Parents of Hillsborough County Schools

03/05/2024

https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2024/03/04/pasco-panel-votes-restrict-lgbtq-book-essays-high-schools/

An objection to “The Letter Q” was the school district’s first formal book challenge since new laws took effect.

03/04/2024

https://www.floridapta.org/road-to-success/

February 28: Resolutions: 7 PM March 6: Active Minds March 12: Exceptional Student Education March 20: Membership/Media & Marketing

01/29/2024

A bill that would change how public schools become charter schools is moving through the Legislature despite opposition from education organizations and civil rights groups, Axios Miami's Sommer Brugal reports.

Driving the news: On Thursday, the House Choice and Innovation Subcommittee passed HB 109 in a 12–5 vote along party lines. If signed into law, it would enable a municipality to begin the process of converting a public school to a charter — something previously reserved for the district school board, a school principal, or teachers and parents.

If passed, the law would remove teachers' ability to weigh in on whether a school should be converted.
An amendment to the bill would also give approved charter schools first dibs on public school "surplus" property if a district sees a decline in student enrollment of 1% or more for at least two consecutive years.
Why it matters: Public school advocates say the bill, sponsored by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), favors charter schools — many of which are for-profit — over traditional public schools. They believe it would defund public schools and create division in communities.

Catch up fast: Charter schools have seen exponential growth across the state in recent years, as Florida Republicans have advocated for more school choice options and backed legislation that shifts money from traditional public schools to charters.

What they're saying: Andrade said the current process is lengthy and discourages parents from converting a school, even if "the majority would want to."

Critics of the bill argue that the narrative that public schools are failing is false, and the new rules would create an unfair system that could result in long-term changes to a community.

01/28/2024

https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2024/01/24/florida-makes-it-official-universities-drop-sociology-core-course/?trk_msg=LD8LCGMNHLN4D6R00J2AI3GGF0&trk_contact=7LH3CJ02VIN65K9VF8SE5NA7U4&trk_sid=V7PBC9RKSFEGJPO62TCAS8I98K&trk_link=C4D80FU4A64K10JR4GTUELJ2PG&utm_email=69cc41386b365eb67c59ddba8ac24f1b79515b5380a07f03402da3c0008966fb&utm_source=DayStarter&utm_medium=MG2_Newsletter&utm_term=Florida+makes+it+official%3a+Universities+to+drop+sociology+as+a+core+course+&utm_campaign=Sunday+roundup+%7c+DeSantis+was+the+big+focus+of+late-night+TV+jokes

The decision stems from an argument that students can be “radicalized” by the subject. An American history course will replace it.

01/10/2024

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/hillsborough-county-school-board-to-adopt-more-than-2-dozen-revised-policies

Hillsborough County School Board members are expected to adopt more than two dozen revised policies at Tuesday's meeting.

12/25/2023

https://share.newsbreak.com/5qn57h8b

Superintendent Van Ayres called the situation “unacceptable” but said he expects grades to gradually improve. The Hillsborough County school district, known a few years ago for...

12/16/2023

https://patch.com/florida/templeterrace/s/itupf/fl-teacher-charged-with-sexual-offenses-against-child-sheriff?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=69cc41386b365eb67c59ddba8ac24f1b79515b5380a07f03402da3c0008966fb&user_email_md5=7361829ccc70c5918f3f94bf38316f1e&lctg=4debbf5c52366d3563529379

A teacher at Greco Middle School in Temple Terrace faces charges for sexual offenses against a child, child p**n possession, HCSO said.

11/21/2023

Florida PTA Scholarship Application

As we approach the second part of the academic year filled with promise and potential, Florida PTA is excited to announce the launch of our annual scholarship program.

This program recognizes and supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The application window is open and will remain until February 29th, 2024. We encourage all 12th-grade students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements and aspirations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

Apply Now!

11/16/2023

LegCon 2024
Welcome to registration for Florida PTA's Annual Legislative Conference, known as "LegCon." LegCon is designed to educate you about important pending state legislation and policy initiatives, as well as provide you with direction on Florida PTA's legislative strategy. Our advocacy efforts are based on legislative priorities as well as National and Florida PTA Resolution/Position Statements and extended beyond the legislature to the Governor's office and the Department of Education, and other state administrative agencies and boards.

LegCon will include informative guest presenters, talking points for your meetings, and networking opportunities. The Conference will open with a dinner Meet & Greet on Sunday, January 28th from 6:30-8:00 PM. On Monday, January 29th, sessions will be held throughout the day. We encourage you to meet with your own legislators on Tuesday, January 30th.

Who should attend?

Parents and other caregivers, teachers, students, Council and local unit PTA leaders, and other child advocacy allies and community members who are concerned about the education, health, safety, and well-being of all children.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with PTA members and child advocates statewide!

Please note: you are responsible for reserving your own hotel accommodations.

Our hotel will be:

Springhill Suites
1300 Executive Center Dr.,

Tallahassee, FL 32301

844-631-0595

Alternative nearby hotel suggestions:

Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee Downtown/Capitol
1018 Appalachee Pkwy.

Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-222-8822

Hampton Inn & Suites Tallahassee Capitol – University
824 Railroad Ave.

Tallahassee, FL 32310

850-692-7150

Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown
316 W. Tennessee St.

Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-422-0071

All meetings/training sessions will be held at the TCC Center for Innovation, 300 W Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32301:



Sunday, January 28th: LegCon doors open at 6:00 PM; LegCon begins 6:30 PM

Monday, January 29th: LegCon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday, January 30th: 9:00 am Tour of the Capitol (optional)

Meet with your legislators and/or attend committee meetings. Make your appointments now.

Registration Fees:

Early Bird Adult (through November 22): $70

Adult: $75

Student: $25



Register Now for LegCon!



Sincerely,

Florida PTA Legislation Committee

Florida PTA

[email protected]

11/15/2023

The top 10 middle schools in Florida are:

Doral Academy of Technology, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Okaloosa Stemm Center, Okaloosa County School District
Pine View School, Sarasota County Schools
West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Brevard Public Schools
The Sanibel School, Lee County School District
Horizon Charter School of Tampa, Hillsborough County Public Schools
University Academy Sabl Inc, Bay District Schools
Terrace Community School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Orlando Gifted Academy, Orange County Public Schools
Edgewood Jr/Sr High School, Brevard Public Schools

11/15/2023

WFTS - Tampa, Florida
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Hillsborough leaders to vote on speed cameras in school zones
This program aims to catch speeders and protect students.

On Wednesday, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners will vote on installing speed cameras in school zones. The speed enforcement program aims to catch speeders in school zones and make it safer for students going to and from school. Commissioner Gwen Myers said speeders are a big issue in Hillsborough school zones.

Red light cameras may soon be a thing of the past in Florida thanks to new legislation
By: Keely McCormickPosted at 6:24 AM, Nov 15, 2023 and last updated 7:28 AM, Nov 15, 2023
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners will vote on installing speed cameras in school zones.

The speed enforcement program aims to catch speeders in school zones and make it safer for students going to and from school.

Commissioner Gwen Myers said speeders are a big issue in Hillsborough school zones.