Mary Rathman

Ask a college student
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Ask a College Student” on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., through Zoom, for teens in grades eight to 12.

A panel of current students from a variety of colleges, majors and experiences will answer any questions participants may have.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be emailed the day before the event.

For information and to register, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or .

‘The Perfect Storm’
Saint Leo University and FIRST-Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics will present a look at how officials deployed and the best practices they implemented at “The Perfect Storm 2020: Navigating a Historic Hurricane Season during a Global Pandemic Symposium” on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., via Zoom.

The free webinar will discuss lessons learned from public safety officials regarding their preparedness and response efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what turned into the most active hurricane season in history.

Federal, state and local officials will exchange perspectives and ideas, and offer the best practices to improve all phases of emergency management.

The event is open to the public, criminal justice and emergency management personnel, Saint Leo students, prospective students, and alumni.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/perfectstorm.

Wreath challenge
The Florida Aquarium’s inaugural “Upcycled Wreath Challenge: Conservation Connections” is a platform for youth to learn about critical environmental issues impacting our planet through a creative art format.

All schools in Hillsborough County can participate.

Each upcycled wreath will focus on one of the aquarium’s conservation priorities and be made entirely of reused/repurposed items or materials.
Guests can then come to see the wreath in the aquarium’s CIBC Aquatic Lounge, in the Mosaic Center.

The challenge runs through Jan. 3.

For information, visit FlAquarium.org.

Drone ban in school zones
The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that prohibits the unauthorized operation of small unmanned vehicles – typically referred to as drones – on property that is leased, owned or contracted for by the board.

The ban is in effect at all times.

The superintendent may authorize the use of drones.

Also, pursuant to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) administrative policies, the board prohibits the operation of drones at FHSAA events conducted on property owned or leased or contracted for by the board. District officials may deny admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a drone until the event has been completed.

To be authorized to operate a drone, a staff member or administrator or other individual under contract with the board must have a remote pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The drone also must be registered and properly marked.

Anyone who is authorized to operate a drone also must comply with applicable regulations.

Limited crowdfunding
The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that applies to any form of crowdfunding within the district.

The action, adopted by the board at its Nov. 17 meeting, applies whether the benefit is to a specific classroom, grade level, department, school, or academic or extracurricular activity.

The policy defines crowdfunding as “the solicitation of funds or resources from individuals and/or organizations to support identified activities or projects that enhance the educational program or a specific cause approved by the district.”

Such solicitations typically are from a large number of people or organizations, using internet-based technologies.

The policy allows crowdfunding, but only with specific, prior approval by the superintendent.

It also says that “all crowdfunding activities shall protect the privacy of students, children, and young adults” in accordance with board policies, district guidelines, and applicable state and federal laws.

The policy also says that materials, supplies, equipment, and other proceeds of the crowdfunding activity shall become the property of the district, or school.

Also, any benefit to an individual employee derived from crowdfunding activities must comply with board policy, related to gifts and compensation, as well as applicable laws and state ethics rules.

The policy also prohibits cash or equivalent payment to district personnel.

And, all crowdfunding activities are subject to the district’s fundraising and other financial control procedures.

‘Type’ capsule contest
The Pasco County Library Cooperative is sponsoring a 2020 “Type Capsule” Essay Contest through Dec. 31, for grades three to five.

Because 2020 has been a historic year, students are asked to answer this question: “If you made a time capsule, what would you want to share about the year with future generations?”

The essay can discuss something the child experienced during 2020 and explain why it is worth remembering.

Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m., on Dec. 31.

Third-graders should write at least three paragraphs; fourth-graders, four paragraphs; and fifth-graders, five paragraphs.

Essays should not be more than three pages of writing. The student also can include images, but the images must be on separate pages from the writing itself.

For more details and guidelines, visit PascoLibraries.evanced.info/signup.