Education

 

Hebrew students make intergenerational connections

TAMPA – Students in first, second and third grades at Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay, along with their music and classroom teachers, made intergenerational connections by visiting residents at Aston Gardens to share in the magic of Chanukah. 

After their performance of Chanukah music, students handed out latkes and played dreidel with the residents. It was, as always, a joyous occasion.

 

Zephyrhills High valedictorian wins award

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County Schools recognized Zephyrhills High School senior Joel Torres Espinoza as its United States Presidential Academic Scholar nominee. 

Jennifer Yonkof, of Zephyrhills High School, said Espinoza is not only valedictorian of the class of 2025 but he is also a player on the school’s soccer and tennis teams. 

Outside of school, Espinoza volunteers with the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation. 

Angel Hernandez, program coordinator with the career technical and adult education office at Pasco County Schools, told school board members that the U.S. Department of Education has been recognizing high school seniors with this honor since 1964. 

 

Student artist already making a mark

NEW PORT RICHEY – Lela Costantino, a senior at Wendell Krinn Technical High School, was named the U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education nominee for Pasco County Schools. 

Linda Borne, a commercial art technology teacher at Marchman Technical College, described Costantino as a talented designer and artist. 

She has completed real world projects as well as created a mural for the Humane Society of Pasco County. 

 

Foundation hits Giving Tuesday goal

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation surpassed its Giving Tuesday goal of $5,000 in 2024, according to Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships. 

The post-Thanksgiving campaign raised $5,407 for the foundation, which supports the college. 

 “Your contributions make a real difference, empowering our students and strengthening our community,” Richardson wrote in the foundation’s December newsletter. 

The foundation is looking for sponsors for its annual golf tournament on March 7 at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Sponsorships are available for the awards reception, lunch, hole and foursome. 

 

Hillsborough County hosting poster contest 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Water Resources and the City of Tampa are encouraging students from kindergarten through 12th grade to enter the Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest.

Students must create a poster depicting a water conservation idea, slogan or drawing. The goal is to educate and raise awareness about water conservation.

Schools can only submit one winning poster for each division.  Visit HCFL.gov/DropSavers to see the rules, the steps on how to submit the poster, and view the past winning posters. The deadline is Feb. 15, 2025.

 

Student Achievements

• Lutz residents Jenna Freligh and Joelle Gamble made the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester at Belmont University. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C with at least 12 course hours. 
• Jett Odom, a management major from Land O’ Lakes, made the provost’s honor roll at Midwestern State University for the fall 2024 semester. Students must have a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.99 and no grade lower than C with at least 12 course hours.  
• Annelisa Russo, of Odessa, FL, made dean’s list at Lee University for the fall 2024 semester. Students must have a grade point average of 3.7 to 4.
• Sravani Gopaluni, a student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program from Lutz, presented research, “Efficacy of Lisinopril in Hypertension: Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy Relative to Menopausal Status and BMI,” at Des Moines University’s 2024 Research Symposium. 

Saint Leo University launching lecture series

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute are launching a new outreach program designed for adult lifelong learners in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Topics for the lecture series will span a range of interesting subjects, including a look at the 2024 presidential election and Florida results, biblical scholarship, science fiction and pop culture, and writing your own story.

The public is invited to a free open house that will introduce the upcoming lecture series by Saint Leo University faculty members in 2025.

The open house will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. The center is located on the west side of campus, behind Benedictine Hall on the banks of Lake Jovita.

Registration for the open house is free. Guests should register by calling Charise Dixie at 813-974-5848.

The open house will feature brief overviews of each of the upcoming lectures by the faculty presenters and a keynote speech by Heather Parker, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are a network of university-based programs that offer non-credit courses and learning opportunities for people 50 and older.

 

Quick Hits

• Rowdie Maloney, of Lutz, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at The University of Tampa. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. 
• Maisha Talia Epps, of Odessa, is one of over 3,200 candidates to be recognized in the University of Georgia’s Class of 2024 fall Commencement ceremonies held this week. Epps is a candidate for MS Marine Sciences.

 

Hebrew Academy students organize Fall Festival

TAMPA – Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay hosted its annual Fall Festival on Nov. 26. 

