September 2025 Family and Community Newsletter

The New Worlds Reading Initiative is a statewide program 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!

Pasco County Schools is committed to reducing absenteeism and increasing student achievement outcomes. That’s why this year, and moving forward, we will be increasing awareness around the importance of attendance—with the goal of strengthening our collective responsibility to make sure students are learning every day. Each month we’ll be sharing facts and helpful tips about attendance. 

September Statistic: Students whose parents were notified about absences missed 10% fewer days. 

DID YOU KNOW? Students who attend school on time every day are more likely to achieve higher grades, build stronger friendships, and find success. 

TIPS FOR SUCCESS: 

• Make getting students to school on time every day a top priority.  
• Alert schools to barriers that keep kids from attending class.  
• Ask for and monitor data on chronic absence. 
• Talk to children about why going to school is important to their future. 
• Set a weekday routine and stick to regular bedtimes and wake-up times. 
• Create a backup plan with a friend or neighbor who can take children to school. 
• Encourage children to eat breakfast so they show up at school ready to learn.  
• Help prevent missed days by scheduling any appointments after the school day. 
• Stay up to date on children’s curricula and homework assignments. 
• Consider after-school programs and identify non-academic activities. 
• Keep an attendance chart at home and reward children for attending school. 

Your child’s future starts with showing up today! 

Learn more by visiting https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/attendance

Dear Families,

We are excited to share that Pasco County Schools will be participating in the Great American Teach-In on November 18^th.  This is a special event where members of our community visit classrooms to speak with students about their careers. This event provides students with a wonderful opportunity to learn about a wide variety of professions while seeing the connection between what they are learning in school and the world around them.

If you prefer that your child, not take part in the Great American Teach-In, please notify your child’s school so that alternate arrangements can be made.

Thank you for your continued support in creating meaningful learning opportunities for our students.

Community members and families are invited to donate new, in-package blankets and functional, non-broken wheelchairs to those in need as we enter storm season. 

Donations will be accepted from September 3 to September 17 at the following locations: 

• Sunlake High School 
• J.W. Mitchell High School 
• Wiregrass Ranch High School 
• Starkey Ranch K-8 

Your contributions will make a real difference. Let’s come together to bring comfort and mobility to our neighbors in need. Drop off your donations and help us spread warmth and hope today. 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Our recruitment team is excited to attend several upcoming career fairs this fall, and we’d love to meet you there! Join us at the USF Tampa Part-Time Job Fair on September 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Florida Atlantic University Career Fair on September 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Saint Leo University Career Fair on September 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. These events are a great opportunity to explore our available positions, connect with our team and learn more about the rewarding career opportunities within Pasco County Schools.

But that is not all, join us at our Transportation Hiring Event on Tuesday September 9, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pasco County School District. We’re hiring Bus Drivers, Transportation Assistants, Vehicle Technicians, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and paid CDL training support. We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn more and register! 

We encourage each student and school community to participate in a district-wide spirit week in honor of Celebrate Freedom Week, observed from September 22–26.

This year’s celebration aligns with America 250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As part of this milestone, we invite schools to reflect on the enduring values of liberty and democracy and to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today. Find out more about the district-wide spirit week by visiting our website.

Give your student a head start with Career Dual Enrollment! Career Dual Enrollment equips students with the academic knowledge and technical skills needed for a successful future and career. 

Benefits: 

• College, Career, and Life Prep: Rigorous coursework to prepare for the future. 
• Save Money: Free tuition and textbooks. 
• Save Time: Accelerate educational opportunities and reduce time for additional training. 
• Students stay enrolled at their current schools while accessing career certificate programs at Fred K. Marchman Technical College (FKMTC), Pinellas Technical College (PTC), or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

For more information regarding Career Dual Enrollment, please reach out to your school counselor. 

Pasco County Schools is proud to offer students a head start in their future careers through Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways! These pathways are more than just classes—they are a series of structured, hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare students for real-world success. 

Through CTE pathways, Pasco County students can explore their passions and build valuable skills across 14 of the 17 nationally recognized career clusters, from health science and information technology to agriculture, business, and beyond. Each program is carefully aligned with current labor market demands, ensuring students are gaining relevant, in-demand skills. 

What makes these pathways even more powerful? Students have the chance to earn industry-recognized certifications and participate in robust work-based learning experiences that boost their employability and confidence. 

Whether your student aspires to be a nurse, a graphic designer, a welder, or an entrepreneur, Pasco County Schools offers a pathway to help them achieve their goals. Learn more about the exciting programs available by visiting the Career Pathways page. 

Together, we are preparing today for tomorrow's workforce!

Pasco County CTE Students have the opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) at their schools. Career and Technical Student Organizations enhance student learning by integrating real-world applications, leadership, and personal development into the classroom. They build employability and career skills through hands-on experiences in Career and Technical Education programs. CTSOs guide students in developing career paths and provide opportunities to gain necessary skills through activities, programs, and competitions. Additionally, students can hold leadership positions and attend conferences to network with peers and industry professionals. 

Beginning in the 2025-2026 School Year, students can now earn an elective credit by enrolling in a CTSO. To receive this credit, students must accumulate and document 135 participation hours between grades 6 and 12. 

Benefits of participating in a CTSO: 

• Soft Skill Development  
• Networking 
• College and Career Readiness 
• Community Involvement  
• Competitions and Recognition

Pasco County Schools currently offer the following CTSOs:

• Family, Career, and Community Leaders of Florida (FCCLA) 
• Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) 
• Florida Public Service Association (FPSA) 
• Future Farmers Association (FFA) 
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 
• Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) 
• SkillsUSA 

For more information about CTSOs offered at your school, please see your CTE teacher. 

As children head back to school, ensuring their safety on the roads becomes a top priority. School zones are bustling areas during drop-off and pick-up times, and even a moment of distraction can lead to serious consequences. Traffic safety in these zones is not just a legal responsibility—it’s a moral one. Parents play a crucial role in creating a safe environment for all students.

Why School Zone Safety Matters

School zones are designed to protect children, who may not always be aware of traffic dangers. Reduced speed limits, crossing guards, and signage are all in place to minimize risks. However, these measures only work when drivers follow the rules. Unsafe driving in school zones can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Safe Driving Tips for Parents in School Zones

Here are some essential tips for parents to follow when driving near schools:

1. Slow Down - Always adhere to posted speed limits in school zones. Slower speeds give drivers more time to react and reduce the severity of accidents.

2. Stay Alert - Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Children can be unpredictable, and full attention is necessary.

3. Obey Crossing Guards - Crossing guards are there to protect children. Always follow their signals and instructions.

4. Yield to Pedestrians - Stop for children and adults at crosswalks. Never block a crosswalk when waiting to turn or at a stoplight.

5. Avoid Double Parking - Double parking can block visibility for other drivers and pedestrians. Use designated drop-off zones whenever possible.

6. Use Car Seats and Seat Belts Properly - Ensure children are buckled up correctly before moving the vehicle.

7. Be Patient - School zones can be congested. Allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up to avoid rushing.

8. Watch for Buses - Never pass a school bus when its stop sign is extended. Children may be crossing the street unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

By driving safely and responsibly in school zones, parents help create a secure environment for all children. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show care and consideration for the community. Let’s make school zones safe—one careful drive at a time.