Pinellas County Schools

Pinellas Central Elementary put us in the Thanksgiving Spirit with their Mustang Day Parade this year. ?? This tradition was started last year. The school reads "Balloons Over Broadway," a book recounting the story of the first balloon maker for the Macy's Parade, and then classes across all grade levels choose themes, design and build floats, and then parade through the school for friends and family!

Last week was Starkey’s Elementary School’s 38th Annual Thanksgiving canned food drive for the Salvation Army. This year, they set a record for collecting over 7,100 food items. Extra special shoutout to Brie Cooper, a 5th grader on the student council that organized this food drive. We appreciate the compassion our young students have shown for their community. #PCSProud

Meet Jessica Fleischman, an intensive reading and dual enrollment teacher at Pinellas Park High. Jessica wants to help her students see that what they learn in her class can help them in their other courses and lives. Do you know an educator with the #ITFactor like Jessica? Tell us all about them here ?? https://rb.gy/1fu8n1.

Last Friday, Richard O. Jacobson High School students teamed up with the non-profit Sleep Heavenly Peace to build over 30 beds for children ages 3 to 17 in Pinellas County! ??? Jim Baker, Co-President of the Tampa Bay chapter, says a good night’s sleep is a basic need for a child's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Families have also donated twin-sized mattresses, bedding, teddy bears, and children’s books. #PCSProud

Brinkleigh Hansen of St. Pete High is this week's Athlete of the Week on Bay News 9. Brinkleigh is making a name for herself by winning three gold medals, two individual and one relay. At 14 years old Brinkleigh has already established herself as the number one swimmer in the country in the 200 and 500 free in her age group. In September, she represented the United States in Italy, winning a 5k open water swim against girls her age from all over the world. #PCSProud

Round of applause for our Top 10 finalists for the 2024-25 PCS Teacher of the Year! ?????? Please join us in celebrating: ?? Brandy Ashby–Campbell Park ?? Dennis Zuercher–Gibbs High ?? Kelly Hefty–Azelea Elementary ?? Tarik Mowatt–Meadowlawn Middle ?? Brittany Fuller–Clearwater Fundamental ?? Natalie Steratore–Curlew Creek ?? Kaley Olles–Safety Harbor Middle ?? Judith Deeley–Dunedin High ?? Carrie Snyder–Belleair Elementary ?? Jill Shircliff–Osceola Middle Congratulations to our Top 10 and ALL Teacher of the Year nominees! The 2024-25 Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Evening of Excellence on Jan. 27, 2025, at the Hilton Carillon. #PCSProud

Mr. Hendrick and the entire PCS family are beyond grateful for our incredible students, staff, families, volunteers, partners, and community members who make this district so special! Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we will see you back on December 2!

??? Get ready to soar at Azalea Middle School's 4th Annual Sunshine State Drone Expo on December 7th from 9 am to 5 pm at 7855 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710! ?? Explore the world of drone safety, discover amazing career opportunities for students, and learn about Azalea Middle's Academy of Engineering. Test your flying skills with a commercial-grade drone, watch 16 teams battle it out in a thrilling obstacle course, and so much more. For more information visit pcsb.org/Domain/12803. Can't wait to see you there!

Drumroll, please! ?? The 24-25 Pinellas County Schools Administrators of the Year are Kelly Austin, principal at Sandy Lane Elementary, and Etje Ramdohr, assistant principal at Disston Academy! Both administrators show unwavering dedication, hard work, and leadership. Your efforts and compassion make everything possible; we couldn’t do it without you! ???? Congratulations and thank you for all you have done!

Congratulations to the amazing 95 support employees who were recognized at our annual Certificate of Distinction celebration! ?? These dedicated team members from every corner of the district—schools, administration, maintenance, health & safety, food service, and transportation—have gone above and beyond, committing extra hours to professional development. Their hard work, passion, and dedication make our schools shine! ? Congrats to all the honorees! You make a difference every day! #PCSProud