TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Schools has announced changes to the school calendar due to days missed during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The changes will impact middle and high school students. Elementary school children won’t be affected.

District officials announced Thursday that the fall, winter and spring breaks will remain the same. There are smaller changes throughout the school year.

The changes were prompted after students missed three days of school during Helene and eight during Milton.

Highlighted updates in Semester 1:

• The only two early release days are Jan. 6 and Jan. 13, 2025.
• Semester 1 exams are waived for middle and high school students, with some exceptions.
• At the high school level, this exam adjustment means the week before winter break is a full day student schedule rather than the typical exam week student schedule. Schools will communicate additional information at a later date.

Highlighted updates in Semester 2:

• There are no early release days during second semester.
• Florida State Fair Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, remains a non-student day for schools on the west side of the county. For students on the east side of the county, this is a full student day. 
• Strawberry Festival Day, Monday, Mar. 3, 2025, is a non-student day for schools on the east side of the county. For students on the west side of the county, this is a full student day.
• Middle school credit and high school credit classes will be adjusted to 50 minutes, adding minutes to each class. There will be no change to elementary class minutes.
  • This may require slight modifications to middle or high school start and/or end times.
  • Any adjustments will be communicated to families the week of Dec. 2, 2024.