Riverview Student Among Nine Honored for Perfect Attendance
At its regular meeting last month, members of the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Board recognized nine exemplary students, including Riverview graduate Kyrstin Sargable, who have claimed the achievement of perfect attendance for all 13 years (Kindergarten through twelfth grade) of their schooling.
This year, two local businesses, Toyota of Tampa Bay and Suncoast Credit Union, joined Hillsborough County Public Schools to recognize the nine students.
During the formal event, also led by HCPS Superintendent Jeff Eakins, each student received a computer courtesy of Toyota of Tampa Bay, and a $500 Visa gift card thanks to the supoort of the Suncoast Credit Union. Former Deputy Superintendent Beth Shields initiated an annual attendance program 15 years ago to recognize students who have maintained perfect attendance from Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
“The district would also like to thank and recognize our community partners, Suncoast Credit Union and Toyota of Tampa Bay, for their support of our students with exemplary attendance,” said HCPS spokesperson Tanya Arja.
Hillsborough Students Beat State Average on Exams
Hillsborough County Public Schools officials were pleased to announce that its students exceeded the state average on both the Algebra I end-of-course exam as well as the English Language Arts assessment.
On the English Language Arts assessment, 55 percent of Hillsborough County students earned a passing score, while the state average was 54 percent.
On the local level, Pasco had a 57 percent passing rate, Pinellas had a 55 percent passing rate, and Polk students posted a 44 percent passing rate.
Hillsborough Schools Acting Superintendent Jeff Eakins noted the big increase in the Algebra I scores for Hillsborough students.
“Congratulations to our students and teachers, and their support team,” said HCPS Superintendent Jeff Eakins.
HCPS officials said that according to scores released last month by the Florida Department of Education, the students’ 5-percentage-point gain in the Algebra assessment was the biggest increase among Tampa Bay area school districts and the state’s largest districts.
By the numbers, the scores show that 69 percent of Hillsborough County students passed the Algebra I end-of-course exam compared to 64 percent last year, while statewide 67 percent passed.
Among Tampa Bay area school districts, Pasco posted a 68 percent passing rate, while Pinellas and Polk posted 56 percent passing rates.
While the state is proceeding with an examination of the state’s new Florida Standards Assessment this year to answer questions about the reliability of the tests and results, the Algebra and Language Arts assessments still are requirements for graduation.
AVID Summer Institute
For the second summer in a row, more than 2,000 educators from across the nation, including 460 teachers, counselors and administrators from Hillsborough County Public Schools, gathered last month at the Tampa Convention Center to learn the latest in AVID methodologies and strategies.
The three-day Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Summer Institute event focused on this year’s theme; “Student Success Starts Here!”
Participants were given the opportunity to select one of more than 40 AVID trainings as teams from each school worked together to create a plan for the 2015-16 school year outlining how they will successfully implement AVID in their schools.
School officials said that the district has 73 AVID sites (all middle and high schools), with implementation to elementary at four sites planned for the fall.
AVID students learn the importance of organization, note taking, study skills, motivation and leadership. AVID teachers and students focus on developing skills needed to be successful in life after graduation. They explore options through research, guest speakers, and career and college field trips.
For more information about HCPS, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
