The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Making a pact to act

By

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2.

But Land O’ Lakes High International Baccalaureate students Sydney Crenshaw and Sajni Shah have been raising awareness about autism throughout the school year.

Land O’ Lakes High International Baccalaureate students Sydney Crenshaw, left, and Sajni Shah started Action For Autism, a yearlong project aimed at increasing awareness regarding those on the autism spectrum or with special needs, as well as raising money for Special Olympics. (Mike Camunas)

They began their project, Action For Autism, as members of the school club HOSA – Future Health Professionals, which is an international competition based on medicine and health care related topics.

The duo is competing in the Community Awareness Division, which means they set forth to educate the community on a topic of their choice. They chose Autism Spectrum Disorder because they are passionate about embracing neurodiversity and contributing to the awareness of this “disorder” that still comes with a stigma.

“In my experience, when I meet autistic people or children, I treat them like anyone else, but that’s not always the case,” said Crenshaw, who is a junior. “It’s not a visible condition, so most people don’t even know this person has autism because they can act in a variety of ways when they’re on the spectrum.

“Not a lot of people show they have autism, and we’ve seen that a lot, but autism isn’t something you should treat differently,” Crenshaw added. “Autistic people are people.”

Shah says people on the autism spectrum should have the same chances and opportunities as their “neurotypical counterparts.”

That’s why Shah is working to increase awareness about autism.

“A lot of people with autism don’t receive accommodations they need to thrive in society the way you or I might,” said Shah, who is a senior. “That’s frustrating to see because they are very smart people.

“I hope to make these kids feel seen and important and raise awareness that autism is not a stigma and never has to be,” she added. “These kids, given the same chances and opportunities, can be productive and live great lives.”

Sajni Shah and camper Layla Gile make tie-dyed shirts at Dream Oaks Camp in Bradenton. (Courtesy of Sydney Crenshaw)

So far, the students, through Action For Autism, have organized multiple events, interviewed an autistic person and occupational therapist for their YouTube channel, and received $600 in grant money. Using that money, they created other fundraisers, such as selling Autism Awareness bracelets and bags, as well as created posters and fliers with autism facts and hung them around the school and community.

They also have worked with the Light The Torch Campaign, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics.

“Mainly speaking of autism, I’ve seen how it affects children, and adults, in all very different ways,” Shah said. “There is not one way it affects people, so we just want to understand the patterns and more about it, that way if more people are aware and understanding, then people will understand autism better.”

Both students work with several organizations that help with special needs people, including Special Olympics and Council for Exceptional Children.

Shah also worked at Dream Oaks Camp in Bradenton, which works with children with special needs and chronic illnesses from the ages of 7 to 17.

“Working at Dream Oaks Camp inspired me to work with more people with special needs and autism,” Shah said. “What started as a part-time job grew into a project and something more that I want to continue to do.”

Dr. Louis Florence, the teacher who oversees the HOSA club, isn’t overly familiar with the duo’s project or its specifics — there’s 108 members in HOSA and Florence’s job is just to manage the kids and be as hands-off as possible — but he does know that students such as Crenshaw and Shah will bring their very best to their projects.

“We’re talking about some of the smartest people around that are interested in working or serving in the medical field,” Florence said. “They’re really self-starters, which is amazing, and they’re students who are excited about the medical field, but can become anything, from doctors to other health care professionals.”

Crenshaw and Shah’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“Sanji is awesome and the vice president of the group,” Florence said. “Sydney is awesome, too. Two very high-quality individuals that already have the drive to go out and make a difference in the medical field, and in this case, helping autism awareness.

“These two are great, shining examples of the type of kids who join this club and love to see all the work they do for their yearlong projects.”

Plus, the students’ devotion to autism awareness is prodigious.

“I know just how much I love these kids — they’re so much fun,” Crenshaw said. “I personally do it because autistic people are still people — I’ve said that a lot, but it’s true!”

Action For Autism
Details: Land O’ Lakes High International Baccalaureate students Sydney Crenshaw and Sajni Shah created this program as part of an international competition through the school club, HOSA – Future Health Professionals. The students chose to educate the community on the topic of autism spectrum disorder. They are passionate about embracing neurodiversity and contributing to the awareness of autism. Their campaign included organizing multiple events, interviewing an autistic person and occupational therapist for their YouTube channel, receiving $600 in grant money and raising additional money for the Special Olympics.
To donate, email or Venmo @sajni_shah12.
For more information or to follow Action for Autism on social media, visit https://linktr.ee/actionforautism.

