Dixie Hollins High School will be referred to as Hollins High School
Unlike most schools, Dixie Hollins High School has been commonly known over the years by its namesake’s first name, “Dixie,” and not his last name. The school will now be referred to as Hollins High School. The official school name remains Dixie M. Hollins HS.
The old nickname the “Rebels” has been replaced with the “Royals.” Blue and white will remain as the school colors. Principal Robert Florio says the decision is school-based. The principal, student leaders and staff met over the summer and agreed it’s time to drop the last remaining references to the confederacy.
The news was shared with the student body on the first day of school and they too agreed. Students are voting on a new logo from a selection of four examples based on the current crest design created by the school’s Academy of Entertainment Arts students.
The school’s decision is not unique; schools across the country have made similar decisions and dropped references that while unintentional or not, negatively affect groups of individuals. The school will work on changing its marquee, adding new signage and updating its social media platforms during this academic school year.
The school was named after the first superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, Dixie M. Hollins, in 1912. The high school opened in 1959. Superintendent Hollins was known for promoting the rights of black students. Mr. Hollins made sure they were taught by certified teachers and attended a full school day instead of just a few months per year. Superintendent Hollins donated land for both Madeira Beach Elementary and Middle Schools. His estate still today donates to Hollins High School’s music program.
PCS Sets Guidelines for Fall Sports Attendance
Based on recommendations from the PCS Medical Advisory Committee below are the Pinellas County attendance rules to start the Fall sport seasons. The attendance rules are subject to adjustments based on the COVID-19 conditions in our High Schools and the updated advice from the medical professionals.
Varsity and JV Football – 25% of the stadium capacity- Electronic tickets only. All games will be streamed on the NFHS network.
Varsity and JV Volleyball — No spectators through September18th- volunteers and game officials only . All games will be streamed on NFHS network. We anticipate allowing spectators starting September 19th– Electronic tickets only.
Swimming /Dive — No spectators through September 18th – volunteers and meet officials only.
Golf — No spectators on the golf course.
Cross Country — Spectators must stay in the viewing area designated by the meet host. Spectators will not be permitted at the start or finish line.
Pinellas County High School Sports To Be Broadcast Live
PCS has partnered with The Identity Tampa Bay and NFHS Network to stream high school sporting events. Families can watch from the comfort of their homes or on their mobile devices and at a safe social distance or on their mobile devices. The partnership facilitated the installation of 32 automated cameras installed at all 16 high schools.
For unlimited access to live and on demand content from the NFHS Network, fans can visit NFHSnetwork.com, search for their desired school, and subscribe. There is a Monthly Pass for $10.99 a month which can be cancelled at any time. There is also a $69.99-yearly pass that is billed for 12 months at $5.83 monthly.
In addition to the NFHS Network subscription option, The Identity Tampa Bay will broadcast multiple games per week as part of this cutting-edge partnership. All select games broadcasted on The Identity Tampa Bay will be free to the viewer. Only football and volleyball games will be broadcasted this fall. The fall viewing schedule will be released soon.
PCS Forms New Curriculum Review Task Force
The new Task Force will review K-12 curriculum in English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies. The district will work with a wide cross section of community and district stakeholders including the PCS’s Equity Specialist. The Task Force will address the following goals over the next eight months beginning in August 2020:
- Share current district practices related to race and equity, including the Bridging the Gap plan
- Review actual curriculum and curriculum guidelines in social studies and ELA, grades K-12
- Identify areas that communicate racist views and remove from curriculum
- Identify texts and lessons that allow for age-appropriate anti-racist education within the established state standards
- Identify next steps for implementing curriculum, including professional development and training
Members from the following groups accepted a PCS invitation to participate:
- African-American Heritage Association of Florida
- Carter G. Woodson Museum
- Community Members at Large
- COQEBS
- Florida Holocaust Museum
- K-12 Teachers
- NAACP North Pinellas
- NAACP St. Petersburg
- Olu Institute of Learning
- School Board representative
- Teaching and Learning Staff
- The Curtis Museum
- University of Florida
- University of South Florida
