What could your student’s future look like? Join us at the Pasco Pathways Expo to meet school teams, explore innovative programs and learn about school choice, dual enrollment and early childhood opportunities.

Coming soon to these locations:

• Monday, November 9: Gulf High School, 5–8 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 10: Cypress Creek High School, 5–8 p.m.

LINKS:

View our online advertisement

Explore the Expo and sign up now! 

PHSC Graduation Information for Dual Enrollment Students

If you are eligible to graduate with your Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree while still in high school, congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Please review and follow the directions shared below to ensure all requirements are completed and submitted by the appropriate deadlines. Taking these steps now will help ensure a smooth process as you prepare to earn both your high school diploma and your college degree. We are proud of your dedication and hard work toward achieving this significant milestone.

To be considered for graduation, whether participating in commencement or not, students must submit their graduation application by the applicable deadline.

Graduation Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Spring 2027: Friday, April 2, 2027
• Summer 2027: Friday, July 23, 2027

Summer Graduates: There is no commencement ceremony during the summer term. Students applying for Summer 2027 graduation who select "Yes" for commencement participation will be invited to attend the December commencement ceremony.

We are excited to share that Pasco County Schools will be participating in the Great American Teach-In on November 18th.  This is a special event where members of our community visit classrooms to speak with students about their careers. This event provides students with a wonderful opportunity to learn about a wide variety of professions while seeing the connection between what they are learning in school and the world around them.

If you prefer that your child, not take part in the Great American Teach-In, please notify your child’s school so that alternate arrangements can be made.

Superintendent Dr. John Legg, The District School Board of Pasco County, and Pasco Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley
cordially invite Pasco County Veterans and community members to join in the

Pasco County Schools 13th Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Friday, November 6th, 2026

Time: 10 a.m.

Center for the Arts at River Ridge

11646 Town Center Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654

 Please RSVP HERE by October 20 if you plan to join us. 

We are excited to launch the Parent/Guardian Permission for Student Peer Volunteer Participation Form in myStudent beginning September 1, 2026! 

Parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 who are interested in participating as student peer volunteers must complete the permission form through the Parent Portal. Once logged in, the form can be found under Form Summary and will be listed as an Optional Form for eligible students in grades 6-12. 

In addition, students must complete the Student Peer Volunteer Application available on our website. 

Thank you for partnering with us to support meaningful volunteer opportunities that help our students grow as leaders and make a positive impact in our schools and community! 

Our volunteers are an invaluable part of the Pasco County Schools community. From supporting students and teachers in the classroom to assisting with school events and activities, volunteers help create positive learning experiences and strengthen our school communities. Your time, talents, and dedication make a lasting impact on the success of our students. 

We are excited to announce that our new Volunteer Application is officially open! 

If you would like to become a volunteer, please complete the application using this link. 

Please note: A background screening is required for all volunteers. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting Pasco County Schools. We look forward to partnering with you to make a difference in the lives of our students!

Already Have Your Degree? Start Your Teaching Career Today!

Do you already have a bachelor’s degree and just need to obtain a teaching certificate? No problem, there is a pathway for you! 

Pasco County Schools has a Professional Guest Teacher (PGT) position. If you hold at least a bachelor's level degree, you would be eligible for the PGT role while you work toward your certification. As a PGT, you would be non-benefit earning and would receive $160 a day. Once you receive your certification, you will then be eligible to convert to the full teacher pay and benefits. 

 If this is something you are interested in, apply today! https://pasco.schoolspring.com/ 

Earn Your Degree, Gain Classroom Experience, and Build Your Future with Pasco County Schools!

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! 

Teach Pasco Paid Pathway 

Launch Your Career with Pasco County Schools!

Are you a parent of a college student looking for meaningful career experience opportunities? Pasco County Schools offers internship opportunities in the Communications, Human Resources, and Legal departments, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in a professional environment. Interns work alongside experienced professionals, gain practical workplace skills, receive mentorship, and build connections that can help launch future careers. 

This internship program is an excellent way for students to strengthen their resumes, explore career interests, and develop skills that employers value. If your college student is interested in gaining real-world experience while contributing to one of the area's largest organizations, scan the QR code below to learn more and express interest. For additional information, contact dcopelan@pasco.k12.fl.us or 813-794-2394. 

Interested? Scan the QR code or fill out our online form to get started! 

Pasco County Schools has many exciting opportunities for you to join our world-class team. Some of these exciting opportunities include Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teachers or Instructional Assistants positions. 