Published March 29, 2023

Chalk Talk 03/29/2023

By

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens honored
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized 10 students as Student Citizens of the Month for March. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Students receiving recognition were: Blake Wable, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Hayla Cowart, The Broach School; Amelia Baer, The Broach School Elementary Campus; Sofia Munoz, Taylor Elementary School; Sophia Moretta, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Isabella Payne, Heritage Academy; Ayden Morel, Stewart Middle; Jackson Gonzalez, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Luciana Cappello, Woodland Elementary; and Aiden Macumber, Zephyrhills High.

Campus celebration
Pasco-Hernando State College will host a free Spring Hill Campus Anniversary Celebration on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 450 Beverly Court in Spring Hill, in recognition of PHSC’s 50th anniversary and Earth Day and Sustainability Month. Guests also can visit a student art exhibit that focuses on sustainability at the Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center. To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/4yjzbef4.

Financial Literacy Month
April is Financial Literacy Month and Pasco County Schools again will offer a Financial Literacy Experience that will include:

  • An in-person learning opportunity for staff, students and the community through the USF Stavros Center
  • A comprehensive website with resources and webinars for students, staff and the community on financial literacy and financial planning
  • Partnerships with local banks and Everfi to offer in-person and virtual lessons in schools

For information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll_documents/financial-literacy-month.

One-Act Plays
Saint Leo University’s theater program will present “Menagerie” on March 30 and April 1 at 7 p.m., and on April 1 and April 2 at 3 p.m. The performance consists of three one-act plays written, directed, staged and performed by the school’s seniors who will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater, along with other Saint Leo students.

The show will be in the Black Box Theatre in Benedictine Hall, on the west side of University Campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo.

Advance tickets are $5 online and $6 on the day of the performance if seats are available. To purchase tickets, visit OnTheStage.tickets/show/saint-leo-university, and click on “Our Season.”

Paws to Read
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Paws to Read at the Ranch” on April 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants can practice their reading skills by reading aloud to one of the furry friends from Sharing Our World Therapy Dogs. Bring your own book, or stop by early and check out something from the library. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.

Easter breakfast
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 State Road 52 in Dade City, will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg Hunt, games and a petting zoo area for children ages 12 and younger, who will receive an Easter bag. The pre-purchase ticket price is $10 per person. Free cinnamon rolls to the first 50 people who register. For information and to register,  visit tinyurl.com/4ek3a4n3.

Woman’s club scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will award $5,000 Lutz Volunteer Firefighter Endowment scholarships to two Lutz resident students and three additional $2,000 awards, for a total of $16,000 in scholarship grants. The club is accepting applications from high school seniors with a Lutz or Land O’ Lakes home address. Applications can be found online at GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org. The deadline to submit is April 3. For questions, email Lucy Albury at .

‘Crack the Spine’
Join the staff of the Sandhill Review and the Department of Language Studies and the Arts as they “Crack the Spine” on the 2023 issue of Saint Leo University’s literary magazine on April 5, at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52, in St. Leo, in the Black Box Theatre in Benedictine Hall.

The event will include mingling and frivolity at 6 p.m., with readings from the new issue themed “The Unfamiliar” at 6:30 p.m.

Writers will read from their original works and artwork from the current online issue will be on display.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted in support of the Sandhill Review.

For information, contact Editor-in-Chief Gianna Russo at or 352-588-8282.

Reusable Art Contest
Hillsborough County Public Schools’ (HCPS) district energy program, powerED, is hosting its “Choose to Reuse” 2023 Reusable Art Contest. All kindergarten through 12th grade HCPS students can submit artwork, which can be created by individual artists or by a team of no more than two artists.

The deadline for submissions is April 7 at 4 p.m. Artwork must be submitted to , with the subject “Reusable Art Filename: (Artist Name/Names_Grade_School).”

For questions, contact your school’s Green Team lead, or email .

For information, visit Hillsborough County Public Schools on Facebook.

