HOME AFTER THE FIRE: Tampa Heights

Tampa Heights Elementary Magnet Finally Home After the Fire

by Laura Cross, photos provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools

On Jan. 4, 2021, kids across Hillsborough County rose bleary-eyed from their beds. Winter Break was over. It was time to head back to school. However, for the more than 300 students who attend Tampa Heights Elementary Magnet, Jan. 4 couldn’t come soon enough. For them, it was a whole new beginning at the brand new, state-ofthe-art school that awaited them.

Tampa Heights Fire in 2017

It’s been a long journey for many of these students and staff who now call Tampa Heights Elementary their home.

In September 2017, a fire caused by Hurricane Irma burned their school to the ground along with everything that was inside. Every book, desk and lesson plan was destroyed.

But, as is so often the case, greatness arose from the ashes.

It began almost immediately after the fire. The community came together for the school that lost it all. Donations poured in from across the country. Supplies were replaced and students and teachers were welcomed at other schools.

It was a Band-Aid, a temporary fix for which our district is eternally grateful.

That Band-Aid is no longer necessary.

“This is amazing, incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. There are no other words for it,” says Meagan Gallogly, a second-grade teacher at Tampa Heights, after seeing the new school for the first time. “This is home. This is my safe place.”

After the fire, builders and architects worked hard to preserve the historical legacy that is important to the school community while adding modern and innovative elements to enhance student learning. Some design elements of the old school remain intact, such as the brick façade, pitched roof, cupola, floorboards and colorful tiles.

Those special touches didn’t go unnoticed by the students and staff who walked down the red carpet and into the brick building on the first day of school for 2021.

Superintendent Addison Davis was there, greeting students and staff. And in one of the more touching moments from the morning, a little boy, no more than 7 or 8, ran up to the superintendent and threw his arms around Davis’ waist before running inside the school.

That was the vibe of the day: gratitude, love and relief that they are back home.

About the Programming:

The Tampa Heights Global Leadership Academy prepares students to be global citizens. Daily theme integration of the 7 Wonders of Tampa Heights (Leadership, Environment, Arts, Diversity, Economics, Reflection, Steam) helps students learn about the world and how they can make a difference.

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis greets Tampa Heights students on their first day in their new building.

Tampa Heights New School

Tampa Heights students get the red carpet treatment at the entrance of their brand new school.

NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL

5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0820; northtampaca.com/preschool

We support young children as they develop skills of exploring, choosing, creating and solving for God’s glory. Children are challenged to stretch themselves and persevere as they make sense of the world around them. Our safe and secure facility is nature-inspired, diverse and family oriented. ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

19521 Michigan Ave., Odessa 33556 813-792-1825; odessachristianschool.org

OCS is a Christ-focused school for motivated, self-directed learners seeking to discover their God-given calling. Students dive deep with content through inquiry, investigation and discussion, and gain responsibility, perseverance, professionalism and compassion. Graduates achieve mastery in all areas of learning and launch into life with strong minds and hearts. ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove

Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We provide advanced courses, and our Scholar Quest offerings lead to high school credit. OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL

5843 4th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33707 727-344-1026; osls.net

Our Savior Lutheran School is committed to help your child grow intellectually, academically and spiritually. We are designed for students to learn on campus, but have technology in place to transition to remote learning during required times. Check us out and see if OSLS is the right fit for your family! PAIDEIA CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

7834 N. 56th St., Tampa 33617 813-988-7700; paideiatampa.com

Paideia Classical Christian School is a community of parents and teachers who share a commitment for educating children to love learning and grow in godliness. We are intentional about developing passionate disciples, exceptional scholars and virtuous citizens. As a nationally accredited, classical school, we employ time-proven curriculum and methods of education which teach students not primarily what to think, but how to think: thoroughly, maturely and biblically. PATEL CONSERVATORY

1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org

At the Patel Conservatory, every student deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Our programs provide training in dance, theater and music. Camps and classes vary by length, age and skill level. Patel Conservatory classes require active learning participation by students and result in a performance. PEPIN ACADEMIES | pepinacademies.com

3916 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa 33610; 813-236-1755 9304 Camden Field Parkway, Riverview 33578; 813-533-2999 9804 Little Road, New Port Richey 34654; 727-233-2961