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. 

• ESE Instructional Assistants receive an additional $.40 an hour.  

• Training opportunities for ESE Teachers. 

• Great opportunity to get started with Pasco County Schools. 

Position Requirements: 

ESE Teacher:  

• Bachelor's Degree 

• FLDOE Teaching Certification or are willing to obtain the required certification.  

ESE Instructional Assistant:  

• Associate degree 

• 60 credit hours, or 

• A passing score on the ParaPro Assessment 

Apply Today:  https://pasco.schoolspring.com/ 

Questions? Reach out to the Recruitment Team at work@pasco.k12.fl.us 

We're bringing career opportunities directly to you! This October, our recruitment team will be attending several recruitment events, and we'd love the opportunity to connect with you. Whether you're looking to start a new career, grow professionally, or learn more about joining our school district, stop by and meet our team. Come discover the many ways you can make a difference with Pasco County Schools!

USF Tampa Job & Internship Fair – Fall 2026
October 7, 2026
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
University of South Florida, Tampa

Transportation Hiring Event
October 7, 2026
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
District Office Building 2

Recruitment Office Hours
October 9, 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
District Office Building 4

FGCU Job Fair
October 28, 2026
Florida Gulf Coast University

We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and sharing the many rewarding career opportunities available across Pasco County Schools.

In this inspiring episode of Work Pasco Voices, Amanda shares her journey into Exceptional Student Education and the heart behind her work supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through patience, compassion, flexibility, and meaningful connections, Amanda helps create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

Her story is a wonderful reminder of the difference educators make every day by celebrating growth, building confidence, and helping students reach their full potential. 

Shine a spotlight on our bus drivers and transportation team!

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 

Dear Pasco County Schools Families,

Do you or someone you know work in the skilled trades? Pasco County Schools is hosting a Maintenance Trades Hiring Event and invites interested candidates to learn about opportunities to help keep our schools clean, safe and ready for students.

Openings include vehicle technicians, air-conditioning specialists and maintenance technicians with skills in roofing, carpentry, electrical work and more. Pasco County Schools offers comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities to grow.

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
8 a.m.–noon
Pasco County Schools, Building 2
7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Pre-register for the hiring event

Please share this opportunity with friends, family and neighbors who may be interested. For questions, contact 813-794-2387 or jscalise@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Thank you for helping us build the team that supports our schools!

Maintenance Trades Hiring Event

Providing clean, safe, efficient and attractive schools.

Positions Available

• Vehicle Technicians
• Air Conditioning Specialist
• Maintenance Technician
  • Roofing
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
• And More!

Why Pasco?

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Growth Opportunities
• Retirement Plans
• Paid Time Off

Event Details

Date: November 10, 2026

Time: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Location:
7227 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Building 2
Land O' Lakes, FL 34638

Join the Team!

Phone: 813-794-2387

Email: jscalise@pasco.k12.fl.us

Download a printable flyer of this information

Submissions are due by October 26, 2026. Visit the Congressional App Challenge student website for registration details, competition rules, and resources. See below for details, or view the PDF flyer: ​CAC 2026 Student Flyer.pdf​

2026 Congressional App Challenge

Code for Congress. Change the World.

What Is the Congressional App Challenge?

The Congressional App Challenge is the official student STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It's an annual nationwide competition hosted by Members of Congress designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore STEM fields.

Who Can Participate?

Middle and high school students who live in or attend school in a participating congressional district are eligible to take part in the Congressional App Challenge. Students can enter individually or as part of a team of up to four members, and there is no cost to enter the competition. Each participant may only submit one app and may only compete in one district.

Any App. Any Platform. Any Coding Language.

There are no limits to what you can create. Whether you're solving a real-world problem or building something just for fun, you can code your app in any language, for any platform, using any tools you like.

Examples of eligible apps include:

• Mobile apps
• Desktop applications
• Wearable tech apps
• Web-based tools or platforms
• Programmed robotics projects
• Chatbots or voice assistants
• Games with coded logic
• AI or machine learning models

How to Enter the Challenge

Any app coded after October 30, 2025 is eligible. Register online and once your app is built, submit a short video showing what it does and how it works, along with a brief description, the tools used, and what inspired you.

Every participating Member of Congress selects a district winner—meaning hundreds of students from all 50 states are recognized each year.

Ready to Take the Challenge?

Visit CongressionalAppChallenge.us to register, learn more, and explore past winners.

The deadline to submit your app is October 26, 2026.

