become a Resiliency Coach:
✔ Maintain current Level 2 background screening with our district (you must be an approved volunteer)
✔ Complete a one-hour online training (the district will provide the training link)
✔ Participate in four hours of volunteer service and complete a final survey (may be completed in one or multiple sessions)

If you are interested, please click the link below for more information. 

https://www.buildresiliency.org/resiliency-coaches

Please reach out to the Volunteer Programs Department at volunteers@pasco.k12.fl.us if you have any questions.  

Resiliency Coaches | Resiliency Florida

Resiliency Coaches are trusted adults who are trained to support children as they build resiliency to face day-to-day challenges. When children build resiliency, they have better academic achievement...

To start your journey today! https://www.buildresiliency.org/resiliency-coaches

As students get ready for spring and summer sports it’s time to start thinking about dehydration and how to keep yourself hydrated and safe from the effects of the heat. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it has taken in, which can lead to dizziness, dry mouth and fatigue. Dehydration also can occur in anyone who doesn't drink enough water during hot weather, it is more likely to affect those who are active in the heat.

Drinking more fluids usually fixes mild to moderate dehydration. But severe dehydration needs medical treatment right away. It is important to increase water intake during hot weather, especially if you are playing sports or being active and exerting yourself during the day.

Symptoms - The symptoms of dehydration can differ by age.

Infant or young child

• Urinating less than usual or no wet diapers for three hours.
• Dry mouth.
• No tears when crying.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Sunken eyes, cheeks or soft spot-on top of the skull.
• Lacking energy or being cranky.
• Skin that doesn't flatten back right away after being pinched.

Adult

• Extreme thirst.
• Urinating less.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Being confused.
• Skin that doesn't flatten back right away after being pinched.
• Sunken eyes or cheeks.

The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids prior to a game or sporting event, eating foods that hold a lot of water, such as fruits and vegetables can also prevent dehydration. Do not drink fluids that have caffeine or a lot of sugar, such as sodas and some energy drinks which can cause dehydration. 

In general, it's best to start drinking more fluids the day before hard exercise. Making lots of clear urine is a good sign of being well hydrated. During the activity, drink fluids regularly. Continue to drink water or other fluids when the activity is over.

Dehydration - Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic. (2025, May 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086