The school-wide event was organized by upper elementary and middle school students. 

These student mentors created booths for the younger students featuring fun game booths, exciting prizes and lively outdoor music. 

The academy also enjoyed a festive Thanksgiving meal, with each class contributing a delicious dish to share.

 

Castor announces nominations to military academies

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced 26 Tampa Bay-area students who received nominations for admission into America’s prestigious military academies. 

Student leaders hail from more than 10 high schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

“Their interest in serving our country brings great pride to our patriotic Tampa Bay community,” Castor said. “I’m grateful for the service of my nomination committee, which thoroughly reviews every application and interviews interested students. I am confident that this year’s nominees will represent the Tampa Bay Area and our nation well in their future endeavors.”

Receiving a nomination to one of our nation’s military academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment to the academies. Nominations are earned based on interviews, academic record, extracurricular activities and leadership qualities. 

Students nominated for Air Force Academy (USAFA), Naval Academy (USNA), West Point (USMA) and the Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) include:

• Quenten Erikson, T.R. Robinson High School – USAFA and USMA
• Danielle Donis, Air Force Academy Preparatory School – USAFA 
• Roman Lermer, Jesuit High School – USAFA 
• Desmond Nunez, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• James Riley, Lake Braddock Secondary School – USNA and USAFA 
• Jessica Grasso, St. Petersburg High School – USAFA and USMA 
• Noelle Sizemore, T.R. Robinson High School – USNA and USAFA
• Jocelyn Sheppard, Shorecrest Preparatory School – USMA
• William Cadden, H.B. Plant High School – USAFA and USMA
• Hannah Hankerson, Berkeley Preparatory School – USMA
• Xavier Terrell, Lakewood High School – USMA
• Berlin Stanton, Canterbury School of Florida – USMA
• Jada James, Academy of the Holy Names – USNA and USMA
• Trace Benn, Jesuit High School – USMA
• Rico Gordon-Dones, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Carmen Rivera, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Cyrus Lovell, H.B. Plant High School – USNA
• Isabella Valerio, Admiral Farragut Academy – USNA and USMA
• William Baker, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Elijah Chames R., Berkeley Preparatory School – USNA
• Joseph Delucia Jr., – Jesuit High School – USMA
• Carter Ford, Shorecrest Preparatory School – USMMA
• Ava Booker, T. R. Robinson High School – USNA and USMMA
• John McGivern, Tampa Preparatory School – USNA and USMMA
• Dioz Cruz, Matanzas High School – USMMA
• Noah Deane, Jefferson High School – USMMA

 

Quick Hits

• Kevin Cravens of Lutz, graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida, on Sept. 27. 

Legg takes oath of superintendent 

PASCO COUNTY – John Legg was sworn in Nov. 19 as superintendent of Pasco County Schools. 

With a focus on student success, innovation and community partnership, Legg is excited to work with staff to serve the educational needs of families.

“I am honored to work alongside this incredible group of leaders,” Legg said. “Their experience and dedication to our community will be invaluable as we build a future centered on student success, both in the classroom and in life.”

Legg appointed Betsy Kuhn as deputy superintendent as well as established a Community Conversation Group composed of community leaders. 

The group will meet over the coming months, offering perspectives on educational priorities to ensure a high-quality education for all Pasco students. 

Members of the group include:

• Allen Altman, former school board member.
• Mark Barry, The ARC Nature Coast.
• Stacey Anne Capogrosso, Pasco Education Foundation.
• Jim Ciadella, retired United School Employees of Pasco member.
• Bill Cronin, Pasco Economic Development Council.
• Curtis Delaquil, ACE Mentoring Program.
• Dawn Enright, parent involvement coordinator.
• Daniel Farra, Family First Council.
• Leanne John, 2024 Teacher of the Year.
• Hope Kennedy, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
• Chris Letsos, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Sean McGarvey, Pasco County Library System.
• Lindsay Moore, Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
• Mike Moore, Grace Family Church.
• Denise Nicholas, Pasco County PTA Advocates.
• Ray Polk, Academy of the Farm.
• Daniel Powell, Pasco-Hernando State College.
• Maria Reza, BayCare Health System.
• Jerome Salatino, Career Source Pasco Hernando.
• Eugene Scott, African American Club.
• Sally Seymour, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.
• Catalina Vasquez, Moffitt Cancer Center.
• MollyAnn Zimmerman, Home School/Florida Realtors/Bridging Freedom.

