The highly anticipated 2024-2025 academic calendar for the esteemed Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has been unveiled, promising an exciting and transformative educational journey. With a meticulous balance of instructional days, holidays, and professional development opportunities, the calendar has been meticulously crafted to foster academic excellence while prioritizing the well-being of students and educators alike. This comprehensive plan sets the stage for an exceptional year of learning, growth, and engagement for the entire HCPS community.
The calendar’s structure aligns seamlessly with HCPS’s commitment to providing a world-class education. The academic year commences on August 12, 2024, and concludes on May 22, 2025, with a total of 180 instructional days. This extended learning period ensures ample time for students to delve deeply into the curriculum, cultivate critical thinking skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Additionally, strategic breaks throughout the year, including traditional holidays, extended weekends, and teacher planning days, allow for rejuvenation and the opportunity to recharge.
Beyond the instructional schedule, the calendar also incorporates essential professional development opportunities for HCPS educators. Dedicated days are allocated for teachers to engage in collaborative planning, curriculum development, and research-based instructional strategies. These professional growth activities empower educators to remain at the forefront of educational best practices, ensuring that students receive the highest quality of instruction. Moreover, the calendar includes designated days for parent-teacher conferences, providing valuable opportunities for families to connect with their children’s educators and stay informed about their academic progress.
Academic Year Overview
The 2024-2025 academic year in Manatee County Public Schools (MCPSS) spans from August 26, 2024, to May 30, 2025, encompassing a total of 182 student attendance days. The year is divided into two semesters, each consisting of approximately 90 school days. The first semester commences on August 26, 2024, and concludes on January 23, 2025, while the second semester begins on January 27, 2025, and ends on May 30, 2025.
MCPSS provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education, adhering to state and national standards. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and the Arts. Students are also offered opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and fine arts, to enhance their overall development.
The district places a strong emphasis on student success and provides various support services, including academic interventions, counseling, and mentoring. MCPSS is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. The district collaborates closely with parents and the community to ensure a cohesive and supportive educational experience for every student.
Important Dates
Key dates during the 2024-2025 academic year include the following:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2024 | First day of school (students) |
| October 7-9, 2024 | Fall Break |
| November 25-29, 2024 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | Winter Break |
| February 17-21, 2025 | Mid-Winter Break |
| March 31 – April 4, 2025 | Spring Break |
| May 30, 2025 | Last day of school (students) |
Key Dates and Deadlines
First Day of School
For the 2024-2025 school year, the first day of school for students in McPSS will be August 26, 2024. This date is subject to change, so please check with your school district for the most up-to-date information.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2024 | Labor Day (No School) |
| October 14, 2024 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School) |
| November 11, 2024 | Veterans Day (No School) |
| November 25-29, 2024 | Thanksgiving Break (No School) |
| December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | Winter Break (No School) |
| January 20, 2025 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School) |
| February 17-21, 2025 | Presidents’ Week (No School) |
| March 31-April 4, 2025 | Spring Break (No School) |
| May 26, 2025 | Memorial Day (No School) |
| June 5, 2025 | Last Day of School for Students |
School Breaks and Holidays
Standard School Year Calendar
The standard school year calendar in MCPS follows a traditional format, with classes beginning in August and ending in June. Students have breaks throughout the year, including fall break, winter break, and spring break.
Fall Break
Students typically have a one-week fall break in October. This break provides a respite from classes and allows families to spend time together before the busy holiday season.
Winter Break
Winter break is a longer break that occurs from December through January. This break coincides with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and gives students ample time to celebrate and recharge.
Spring Break
Students have a one-week spring break in April. This break provides a break from classes before the end of the school year and allows families to plan spring activities.
Other Notable Holidays
In addition to the major breaks listed above, MCPS also observes the following holidays:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
Professional Development Days
Professional Development Days (PDDs) are non-instructional days set aside for teachers to engage in professional learning and development activities. In MCPS, PDDs are typically held on designated Fridays throughout the school year. The district’s goal is to provide educators with opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge, and practices, ultimately benefiting students’ learning outcomes.
PDD Focus and Activities
The focus of PDDs varies depending on the district’s priorities and the specific needs of educators. Some common areas of focus include:
- Curriculum alignment and instruction
- Assessment and data analysis
- Differentiated instruction and equity
- Technology integration
Activities during PDDs can include:
- Workshops and training sessions
- Collaborative planning and discussions
- School-wide initiatives and projects
- Guest speakers and presentations
PDD Schedule
The MCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar includes the following PDDs:
| Date |
|---|
| September 27, 2024 |
| October 18, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 |
| January 24, 2025 |
| February 14, 2025 |
| March 7, 2025 |
| April 18, 2025 |
Additional Information
Educators are encouraged to use PDDs effectively by:
- Actively participating in planned activities
- Collaborating with colleagues to share ideas
- Reflecting on their own practice to identify areas for growth
- Applying newly acquired knowledge and skills in the classroom
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss students’ progress and set goals for the future. MCPS will hold parent-teacher conferences on the following dates:
| Elementary Schools | Secondary Schools |
|---|---|
| October 5-6, 2024 | October 12-13, 2024 |
| March 8-9, 2025 | March 15-16, 2025 |
Scheduling Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents can schedule parent-teacher conferences through their child’s school website. Conference times will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to Expect at Parent-Teacher Conferences
At parent-teacher conferences, parents can expect to discuss the following topics with their child’s teacher:
- Student’s academic progress
- Student’s behavior and social skills
- Student’s goals for the future
- How parents can support their child’s learning
- Any concerns or questions that parents or teachers may have
Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences
To get the most out of parent-teacher conferences, parents are encouraged to do the following:
- Prepare questions in advance.
