Hillsborough County recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week and awards exceptional students

The Hillsborough County Public Schools Board convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and updates impacting the district. The meeting began with a celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, highlighting the dedication of educators within the district. Superintendent Addison expressed gratitude for the teachers' commitment to providing quality education and shared plans for visiting schools throughout the week to personally thank them.

During the meeting, Superintendent Addison reported on the successful distribution of appreciation gifts to teachers, including a raffle that awarded first-grade teacher Sadie Covington from Anderson Elementary four tickets to Busch Gardens. The district also announced plans to give away 20 four-packs of tickets to a Tampa Lightning game to teachers the following day.

The board reviewed the recent school choice and magnet application period, noting that over 9,000 applications were received, resulting in 7,000 offers. This reflects the district's commitment to providing diverse educational options for students.

In a notable achievement, the Middleton robotics team was recognized for their performance at the world championships, where they won five out of ten matches and received the Rising All-Star Award.

The meeting also covered the recent early childhood literacy fair organized by board member Dr. Hahn, which provided families with games, giveaways, and free books, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for reading among students.

As the school year approaches its conclusion, the board discussed the ongoing spring assessment period, including AP and IB testing. Graduation ceremonies are set to begin next week, with over 15,600 students expected to graduate across 36 ceremonies.

Additionally, the board highlighted the unique seniors program, which awards scholarships to outstanding students from each high school. Four students were recognized for their achievements and awarded two-year prepaid scholarships.

The meeting concluded with a recap of the Exceptional Education Awards ceremony, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to students with special needs. The board also addressed ongoing recruitment efforts to fill vacancies, particularly in transportation services.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to recognizing achievements, supporting educators, and preparing students for future success.