October 2025 Family and Community Newsletter

Join Our Team! We are now hiring School Bus Drivers.  We offer paid training and benefits.  Call (727) 774-1862 or (813) 794-1862, or apply for a position online.

We made a video of elementary students explaining why attendance is so important to student success - check it out!

We are excited to share important information about the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma Program and recent legislative updates that may impact your student’s eligibility for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

The AP Capstone Diploma Program is a prestigious College Board program that equips students with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills. It consists of two foundational courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—plus four additional AP courses. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research, along with four additional AP Exams, are awarded the AP Capstone Diploma.

Florida House Bill 1105 authorizes the use of the AP Capstone designation to meet specific diploma eligibility requirements for the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award under the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

It is important to note that earning the AP Capstone designation does not replace the requirements for earning a standard high school diploma.

To qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars award through the AP Capstone Diploma pathway for students who began high school prior to the 2025–2026 school year (current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders), students must achieve:

• A score of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research
• Scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP Exams of the student’s choice

To qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars award through the AP Capstone Diploma pathway for students who begin high school in 2025–2026 and beyond (current 9th graders and future students), students must achieve:

• A score of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research
• Scores of 3 or higher on three AP Exams that satisfy graduation requirements in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies
• A score of 3 or higher on one additional AP Exam of the student’s choice

We are committed to supporting your students’ academic journey and ensuring they have access to the opportunities that best prepare them for college and beyond. If you have any questions about the AP Capstone Program or Bright Futures eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s school counselor.

The AP Capstone Diploma Program is offered at the following schools:

• Cypress Creek High School
• J.W. Mitchell High School
• Pasco eSchool
• River Ridge High School
• Sunlake High School
• Wesley Chapel High School
• Wiregrass Ranch High School

In accordance with Florida House Bill 447, all students will participate in Disability History and Awareness instruction between October 6th and 17th. This initiative helps foster understanding, empathy, and respect for individuals with disabilities.

Age-appropriate lessons have been developed for each grade level, covering topics such as physical disabilities, autism awareness, hearing impairments, and learning styles. These flexible resources support meaningful classroom discussions and promote inclusive learning environments.

We appreciate your support in helping students grow in awareness and compassion.

Pasco County Schools is proud to offer students a head starts 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! 

Families will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of community agencies that provide services and supports for students as they prepare for life after high school. These agencies offer resources for students pursuing further education, entering the workforce, exploring independent living options, and accessing long-term supports for those with more significant cognitive disabilities.  

It's time to make sure you're prepared!  The best way to stay informed with your child's progress and communicate with teachers is to have a parent portal. Having a parent portal allows you to see your child's progress reports, report cards, attendance, and schedules.  It also allows you to have direct communication with one or all teachers.  The information below will guide you with the process.

To stay informed about your student's progress, it's crucial for parents to have their own portal and log in regularly.

I don't have a parent portal, but need to create one:

Use this link for step by step instructions.

I have a portal, but need to be linked to my student:

Use this link for step by step instructions.

I need to communicate with my student's teachers:

Communication for Parents Video

Communication for Parents

You can also access your Parent Portal on your electronic device by downloading the myStudent app. When using the app, ensure you allow push notifications. Use the links provided here, or download them from the App Store or Google Play.

 Get mystudent on the App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mystudent-pasco/id1536040493?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=apps_box_badge

Get myStudent on the Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.focusschoolsoftware.mystudent.pasco&pcampaignid=pcampaignidMKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1&pli=1

Is your contact information accurate in myStudent?

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year, it’s essential to ensure your child's school has accurate contact information, as well as updated health and medical information.

Why accurate and up-to-date emergency cards are Important:

• Custodial/Non-custodial Contacts: In the event of a health crisis or other unforeseen event at the school, accurate contact information is critical for the school to alert you. This also ensures appropriate friends/family members are designated as emergency contacts and/or pick-up for your child.
• Address: Inaccurate residential or mailing addresses could delay important school information.
• Health/Medical Information: In the event of a health crisis, your child's medical information is necessary. It also ensures the school is aware of specific health information related to your child.
• Court Orders related to your child: Providing updated custody and/or parenting plan documents is helpful to schools when navigating difficult issues.

Keeping your emergency card updated is crucial for school staff to assist your child in case of illness, specific health needs, school crises, or designating emergency contacts. Completing the Parent Bill of Rights Consent form also ensures your child has access to or opts out of certain school events, curriculum, student surveys, college testing, military recruiting, and more. You can review the Parent Bill of Rights information here before completing the form in the Parent Portal.

