March 2025 Family and Community Newsletter

Families looking to secure their child’s future education now have an affordable opportunity with Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. The 2025 Open Enrollment period runs from February 1 to April 30, offering the lowest Prepaid Plan prices for newborns and infants in over a decade. 

With plans starting at just $29 per month, families can lock in the cost of college with fixed, risk-free payments. A 1-Year University Plan now saves families up to $850 per plan—or up to $3,400 in savings for four years 

Why Choose a Florida Prepaid Plan? 

• Can be used at public, private, trade, and technical schools across the country 
• Works alongside scholarships and financial aid 
• Can be transferred to another student or canceled anytime 
• Earnings grow tax-free 

Florida Prepaid is committed to making college savings simple and affordable for all families. Take advantage of this opportunity before the enrollment period ends on April 30, 2025. 

Learn more and enroll today by visiting the Florida Prepaid website.

Topics in parent identified areas of need, related to students with disabilities with an Individual Education Plan or Section 504 Plan. Learn more about upcoming events by visiting our Parent Collaborative Network webpage.

Location: Virtual

Adult Education programs provide educational opportunities to adults seeking to improve skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, or for individuals wishing to remediate specific skills in preparation for earning a General Education Development (GED®) diploma. In order to enroll in an Adult Education Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Must be 16 years of age or older and formally withdrawn from high school. 
• Will be assessed at the State-mandated tuition of $30 per term (+$1.20 convenience fee). 
• Required to be evaluated with the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) to establish a baseline academic level 
• Completion of online orientation (required for enrollment) 

Visit our Adult Education Website for more information.

Registration is now open for the Pasco County Schools Virtual College and Career Fair for middle and high school students and families! 

Choose from sessions designed to prepare students for college and speak with representatives from many Florida colleges, including UF, USF, UCF, PHSC, St. Leo, and more. There will be important information shared about the application and admissions process, as well as financial resources to prepare families for the next step in their student's path. Whether you are considering college, technical school, or a direct career path, there is something for everyone! 

The Virtual College and Career Fair will be held on March 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Register today by visiting the Virtual College and Career Fair website. 

Families can register their Kindergarten child for the 2025-2026 school year starting now!

Visit the Enroll Pasco webpage to get started!

FGUA and Pasco County Utilities, in cooperation with Pasco County Schools, presents the 16th Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. This STEAM program educates students on a variety of important water facts, while also showcasing their artistic skills and creativity. This contest gives Pasco’s young residents a new way to learn about science, water and the environment. 

The program focuses on several important water facts, including:

• How clean and reclaimed water is provided to each community and their homes
• What a watershed is and why it is important to the planet
• Why water conservation is so important
• Tips on conserving water in and around their own home 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive a prize package from local sponsors, and all children who submit a poster receive a certificate of participation, a free Chick-Fil-A Kid’s Meal and a free Cold Stone Creamery ice cream.

All winning posters will be displayed in Pasco County Government Centers, as well as other locations around the county. They will also be showcased online at WaterContest.org.

For more information, please visit WaterContest.org or contact patti.clark@fgua.com. 

School Choice notifications for the January 2025 open enrollment window will be sent via email on March 3, 2025. Parents will then need to accept/decline any choices they were offered by March 12, 2025 in their Parent Portal. 

The next open enrollment windows for the 2025-2026 school year are listed below. 

April 7, 2025 - April 11, 2025

June 16, 2025 - June 20, 2025

Additional information around school choice can be found on our website. For questions, please email pascopathways@k12-lets-talk.com.

Spring break is almost here, and it's the perfect time to have fun and enjoy the sunshine! Whether you're traveling with your family, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing at home, safety is important. Here are some simple tips to make sure your spring break is not only fun, but also safe: 

1. Keep Kids Close to Adults

If you’re going on a trip with family or friends, keep track of your kids. If you're at the beach, a park, or theme park, make sure you know where your children are.  

2. Use Sunscreen

The sun can be strong in spring, so it’s important to protect your skin from getting burned. Make sure to apply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming. Even if it's cloudy, the sun’s rays can still reach your skin! 

3. Stay Hydrated

Playing outside in the warm weather can make you thirsty. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and remember that water is your best friend when you’re active! 

4. Wear Proper Clothing

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are good for walking, playing, and running. If you're going to the beach or the pool, bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself and kids from the sun. 

5. Look Out for Traffic

Kids that are walking or riding a bike need to be extra careful when crossing streets. Always look both ways and follow traffic signals. Never allow your kids to run across the street or jaywalk. Lead by example and use the intersections. 

6. Protect Your Personal Belongings

If you're visiting a crowded place, like a theme park or the beach, keep your things in a safe spot. Don’t leave your phone, wallet, or any other valuables unattended. It’s a good idea to put your phone in a safe pocket or bag while playing. 

7. Make Sure Your Kids Know How to Swim  

If your family is swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, make sure you all know how to swim and that kids are always supervised. If your kids don’t know how to swim, a life jacket is a great option, and demand they stay in the shallow end. Never let them swim alone! Swimming lessons are relatively cheap.   

8. Wear a Helmet (It’s the law for Bikes and Skateboards)

If your kids are biking, skating, or using a scooter, always insist they wear a helmet. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect them in case of a fall or crash. 

9. Stay Away from Strangers

If your kids are playing or exploring in public places, remember to have a talk or reminder about stranger danger. A brief conversation to never talk to strangers or go anywhere with them could make a difference. If someone makes your child feel uncomfortable, report suspicious activity to authorities.   

With these tips, you’re ready to make the most of your spring break and stay safe! Use smart tactics to make sure this spring break is one to remember for all the right reasons!