First Graders Dive into Learning at The Florida Aquarium as Hillsborough Schools Launches Referendum-Funded Field Trips

October 18, 2026

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Students experience marine life firsthand as part of taxpayers’ investment in learning beyond the classroom

TAMPA, FL (October 18, 2026) – First graders from Bryan Plant City, Mabry, and Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary Schools will be among the first Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) students to experience a new opportunity made possible through referendum-funded millage field trips, bringing classroom learning to life at The Florida Aquarium.

The field trip on October 23 is part of the new PreK–8 Millage Partnership Field Trip program, which gives every HCPS PreK through 8th grade student the opportunity to participate in a curriculum-connected field trip at no cost to schools or families as part of the millage referendum approved by voters in 2024.

During their visit to The Florida Aquarium, nearly 250 students will explore Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to vibrant coral reefs, while learning how animals adapt to life on land and in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater habitats. They’ll also get hands-on with aquatic animals through touch experiences featuring sea stars, anemones, jellyfish, and stingrays. 

The field trip is designed to reinforce what students are learning in the classroom while helping them understand the importance of conservation and the role they can play in protecting Florida’s natural resources. The program aims to reach close to 13,000 first-grade students across the district this year.

The Aquarium is one of several community partners participating in HCPS’ referendum-funded field trip initiative. Throughout the school year, students across grade levels will visit destinations including the Glazer Children’s Museum, ZooTampa, Tampa Museum of Art, MOSI, Muma BizTown, Nature’s Classroom, and the Tampa Courthouse.

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WHEN: Friday, October 23 | 10 a.m. – Noon

WHERE: The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa

WHAT: Nearly 250 students from HCPS first-grade classes will be participating in a referendum-funded field trip at The Florida Aquarium

WHO:

• Tristin Ware, The Florida Aquarium’s Senior Director of Learning
• Jessica Kepa, Hillsborough County Public Schools Supervisor, Elementary Generalist
• HCPS first grade students and teachers

VISUALS:

• Students exploring The Florida Aquarium’s exhibits and ecosystems
• Students interacting with animals in The Tide Pool and Stingray Beach
• Students participating in hands-on learning about biodiversity and conservation

Please RSVP to Ke****@********CG.com for parking and check-in details.

The day will wrap up with students taking home vocabulary words and riddles they learned during their visit—extending learning beyond the Aquarium and back into their classrooms and homes.

The initiative is designed to provide hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, link classroom learning to the real-world, create community connections, and help build brighter futures.

For more information about The Florida Aquarium, visit flaquarium.org.

TO PREVIEW THE STORY, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO & PHOTOS OF STUDENTS VISITING THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium