By Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough Schools to Host Inaugural Build Tampa Bay Event
High school students in Hillsborough County Public Schools will have a chance to participate in a trade show designed to educate students about careers in the building and construction industry in the Tampa Bay area.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the skilled worker shortage is expected to grow to 1.6 million workers in the construction industry by 2022.
School officials said that more than 50 local employers are planning to participate in the inaugural event through a partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena.
Students are encouraged to save the date for the upcoming event scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa.
Students will gain information, career advice, and immediate career opportunities in fields ranging from architecture and engineering, plumbing, masonry, machine operations and general construction.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Workforce Connections Officer Scott Brooks emphasized that as the Tampa Bay area is primed for tremendous growth with many development projects slated for the downtown area and the Westshore business district, students have an opportunity for some exciting careers and gain experience that will help them throughout their professional lives.
This event is one step toward encouraging more students to explore career opportunities in these fields following high school and college graduation, the district officials said.
Hillsborough County Public Schools currently has many programs for students interested in the manufacturing, building, and construction industry including Engineering Technology, Welding, and Construction Technology.
For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
HCPS Schools Chosen as Best High Schools
District officials were pleased to report that Hillsborough County Public Schools were once again prominently featured on the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the best high schools in the country.
As reported by HCPS, schools were ranked among the best in each state and nationally.
Plant High School came in at 17 in Florida (263 nationally), Tampa Bay Tech High School ranked 38 (578 nationally), Robinson High School ranked 44 (640 nationally), Sickles High School came in at 48 (705 nationally), Plant City High School ranked 104 (1,529 nationally), and Jefferson High School came in at 133 (2,461 nationally).
According to the U.S. News rankings, which includes data on close to 20,000 public high schools in 50 states along with the District of Columbia, schools are awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on performance on state assessments and how well they serve all students, not just those bound for college.
For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
Time to Register for the 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Contest
Hillsborough County Public Schools officials were pleased to announce that the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards contest is now open for students in Hillsborough County.
District officials said that students in grades seven through twelfth attending public, private, charter, or other educational institutions in Hillsborough County are encouraged to submit their works in one of 28 categories.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition for creative students.
According to last year’s data there was no shortage of talented students who both participated as well as won in many of the more than two dozen categories.
According to a recent release, Hillsborough County recognized more than 300 regional winners with 1,500 submissions in art and writing.
Twelve of those students earned monetary awards, from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
This year, the Lightning Foundation has also become a sponsor.
Online registration is required, and there is a small fee for entries, but school officials said that students with a financial hardship, may complete a fee waiver available on the website.
For students under 18, parents must sign the waiver form.
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 16.
For more information, visit ART: http://www.artandwriting.org/Affiliate/FL008A.
WRITING: http://www.artandwriting.org/Affiliate/FL008W.
