January 2026 Family and Community Newsletter

Pasco County Schools is committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for every student. Your voice plays a vital role in that mission. 

Our Annual Family Feedback Survey is now open! This brief survey gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts on your child’s school experience, including academics, safety, communication, and overall satisfaction. 

Your feedback helps us: 

• Celebrate what’s working well 

• Identify areas for growth 

• Shape future planning at both the school and district levels 

We will share a summary of the survey results and related action steps so you can see how your input makes a difference. 

Take the survey by clicking this link or QR Code: https://tejoin.com/participate/517532408 

⏱️ Time to complete: 10–15 minutes 

 Survey closes: January 27 

If you have children attending more than one school, please complete a separate survey for each. All responses are confidential and used only to inform future planning. 

Thank you for partnering with us to support student success! 

January sets the tone for the rest of the school year - students who attend regularly this month are more likely to stay on track and reach their goals by June. For additional tips about attendance, click here!

• Fall 2025 textbooks must be returned before receiving Spring textbooks. ​​
• Please review ​​​THIS SPREADSHEET​​​ for directions on how you will obtain your materials for Spring 2026.
• Students who are registered by December 12th in Banner and the course has a digital textbook that can be sent through email, will have it sent to their PHSC email address.
• Students who are registered by December 12th in Banner will have their physical materials delivered to their designated pick-up site, ​​​LISTED HERE​​​, on the dates and times listed below.
• If students register for a course after December 12th and a textbook is required, students must complete THIS FORM. Review ​​​THIS SPREADSHEET​​​ to verify if a textbook is required.

If students have questions regarding textbooks, please have them email dual_enrollment@k12-lets-talk.com

Social Media and Your Child: What Parents Should Know

Social media has become a major part of many children’s lives—even for students in elementary and middle school. As a parent, you may notice your child using platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or group chats to socialize, learn, and play. While these tools can offer real benefits, they also come with important risks. Understanding both sides helps you guide your child safely and confidently.

The Benefits of Social Media for Kids

1. Learning Opportunities

Social media can expose students to educational content they might not encounter in the classroom. From science explainers to art tutorials, many platforms provide engaging ways for kids to explore new interests.

2. Creativity and Self‑Expression

Apps that allow students to create videos, art, music, or stories help them build confidence and express themselves in new ways. They learn digital skills that will be useful as technology increasingly shapes the world, they grow up in.

3. Staying Connected

For many children, especially those who are shy or new to school, social media can offer a safe space to communicate with friends. Group chats can help kids coordinate projects and maintain friendships outside of school.

The Challenges and Risks of Social Media

1. Exposure to False or Misleading Information

Children may struggle to distinguish credible information from rumors, memes, or manipulated content. False information can spread quickly, and kids often share things without realizing the impact.

2. Social Pressure and Emotional Stress

Likes, followers, and comments can create unhealthy expectations. Children may compare themselves to others or feel pressured to act or look a certain way online.

3. Privacy Risks

Children might unintentionally share personal information, photos, or location data, making them vulnerable to inappropriate contact or identity misuse.

4. Difficulty Managing Screen Time

Social media platforms are designed to keep users scrolling. Without guidance, kids may spend more time online than intended, impacting sleep, homework, or outdoor activity.

How Parents Can Protect Their Children from False Information

Keeping kids safe online doesn’t mean shutting them out from technology. It means helping them build strong digital judgment.

1. Talk About What “Reliable Information” Looks Like

Explain how to spot red flags:

• No clear author or source
• Sensational headlines
• Posts that play on fear, anger, or urgency (rage baiting!)
• Content shared without evidence

Encourage them to ask: “Where did this come from?” “Could it be edited?” “Who benefits from me believing this?”

2. Co‑View or Co‑Scroll When Possible

Sit with your child while they explore new apps or content. This turns social media into a shared activity rather than a private one.

3. Encourage Them to Check with You Before Sharing

Make it a family rule: Check before you share.
This builds a habit of pausing and thinking, rather than forwarding something impulsively.

4. Teach Them How Algorithms Work

Explain—in simple terms—that platforms show users what they want them to keep watching, not necessarily what's true or healthy.

For example:
"If you watch one funny video about a rumor, the app might show you ten more—so it looks like it must be true, even if it's not."

5. Use Parental Controls Thoughtfully

Parental tools can help limit what children see, but they work best when paired with open conversations, not secrecy. Many platforms offer:

• Restricted mode
• Comment filters
• Time limits
• Content reporting tools

6. Model Healthy Online Behavior

Kids pay attention to how adults handle information. When you’re uncertain about something you see online, think out loud:
"I'm not sure if this is true let me double‑check it."

This makes fact‑checking feel normal, not like a punishment.

Final Thoughts

Social media isn’t going away, and children benefit when adults guide them rather than shield them entirely. By understanding the pros and the risks, and by having early, open conversations, parents can help kids become thoughtful, safe, and informed digital citizens