June 2026 Family and Community Newsletter
Featured Story
2026 Family Survey Update: Take a Look at How We’re Listening and Responding
As the school year ends, thank you for sharing feedback in the 2026 Family Survey. See how your input is shaping our district’s next steps.
To demonstrate how we are listening and responding, we are sharing a district summary organized by department. In this update, you will find:
-
A district overview of survey scores
-
Highlights of what families say is going well
-
Key topics families identified for continued focus
-
Department actions, initiatives, and next steps
We are using this feedback to plan over the summer, building on what is already in place and moving forward with the actions and next steps outlined in this summary. While we originally planned a follow-up survey this spring, families provided such thoughtful and detailed input that we are focusing this time on taking action and continuing the strong work happening across our district. We plan to distribute another Family Survey in the Fall.
Thank you for staying engaged in supporting our students and schools. We appreciate sharing your feedback in future surveys to help keep this valuable conversation going as our partner in education.
Academics
CTE Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program offers merit-based financial aid through four award levels: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Gold Seal Vocational Scholars, and Gold Seal CAPE Scholars. Students earning career and technical education (CTE) credits and/or industry certifications may qualify for funding through the Gold Seal options. Seniors must complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) during senior year by August 31 after graduation. Students should consult their school counselor or career specialist and review the official information page for full eligibility details. The options below highlight valuable scholarship opportunities for students engaged in CTE programs and industry certification pathways.
- Gold Seal Vocational Scholars
- Designed for students completing CTE coursework aligned to a career pathway.
- Supports students transitioning directly into technical programs or workforce training.
- Gold Seal CAPE Scholars
- For students who earn an approved industry certification through CTE programs.
- Provides funding for career certification achievement and postsecondary job training.
Dual Enrollment Fall 2026 Registration
The Fall 2026 Dual Enrollment Online Registration and Course Request Worksheet is now available and linked on our district DE webpage.
- New DE students complete an online application at https://apply.phsc.edu/apply/
- The deadline for dual enrollment applications is August 1, 2026. Students who apply after this deadline will not be permitted to enroll in courses until the following semester. New students need to have eligible test scores prior to applying.
- Returning PHSC DE students do not need to complete another application.
- The process for students to request Pasco eSchool courses for Fall has been updated. Please follow the directions linked here or view this video that walks registrants through the new process. Students should still meet with their counselors and complete their dynamic forms for these courses if they are interested in taking any Dual Enrollment courses.
- Students and families can also view this slide deck or view this recording from our Dual Enrollment Fall 2026 Registration Information Session.
Questions? dual_enrollment@k12-lets-talk.com
Family Information and Support
June Pasco Pathways School Choice Window
The third and final K-12 Pasco Pathways School Choice Open Enrollment Window for the 2026-2027 school year will be open from June 15th through June 19th, 2026. The notification window is from July 20th through July 24th, 2026. For additional information please visit our Pasco School Choice webpage linked here.
Summer Reading Opportunity
Looking for a fun, free way to keep your child learning all summer long?
We are excited to share Pasco County Libraries’ Summer Reading Quest: Star-Spangled Stories!
Students can log reading minutes to earn prizes all summer long!
Summer reading helps children maintain and strengthen their skills while building a lifelong love of reading—and the library makes it fun.
This program is offered through the Pasco County Libraries and will require a Pasco County Libraries Beanstack account. This is separate from the school Beanstack account. If you have any questions, please contact your local Pasco County Libraries branch for assistance.
See the attached flyer for registration details, important dates, and upcoming programs: 
Pasco Library Summer Reading 2026 FLYER.pdf
We hope your family will join in for a summer filled with stories, learning, and imagination at your local Pasco County Libraries location!
General Information
Celebrating our Pasco State Champions!
Pasco County Schools is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our student‑athletes and athletic programs during this school year. Congratulations to the following schools for earning State Champion Athletic Titles:
· Cypress Creek High School 1A XL Varsity Cheerleading
· Cypress Creek High School Special Olympics Unified Bowling
· Cypress Creek High School Special Olympics Unified 4X100 Relay
· Gulf High School Special Olympics Unified Men's 4x100 Relay
· Hudson High School 2A Large Coed Cheerleading
· River Ridge High School 2A Girls Weightlifting
· Sunlake High School 6A Boys Soccer
· Sunlake High School 1A Girls Wrestling: Paisley Murphy
· Wesley Chapel High School 2A Girls Weightlifting: Jordyn Rolle
· Wiregrass Ranch High School Boys Tennis
· Zephyrhills High School 2A Boys Wrestling: Andrew Bray
We would also like to extend special recognition to the following coaches, who were honored with the FHSAA Coach of the Year Award by Florida Dairy Farmers:
Mike Degennaro (River Ridge High School) as the 2A Girls Weightlifting Coach of the Year
Danielle Fotopoulos (Sunlake High School) as the 6A Boys Soccer Coach of the Year
Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, and athletic support teams for their hard work, dedication, and incredible accomplishments. We are so proud of you and the positive way you represent your schools and our district.
This Month
Game On for Education
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 14th 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.
