July 2025 Family and Community Newsletter

Pasco County Schools is excited to announce the return of its annual Citizens’ Academy - an engaging program that offers community members a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of one of Florida’s largest and most dynamic school districts.

Participants will take part in monthly sessions throughout the school year, where they will connect with district leaders, visit schools across the county, and gain insight into key areas such as curriculum, student services, budgeting, safety initiatives, and more.

The Citizens’ Academy includes interactive tours and presentations, providing a valuable opportunity to meet with school board members, principals, and department directors. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, share feedback, and explore how the district delivers a world-class education to more than 80,000 students.

Applicants must commit to attending all eight sessions, which are held during school hours. All participants will be required to complete a volunteer background screening.

This unique experience is open to parents, community partners, and anyone interested in learning more about public education in Pasco County.

To apply, please complete our online application.

To learn more, visit our Citizens Academy web page.

Students NEW to dual enrollment wishing to take courses on their high school campus (including Pasco eSchool), PHSC campuses, or through distance education (online) must submit the online application with a priority deadline of July 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted no later than August 1, 2025.

Please contact the summer counselor at your high school or email dual_enrollment@k12-lets-talk.com with any questions. Additional information for dual enrollment can be found on our district website. 

Pasco County Schools is proud to participate in Florida’s Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program, a state initiative designed to address the national teacher shortage by welcoming a new generation of educators—retired first responders and military veterans.

What is the Program?
This Florida law offers a one-time sign-on bonus of $4,000 to eligible individuals who become full-time classroom teachers. An additional $1,000 bonus is available for those who teach in high-demand subject areas.

Who is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:

• Be an honorably discharged or retired military veteran or retired first responder
• Provide documentation of their honorable discharge or retirement
• Show proof of no disciplinary action during the last five years of service
• Be a new teacher hired by Pasco County Schools on or after July 1, 2025

Make a Difference. Be a Hero.
If you’ve served your country or community, now’s your chance to serve in a new way—by shaping the future in the classroom.

School Choice notifications for the June 2025 open enrollment window will be sent via email on July 21, 2025. Parents will then need to accept or decline any choices they were offered by July 25, 2025 in their Parent Portal.

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

The Autism Summer Institute is an annual workshop aimed at providing high quality professional development to a wide spectrum of professionals, including ESE and general education teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, SLPs, OTs, instructional assistants, administrators, and parents who impact the lives of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Join us July 15 and 16 as we explore this year’s topic of “Communication Strategies and Additional Supports for Success in the Classroom and Beyond.”

Pasco Schools employees should register through MyPGS: Course #5882

Pasco parents can register to participate too!

To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, remember to prioritize hydration, sun protection, and be mindful of heat-related illnesses. Always wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Additionally, when participating in activities, especially those involving water or heights, wear appropriate protective gear and supervise children closely.

Here's a more detailed breakdown regarding heat safety:

• Hydration - Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Consider electrolyte-rich drinks if you're sweating heavily.
• Sun Protection - Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm). Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
• Clothing - Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body regulate temperature.
• Limit Outdoor Activities - Schedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
• Never Leave Anyone in a Car - Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked.