School Board Student Representative Rylie Rhineberger made a presentation to the Hernando School Board during their meeting on Oct. 10, showcasing current events in each of the district’s twenty-one schools. Many of the schools kicked off their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) programs for the year. PBIS is a multi-tiered program designed to reinforce positive student behaviors and provide interventions where necessary.
Fall homecoming festivities stole the spotlight for many of the district’s middle and high schools, with a plethora of fun activities for students, teachers, and alumni.
Brooksville Elementary
Brooksville Elementary had its first PBIS event of the school year. Students met to discuss authenticity and compassion. BES October events include the Annual Title 1 Meeting and student-led conferences held in each classroom on Oct. 12 and on Oct. 18, a Unity Day celebration with each student wearing orange and participating in activities to represent unity in the school.
Chocochatti Elementary
Chocochatti Elementary has completed its elections for student government officers. The student government is now meeting to make plans for the school year. The students have also started the year’s “Micro Society,” with each student selecting their own job.
Deltona Elementary School
DES recently held a PBIS assembly, where they enjoyed a presentation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office showcasing the department’s canines and police horses. Students also recently celebrated “Bookapalooza,” an event held in conjunction with the school’s book fair. Students at the school are also participating in Disability Awareness Week.
Eastside Elementary School
Students at EES got busy with fundraisers, club meetings, and problem-solving. The STEM club recently met, challenging its members to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Other students participated in a fundraiser known as “Penny Wars.” The school is also participating in a book fair. On a more civic-minded note, a group of students recently met to identify problems and suggest solutions for such issues as wait times to use the restrooms and areas of the school that needed more staff or camera monitoring.
JD Floyd Elementary School
JDFES recently celebrated their September Students of the Month. The school’s kindergarten students held a parade through the school carrying handmade posters.
Moton Elementary
Moton Elementary is currently holding its book fair and Boo Gram fundraiser.
Pine Grove Elementary
PBES students began using “house mode” in the school PBIS program, and house colors have been assigned. Students had a Penny War fundraiser to raise money for the school’s PBIS program and raised over $3,000.00.
PGES also held a grade-level competition to clean up the campus. The class that collected the most trash and debris was treated to the opportunity to throw water balloons at the staff member of their choice.
The school has started its after-school clubs for the year, including 4-H, C.U.B.S. Club, Bear Tones (Chorus), the Art Club, and Scouts. Students also auditioned to participate in the student production of “The Little Mermaid,” which will be held in the spring.
Spring Hill Elementary School
SHES fourth graders recently participated in an “idiom parade,” in which students dressed to depict a particular idiom. Fifth graders participated in an event hosted by Bricks 4 Kids, in which students were assigned partners and participated in a Lego robotics activity.
Some of the school’s classes have paired with younger classes to mentor and become “Book Buddies” or “Reading Buddies.”
The school’s clubs have been busy, with some students beginning to practice for the All County Chorus. The school’s tech club will start soon.
SHES also held its first pep rallies for the year, which were a big hit among the students. The school’s first PBIS events have begun for the year. Student council members believe that students have been generally kind and more mannerly toward others. Still, they commented that they would like to see student behavior improve in a few other areas.
Suncoast Elementary School
Teachers nominated SES students for exceeding the school’s PBIS SMART expectations, and some staff members also received awards. Westside Elementary students participated in a National Walk to School Day on October 4th. Students voted on PBIS quarterly rewards at the beginning of the year, and the first reward activity will be coming up later this month.
Challenger K-8
Students recently participated in a read-a-thon, which helped raise money to provide resources for students and faculty.
Explorer K-8
Explorer recently had a Twistee Treat Spirit Night and is currently holding a book fair.
Winding Waters K-8
Winding Waters recently held its student government elections for the school year 2023-2024. The new student government officers, along with other WWK8 clubs, sports teams, and drum line, participated alongside Weeki Wachee High School students in the WWHS homecoming parade.
DS Parrott Middle School
DS Parrott students are busy planning several events and recently hosted a family night at McKethan Park. Parrott is now following the house model for PBIS rewards.
Fox Chapel Middle School
The Fox Chapel Tigers recently celebrated their shutout win over Challenger K-8, winning 38-0. The school is currently running a fundraiser known as “Boo Gram.” The school also recently hosted Title 1 Night on Sept. 28.
Powell Middle School
The Powell girls’ Varsity Volleyball team had an undefeated season at 6-0. The school’s football team is currently having a great season at 3-0. Students also recently had their first PBIS rewards day for students with no discipline. Student government elections are now starting.
West Hernando Middle School
WHMS recently held a pep rally for their fall sports and had class games. The 7th grade won the Spirit Stick from the 8th grade. The school also spotlighted students who met PBIS expectations throughout December.
Nature Coast Technical High School
NCTHS celebrated its “Homecoming Week” with events such as “Beach vs. Biker” and “Decades” dress-up days. The school’s sophomore class won the annual Powderpuff football game.
Central High School
CHS celebrated Homecoming Week, featuring “Barbie Day” and “Throwback Thursday.” The school also recently held its Powderpuff football game and capped off Homecoming week with its annual Homecoming football game.
Hernando High School
The HHS Leopards had their homecoming week on Sept. 25–30. The theme was “Alice in Wonderland,” and the school had different dress-up days for each day of the week. The festivities also included a pep rally, The Growl, parade, bonfire, fireworks, a school spirit car show and karaoke skit night.
Springstead High School
SHS celebrated Homecoming Week with the SHS Eagles beating Hernando High in the Burger Bowl Homecoming game. During the week, the senior class took top honors in the school’s Eagle Games. Other homecoming festivities included a Hall of Fame-themed homecoming dance.
The SHS girl’s cross-country team placed second in a recent competition, and the Marching Eagle Brigade took second place in their division at the Seminole Sound Marching Band Competition.
Weeki Wachee High School
The WWHS homecoming week was observed on Oct. 2–7. Featured events included a bonfire, parade, pep rally, powderpuff football game, and a HOCO game. Several of the school’s clubs held fundraisers, such as “Pie a Teacher in the Face,” “Soak a Senior,” and “Duct Tape A Coach on the Wall.”