Celebrating educators
Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery, its iCare Foundation, and community partners are celebrating the I.R.I.S.H. (influential, reliable, impassioned, selfless, humble) in those who have an undeniable impact on youth.  The sixth annual iCare Foundation Cheers to Public Service Awards will reward 25 extraordinary local educators — teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas counties. Those chosen will receive $1,000 plus other gifts from friends of the program. For more information and to nominate someone, visit Irish31.com/cheers. The deadline is April 7.

Career & Tech Expo
Pasco County Schools will host a Beyond: Career & Tech Expo on April 18 at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson; and on April 20 at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, 9100 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel. These expos provide graduating seniors with real-world connections to businesses, post-secondary institutions, on-the-job training, employment and more. Seniors from neighboring schools can attend the expo closest to them. Students must register with their school’s career specialist by April 11 to attend.

Student recognitions
The Rosen Plaza Hotel recently hosted the statewide annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation Hospitality & Tourism Management Program (19th year) and ProStart Culinary Competition (22nd year). A total of 340 Florida high school students from 46 schools competed.

Florida is the only state to host a statewide competition for the hospitality and tourism program. Students in that program competed in categories including: Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project and the Knowledge Bowl. ProStart students competed in categories including: Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece and Waiter’s Relay.

Winners will advance to the national ProStart Invitational in Washington D.C., in May, which is hosted by the National Restaurant Association.

These area students were recognized:

  • Payton Miller, Steinbrenner High School, Lutz: Edible Centerpiece Competition, third place
  • Sophie Lopez, Amaya Pollack and Julissa Teran, Steinbrenner High: Waiter’s Relay Competition, fifth place

The Steinbrenner students were instructed by Cheryl White.

At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, students were awarded for their respective competition categories and received scholarships.

Parent Network
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual districtwide ESE/504 Parent Collaborative Network on April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting is to provide an opportunity to share new or important information and initiatives related to students with disabilities with an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan, and to present topics in parent-identified areas of need. This is not an individual student meeting. To attend, visit https://tinyurl.com/y3ts7xh8 and click on RSVP to indicate your intent to participate. For information and questions, email Jennifer Hykes at .

Living History Event
The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a Special Field Trip Day for its World War II Living History Event on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. Public, private and home-school students are welcome to attend. The field trip is not open to the public. Pre-registration is required at PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. Admission is $5 for students and chaperones. For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call 352-567-0262.

Awards of Excellence
Pasco-Hernando State College has selected its recipients of the 2023 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards.

Professor Rene Brioso, information technology; Jessica Hinds, associate director of curriculum support and education preparation institute; Assistant Professor Frank Mancuso, emergency medical programs; and Professor David Ratisher, information technology, will join the ranks of past distinguished award recipients and be recognized during NISOD’s annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, May 27 to May 30 in Austin, Texas.

NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

Recipients receive a specially cast pewter medallion hung on a burnt-orange ribbon. The names, titles, and colleges of all award recipients are included in a special booklet that features congratulatory ads from many of the recipients’ colleges.

In addition, presentations at the conference involving Excellence Award recipients are indicated in the Conference Program with a special icon.

Pasco ponders new rules on cellphone use in schools

By

The Pasco County School Board is expected to decide soon on how and when cellphones can be used on school campuses.

Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Megan Harding has requested a workshop on the issue, which Superintendent Kurt Browning said will occur.

The issue came up at the school board’s March 7 meeting.

How will Pasco County Schools handle the future use of cellphones on district campuses? The school board is set to discuss the issue in April. (Mike Camunas)

In requesting the workshop, Harding noted: “I  think it’s a really important topic that revolves around students’ mental health and behaviors that are occurring within the classroom. And, I’d really like to have that discussion with my peers, if you all are willing.”

School board member Al Hernandez responded: “Absolutely.”

Browning said the district is scheduling a workshop in the second week of April.

“We’ve been working on this issue the last few weeks, in earnest. We will have the data available,” Browning said.

Any changes in the district would take effect next school year, the superintendent said.

Harding said she hopes families will weigh in on the issue.

Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, said the district established a Thought Exchange on the topic, reaching out directly to parents, teachers and students seeking their engagement on the issue.