World Class Opportunities
Take Stock in Children Student & Mentor
Applications to join Pasco's Take Stock in Children program are now open to students entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grades for the 2026-2027 school year. Take Stock provides mentorship, college-readiness coaching, and a scholarship to eligible students at all Pasco County high schools. Our program is also seeking adults in the community to serve as volunteer mentors, meeting with a student twice a month for 30 minutes. To learn about student eligibility and access the application for both students and mentors, visit https://www.pascoeducationfoundation.org/tsic-home/
Join us at our summer hiring events
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 Madeline Baker, an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) teacher at Wesley Chapel High School. In this episode of Work Pasco Voices, Madeline shares her “why” and what inspired her to pursue a career supporting students with autism.
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: Join us at our Summer Hiring Events
Pasco County Schools will be hosting two hiring events this summer! The details for each event can be found below. Register now for your chance to connect with administrators from across the district regarding opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year!
West Side Summer Hiring Event
June 4th, 2026
Fivay High School-12115 Chicago Ave, Hudson, FL 34669
4:00–6:00 PM
Pre-Register: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/HREQ-mform/view.php?id=261914
East Side Summer Hiring Event
June 17, 2026
West Zephyrhills Elementary School-37900 14th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
4:00–6:00 PM
Pre-Register: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=261061
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/
Teach Pasco Paid Pathway
Are you interested in becoming a teacher and need to obtain, or complete, a bachelor’s in education? Pasco County School’s Teach Pasco Paid Pathway, formerly SRP To Teacher, may be an option for you!
As a member of the Teach Pasco Paid Pathway, you would be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement for a maximum of 18 credit hours a fiscal year. You may also be eligible to receive reimbursement for books, if listed as required in the syllabus. Another benefit of this program is that as a non-instructional Pasco employee, you will be eligible to continue receiving your pay while completing your internship hours with Pasco County.
To be eligible for the Teach Pasco Paid Pathway, you would need to be working on a bachelor’s in education and have been employed with Pasco County Schools in a non-instructional role for one consecutive year.
Review the full list of program requirements and guidelines at the link below!
Important Safety Tips
Safety when Riding Electric Bicycles in Florida
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are rapidly growing in popularity across Florida, offering an efficient, eco-friendly, and often faster alternative to traditional bicycles. However, with increased speed and widespread use comes a heightened need for safety awareness and understanding of the law. This article explains what qualifies as an electric bicycle in Florida, outlines legal considerations, and provides critical safety practices for riders.
What is an Electric Bicycle in Florida?
Under Florida law, an electric bicycle is defined as a bicycle equipped with:
- Fully operable pedals
- A seat or saddle
- An electric motor of 750 watts or less
Florida uses a three-class system:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-powered, up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist, up to 28 mph
No License or Registration Required
If an e-bike meets the legal definition above:
- No driver's license is required
- No license plate or registration is required
- No insurance is required
This is because Florida treats compliant e-bikes as bicycles rather than motor vehicles, granting riders the same rights and responsibilities as traditional cyclists.
Legal Ramifications and Responsibilities
Even though e-bike riders are not required to be licensed, they are still subject to traffic laws.
Same Rights—and Duties—as Drivers
- Riders must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and lane rules
- E-bike riders are legally considered vehicle operators on public roads
- Violations can result in citations and fines, similar to other traffic offenses
Potential Legal Risks
- Modifying an e-bike beyond 750 watts or speed limits can reclassify it as a moped or motorcycle, triggering requirements for licensing, registration, and insurance
- Riding recklessly, under the influence, or disobeying traffic laws can lead to civil or criminal liability, especially in accidents
- Local governments can impose additional restrictions on where e-bikes can be used
Safety Equipment for E-Bike Riders
Required by Law
- Helmets: Required for riders under 16 years old
- Lighting: White front light visible from 500 feet and Red rear light or reflector visible from 600 feet when riding at night
- Brakes: Must be capable of stopping the bicycle effectively
Additional Safety Considerations
Speed Control and Distracted Riding
E-bikes can travel faster than traditional bicycles, increasing stopping distance and crash risk. E-bike riders must maintain constant awareness of their surroundings to prevent collisions.
Distracted riding is a growing safety concern. Using a hand-held device reduces reaction time, situational awareness, and balance. Florida safety guidance explicitly urges riders to avoid texting while biking
Although Florida’s strict “hands-free” laws apply primarily to motor vehicles, distracted behavior on an e-bike can still contribute to accidents and liability.
Riders should:
- Adjust speed based on traffic and conditions
- Exercise extra caution in pedestrian-heavy areas
- Yield to pedestrians, especially on sidewalks and shared paths
- Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it
- Stay alert for, opening car doors, road debris, intersections and blind spots
- Use hand signals to indicate turns
- Wear reflective gear, gloves and protective eyewear
- Avoid poorly lit roads whenever possible
- Have mirrors for rear visibility and bells/horns for signaling pedestrians
- Keep both hands on the handlebars
- Pull over safely if you must use your phone
- Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds that block environmental sounds
Pasco County Schools: We exist to provide a World Class Education.
Important Links