March 2026 Family and Community Newsletter

The Congressional Art Competition is an official nationwide program of the U.S. House of Representatives that provides high school students the opportunity to have their original artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Since its inception in 1982, the competition has recognized thousands of talented young artists from across the country and serves as a meaningful way to highlight arts education and student achievement.

The competition is open to all high school students residing in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. Students may submit one original piece of artwork that meets the official competition guidelines. All submissions must include a completed student release form in order to be eligible.

2026 Theme: Celebrating 250 Years of America

Submission Deadline
If you are in Congressman Bilirakis’ district, the deadline is March 13th.

Sent to Address:
Attn: Thomas Viking
Pasco County Schools
Office for Teaching and Learning
7227 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

If you are in Congresswoman Lee’s district, then the deadline is March 31st. 
Artwork Submissions mailed to our district office at the address below:

Congresswoman Laurel Lee
14025 Riveredge Drive
Suite 105
Tampa, FL 33637

Here’s a link to help determine the correct district. Enter your ZIP code, and if you happen to live near the boundary between the two districts, you can enter your full address to narrow it down:

Find Your Representative | house.gov

March is a key month for attendance. Students who keep coming to school are more likely to finish the year strong. Middle school attendance often drops now, so families should stay involved and keep routines steady.  For additional tips about attendance ​​​​​Click Here​​​!

Spring testing season is right around the corner, and Pasco County Schools is here to support you and your child every step of the way. As students prepare for Florida’s statewide assessments, a few simple routines at home can help them feel confident and ready to do their best.

Parent Tips to Support Your Child

• Keep routines steady. A consistent bedtime, healthy meals, and regular study habits go a long way toward reducing stress.
• Stay informed. Your child’s school will share specific testing dates, but district testing calendars are also available online.
• Talk positively about testing. Remind your child that these assessments help teachers understand what they know and how to support them — it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Encourage your child to take their time and do their very best on the assessments.
• Practice together. Reviewing sample items or exploring practice tests can help your child feel familiar with the testing platform and question formats.
• Check in on their feelings. A quick conversation about any worries can help ease nerves before test day.
• Make test mornings calm. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving at school on time help set the tone for success.

For detailed testing calendars, practice resources, information on computer‑adaptive testing, and step‑by‑step directions for accessing your child’s scores, visit the Pasco Assessment Resource Corner.

The Florida Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and another world language. This distinction not only celebrates multilingualism but also opens doors to college, career, and global opportunities.

Learn how your school can support students in earning this prestigious recognition and showcase the value of language learning in today’s world.

Check out the attached flyer for key details and visit the official website for additional resources and guidelines: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/eng-language-learners/world-languages-foreign-languages.stml

Help your students earn this prestigious distinction and showcase the value of multilingualism and biliteracy in today’s world!

Did you know that Pasco County Schools has been offering High School Gifted Office Hours, a virtual support service designed specifically for gifted learners? These optional sessions are accessed through Canvas → High School Gifted Hub and provide students with a space to explore thinking habits, learning challenges, and goal-setting topics that support both academic success and personal growth.

Each month, Office Hours focus on a different theme connected to the needs of gifted students. In March, the focus on reflective questions that gifted students commonly think about, such as motivation, managing high expectations, curiosity, and leadership styles. Discussions are student-centered and designed to help gifted learners think more intentionally about their strengths and growth areas.

Information about High School Gifted Office Hours is shared monthly through myStudent email for gifted students and families.

Applications are open! Join our transportation team for on-the-job training and earn while you learn! Visit our employment page to learn more.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Florida law requires certain high school student-athletes to complete an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before participating in FHSAA- sanctioned sports. Screenings begin the first week of March at the low cost of $20. Please review the important information below on requirements and how to sign up for a screening! 

EKG District Sign Up Flyer.pdf

EKG Requirements One-Pager.pdf

Get ready, Bulls Nation — the excitement is building as we approach Bulls Family Fest 2026, happening on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the USF Tampa Campus, centered around MLK Plaza at 4103 USF Cedar Circle.

This annual celebration brings together students, families, alumni, and the entire Tampa Bay community for a day filled with USF spirit. Guests can look forward to a lively atmosphere packed with interactive activities, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to experience the diverse programs and organizations that make the University of South Florida such a vibrant place to learn and grow. The festival also features photo moments with campus icons like Rocky the Bull, along with delicious food options, giveaways, and family‑friendly experiences that showcase the heart of the Bull community. 