 

School board appoints leadership 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County School Board appointed District 3 representative Cynthia Armstrong as chair and District 2 member Colleen Beaudoin as vice chair during the Nov. 19 meeting. 

District 5 rep Megan Harding has chaired the board for the past two years. 

“Before I had the gavel over, I just wanted to take a moment to thank my peers for allowing me to serve in this capacity for two years,” Harding said. “I believe in the last two years we have accomplished so much for our students.” 

School board members also received their committee assignments for 2025. They are as follows: 

• District 1 – Al Hernandez – Government Relations, Pasco Education Foundation Board, Construction Management Evaluation.
• District 2 – Colleen Beaudoin – District Vision & Success Plan, Student Progression Plan/Student Code of Conduct, Early Childhood Programs – Police Council, Community Engagement Taskforce and Salary Referendum Oversight. 
• District 3 – Cynthia Armstrong – District Insurance, Architect Selection, Property Value Adjustment Board and Investment Oversight.
• District 4 – Jessica Wright – Health & Wellness Initiatives, Wellness Policy Council and Large Capital Project Review Team
• District 5 – Megan Harding – Career Education Board, Charter School Task Force, Pasco Pathways and School Site Selection Advisory.

Alternate positions are not included in this list. 

 

First Christian Academy student wins essay contest

PASCO COUNTY – Olivia Adams, of First Christian Academy in New Port Richey, won the 12th annual Clerk & Comptroller Essay Contest.

The contest tasked fifth-graders with answering the question: Why is the Constitution important?

Olivia wrote that the Constitution is important because of freedom, rights and the three branches of government. Her favorite rights are speech and religion. 

“I think it’s wonderful I can talk about Jesus without breaking a law,” she wrote. “The Consitution ensures that I’ll never have to hide my prayers.”

She also wrote how the Constitution protects our rights from government control, mentioning how amendments allowed women to have the same rights as men. 

“This is important because girls have dreams, too,” Olvia wrote. 

She won $100 for earning first place. 

“This year we had 117 entries – more than any year since I have been in office,” said Nikki Alvarez-Soules, clerk  and comptroller for Pasco County. 

Students from Kirkland Ranch K-8 and Wesley Chapel Elementary School came in second and third. 

 

Iarussi leads Shady Hills Elementary

SPRING HILL – Trish Iarussi recently took over as principal of Shady Hills Elementary School.

Iarussi has worked 21 of her 22 years in education at Pasco County Schools, according to Kimberly Poe, assistant superintendent of elementary schools. Her first job in the district was as an ESC teacher at Shady Hills.

She has served as assistant principal for Gulf Trace, Hudson, Richey and Fox Hollow elementary schools. 

“Her goal there is to continue leading and supporting the dedicated and passionate staff, students and families in their successful endeavors,” Poe said. “Trish is looking forward to the opportunity to serve Shady Hills and to continue impacting positively that student achievement.”

 

Education foundation raises $405K for hurricane relief

LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco Education Foundation has raised $405,000 to support recovery relief for students and employees in Pasco County Schools, according to President Stacey Capogrosso.

Capogrosso said the funding has helped staff recover and build from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, ensuring they can focus on the work they do for schools.

“These efforts are already making a significant impact,” Capogrosso said. “We’ve used the funds to directly assist our schools, teachers, support staff and students.”

She credited supporters, such as the Community Foundation, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Duke Energy, Volunteer Florida, Helios Education Foundation, Lightning Foundation, Premier 1000, Suncoast Credit Union and individual donors. 

“This outpouring of generosity reminds us of the incredible strength we have when we unite for a common cause,” Capogrosso said. 

PHSC leaders speak at national conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College leaders attended the 2024 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Conference from Oct. 23 to 26 in Seattle, Washington. 