“We’ve had thousands, thousands of responses,” Hegarty said.

Browning discussed the issue in a video that accompanied the Thought Exchange.

He said cellphones are common on school campuses, and have both advantages and disadvantages.

While they can be useful for legitimate academic purposes, when used irresponsibly, they can be a distraction, can be destructive and can be used to amplify and spread threats and rumors, Browning said in the video.

“So, how can we manage the use of cellphones in our schools?” Browning asked.

“How do we promote the appropriate uses, while reducing inappropriate uses and mitigating the harmful effects?”

Browning acknowledged: “There’s no way to put the Genie back into the bottle. Cellphones are here to stay. They’re part of our daily life.”

Plus, he added: “Florida law says students may have cellphones at school.”

At the same time, state law allows districts to adopt rules “about how and when students use wireless devices at school,” Browning said.

“So, the question is this: What kind of rules can we adopt, rules that are both effective and realistic,” Browning continued.

“In this Thought Exchange, we’re seeking your thoughts, concerns and suggestions about how your school and the district, in general, should handle the use of cellphones and other wireless devices at school,” the superintendent said.

The issue has sparked considerable interest, with 8,930 participating in the exchange.

Those commenting shared an array of suggestions and opinions.

Here’s a sampling:

  • “I don’t think students should be allowed to film others or make TikToks at school. Children are being humiliated and exploited on social media. School is already hard enough. Then when students post videos of others (fights), now they’ve opened it up to the world to bully them. It’s not right.”
  • “With the ongoing threats schools are constantly getting and controlled campuses or lockdowns that are occurring, students need access to their phones.”
  • “In the event of an emergency, I want my children to be able to reach me.”
  • “My child needs her phone because she walks to school and home from school.”
  • “Social media should be blocked during the school day. It’s a huge distraction.”
  • “No social media. Tech is valuable but needs to be focused.
  • “No interruptions from cellphones during teaching.”

Others suggested that cellphones be kept in backpacks or wall organizers during class and that cellphone use be limited to non-instructional time.

The need for cellphone access for children who have health issues was noted, too.

Overall, the tenor of the comments seemed to suggest that Thought Exchange participants want the district to strike a balance between allowing the legitimate use of cellphones, while imposing rules intended to reduce distractions caused by cellphones, as well as disruptive and harmful use of the devices.

Published March 22, 2023

Teachers bring dream to life at Montessori school in Dade City

By

Kameeka Shirley and LaTania Scott were chatting over lunch one day when the teachers came to a realization that changed their lives.

“We were just talking about what we wanted for our children and what we wanted for ourselves,” Scott said.

Scott told Shirley: “I want to start a school.”

Shirley responded: “Me, too.”

“That’s literally how it started,” Scott said.

Kameeka Shirley, left and LaTania Scott, are co-founders of Blazing Stars Montessori School in Dade City. Both women are entirely sold on the educational approach and wanted to bring it to Dade City. (B.C. Manion)

At the time, they were teachers at a public Montessori charter school.

Now, they are running Blazing Stars Montessori School, at 12212 Fort King Road, in Dade City.

The school, which opened on Jan. 9, operates out of a 2,400-square-foot building that was previously occupied by a daycare.

It now serves 10 children, including two in after-care. The school continues to enroll students for this year and has begun accepting applications for the coming school year.

The school is affiliated with Wildflower Schools, a network established in Massachusetts, which helps teachers found and run micro-schools.

Blazing Stars is one of two Wildflower Schools in Florida, but there are hubs in other parts of the country, as well, Shirley said.

At the moment they are part of a hub made up of schools which don’t have any other Wildflower Schools nearby. But once more spring up in the area, they’ll form their own hub.

Scott noted: “Wildflower Schools are schools started by teachers, ran by teachers. So we are the admin, sometimes the cleaning crew. We are also the teachers, and our children attend.”

Blazing Stars’ enrollment includes Shirley’s 4-year-old son Kaden, and Scott’s 6-year-old son Maxwell and 4-year-old son Clayton.

The teachers wanted to launch the school for their personal happiness and for the happiness of their children, they said.

Both teachers are totally sold on the value of the Montessori approach to learning.

“I am just a pure Montessorian. I have never taught anything but Montessori,” said Scott, who has taught using that approach for 18 years. She also trains other teachers in the Montessori method.

Blazing Stars Montessori School is a private school that has brought the Montessori method of education to Dade City.

She’s excited about teaching in a small setting.

“I’m looking forward to being able to do Montessori, without any of the red-tape,” Scott said.

Shirley noted: “We will only ever be a two-classroom school.”

The school’s capacity if 47, and if it ever adds a higher level,  it would branch off to another location.

The idea is to keep the numbers low enough to provide a highly personalized education.

Blazing Stars begins working with children at age 3, but Shirley emphasized it is a school, not a daycare.

Its primary level serves children ages 3 through 6 and its lower elementary level serves children in ages 6 through 9.

Montessori instruction is not like a traditional school.

In a traditional setting, children sit at desks. At Blazing Stars, they move around, from room to room, picking up physical objects to help them understand abstract concepts.

The same materials can be used at various stages of learning, to build on understanding and help convey different lessons.

The hands-on approach provides a sensorial-based experience.

For instance, when a child is learning the difference between short and long, he can see and touch materials of different lengths.

Strings of beads, which can be easily counted, are used to teach mathematics.

The level of sophistication changes, as children progress through the system.

Cheyenne Chandler works with her child, Elliana, during a recent visit at Blazing Stars Montessori School, in Dade City. (Courtesy of Roda Routes Photography)

It’s a system of education that allows children who learn quickly to advance, while granting more time for students who need it.

“Montessori is the place where no child is left behind because every child works at their (own) pace,” Scott said.

Besides doing work indoors, the teachers think the children benefit from being out in nature and plan to use a sensory garden to help them learn.

Shirley said the lessons go beyond mere academics.

“We want to build an intentionally diverse community. We want students to know how to interact with many different kinds of people, with different ideas. 

“How do you respectfully disagree? How do you advocate for your needs, in a way that others can understand?”

“We want children to learn how to graciously be a part of our community,” Shirley said.

Scott emphasized the importance of being connected to the community.

“We want everybody to understand that we are part of the community and we want the community to be part of what we are doing here to help grow our children,” she said.

Montessori typically has been associated with high-income families, but both Shirley and Scott said Blazing Stars intends to help families who are interested in having their children enroll in the school, to explore all of their options.

They don’t want families to foreclose on the possibility of this type of education.

“Our equity principle is very important to us, that we make Montessori accessible to all families,” Shirley said.

Scott put it this way: “Montessori is not for the elite. It’s for everyone. It’s not just for those that can afford it.”

Learn more about Blazing Stars Montessori School
Open House: March 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Information Session: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: 12212 Fort King Road, in Dade City

Published March 22, 2023

 

Pasco County Schools recognizes Medal of Honor recipients

By

The Pasco County School Board took a moment from its March 7 meeting to honor the men and women recipients of the nation’s Medal of Honor.

State law designates March 25 as Medal of Honor Day, and required instruction on that day is intended to encourage patriotism and to make students aware of the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in protecting democracy, according to a proclamation adopted by the school board.

Medal of Honor recipients are recognized for rising above the call of duty “at the risk of grave injury and loss of life,” the proclamation adds.

These “fearless service members distinguished themselves as heroes in the eyes of their comrades through their bravery and self-sacrifice,” according to the proclamation.

The U.S. Congress established the Medal of Honor in 1862, “as the highest award to be given to the country’s military forces in recognition of their incredible valor during armed conflict,” the proclamation says.

Before reading it, school board member Colleen Beaudoin addressed board members and others attending or watching the meeting.

“This really is more than a proclamation. This district is very committed to this,” Beaudoin said, noting she’s attending training on the topic with staff and teachers.

Teachers create lesson plans relating to the day, Beaudoin said.

Schools also have welcomed Medal of Honor recipients, who have come to speak at many schools over the years, the board member said.

Published March 22, 2023

Chalk Talk 03/22/2023

By

From left: One Community Now’s Patti Templeton; Brandie Grizzel, St. Vincent DePaul CARES; Saint
Leo student Reese Hathaway; and Saint Leo faculty member Khalilah Louis-Caines. Not pictured is Angie Bonfardino-Walesek, CEO of United Way of Hernando County. (Courtesy of Caroline Jorgensen, Saint Leo University)

Influential women honored
Saint Leo University’s second “Influential Women of Social Work” event on March 6 celebrated women who work in the field, community partners that aid those in need, and outstanding students who have chosen a career to serve others and advocate for change to make sure individuals have access to adequate food, housing and health care.

Those receiving recognition were:

  • Reese Hathaway — Social Work Student of the Year
  • Khalilah Louis-Caines — Social Work Educator of the Year
  • Angie Bonfardino-Walesek — Public Citizen Honoree Award
  • One Community Now — Rising to the Challenge Award
  • Brandie Grizzel — Social Work Trailblazer

Scholarships were awarded to these Bachelor of Social Work students:

  • Sylvia Chaney, Tampa
  • Karen Cummins, San Antonio
  • Yvenie Desrosiers, Lehigh Acres
  • Reese Hathaway, Shannock, Rhode Island
  • Magan Martinez, Apollo Beach
  • Brittany Pedraza, Spring Hill

Bounce Party benefit
The Union Park Charter Academy, 32775 Oldwoods Ave., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Pasco Kids Bounce Party on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to benefit the academy, hosted by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel. The event will include 16 inflatables for kids with obstacle courses, bounce houses, slides, games and more. Food also will be for sale.

The cost is $20 per child for a play-all-day wristband. Parents are free and must supervise their children and be present at all times. To buy tickets, visit Pasco Kids Bounce Party on Facebook.

For information, call 813-358-7306.

One-Act Plays
Saint Leo University’s theater program will present “Menagerie” on March 30 and April 1 at 7 p.m., and on April 1 and April 2 at 3 p.m. The performance consists of three one-act plays written, directed, staged and performed by the school’s seniors who will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater, along with other Saint Leo students.

The show will be in the Black Box Theatre in Benedictine Hall, on the west side of University Campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo.

Advance tickets are $5 online and $6 on the day of the performance if seats are available. To purchase tickets, visit OnTheStage.tickets/show/saint-leo-university, and click on “Our Season.”

Paws to Read
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Paws to Read at the Ranch” on April 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Participants can practice their reading skills by reading aloud to one of the furry friends from Sharing Our World Therapy Dogs. Bring your own book, or stop by early and check out something from the library.

Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.

Easter breakfast
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 State Road 52 in Dade City, will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg Hunt, games and a petting zoo area for children ages 12 and younger, who will receive an Easter bag.

The pre-purchase ticket price is $10 per person. Free cinnamon rolls to the first 50 people who register. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/4ek3a4n3.

Woman’s club scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will award $5,000 Lutz Volunteer Firefighter Endowment scholarships to two Lutz resident students and three additional $2,000 awards, for a total of $16,000 in scholarship grants.

The club is accepting applications from high school seniors with a Lutz or Land O’ Lakes home address. Applications can be found online at GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org. The deadline to submit is April 3.

For questions, email Lucy Albury at .

Reusable Art Contest
Hillsborough County Public Schools’ (HCPS) district energy program, powerED, is hosting its “Choose to Reuse” 2023 Reusable Art Contest. All kindergarten through 12th grade HCPS students can submit artwork, which can be created by individual artists or by a team of no more than two artists.

The deadline for submissions is April 7 at 4 p.m. Artwork must be submitted to , with the subject “Reusable Art Filename: (Artist Name/Names_Grade_School).”

For questions, contact your school’s Green Team lead, or email .

For information, visit Hillsborough County Public Schools on Facebook.

Celebrating educators
Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery, its iCare Foundation, and community partners are celebrating the I.R.I.S.H. (influential, reliable, impassioned, selfless, humble) in those who have an undeniable impact on youth.  The sixth annual iCare Foundation Cheers to Public Service Awards will reward 25 extraordinary local educators — teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas counties.

Those chosen will receive $1,000 plus other gifts from friends of the program.

For more information and to nominate someone, visit Irish31.com/cheers. The deadline is April 7.

R.B. Cox Elementary celebrates Black History and diversity

By

The faculty and staff at R.B. Cox Elementary celebrates diversity throughout the school year.

“Our population of the community we serve here is very diverse,” Principal Kimberly Natal said. “Most of our students are Hispanic and African American, so it’s important to the community and it’s important to celebrate that diversity we have here at R.B. Cox and our community we serve.

“So, through committees, we plan this every year — we have a Hispanic Heritage and Black History celebration every year.”

The school held a Black Heritage Celebration on March 3, complete with educational and entertaining performances, readings and presentations.

Angela Theodore, from Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, tells the story ‘Anansi Does the Impossible!’ on March 3 during Black Heritage Celebration at R.B. Cox Elementary in Dade City. Students, families and community members attended the event to watch presentations and performances about Black Heritage and to see part of the Rosewood Traveling Museum. (Mike Camunas)

It ended with a traditional soul food dinner. 

“We celebrate diversity a lot at this school,” said secretary Monica Russ, who heads up the Black History Month Committee at the school. “At R.B. Cox, this is one of the times we do that, where we invite everyone out to come join and celebrate and learn about Black history and diversity.

“And everyone is welcome.”

Faces in the crowd proved that people of all races came together for the celebration — a fact that pleased the R.B. Cox event organizers.

“We have Black families, Hispanic families, even some white families and part of our police department is here, too,” Russ said. “Anyone that just wants to come out and be a part of us and part of this community — and we’re very pleased with how it turned out. Whenever you can get parents in the doors with kids and they learn something, come together as a community and enjoy time together, we’ll take it.

“The free soul food was a great draw, too,” she said, with a laugh.

The Rosewood Traveling Museum was a new highlight this year.

The Black Heritage Celebration, on March 3 at R.B. Cox Elementary, attracted a diverse crowd to enjoy educational and entertaining performances, as well as a soul food dinner.

The museum, and its foundation, is dedicated to remembering the town of Rosewood, which, in January 1923, underwent a racially motivated massacre of Black people and the destruction of the Black town in Levy County, Florida.

At least six Black people were killed, but eyewitness accounts suggested a death toll of 27 to 150.

The museum had about 10% of its collection on display, but the exhibit will be available to see at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village starting on Juneteenth (June 19).

Representatives from the Rosewood Family were on hand at R.B. Cox to tell about the museum and its causes and share some history of the massacre. Its choir also performed.

Harriet Clemons dances to music performed by the Rosewood Choir on March 3, during a Black Heritage Celebration at R.B. Cox Elementary, in Dade City.

“I’m connected to the (Rosewood) group through marriage,” Russ said. “It touched my family, so that’s what I think about when I think about Black History. … (Rosewood) is honoring 100 years, so (when) given the opportunity for them to come and share it with us, I jumped at it.

“Because I think it’s a great way to let people know who aren’t aware of that history, and we want to share our history,” she said.

Natal said she was pleased with the turnout, and the message for honoring “Bridge Builders, Obstacle Movers, World Changers” at the celebration. She also said the Black Heritage event, and the Hispanic Heritage one the school held in the fall, were the first ones held, post-COVID restrictions. 

She said it was uplifting to see the enthusiasm for the event’s return — from both staff and students.

“This year, we wanted to do it big since we hadn’t done it in a while,” Natal said. “It was a real grassroots effort from the staff to really bring in the community and celebrate the culture, and I think we’ll see even more people next time,” she said.

It’s important, the principal said, “for the kids to celebrate their heritages.”

Remember Rosewood – Centennial: 100 Years of History
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Starting June 19
Details: The Rosewood Traveling Museum will be on display at Pioneer Village starting the week of Juneteenth (June 19), at no charge.
The Rosewood Museum is dedicated to remembering the town of Rosewood, which, in January 1923, underwent a racially motivated massacre of black people and the destruction of the black town in Levy County, Florida. At least six black people were killed, but eyewitness accounts have suggested a death toll of 27 to 150.
Info: Visit RememberingRosewood.com or PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published March 15, 2023

Jada McClendon, of Dade City, performs on the drums on March 3, during a musical number at the Black Heritage Celebration at R.B. Cox Elementary.
The Rosewood Choir performed on March 3, during the Black Heritage Celebration at R.B. Cox Elementary, in Dade City.
R.B. Cox Elementary staff members wore shirts emphasizing such ideals as empowerment, education, inspiration and celebration, during the school’s Black Heritage Celebration on March 3.

