May 2026 Family and Community Newsletter

The 2026 Graduation Schedule is now available online.  You can view dates, times, and locations for this year's Class of 2026 students below.

Graduation ceremonies will be held at USF's Yuengling Center, unless noted otherwise below.

USF Yuengling Center
12499 USF Bull Run Drive
Tampa, FL 33617

Parking for Students and Families

Parking can be purchased on the day of the ceremony.

• There will NOT be pre-sale parking and there is plenty of parking available at the Yuengling Center.
• Parking is $10 and is CASHLESS. Everything must be paid with TAP TO PAY or a CREDIT/DEBIT CARD. Make sure to bring a credit or debit card when you’re attending, and the staff will help you out.
• Please let your families know that there is NO RESERVED parking with the exception of the handicapped/disabled parking. Please also let your families know that there is NOT unlimited handicapped/disabled parking and that they need to plan to arrive accordingly if there is a need for handicapped/disabled parking.

Graduation Ceremony Commemorative Video

If you'd like to purchase a commemorative copy of the graduation ceremony for your senior’s high school, the cost is $20. Please follow the steps below:

1. Go to https://tinyurl.com/PCSDGradVideo or use the QR code above.
2. Complete the online form. Make sure you type the full name of your school in the "High School" field. Once you've completed the form, click "Add to Cart."
3. Click on your cart and checkout. At the checkout screen, you will see a "J.W. Mitchell High School" banner across the top of the cost notification. This is correct. JW Mitchell High School is organizing all of the high school graduation video sales. As long as you typed in your senior’s high school's name in step 2, you will receive the correct video.

Important - the Live Stream links below will be added as soon as they are available.  They will be active during each event.

Attend and Achieve: May is a crucial month for academic success — students who attend regularly during this time are more likely to finish the year strong and retain what they’ve learned. Studies show that consistent attendance in the final months of school helps prevent summer learning loss and boosts confidence heading into the next grade. For additional tips about attendance ​Click Here​!

During May, students in Florida will participate in statewide assessments, including the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and selected End‑of‑Course (EOC) assessments (such as Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, and Civics). These assessments are designed to help schools understand how students are progressing and how instruction can continue to support their learning. Our priority is for students to feel calm, confident, and supported.

Parent Tips to Support Your Child

Simple, consistent routines can help students feel comfortable and ready:

• Prioritize rest: A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can help students focus.
• Maintain daily routines: Familiar schedules can reduce stress and support feelings of security.
• Offer encouragement: Remind your child to take their time and do their best.
• Listen and reassure: If your child feels nervous, let them know that it is okay and that adults at school are there to help.

Accessing  and Understanding Assessment Results

When scores are released, families will be able to view results through the Pasco Parent Portal, which links directly to the Florida Department of Education (DOE) Family Portal. You will not need a DOE access code. Please note that there may be a delay between when students take their assessment and when results are posted on the DOE site.

• Step‑by‑step guidance is available in How to Access Your Child’s Assessment Results.
• Score reports are intended to highlight student strengths and support future learning conversations.
• Additional details can be found in Understanding Your Child’s Statewide Assessment Scores.
• If you have questions after reviewing results, school staff and teachers are happy to support you.

You can find additional assessment information by visiting the Pasco Assessment Resource Corner.

Thank you for partnering with us to help students finish the school year feeling confident and encouraged. Together, we can ensure that assessment experiences remain supportive, positive, and focused on growth.

During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 - May 8), visit Bubba's 33 in Wesley Chapel to show your support for teachers. A portion of the proceeds from your bill will be donated to the Pasco Education Foundation's Wise Supplies Center, the free teacher resource store for Pasco County Teachers.

All summer long, we will be hosting events and school supply donation boxes across Pasco County. Check out our website throughout the summer to see how you can get involved and contribute! https://www.pascoeducationfoundation.org/ourevents/stuff-the-bus

Game On for Education at Main Event Wesley Chapel will be a fun way to spend a day with your family and friends while supporting students and teachers through the Pasco Education Foundation’s Wise Supplies Center. Join us on Sunday, June 14^th from 12:00-4:00pm. A $40 ticket gets you a $50 game card, all-you-can-play laser tag, ropes course, and bowling, 2 slices of pizza, and a drink.

Grab your tickets now:  https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/lDmNGw?vid=1jgpig or text GameOnPEF to 41444.

Join our fellow Pasco County students, teachers, and families for our annual day with the Rays on May 30th vs the Los Angeles Angels! A portion of every ticket purchased will benefit the Pasco Education Foundation.

Link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026pasco2

Business Cooperative Education (BCE) Opportunities Now Available

Business Cooperative Education (BCE) opportunities are now open for students aged 16 or older who are interested in gaining hands-on, career-focused experience in a professional school setting for the 26/27 school year.