The conference welcomed nearly 2,000 leaders from community colleges, government agencies, philanthropic entities and other organizations.

PHSC President Jesse Pisors was joined by PHSC District Board of Trustees members Lee Maggard, Nicole Newlon and John Allocco Jr., along with student representative Krista Knowles, to attend and speak at the conference. Pisors, Maggard and Newlon spoke at the conference during a breakout session. Their presentation focused on the process of searching, selecting and onboarding a new college president, a familiar topic for PHSC with the onboarding of Pisors as PHSC’s fifth president in February 2024.  

“This was a great opportunity to represent PHSC at this major national conference and to present on a topic that is important to college trustees from across the country,” said Pisors.

 

College opens $4.9M fire training facility

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College opened a five-story fire training tower Nov. 18 at its East Campus.

The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment all spanning over a four-acre site. The $4.9 million project is set to not only be a resource for students in training, but also for local and state fire departments.

“PHSC strives to stay on the cutting edge, in terms of the preparation we provide our students,” PHSC President Jesse Pisors said. “This fire training tower means that the students who go through our fire science program will emerge better prepared for the realities they will face in their work. In addition to serving our students, this facility will allow us to provide ongoing training for professionals from across the state.”
The tower was developed and constructed by Skanska. The tower measures 4,280 square feet and 50 feet in height.

 

Principal appointed to Skybrooke K8 School

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools has appointed Michele Boylan as principal of Skybrooke K-8, which will open in August 2025 in Lutz.

Boylan has worked the past four years as principal at Bexley Elementary school in Land O’ Lakes. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Chasco Elementary School in Port Richey.

“Between both schools, she has learned so much about growing teachers, connecting with students and bringing in parents in the community as partners,” said Cortney Gantt, assistant superintendent for elementary schools. 

Boylan started working in Pasco County as a dropout prevention teacher in 1997 at Hudson Elementary School. 

 

School hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

DADE CITY – Pasco County Schools welcomed the community to a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Nov. 9 at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School. 

The event, initially postponed due to recent hurricanes, celebrated Hispanic and Latino heritage with food, vendors and activities. It was a partnership with Premier Community Healthcare and the Hernando Hispanic Heritage Network.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, acknowledges the contributions and cultural impact of Hispanic and Latino communities. 

In August, Pasco County Schools honored this observance with a proclamation from the school board, followed by a countywide resolution from the Pasco County commissioners in September.

 

Jingle Bell Dash coming to Catholic school

SPRING HILL – Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will use proceeds from its Jingle Bell Dash 5K Run Walk to support its athletic running program.

Participants will run or walk through the campus, 13651 Hays Road. The event starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 14. Shirts go to the first 200 registered participants (excluding ages 0-9). 

Registration costs $30 for adults, $15 for ages 10-17 and free for 0-9.

Email for details. 

 

Hillsborough Education Foundation expands SCOPE Initiative

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation announced the expansion of the Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration to Spoto High School.

This will mark the third SCOPE site in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Foundation President and CEO Anna Corman envisions ongoing expansion for the college and career readiness initiative, with a goal of establishing six fully operational SCOPE centers by 2026. 

“SCOPE has proven to be a valuable resource for students navigating the complex journey toward college and career readiness,” Corman said. “Our students at King and Brandon high schools have shown tremendous growth and engagement through SCOPE, and we are excited to bring these resources to Spoto High School.”

Thanks to funding from The Mosaic Company and Tampa Electric Company, Spoto High School students will now have access to personalized support to prepare for their postsecondary journeys. 

The SCOPE program offers resources such as one-on-one college and career planning, assistance with admissions and financial aid applications, and guidance on technical college and trade school pathways.

 

Pasco County Schools promotes staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools approved multiple promotions during the Nov. 5 school board meeting. 

Promotions included: 

• Janice Cook, an intervention specialist, was promoted to assistant principal at Fox Hollow Elementary School. 
• Jaclyn Adamson went from a teacher literacy role to a voluntary prekindergarten coordinator for Early Childhood Programs.
• Lisa Cavalieri has been promoted from a professional standard investigator to a supervisor in the employee relations department. 