Questions? Email StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

Real Students. Real Projects. Real Impact

ShelterSearch

CA-12 | 2024 Winner

ShelterSearch is a web app that uses a shelter database, a recommendation algorithm, OpenAI language models, and geocoding APIs to deliver personalized, trauma-informed shelter recommendations and action plans to unhoused youth, with automated SMS follow-up for easy access.

Citrus AI

FL-17 | 2024 Winner

Citrus AI combines educational resources with an AI-powered tool that uses a neural network to analyze images of citrus leaves or fruit, detecting and identifying three major diseases with over 95 percent accuracy to help Florida growers protect their crops and livelihoods.

RoadSafe

DE-00 | 2024 Winner

RoadSafe is a mobile app that leverages AI-driven computer vision, speech recognition, and GPS to monitor drivers in real time, detecting drowsiness, distraction, and speeding, and providing timely alerts to help prevent accidents and make roads safer for everyone.

Tiny Thinkers

MN-06 | 2024 Winner

Tiny Thinkers is a mobile app that helps children with autism build social and emotional skills through interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and progress tracking, providing an accessible, supportive resource for families on their developmental journey.

Congressional App Challenge by the Numbers

• 84,774 App Challenge alumni
• 25,120 apps created since 2015
• 91% of alumni interested in STEM careers
• 93% of the 118th Congress hosted an App Challenge
• 50%+ of 2025 students from underserved backgrounds

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Challenge inspires students to pursue STEM. Nearly 91% are considering STEM careers after competing and 86% recommend it to friends. More than 89% of former participants go on to study STEM fields in college. It also broadens access to tech, with over half of participants coming from underrepresented groups in the Silicon Valley workforce.

Nationwide Reach. Remarkably Bipartisan.

The Congressional App Challenge is one of the most bipartisan initiatives in Congress, with overwhelming majorities of both parties coming together to support students and STEM education. In 2025, 394 Members of Congress hosted the Challenge—representing over 90% of districts across all 50 states and beyond. During the 118th Congress, 412 congressional offices hosted at least one Challenge. Student participation continues to grow: in 2025, 13,830 students registered, submitting a record 4,650 fully functioning apps.

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for children and families. Costumes, candy, and community celebrations create lasting memories, but they also bring unique safety challenges. Taking a few simple precautions, parents, motorists, and trick-or-treaters can help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable Halloween.

Safety Starts Before Trick-or-Treating

Parents and guardians should discuss safety plans with children before heading out for the evening. Establish a route, set a curfew, and remind children to stay together in groups or with a trusted adult. Young children should never trick or treat alone.

Children should only visit homes with porch lights turned on and should never enter a stranger's home or vehicle. Carrying a flashlight, glow stick, or wearing reflective materials can help improve visibility after dark.

Costume Safety Matters

Costumes are a big part of the fun, but they can also create hazards if they are not chosen carefully. Select costumes that fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Bright colors, reflective tape, and light-up accessories can help children be seen by drivers.

When possible, consider using face paint instead of masks, which can limit vision and make it harder to see potential hazards.

Be Smart About Candy

A good rule for every trick-or-treater is to wait until they get home before eating any treats. Parents should inspect all candy and snacks before they are consumed and discard anything that appears opened, damaged, or suspicious.

Drivers Play an Important Role

Motorists should expect heavier pedestrian traffic throughout neighborhoods on Halloween evening. Children may cross streets unexpectedly, become distracted by excitement, or emerge from between parked vehicles.

Drivers can help prevent accidents by:

• Slowing down in residential areas.
• Eliminating distractions while driving.
• Watching carefully at intersections and crosswalks.
• Being extra cautious during dusk and nighttime hours.

Halloween Safety by the Numbers

While Halloween is a fun community tradition, national studies have shown that:

• Children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on a typical evening.
• The highest risk period is generally between dusk and late evening when visibility is reduced.
• Increased vehicle traffic and distracted pedestrians contribute to many preventable incidents.
• Simple visibility measures such as reflective clothing, flashlights, and adult supervision significantly improve safety.

These facts remind us that awareness and preparation can go a long way in preventing accidents.

Working Together for a Safe Halloween

Public safety is a shared responsibility. Parents, children, drivers, and community members all play an important role in ensuring a safe celebration. By planning ahead, staying alert, and following basic safety guidelines, we can help make Halloween enjoyable for everyone.

We encourage families to review safety expectations before heading out and to remain aware of their surroundings throughout the evening.