Students participating in the BCE program will assist with a variety of clerical and administrative duties that support daily school office operations. Responsibilities will also include providing customer service to students, staff, families, and community stakeholders, helping participants build valuable workplace, communication, and organizational skills.

Interested students may apply through the District’s job offerings by selecting the “General Application: BCE Student” option or apply directly to a site-specific job posting.

For additional information regarding BCE opportunities, students are encouraged to contact their Career Specialist.

This message serves as a reminder about the upcoming EKG requirement from the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) which must be met on or before July 1st, 2026, for students-athletes to be able to tryout or participate in any High School Sport.

In accordance with State Statute 1006.20, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year and thereafter, the following students shall complete at least one electrocardiogram screening:

• All incoming 9th-grade student-athletes
• Students in grades 10–12 who have never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport
• Any student who transfers to Pasco County Schools and participates in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport
• Returning athletes are not required to obtain an EKG, but it is strongly encouraged. An EKG performed on or after July 1, 2024 will satisfy this requirement

As a reminder, Pasco County Schools is partnering with Who We Play For to offer EKG screenings at a reduced 
cost of $20 per student.

If you have not yet met this requirement, please go to the Pasco County School Athletic Website to see all of the upcoming dates.

The Summer Bridge VPK Program is a free, district-run summer program designed to help rising kindergarteners build the skills they need for a successful start to school. It’s specifically for children who attended a VPK program during the 25-26 school year with public and private providers and may need extra support in early literacy before entering kindergarten.

The program offers focused instruction in reading and language skills, based on the science of reading, and runs for several weeks during the summer. It’s a great opportunity for children to boost their confidence and readiness for kindergarten in a fun and supportive environment!

Contact your Early Childhood Programs to see if your child meets state eligibility requirements based on their final VPK FAST Star Early Literacy Assessment score. Phone: 813-981-7301

Program Dates:

Monday-Thursday, June 8-July 20, 2026

Summer 2026 Locations:

Anclote Elementary School (Holiday) 

Hudson Primary Academy (Hudson)

Skybrooke K-8 (Lutz)

West Zephyrhills Elementary (Zephyrhills)

The Summer VPK program provides 300 hours of instruction to age-eligible Pasco County children who did not participate in the 540-hour  25-26 school year VPK or Head Start program and who will be going into Kindergarten in the Fall of 2026. More information and steps to apply can be found on our website. 

Location: Skybrooke K-8

2272 Skybrooke Blvd.

Lutz, FL 33558

Program Dates: Monday-Thursday, June 8-July 30. 

Questions? Contact Early Childhood Programs at 813-981-7301.

We are accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligibility interviews are still being scheduled for families who have already submitted an application. 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 New Worlds Reading Initiative is a statewide program partnered with the University of Florida's Lastinger Center that helps VPK – 5th grade students who are not yet reading on grade level grow their personal libraries and encourage a love of reading through free books delivered every month.

Eligible families can register their student and begin receiving books. Learn more at www.newworldsreading.com.

Through New Worlds Reading: 

• Enrolled students will receive 9 free books each school year through fifth grade in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole or braille!
• Children can choose the books they receive to help them build personalized at-home libraries and foster a love of reading.
• Books also come with literacy resources and activities for families and caregivers to engage with their children about reading to strengthen children’s literacy skills and reading confidence.

To be eligible, children must not yet be meeting grade level expectations in reading in Florida public or charter schools. Apply today!

Looking for a fun, enriching summer experience for your child? STEAM‑sational Summer 2026 offers hands-on learning, exciting adventures, and full-day care—all in a safe and engaging environment!

Program Dates:
June 8 – August 7, 2026
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Locations: Available at 18 elementary school sites across the district, including K–5 and K–8 campuses.

Cost:

• $139 per week, per child

• $30 non-refundable registration fee

• Meals: FREE breakfast and lunch available at select locations (contact your site manager for details).

What Makes STEAM‑sational Special?

FREE In-House & Out-of-House Field Trips for All Students!

• July 1: Gatorland (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
• July 23: Disney’s Animal Kingdom (3rd–5th Grade)

STEAM-Focused Activities
Students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through creative projects, experiments, and collaborative learning.

Safe, Structured Fun All Summer Long
Perfect for working families who want a balance of learning, enrichment, and play.

Registration Opens March 23, 2026
Spots fill quickly—don’t miss out!

For registration details and more information, visit:
https://myasep.com/STEAMsational/

Let’s make Summer 2026 a STEAM‑sational one! 

Download a PDF Flyer for this event

This summer, Pasco County Schools is taking 3rd through 8th grade students on a journey from beginner to expert with Camp A-2-Z!

Camp A-2-Z will provide your child with fun, hands-on learning and activities at a safe and inviting school site near you.

Kids will explore their interests with a variety of STEAM themes. This is the summer experience you don’t want to miss!