 

Expo offers look at school choice options

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools planned to inform families about the upcoming school choice application window and highlight available programs via the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice Expo.

The expo spans two days: 

• Nov. 12, 5 to 8 p.m., at Gulf High School, 5085 Madison St., New Port Richey. 
• Nov 14, 5 to 8 p.m., at Cypress Creek High School, 8701 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel.

The expos will feature informational sessions that cover the general application process for new student enrollment and school choice. 

In addition, many of Pasco County’s schools will showcase their unique educational options like STEM and STEAM magnets, Cambridge Programme, International Baccalaureate, Career Pathways and more. 

Attendees will also have the chance to learn about Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch K-8, Skybrooke K-8 and early childhood programs.

The school choice application window will run from Jan. 8 to 21  for all schools and grade levels.

Visit pasco.k12.fl.us/expo to see all the schools attending, register for a session or access frequently asked questions.

 

District recognizes top staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized several staff member with annual awards.

• Mike Baumaister won District Administrator of the Year.
• Josh Borders, of R.B. Stewart Middle School, won Principal of the Year. 
• Joel Quina, of J.W. Mitchell High School, earned Assistant Principal of the Year honors.
• Matt Fox, of Mary Giella Elementary School, won NNB (noninstructional, nonbargaining) of the Year.
• Lindsey Pahlck, of Connerton Elementary School, earned SRP (school related personnel) of the Year honors.
• Addie Ogden (Double Branch Elementary School), Tabatha Whaley (Cypress Creek Middle School) and Elizabeth Skoglund (Land O’ Lakes High School) were named finalists for Teacher of the Year. 

 

Quick Hits

• Principal Jeff Morgenstein welcomed Pasco County Schools officials and the community to a dedication of the new Gulf High School on Nov. 4.
• Pasco County Schools appointed Michele Boylan as principal of Skybrooke K8.

 

Districts receive grants for STEM activities

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $108,937 in grants to 51 educators within the district as part of the Splash! school grant program. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.

Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. Each school district allocates a portion of their annual youth education funding provided by the district to support the Splash! grants in their county.

The district awarded grants to the following schools/teachers in Pasco County:

• Achieve Center at Wesley Chapel – Meghan Butler
• Dayspring Academy – Chris Anzalone 
• East Pasco Education Academy – Jose H. Olmo 
• J. W. Mitchell High School – Dennis Koslin 
• Moon Lake Elementary School – Amy Craver 
• Shady Hills Elementary School – Margaret Higgins 
• West Pasco Education Academy – Shamsher Lamba 

Grants are available to support water education programs and activities that are focused on water cycle basics, freshwater or estuarian ecosystems, water quality and water conservation. 

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants.

 

College breaking in Workforce Development Center

SPRING HILL – Pasco-Hernando State College was scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of its Workforce Development Center on Oct. 30 at Gowers Corner.

The celebration was rescheduled to Oct. 30 due to Hurricane Milton. The center is at 18950 Michigan Lane.

The Workforce Development Program touches on a wide variety of skills and knowledge, providing students with opportunities to further their professional careers and goals. 

“Our goal is to give the students the knowledge, job experience and skills that they can use for the rest of their lives,” said Sean Kessler, instructor for the construction technician apprenticeship program. “If we’ve given them this foundation to build themselves up on, then we’ve done our job.”

President Jesse Pisors said the center illustrates a trend in colleges and industry partners working closely together to prepare people for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. 

On the web: phsc.edu

 

Student achievements

• Mykayla Christine King, of Lutz, is one of 387 Mars Hill University students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the spring 2024 semester. Students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

 

School collects donations for Tampa Hope 

LAKELAND – Students, faculty and families of St. Anthony Catholic School donated items, such as pet food, baby items and personal hygiene items, to Tampa Hope to benefit people in the community who have suffered losses during Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Sarah Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher, spearheaded the collection after hearing about the difficulties in Tampa Bay following the hurricanes.

“It weighed on my heart,” Fowler said. 

Tampa Hope is a shelter operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Saint Petersburg serving up to 234 homeless adults with plans to expand to 335. 

