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Student Services
The mission of the Student Services Department is to promote mental health and educational development in Hernando County’s children and youth. We provide focused interventions that lead to positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes for students, families, schools, and the community.
Student Services is a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families. We believe in the power of collaboration to unite schools, families, and the community. Through this partnership, we empower students, inspire achievement, respect diversity, and create pathways for lifelong learning and success.
Jill Kolasa
Director of Student Services
Angela Miller Royal
Coordinator of Student Support Programs
Ryan Wilson
Discipline Hearing Officer
1026 Varsity Drive
Brooksville, Florida 34601
Phone: 352.797.7008
Fax: 352.797.7108
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm (M-F)
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
Welcome to Student Services at Hernando School District. Our mission is to promote mental health and educational development in Hernando County’s children and youth through focused interventions that lead to positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes. We are a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families, and we believe in the power of collaboration to unite schools, families, and the community. Through these partnerships, we empower students, inspire achievement, respect diversity, and create pathways for lifelong learning and success. Student Services is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and valued. By working together, we provide the tools and resources needed for students to thrive both in school and in life.
Thank you for your continued support of Hernando School District. Together, we will achieve great things!
Student Services
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Address Verifications (Attendance Assistants)
Driver’s License Suspensions
Problem Solving / Response to Intervention / MTSS
Registrars
Student Work Waivers
Truancy Prevention
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Behavior Intervention Plans (504)
Behavioral Assessments
Comprehensive Social Development Studies (CSDS)
Functional Behavioral Assessments (504)
Psycho-Educational Evaluations
Section 504 Evaluations (Procedual Safeguards)
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Anti-Bullying / Harassment / Teen Dating Violence
Administrative Hearings
Expulsions & Pre-Expulsion Referrals
Student Code of Conduct & Discipline
Suicide Assessments
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Care Manual
Counseling Services
Incarcerated Youth Program
Intervention Groups
Mental Health Services
School Health & Clinics
Substance Abuse Education, Screening & Counseling
Suicide Prevention & Assessments
Teen Parenting
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Attendance in Hernando School District
Every day counts! At Hernando School District we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. Hernando School District is committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students.
Attendance Policy (Florida Statutes)Attendance & Enrollment (Frequently Asked Questions)
If you have any questions about attendance, please contact your child's school directly.
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Building Relationships
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
How We Can Help
We are here to help you. Let’s be partners in this journey.
We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school. Our goal is to set you and your family up for success. If there are ways Hernando School District can help you, please reach out to your child’s school directly or Student Services.
Hernando School District's Commitment
- Clear Attendance Policies
We maintain clear and consistent attendance policies, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance.
- Supportive Environment
We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected.
- Early Intervention
We identify and address attendance concerns early, working collaboratively with families to find solutions.
- Community Partnerships
We collaborate with community partners to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s school.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
District Attendance Policy
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When the student is absent, each parent is responsible for notifying the school and for informing the school of the reason for the absence.
On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via phone call, text, or email even if the absence has been reported via our district system. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the District to ensure the safety of all of our students.
See the Student Progression Plan & School Procedures Handbook 2025-26.
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Students in Hernando County middle and high schools are expected to attend school regularly and arrive on time. To maintain eligibility for extracurricular activities and school privileges, students must not exceed nine (9) unexcused absences per semester per class period. For high schools on block schedules, the limit is four (4) unexcused absences per semester.
Participation in activities such as dances, field trips, performances, athletics, prom, and other school-sponsored events requires students to be present for the entire school day. Exceptions may only be granted by the principal or their designee. Students who do not meet attendance requirements may be ineligible for these activities but will be provided alternative assignments.
See the Student Progression Plan & School Procedures Handbook 2025-26.
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Parents or guardians can excuse up to five (5) days(Personal Illness, Death in the Family, Doctor/Dentist Appointment, Religious Holidays, Trips/Vacations, School Sponsored Activities, College Visits, Court Appearance by Subpoena, Pediculosis) per semester (half a year) by providing a written and signed note(s) within two (2) days of the student’s return to class. This shall also include prearranged absences. For more than (5) days of excused absences in any one class period, a doctor's note may be required. Extenuating circumstances may be addressed with the administration.
See the Student Progression Plan & School Procedures Handbook 2025-26.
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Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. Hernando School District is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success!
We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.
Attendance Officers
Michael Braithwaite
Email: braithwaite_m@hcsb.k12.fl.us
Michael Coates
Email: coates_m@hcsb.k12.fl.us
Scott Tormey
Email: tormey_s@hcsb.k12.fl.us