Please note that Camp A-2-Z is a fee-based program, and seats are extremely limited and fill up fast. For more information, and to register, please see the attached flyer and visit us at https://myasep.com/a2z/, or call us at 813-794-2298.

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 Leeanne Earley, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) teacher at Crews Lake Middle School. In this edition of Work Pasco Voices, Mrs. Earley shares what it’s like to work with students with autism and why supporting their growth, academically, socially, and emotionally, is such meaningful work.

 Mrs. Earley teaches in Pasco County Schools’ Access Sensory Behavior Communication Program (ASBCP), which is designed for students with ongoing sensory, behavioral, and communication needs often associated with autism spectrum disorder. These programs emphasize structured routines, visual supports, and positive behavioral interventions to help students build communication skills, regulate sensory input, and thrive in a supportive learning environment.

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: Exciting Opportunities Available

Pasco County Schools has exciting opportunities available in our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs!

Why ESE:

• Rewarding position, where every day you make an impact in the lives of children and families.  
• ESE Teachers in our self-contained units (IND/ASD/EBD) receive an additional $2,000 retention bonus on top of the base salary.
• Training opportunities for ESE Teachers. 
• Great opportunity to get started with Pasco County Schools.

Apply Today:  https://pasco.schoolspring.com/

Join the Recruitment Team on Friday, May 29, 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.

Graduation is a major milestone—one that represents years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. It’s a time for celebration with friends and family, and those memories should be positive ones that students can look back on with pride. Unfortunately, traditions and pranks that may seem harmless at first can quickly turn unsafe, illegal, or life‑altering.

As graduation season approaches, students and families are encouraged to keep safety, respect, and responsibility front and center—especially when it comes to activities like “water wars,” soaker games, and pranks, such as tee‑peeing houses.

Soaker Games and “Water Wars”: More Risk Than Fun

Water fights and soaker games are often seen as a fun way to cool off and celebrate. However, these activities come with significant risks:

• Traffic dangers: Participants often run into streets or dart between cars without looking, putting themselves at risk of being hit by a vehicle.
• Driver confusion: Motorists may not expect people spraying water or running suddenly across roadways, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Weapon confusion: Water guns—especially realistic‑looking ones—can easily be mistaken for real firearms, leading to dangerous misunderstandings with law enforcement, and armed citizens.
• Trespassing issues: Spraying water on people or property without permission can quickly turn into a legal matter.

What begins as a game can result in injuries, citations, or serious consequences. If celebrating with friends, choose supervised, planned activities in appropriate locations such as private yards or designated recreation areas—with permission. Pasco School District does not condone these activities, particularly if they are occurring on school property.

Pranks and Property Damage

Pranks like tee‑peeing houses, using shaving cream, throwing food, or vandalizing property are often dismissed as graduation “rites of passage.” In reality, they can result in:

• Criminal charges, including trespassing, vandalism, or disorderly conduct
• Restitution costs, for cleanup and property damage
• Civil liability, where homeowners can hold individuals or families financially responsible
• School consequences, which may include loss of graduation privileges or participation in ceremonies

Cleaning up toilet paper, eggs, or damaged landscaping is neither easy nor harmless. What may seem funny to one group can cause stress, fear, or financial hardship to someone else.

Legal Consequences Don’t End at Graduation

Graduation does not mean immunity from the law. In fact, citations or arrests during graduation season can affect:

• Employment opportunities
• College admissions and scholarships
• Military eligibility
• Future background checks

A few poor decisions during a celebration can follow someone for years.

Smart Ways to Celebrate Safely

Graduation should be memorable for the right reasons. Consider these safer alternatives:

• Attend school‑sponsored events and grad nights
• Celebrate at home or at a friend’s house with adult awareness
• Go to approved venues such as movies, bowling alleys, or restaurants
• Plan daytime activities that don’t involve driving late at night
• If water activities are planned, keep them private, supervised, and off roadways

Parents and guardians play an important role by staying involved, setting clear expectations, and knowing where celebrations are taking place.

See Something Concerning? Speak Up

If you witness unsafe behavior, trespassing, or potential vandalism, report it. Looking out for one another helps keep everyone safe and protects the community as a whole.

Graduation Success

The success of graduation ceremonies depends on cooperation and shared responsibility. Pasco County Schools encourages families and guests to partner with schools by:

• Arriving early and allowing extra time for parking and entry
• Following posted signage and staff directions
• Respecting seating assignments, restricted areas, and safety protocols
• Encouraging positive, respectful behavior
• Being attentive to student comfort, accessibility needs, and overall safety

Graduation is the beginning of a new journey. Celebrate accomplishments in ways that reflect maturity, respect, and good judgment. The goal is to start the next chapter of life without regrets, injuries, or legal trouble—just pride, great memories, and a strong future ahead.

Celebrate smart. Stay safe. Be proud.