Pepin Academies are non-profit, tuition-free, independent public charter schools serving students with learning and learning-related disabilities in grades 3-12. Qualified as Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center schools, we provide a diversified curriculum driven by the student’s needs in a positive therapeutic educational environment, as well as a transitional job training program for post-high school students. Enrollment: 135 Class-size: Varies by age Grades: Six weeks to PreK Tuition: $115-390 per

month Enrollment: 75 Class-size: 25 students max per department (1-5, 6-8, 9-12) Grades: 1-12

Tuition: $10,100-$10,500 Enrollment: 556 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 185 Class-size: 15-20 Grades: Preschool age 2 to grade 8

Tuition: $4,800-$8,100 Enrollment: 86 Class-size: Varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $7,930-$8,699

Enrollment: 1,000 Class-size: Varies by program Grades: All ages and skill levels Tuition: Varies by

program Enrollment: 1,200+ students between three campuses Class-size: 13:2 Grades: Grades 3-12 and a Transition Program for ages 18-22 Tuition: FREE

PINELLAS PREPARATORY ACADEMY, INC.

2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 33771 727-536-3600; pinellasprep.org

Pinellas Preparatory Academy Inc. is a K-8 tuition-free public charter school. Designed to meet the needs of students who are very highly motivated and willing to put forth effort into their education and are willing to accept and adhere to our school expectations; and families involved with their children's education. PIVOT CHARTER SCHOOL

3020 S. Falkenburg Road, Riverview 33578 813-626-6724; pivottampa.com

Pivot Charter School is a free public charter school serving families in Hillsborough County. It is our mission to engage and empower each student to achieve excellence. PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa 33619 813-671-5110; hillsboroughschools.org/progressvillage

We are proud to offer the largest dance and culinary arts programs in Hillsborough County. We’re routinely recognized as a Magnet School of America School of Distinction. Students can try exciting electives such as costume and fashion design, orchestra, journalism and more. The spotlight shines on students at Progress Village. QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS VIRTUAL ACADEMY

20120 Barnett Road, Brooksville 34601 352-428-4847; qasonline.org

Virtual private education wherever you are, QAS Academy offers a unique and highly engaging way for children to receive a private education in a live, interactive online classroom. Taking the best of the most prodigious educationalists of old while focusing on the technological advances of the day, QAS strives to build for its children an educational method unsurpassed in results. Please schedule an online meeting with us to put these assertions to the test. RAMPELLO K-8 MAGNET (CULTURAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES )

802 E. Washington St., Tampa 33602 813-233-2333; rampello.mysdhc.org

Join us for experiential learning with walking field trips through downtown Tampa, and a Differentiated Instruction Focus to meet the needs of all learners. We have strong community partnerships and school-wide AVID instructional strategies. Middle school electives include: band, jazz, orchestra, steel drums, Art 2-D and 3-D, Spanish and creative writing. RIVERHILLS ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

405 Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace 33617 813-987-6911; riverhills.mysdhc.org

We prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students can study global cultures and develop an open and curious mind. Students engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more. RIVERVIEW ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE

9906 Symmes Road, Riverview 33578 813-412-6111; riverviewacademy.com

The tuition-free, public charter school proudly serves students from kindergarten through middle school with a well-rounded college preparatory education. The rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere, and a focus on character development. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation. Class-size: K-3 is 18, 4-8 is an average of 22 Grades: K-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 225 Class-size: 10-25 Grades: 6-12

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 953 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 100 Class-size: 8-10 Grades: K-12 On-Campus, 2-12 Online Tuition: $4,080-$4,462

Enrollment: 777 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 529 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

RODGERS MIDDLE MAGNET (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)

11910 Tucker Road, Riverview 33569 813-671-5288; hillsboroughschools.org/rodgers

Rodgers, a Cambridge International Magnet School, offers learning guided by the rigorous, world renowned Cambridge Pathways philosophy. Located in Riverview's Bell Creek Nature Preserve, we embrace and empower the whole student. Several national board-certified teachers highlight our exceptional team of educators. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET (IB)

1510 N. Manhattan Ave., Tampa 33607 813-872-5212; rolandpark.mysdhc.org

We inspire young inquiring minds to become compassionate, lifelong learners who are internationally-minded people with respect for various cultures and a desire to serve others. Students can experience inquiry-based learning centers, transdisciplinary units of study, an outdoor classroom with an international garden, a strings program and world languages. SAFETY HARBOR MONTESSORI ACADEMY

2669 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 34653 727-724-1767; safetyharbormontessori.com

Safety Harbor Montessori Academy is a learning community whose primary goal is to help students reach their full potential in all aspects of their development, in a loving, respectful atmosphere. We have programs for children ages 2 through 14, providing continuity from early childhood to adolescence. SEFFNER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

11605 E. U.S. Highway 92, Seffner 33584 813-626-0001; scacrusaders.com

The mission of Seffner Christian Academy is to provide academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment with a challenging educational program based on the principles of God's Word. SHORE ELEMENTARY MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

1908 2nd Ave., Tampa 33605 813-276-5712; shore.mysdhc.org

We are an award-winning Magnet School of the Arts located in historic Ybor City. Students learn through arts and science integration, and can take part in the Annual Arts Festival and school musical. Students expand their horizons through visual art, dance, strings, music, drama, STEAM Engineering and robotics programs. SHORECREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

5101 1st St. NE., St. Petersburg 33703 727-522-2111; shorecrest.org

Founded in 1923, Shorecrest is a coed, nonsectarian, PK3-12 independent school in St. Petersburg. In a safe, student-centered environment, Shorecrest educates a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the development of a commitment to social responsibility. SKYCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

129 N Belcher Road, Clearwater 33765 727-797-1186; skycrestchristianschool.org

The value of a Skycrest education is immeasurable. School graduates enter their high school years with outstanding academic preparation, leadership skills and confidence in their ability to succeed. With newly integrated technology, an extensive list of extracurricular activities and a small student/teacher ratio, a Skycrest education is available at amazingly competitive rates. Enrollment: 823 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 766 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 111 Class-size: 12-18 Grades: Ages 2-grade 8

Tuition: $9,800-$16,650 Enrollment: 700 Class-size: 22 Grades: K2-12

Tuition: $5,000-$10,500 Enrollment: 441 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 965 Class-size: 15 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $11,950-

$26,850 Enrollment: 450 Class-size: 22 Grades: K4-grade 8 Tuition: $10,000 + fees

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET (HUMAN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION AND SCIENCES)

2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33610 813-276-5596; hillsboroughschools.org/sligh

Join a culture of future health professionals who sport scrubs four days a week. We are preparing students for one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. Electives engage all students with Career and Technical Education, Family and Consumer Science and our AVID college readiness program. SOLID ROCK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2801 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs 34688 727-934-0909; solidrockcommunityschool.org

Solid Rock Community School is "Making the World a Greener Place" with our sustainable seed-to-table lunch program, environmentalism classes, and a strong focus on health, wellness and fitness. We encourage, challenge and inspire our students to become thinkers, leaders and collaborators who can contribute to the greater good of society and be good stewards of the world in which we live. SOUTH TAMPA ACADEMY AT MONROE MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

4716 Montgomery Ave., Tampa 33616 813-272-3020; hillsboroughschools.org/monroe

We develop active learners and internationally-minded students. Launching with sixth grade in Fall 2020, students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy. Students can pursue unique electives like computer modeling and simulation. Our Sixth Grade Structure creates a supportive middle school transition. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET (NASA EXPLORER SCHOOL)

1125 Spruce St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5691; hillsboroughschools.org/stewart

Be part of a nationally recognized NASA Explorer School. Through our Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, students choose from electives like aerospace and engineering. Scholar Quest options deliver high school credit in gaming, robotics and more. Stewart partners with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force for real-world learning. ST. CECELIA INTERPAROCHIAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

1350 Court St., Clearwater 33756 727-461-1207; st-cecelia.org

St. Cecelia (SCS) is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, both in 2020 and 2010. SCS is also Pinellas county’s only private school to offer the International Baccalaureate to students in grades PreK-3 to grade 8. Through the IB Programme we provide tools, develop character and teach skills that prepare our students to thrive in high school, college and beyond. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students’ educational and personal success and to the betterment of our local and global communities. ST. JOHN’S DAY SCHOOL

240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa 33606 813-849-4200; stjohnseagles.org

St. John's is distinguished by 70 years of demonstrated success preparing children for lives of learning and service. Renowned for its Episcopal identity and a core belief in the potential of our students, the school delivers an unparalleled, values-driven preparatory education in a safe and nurturing environment. Our graduates are prepared to thrive in high school and beyond. ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