 If you don’t have an account yet, now is the perfect time to create one! You can create a Parent Portal here.

For any questions regarding the Parent Portal, emergency cards, or the Parent Bill of Rights Consent Form, please visit the Pasco County Schools webpage and check out the parent resources section.

Calling all parents of gifted identified students! Mark your calendars to save-the-date for our annual Gifted Parent Night event on October 28, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stay tuned! More information to come around this exciting virtual event.  

Mark your calendars with the following important dates for this year's events related to school choice and the innovative options available in Pasco County! 

• Pasco Pathways Expo - November 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cypress Creek High School 
• Pasco Pathways Expo - November 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hudson High School 
• 2026-2027 K-12 School Choice Open Enrollment
• Application Window Opens - January 7, 2026 to January 20, 2026
• Notification and Acceptance Window - March 2, 2026 to March 11, 2026

Please visit our Pasco Pathways page for more information about Pasco Pathways.

We are thrilled to launch the 3rd annual R.A.C.E. to Read contest across Pasco County Schools! We are encouraging each student to read at least 20 minutes a day and collectively reach our district-wide goal of 20 million minutes by May 15!   

Beanstack is accessible on dashboards for all students who have full library media consent.  To log minutes, please follow these simple steps: 

1. Click on the Beanstack app 
2. Click “Log Reading” and choose a date on the calendar 
3. Enter book title or click the barcode scanner icon 
4. Enter minutes read or start timer. Then click “Log Reading”! 

Let’s work together to build a vibrant reading culture in every Pasco County school. Encourage your children to read for pleasure daily and log those minutes – each one counts!   

Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week.

The centerpiece of National School Bus Safety Week is the Poster Contest. Thousands of school districts in over 40 states participate in local and state-level competitions to select artwork that depicts school bus safety-related themes and encourages and promotes school bus safety. The winning posters are used to promote safer school transportation for everyone.  Previous poster contest winners here.

Did you know?  Pasco County Schools transports approximately 35,187 children daily across 36,964 miles.

We’re thrilled to announce that our team will be attending some exciting job fairs this October and we cannot wait to meet you!

Come join our recruitment team at the following jobs fairs!

• UCF Internship & Career Fair – October 1, 2025
• Saint Leo Career Fair – October 8, 2025
• USF Tampa Nonprofit, Government, Education & Internship Fair – October 22, 2025

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’s not all! We're hosting our very own Transportation Job Fair on Monday October 13, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the District Office. We’re hiring Bus Drivers, Transportation Assistants, Vehicle Technicians and more!

Register Here: https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=213517 (Pasco County Schools Transportation Hiring Event 10/13/2025)

Pasco County Schools is excited to announce that open enrollment for Adult Education programs is now underway! Whether you are looking to earn your high school diploma, prepare for the GED, improve your English language skills, or gain career-ready training, we have flexible and supportive options designed to meet your goals. 

Programs Offered: 

• Adult Basic Education (ABE) 
• GED Preparation (in person or online) 
• Adult High School (online) 
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 
• Integrated Education and Training (IET) Career Pathways 

Eligibility: 

• Must be 16 years or older 
• Not currently enrolled in high school 
• Interested in earning a diploma or improving English skills 
• Students must take a CASAS placement exam for ABE/GED or ESOL programs. 

Locations: 

• Fred K Marchman Technical College (MTC): 727-774-1888 
• Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC): 352-518-1336 

Class Schedules 

All in-person Adult Education classes are held Monday through Friday during daytime hours: 

• Morning Classes: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM  
• Afternoon Classes: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM 

Evening Classes: 

• Monday and Wednesday- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
• Tuesday and Thursday- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

Enrollment Dates 

• Open: Monday, August 11, 2025 
• Close: Monday, November 3, 2025 

For more information, please visit the Adult Education Enrollment page.  

Pasco County Schools is proud to highlight the incredible opportunities available to our Adult Education students. 

Our Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs combine adult education with workforce training, allowing students to simultaneously improve their basic skills and gain industry-specific knowledge. This integrated approach helps students quickly transition into the workforce with the skills needed for high-demand jobs. Flexible class schedules are available to ensure that students can balance their education with other responsibilities. 

Visit our Adult Education IET webpage for more information. 

Electric bikes are popular amongst young riders; however, some of these “bicycles” are considered motorcycles by Florida State statute. Electric motorcycles that do not have pedals are subject to the same rules as traditional motorcycles.

For more information regarding the Rules and Regulations around electric bikes/motorcycles, click this link for a flyer from Pasco Sheriff's Office.

You can find additional information on motorcycle safety at RideSmartFlorida.com.