- Bring a notebook to take notes.
- Be open to feedback and suggestions.
- Be respectful of the teacher’s time.
- Follow up with the teacher after the conference if you have any further questions or concerns.
Extracurricular Activities
MCPS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations, that provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and make connections with their peers.
Sports
MCPS offers a variety of sports teams at the middle and high school levels, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. Students can try out for teams and compete against other schools in the county and region.
Clubs
MCPS schools offer a variety of clubs, including academic clubs, such as the Math Club and Science Club, as well as social and cultural clubs, such as the Spanish Club and the Art Club. Clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, meet new people, and develop leadership skills.
Organizations
MCPS schools also offer a variety of organizations, such as the Student Government Association (SGA), the National Honor Society (NHS), and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Organizations provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in school activities, and make a difference in their community.
Attendance
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, as they can provide valuable learning experiences and help students develop their interests and skills. However, students should be aware that attendance at extracurricular activities is voluntary and does not affect their grades.
Transportation
MCPS provides transportation to and from extracurricular activities for students who live more than one mile from the school. Students must register for transportation in advance.
Fees
There may be fees associated with participation in certain extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs. Fees vary depending on the activity and the school.
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sports | $50-$100 |
| Clubs | $10-$25 |
| Organizations | $0-$10 |
School Hours and Locations
Elementary and middle schools in Hillsborough County will follow a standard schedule for the 2024-2025 school year, which is as follows:
Grades Pre-K through 5:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Grades 6-8:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
High schools will operate on a bell schedule, with classes typically lasting 50-55 minutes each. The specific bell schedule for each high school will be available on their individual websites.
All schools will be closed on the following holidays:
- Labor Day: September 2, 2024
- Thanksgiving Holiday: November 27-29, 2024
- Winter Break: December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20, 2025
- Memorial Day: May 26, 2025
Transportation
MCPSS provides school bus transportation to students who live more than two miles from their assigned school. Students who live within two miles of their school are eligible for bus transportation if they have a documented medical condition that prevents them from walking or biking to school.
School Locations
The following table lists the addresses of all MCPSS schools:
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bloomingdale High School | 1601 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, FL 33594 |
| Durant High School | 4600 Durant Road, Plant City, FL 33567 |
| East Bay High School | 21130 East Bay Drive, Gibsonton, FL 33534 |
| Freedom High School | 3621 Starkey Road, Tampa, FL 33619 |
| Gaither High School | 16200 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33624 |
Resources for Students and Families
The MCPS 2024-2025 calendar provides students and families with comprehensive information about the upcoming school year. This calendar includes important dates, school holidays, and key events throughout the year. It can be utilized for planning and scheduling purposes, ensuring a successful and organized academic experience. Here are some key resources included in the calendar:
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar outlines the specific start and end dates for each semester, grading periods, and school holidays. It also indicates early dismissal days and professional development days for teachers, providing a clear overview of the school year’s schedule.
School Holidays
The calendar includes a comprehensive list of all school holidays and breaks observed by MCPS. This information is valuable for families planning vacations or making arrangements for childcare during these periods.
Early Dismissal Days
The calendar identifies early dismissal days throughout the school year. These days may be used for teacher professional development, parent-teacher conferences, or other school-related events.
Important Dates
The calendar highlights important dates such as the first day of school, report card distribution dates, and standardized testing days. These dates serve as reminders for students and families to prepare accordingly and stay on top of academic milestones.
Grading Periods
The calendar indicates the start and end dates for each grading period. This information helps students and families keep track of their progress and plan for upcoming assessments and deadlines.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
The calendar includes scheduled dates for parent-teacher conferences, providing opportunities for families to connect with their children’s teachers and discuss their academic progress.
School Events
The calendar lists important school events such as athletic games, concerts, and extracurricular activities. This helps families stay informed about upcoming events and plan their schedules accordingly.
School Contact Information
The calendar provides contact information for each MCPS school, including phone numbers, addresses, and school websites. This information is essential for reaching out to school staff, reporting absences, or making inquiries.
School Attendance Policy
The calendar includes information about MCPS’s school attendance policy, including guidelines on excused and unexcused absences. This helps families understand the importance of regular school attendance and its impact on student achievement.
Support Services
The calendar provides a summary of support services available to students and families through MCPS, such as counseling, academic support, and special education programs. This information helps families connect with the necessary resources to support their children’s holistic well-being and educational success.
MCPSS 2024-2025 School Calendar
The Marion County Public Schools (MCPSS) has released the 2024-2025 school calendar. The calendar outlines the important dates for the upcoming school year, including the first day of school, holidays, and breaks. Parents and students are encouraged to review the calendar and plan accordingly.
The first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year is Monday, August 12, 2024. The last day of school is Friday, May 23, 2025.
There are several holidays and breaks throughout the school year, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. The calendar also includes early release days and teacher workdays.
