Options, Options Everywhere: Expanded HCPS Magnet Schools & School Choice Opportunities
Hillsborough County Public Schools offer a growing list of innovative magnet and school choice options for the 2025-2026 school year.
October 2025 Issue
Teacher to Know: Brainard Harris, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Brainard Harris is a mentor, innovator and leader who brings aerospace technology to life for students at Stewart Middle Magnet.
Moms to Know: Angeline Howell, Creating Change Through Play and Purpose
Local mom and changemaker, Angeline Howell, is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.
The Play List: FloridaRAMA
FloridaRAMA in St. Pete is the perfect day for kids of all ages to explore the most funky, interactive art installations you’ll see anywhere!
A Rose By any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet: Retelling Shakespeare for Teens.
For teens and families looking to approach Shakespeare from new perspectives, there’s plenty on offer at the library.
Kids to Know: Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson
Meet Madison Richardson, a tae kwon do champion raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund life-changing cancer research.
USF Volleyball Coach, Jolene Shepardson, on a Full Court, Full House and Full Heart
University of South Florida’s head volleyball coach, Jolene Shepardson, balances coaching life and motherhood.
Tailgate Treats the Whole Family Will Cheer For
Score big with these winning game-day tailgate treats to keep everyone going from the opening kickoff until the final down!
What do Kids Want More than Phones? Independence!
Lenore Skenazy co-founder of Let Grow with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt, discuss what kids want more that phones.
Cinematically Spooky: Celebrating Halloween at the Historic Tampa Theatre
A Nightmare on Franklin Street returns to Tampa Theatre for goulishly good frights for all ages this Halloween season!
Encouraging Wonder: What Happens When Preschoolers Ask Why
It happens almost overnight. You blink, and your baby suddenly has become a walking, talking little person with an intense desire to know things. The word “why” probably falls from their mouths at least a few times a day. Like most parents, you provide them with an answer. Sure, it might be a really good…
An E-Scooter Emergency: Cooper’s Story
It was a call no parent wants to receive. When John’s phone rang, his son, 14-year-old Cooper, was out riding his e-scooter. “I heard moaning on the phone, then the call dropped,” John recalls. “I turned around immediately and headed to where he was supposed to be.” He found Cooper badly injured after a fall…
Not-So-Scary Facts About the Flu Vaccine
Halloween costume ordered? Check. Candy purchased? Check. Pumpkins carved? Check. Flu shot scheduled? Wait…flu shot? That’s what Dr. Marcy Solomon Baker, pediatric medical director for BayCare Medical Group, advises parents: By Halloween, make sure you’ve got your flu shot. Why? Because it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become fully effective, and…
Opening New Chapters: New Worlds Reading Brings Free Books and Joy to Young Florida Readers
New Worlds Reading helps Florida children develop strong reading habits by delivering free books and activities to their homes. The program supports VPK through fifth-grade students in Florida public and charter schools who are not yet reading on grade level. Each month during the school year, enrolled children receive a free book and fun literacy…
The Art of Negotiation: High School Students Learn Essential Life Skills
Whether you are a teen asking your parents for an extended curfew or a seasoned professional closing a big business deal, the art of negotiation is a critical life skill that is not typically included in the average high school curriculum. At Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg, students had the chance to dive into…
Celebrate the Holidays with Tampa’s Pirate Ship: The Lost Pearl
Tampa Bay has no shortage of holiday magic, but this season, one of the most unique ways to celebrate is by setting sail aboard Tampa’s only pirate ship, the Lost Pearl.
Tampa YMCA and the Tampa Bay Lightning Take Hockey from the Ice to the YMCA
Fall at the Tampa YMCA means the return of everyone’s favorite youth sports. From soccer and basketball to dance, flag football and more, our programs keep kids active, learning and having fun in a safe, supportive environment. Families across Tampa Bay look forward to this season as children build confidence, develop new skills and form…
Meet the 2025 Recipients of Hillsborough County’s Anti-Bullying Award
Get to know Tampa Bay’s Bully Busters: Hillsborough County students who go above and beyond to fight bullying in our community.
