Skip To Main Content
Get ready for school!

The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 11, and we can’t wait to welcome students back to class!

Planning for Progress

Pinellas County Schools hosted a series of community meetings across the district to share school-specific data and gather feedback on population and enrollment trends, facility planning and school utilization.

Safety

Visit the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

Pinellas County Schools has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise to offer the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Say Something allows you to securely and anonymously report safety concerns, helping identify and support at-risk individuals before they harm themselves or others.

Important Message About School Safety in Pinellas County Schools

Pinellas County Schools, School Police, and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office are sharing an important safety message: Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, Pinellas Schools Police Chief Joe Wiesman, and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri are sharing an important safety message: Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Please watch their new video message: Safety Starts With Me.
 
School safety is a shared responsibility. Every student, teacher, staff member, and family member plays a role in creating a safe, supportive learning environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

We encourage everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and speak up when something doesn't seem right. Please report anything that feels suspicious, unusual or out of place.

If something seems wrong, students should notify a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult.

Students and any member of the public can also report concerns using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System or the FortifyFL App

These reporting tools provide safe and secure ways to share concerns. They may also help prevent someone from harming themselves or others.

It's also important to remember that threats of violence are never a joke. Pinellas County Schools takes every threat seriously. False reports and threats, including those made online or via social media, can disrupt schools, create fear, and lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges.

Students and families should understand that threats, whether spoken, written, or posted online, are investigated thoroughly and treated as legitimate safety concerns.

WATER SAFETY UPDATE

Pinellas County Schools is emphasizing the importance of water safety and mental health awareness. The district is sharing information to educate students and families about drowning prevention, safe swimming practices, and the importance of supervision around water. Age-appropriate lessons and resources are available at your local YMCAs (Suncoast and St. Petersburg), community centers, and municipal recreation centers. 

Equally vital is the district’s spotlight on mental health. Pinellas County Schools has mental health resources, including access to school counselors and family support guides. A first step is taking care of yourself. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has a Mindful Moments Checklist to assist in your self-care. 

“Safety Starts with Me” reflects the district’s ongoing mission to provide a safe, supportive, and informed environment for every student, every day.

View Past Safety Updates

The District Safety & Security Council

The Pinellas County Schools District Safety and Security Council (DSSC) believes that “Safety Starts with Me.” The Safety Starts with Me is more than a campaign and a strategic priority for Pinellas County Schools. It’s dedicated to safety education and awareness for the entire school community.  

Each month the DSSC spotlights safety topics by sharing tips through various school channels including social media, webpages, email, classroom instruction and special guests for in school learning.  

Please help us make safety a shared responsibility and a top priority in all aspects for our school communities and at home.  

The DSSC was created to coordinate district efforts to ensure a safe environment to learn and work. The DSSC is chaired by the PCS Director of School Safety and consists of representatives from the Superintendent's and Area Superintendent's offices, Human Resources, the School Board, Emergency Management, Schools Police, School Health Services, Strategic Communications and Technology Information Systems.