 

PHSC to host financial recovery workshop

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College will host a financial recovery workshop to connect students and the community to resources after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The workshop takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The Copeland Team sponsors the event, which is open to the public and free with lunch provided.

Visit phsc.edu/about/events/campus/community-awareness-series-financial-fitness for event and registration details. 

The workshop will explain steps to work toward financial wellness as well as community resources and agencies to assist families.

Originally, the event was intended as a Financial Fitness workshop; however, the focus shifted in the best interest of the community. A Financial Fitness workshop for spring 2025 will be announced soon.

“For PHSC, our community partnerships are essential in our service to students and each other,” said Davina Jones, provost of the Porter Campus. “Natural occurrences, like hurricanes, have a way of reminding us that we are in this together.”

 

Pasco schools approved to operate afterschool meals 

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools announced the approval of 64 schools for participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program. 

The Afterschool Meals Program is designed primarily to provide nutritious meals to children participating in afterschool programs on campus. 

Approved schools hosting programs and activities (including PLACE) after school hours will have the ability to provide meals for the 2024-25 school year. 

Parents should contact the coordinator of the program their child is participating in to determine if meals will be provided.  

The following schools, grouped by city, have been approved to participate in the program:

• Dade City: Centennial Elementary School, Centennial Middle School, East Pasco Education Academy, Lacoochee Elementary School, Pasco Elementary School, Pasco High School, Pasco Middle School, R.B. Cox Elementary and San Antonio Elementary. 
• Holiday: Anclote High School, Gulf Trace Elementary School, Gulfside Elementary School, Paul R. Smith Middle School and Sunray Elementary School. 
• Hudson: Fivay High School, Hudson High School, Hudson Middle School, Hudson Primary Academy and West Pasco Education Academy.
• Land O’ Lakes: Connerton Elementary School, Lake Myrtle Elementary School and Pineview Elementary School.
• Lutz: Denham Oaks Elementary School.
• New Port Richey: Anclote Elementary School, Athenian Academy, Bayonet Point Middle School, Calusa Elementary School, Cotee River Elementary School, Cypress Elementary School, Deer Park Elementary School, Gulf High School, Gulf Middle School, James M. Marlowe Elementary School, Longleaf Elementary School, Mittye P. Locke Elementary School, Moon Lake Elementary School, Pepin Academy, Plato Academy, Richey Elementary School, River Ridge Middle/High School, Schrader Elementary School, Seven Springs Elementary School and Wendell Krinn Technical High School.
• Port Richey: Chasco Elementary School, Chasco Middle School, Dayspring Academy (Elementary), Dayspring Jazz, Fox Hollow Elementary School and Gulf Highlands Elementary and Learning Lodge.
• Shady Hills: Shady Hills Elementary School.
• Spring Hill: Classical Preparatory School, Crews Lake Middle School and Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School.
• Wesley Chapel: New River Elementary School, Quail Hollow Elementary School, Veterans Elementary School and Watergrass Elementary School.
• Zephyrhills: Chester Taylor Elementary School, R.B. Stewart Middle School, West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School and Zephyrhills High School.

 

Student Achievements

• Chad Cooper of Lutz, has earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 

 

SAINT PETERSBURG – The Diocese of Saint Petersburg offices sustained damage as high winds caused windows to shatter. 

The area surrounding the offices also suffered damage such as home and business flooding, trees down and property damage. 

Here are some of the initial reports of damage: 

• St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Church in the Town and Country area sustained flooding and the property was not reachable Oct. 10.
• The St. James Chapel at the Bethany Retreat Center, in Lutz flooded. The surrounding lakes overflowed onto the grounds and parking lot. There are many trees down and one has landed on the Youth Center.
• St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Spring Hill had damage to the church, including roof leaks.
• St. Anthony Catholic Church in San Antonio had roof leaks and debris damage.
• St Jerome Catholic Church in Largo had considerable roof damage including lost shingles and various roof leaks.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg implemented an Employee Assistance Reimbursement Program to help employees recoup some disaster related costs related to Hurricane Helene. This will be a resource for Hurricane Milton survivors.

On the web: dosp.org/stormupdates