Jule F. Sumner High School

**PLEASE BE SURE TO REFER BACK TO THIS NEWSLETTER OFTEN FOR UPDATES!!**

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PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU OPT OUT OF THE PARENT LINK SERVICE, YOU WILL BE OPTING OUT OF ALL COMMUNICATION FROM SUMNER HS AND THE HCPS DISTRICT.

August 30, 2026

Hello Sumner Families,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It's hard to believe that September is already here and that we are quickly settling into a great school year.

Our College and Career Counselor has coordinated several upcoming college presentations for students, along with weekly visits from a Hillsborough College representative every Wednesday during lunch. Students interested in exploring college option, admissions requirements, scholarships, and campus opportunities are encouraged to review the information in the Student Services section below and sign up for presentations of interest. Students can also visit the Rays Resource Reef each Wednesday during lunch to connect directly with the HC representative.

As a reminder, our ACT Now Required Student Presentations will take place this week. Families who wish to opt their student out of participation should complete the form located in the Student Services section below and return it to the Main Office.

Upcoming Testing

Our state-required Progress Monitoring Assessments will begin on:

• September 1: Grade 9 students

• September 2: Grade 10 students

• September 15: Select Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to retake the assessment to demonstrate proficiency and work toward meeting graduation benchmark requirements.

• September 15: PM1 Make up exams

• September 16: EOC make up Algebra 1 and Geometry

• September 17: EOC make up - Biology and US History

We encourage all students to be well-rested, arrive on time, and put forth their best effort. These assessments provide valuable information that helps us support student growth and academic success.

Our Underclassmen Photo Day will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during students' English classes. Students will have the opportunity to take their school picture for the yearbook and school records. Please encourage your student to be present and arrive prepared for their photo session. Additional ordering information will be shared as it becomes available.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we create opportunities for every Stingray to learn and thrive.

Sincerely,

Christine Wasylkiw

Principal

Sumner High School is excited to announce that Homecoming 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 12, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at The Motor Enclave Tampa. This year's theme, "Midnight in Monaco," will transform the evening into a glamorous VIP red-carpet experience inspired by the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix.

Tickets are $70 and may be purchased online through MyPaymentsPlus. Students who wish to bring a guest from another school may do so by completing the required guest approval form. The form must be signed by the guest's school administrator and approved by Sumner High School administration before a guest ticket can be purchased. Guest tickets are also $70 and will be sold during the week of the dance. Student Government representatives will be available during lunches to distribute purchased tickets and assist students with guest ticket purchases.

Families, please use the designated Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off location accessible through the student parking lot near the baseball field. For safety and efficiency, we will continue redirecting vehicles that attempt to enter through the bus ramp at the traffic light. This is a district-mandated safety protocol that must be followed.

The visitor lot before and after school is reserved exclusively for families with a special car plate approved by administration.

Additionally, do not park in neighboring communities or along CR 672 to drop off or pick up students. These areas are not safe or permitted for school traffic. Student safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campus secure and orderly.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Parents and Guardians,

We want to make you aware of a new state requirement that will impact some high school athletes beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Under Florida Statute 1006.20, known as the Second Chance Act, and effective July 1, 2026, students who are participating in Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) athletics for the first time must have a cleared Electrocardiogram (ECG) before they can participate.

This requirement applies to:

• Rising 9th grade students who plan to participate in an FHSAA athletic program in high school

• Students in grades 10–12 who plan to participate in FHSAA athletics and have not previously played a high school sport

This requirement does not apply to:

• Students participating in Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Color Guard, or ROTC

• Middle school athletes

An ECG completed within two (2) years prior to July 1 of the participation year will satisfy this requirement. Students who have cardiac symptoms should consult with their healthcare provider. If an ECG requires additional evaluation, the student must be cleared by a licensed medical practitioner trained in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of ECGs before participating in any FHSAA athletic competition, practice, tryouts, or workouts.

Hillsborough County Public Schools has partnered with local healthcare providers to offer regional ECG screening opportunities for students. Click on the link below for free or low-cost opportunities to schedule an ECG.

http://hillsboroughschools.org/ecgscreenings

Thank you for your attention to this important update and for your continued support of student health and safety.

Follow the steps below to login to Focus.

Students who wish to park on campus must download, read, and sign the parking application and agreement below to receive a student parking hang tag. Parking permits and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to the first 350 eligible student drivers. Students should complete all requirements as soon as possible to secure a parking permit for the school year. Students must have a valid driver's license, current insurance, and $25.00 cash to purchase a hang tag. Student drivers that do not comply with the parking rules will be booted.

Please note: a valid student hang tag must be displayed at all times while parked on campus.

The State of Florida DOE has mandated that students may only participate in the graduation ceremony if they have met all requirements for graduation. Students who have not completed all requirements for graduation, including benchmark assessment achievement, will not be able to participate in the graduation commencement ceremonies.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) will

implement an updated curriculum frameworks for Cooperative Education On-the-Job Training

(OJT) course.

Under the revised framework, OJT becomes a CTE-restricted capstone course serving as the

culminating experience in a CTE program sequence. It will include several important requirements. To meet the capstone requirement, students must have completed two CTE courses in the same

program.

Join the Sumner High School PTSA and be a vital part of our mission to support students and staff! Your involvement helps fund important programs and strengthen our school community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and those who educate them. Visit our website to join the PTSA, become a business sponsor, or order spirit gear.

https://share.google/ZFo360jC9vCPI7G6Z

Only $15. Get yours now!

https://flpta-sumnerhs.givebacks.com/shop

To support the health and safety of our students, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has begun installed vaping detectors in high school bathrooms.

At a School Board meeting last school year, the Board approved a contract with Secure US Solutions, the exclusive provider of VapeEd - a comprehensive prevention and intervention system.

As a reminder, smoking and vaping are prohibited on all school campuses at all times. Vaping among students continues to be a growing concern both nationwide and within HCPS. So far this school year, high schools across the district have recorded more than 1,000 vaping-related referrals.

The VapeEd devices detect airborne vapor and immediately notify school administrators, so staff can promptly check the area. The detectors do not record audio or video.

Electronic vaping devices carry significant health risks, including nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Expanding our initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce vaping and ensure swift responses when incidents occur.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping our campuses safe and healthy.

School hours start at 8:35 am and dismissal time is at 3:35 pm on a regular bell schedule.

Parents, please ensure your child is at school ON TIME BEFORE 8:25 am each day. We need you to commit to getting your student to school ON TIME! If you have a student driver, please discuss with them your expectation to be at school prior to the 8:25 bell.

Students may arrive on campus as early as 8:10 am. Free breakfast is served in the Stingray Cafe each day, 8:10 am - 8:30 am. First bell is at 8:25 am. Students have 10 minutes to arrive on time to 1st period. Tardy bell for 1st period is at 8:35 am, all students should be in their classrooms ready to learn!

Absences shall be reported to the school attendance office by the parent/legal guardian on the day the absence occurred. Utilize the attendance reporting link above.

Please refer to the Attendance Policy and information found in the HCPS Student Code of Conduct.