Bulls Family Fest is completely free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available in nearby garages and lots to make arriving on campus easy and convenient. Pre‑registration is encouraged so visitors can receive updates, though walk‑ups are always welcome. Register Here:  https://www.usf.edu/innovative-education/yxp/events/bulls-family-fest.aspx

It’s the perfect day to wear your green and gold, explore campus with family and friends, and enjoy everything that makes USF special.

 Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMIB32VDpAs

School Choice notifications for the January 2026 open enrollment window will be sent via email on March 2^nd, 2026. Parents will then need to accept/decline any choices they were offered by March 11^th, 2026, in their Parent Portal. 

The next open enrollment windows for the 2026-2027 school year are listed below. 

• April 13^th, 2026 - April 17^th, 2026
• June 15^th, 2026 – June 19^th, 2026

Additional information around school choice can be found on our website: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice. For questions, please email pascopathways@k12-lets-talk.com. 

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 Nancy Stevens, an ESE Instructional Assistant at Woodland Elementary in Zephyrhills!  Hear firsthand why she loves supporting exceptional students and the impact she makes every day. 

 We are Hiring ESE Instructional Assistants! 

We have openings across Pasco County Schools for dedicated individuals to join our ESE teams. As an ESE IA, you’ll provide vital academic and behavioral support in specialized settings to help students with diverse learning needs thrive. 

Why join the ESE team?

• Earn More: ESE IAs earn an additional $0.40 per hour.
• Proximity: Great opportunities available right in your neighborhood.
• Impact: Play a key role in helping students reach their individual goals every day.

Get started today: 

Connect with a recruiter to find an opening near you! 

 Email: work@pasco.k12.fl.us

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: Upcoming Recruitment Events

Our recruitment team is excited to host our biggest hiring event of the year this month. At the District Hiring Fair, you will have the chance to connect directly with school leaders from across the district regarding opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year and potentially even interview on the spot!

•  Skybrooke K8 — 2272 Skybrooke Blvd, Lutz, FL 33558 
•  March 18, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 
•  Preregistration here: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=237243 

Questions about this event, reach out to the Recruitment Team at work@pasco.k12.fl.us. We hope to see you there!

Spring break is an exciting time for families. It offers a well-deserved pause from busy school schedules, extracurricular activities, and daily routines. Whether your family plans to travel, enjoy local activities, or simply relax at home, safety should remain a top priority.

Why Spring Break Safety Matters

Spring break often brings changes in routine, increased independence for teens, travel, outdoor activities, and time spent with friends. These changes can create situations where children and teens may be exposed to unfamiliar environments or increased risks. By planning ahead and setting clear expectations, families can ensure a break that is both fun and safe.

Travel Safety Tips for Families

If your family is traveling during spring break, preparation is key.

1. Plan Ahead

• Review travel itineraries together.
• Share emergency contact information with older children.
• Ensure all family members know how to reach each other.

2. Supervision in Public Places

• Establish meeting points in crowded areas
• Encourage teens to check in regularly when exploring independently.

Water Safety

Spring break often includes pools, beaches, lakes, or water parks.

• Never leave young children unattended near water.
• Ensure children know basic swimming skills.
• Use life jackets when boating or participating in water sports.

Online and Social Media Safety

With more free time, children and teens may spend additional time online.

• Set clear screen-time expectations.
• Monitor younger children’s online activity.
• Talk with middle and high school students about responsible social media use.
• Remind teens not to share their location publicly or post travel details in real time.
• Discuss the importance of privacy and avoiding contact with strangers online.

Outdoor Activity Safety

Spring weather encourages outdoor play and recreation.

• Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.
• Wear helmets for biking, skating, or skateboarding
• Review road and pedestrian safety.

Health and Wellness

Maintaining healthy habits during spring break supports both safety and well-being.

• Keep consistent sleep routines when possible.
• Encourage balanced meals and hydration.
• Pack necessary medications when traveling.

Final Thoughts

Spring break should be a time for fun, relaxation, and family connection. By taking proactive steps—communicating expectations, planning ahead, and reinforcing safety habits—families can reduce risks and focus on creating positive memories.