500 84th Ave., St. Pete Beach 33706 727-360-1113; sjvcs.org

St. John Vianney Catholic School was founded with one purpose in 1951: to build a Christ-centered space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level. SJVCS offers a safe learning environment where our PreK-8th grade students are enriched through quality academics, athletics, technology and the arts. Enrollment: 579 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 200 Class-size: 18 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $10,500-

$13,500 Enrollment: 432 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,024 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 425 Class-size: 12-24 students depending on grade level Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $7,120-$7,918

Enrollment: 533 Class-size: 18 Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $2,825-$14,635 (based on demonstrated

need) Enrollment: 208 Class-size: 25-30 Grades: PreK-8 Tuition: $4,000-$5,400

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

5223 N. Himes Ave., Tampa 33614 813-879-5090; stlawrencecatholicschool.org

Founded in 1961, St. Lawrence Catholic School inspires students towards academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Each unique student is challenged to develop their special talents and become lifelong learners. Our 21st century classrooms promote creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. In response to the ongoing pandemic, we have invested in an extensive sanitation protocol and new technology for distance learning options.

ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 33629 813-258-5508; smeds.org

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School provides challenging academics, performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, technology, public speaking, foreign language, global studies, community service, religious education and more. St. Mary’s highly-qualified Pre-K through 8th grade faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead. ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOLS

St. Petersburg | 6605 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33710; 727-341-4610 Tarpon Springs | 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 34689; 727-712-5891 spchs.spcollege.edu

St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools offer a supportive educational experience with all the benefits of high school and college. Students thrive at SPCHS as successful learners and leaders. SPCHS students graduate with their high school diploma, an associate’s degree and the skills for continued success. Best of all, it’s free! ST. RAPHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704 727-821-9663; straphaelschool.net

St. Raphael Catholic School welcomes families who believe that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives, strive for academic excellence, seek to provide faith-filled service to others, reflect Catholic values, and are responsible leaders of the Church and community. TAMPA DAY SCHOOL

12606 Henderson Road, Tampa 33625 813-269-2100; tampadayschool.com

Established in 1970, Tampa Day School has offered an innovative, highly effective approach to the private prep school experience. Our dynamic, private school environment and our tailored approach to learning are uniquely designed for the student who hasn’t been able to reach his or her potential in a more traditional school setting. Specialized tutoring is also available onsite. TAMPA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MAGNET (GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY)

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5405; tampaheights.mysdhc.org

Our students become innovative thinkers, who achieve academically and socially through our 7 Wonders—Leadership, Environment, Economics, Wellness, Innovation, Communication and Culture. Students can participate in Model United Nations and Odyssey of the Mind, learn world languages and leadership and experience cultural clusters: yoga, cooking, African art and Lego Makerspace. TAMPA PREP

727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org

There’s a culture of creativity here, a willingness to try new ideas – anything that better serves students. We are Florida’s Most Innovative School, where students graduate uniquely prepared to succeed in a world of accelerating change. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, we’re here to inspire the next great creators. Enrollment: 480 Class-size: < 25 Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $8,080-$11,445

Enrollment: 445 Class-size: 22 Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $15,700 Enrollment: 240 students at each campus Class-size: average of 18 Grades: grades 10-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 170 Class-size: 17 average Grades: PK-8

Tuition: $6,100-$8,100 Enrollment: 145 class-size: 10-12 Grades: grades 2-8

Tuition: $21,000 Enrollment: 308 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 700 Class-size: 15 Grades: 6-12 Tuition: $24,788$25,683

Tune In: Be in the moment. Take note of what your child is focused on right now or what they are telling you.

Take Turns: Keep the conversation going and your child engaged. If they switch topics, follow their lead!

Talk More: Start a conversation about the topic and use a variety of words to describe it, like colors, shapes sizes, places!

Research shows children do better in school when their parents talk and interact with them from birth. Build your child’s brain anytime, anywhere using the 3Ts! Learn how at the3Ts.org or las3Cs.org.

“Any Time is 3Ts Time” is made possible by funding through the PNC Foundation and its Grow Up Great Initiative. Learn more at pnc.com/growupgreat. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is a proud partner in the “Anytime is 3Ts Time” campaign. To learn more, visit our website at elchc.org.