Angeline Academy to help prepare the way for AI careers 

By

It’s almost impossible today to watch any news program without hearing about an innovation relating to Artificial Intelligence, or AI, for short.

There already are plenty of jobs in the field — just waiting for people who are equipped to tackle the challenges.

Angeline Academy of Innovation — a magnet school in Pasco County — plans to help provide additional options to its students and to address that talent gap through its Artificial Intelligence coursework.

It is adding the AI option to the curriculum at the magnet school, set to open at 8916 Angeline School Way, near the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road in August. 

Initially, the school will serve students in grades six through 10, but plans call for adding grades 11 and 12.

JoAnne Glenn is the school’s inaugural principal.

She explained the school’s decision for adding AI, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Specifically, she said:

  • AI jobs are plenty, with hiring growing by 32% in the last couple of years and expected to increase.
  • There is a high talent gap—not enough qualified applicants for vacant positions.
  • AI professionals earn top salaries, well north of $100,000 yearly.
  • As a rapidly evolving industry, growth opportunities in AI careers are diverse.
  • AI careers are flexible—AI experts can be a freelancer, consultant, researcher, practitioner, or even build AI products as entrepreneurs.

Angeline’s content will address the five big ideas in AI, Glenn added. Those are: “perception; representation and reasoning; machine learning; human AI interaction; and societal impacts of AI.”

Angeline Academy of Innovation is taking shape in the emerging ‘city’ of Angeline. The magnet school for grades six through 12 is expected to live up to its name — by offering curriculum options and learning experiences aimed to help students prepare for an ever-evolving world of work. The school recently announced it will offer coursework focusing on Artificial Intelligence, or AI, for short. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The course content also includes practical experiences in AI system design, deployment, and evaluation. 

The sequence of the four courses relies on equipment and materials that already are part of the school’s Computer Science and Cybersecurity pathway, enabling the school to provide AI coursework.

The introductory semester course is called Artificial Intelligence in the World, Glenn said. There’s also a Procedural Programming course.

After accepting her role, Glenn created a video to explain Angeline’s philosophy and mission, as well as providing practical details about what to expect at the school.

She told viewers that Angeline’s planning is intentional to make its “learning experiences exciting and engaging, and connected to the real world to prepare our students for their lives after high school.”

She went on to explain: “Our key levers to support this work include rigorous instruction; a compassionate school environment that ensures that our students feel cared for and supported; equitable instructional practices, meaning we believe in having an open door; and, allowing students to feel supported in taking academic risks and trying new things.

“These three levers are actually the foundation that we believe are essential to ensuring that our students leave our system prepared for college, career and life,” she added.

The high school will offer career academies, as well as opportunities to merge some fields — enabling students to create a more personalized track.

The school will be near Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, which has been christened Speros FL.

The school district has been collaborating with Moffitt to give students the chance to experience internships, externships and the opportunity to work directly with scientists, doctors and other experts.

Construction activities are ramping up on Moffitt’s 775-acre campus, with the first phase of the project in the northwest corner of its property near the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road.

A Moffitt official previously reported that Moffitt likely will build on about 500 acres of the land, leaving views of nature for patients.

The Moffitt site is entitled for up to 24 million square feet of development, but its current master plan calls for about 13.5 million square feet of mixed uses.

At full build out, the campus is expected to have about 140 buildings, according to a previously published report in The Laker/Lutz News. It also is expected to attract cancer researchers and life sciences companies from around the globe.

Upcoming School Choice Window
A second school choice window will be open from April 12 to April 19. Students and families from the central Pasco region who are interested in joining grades six through 10 at Angeline Academy of Innovation are invited to apply using the School Choice application in the school’s  parent portal.
Seats in grades six through eight are awarded by lottery, while high school students must meet minimum requirements for grades and standardized tests.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2y8shnef.

Published March 15, 2023

Chalk Talk 03/15/2023

By

(Courtesy of Centennial Elementary School)

Elementary student wins award
Kayden Pennington, a student at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City, was awarded Pasco County’s Dade City Center for the Arts Georgia O’Keeffe award at the County Fair, which took place Feb. 20 through Feb. 26. Pennington, holding her award-winning art piece, stands alongside Centennial art teacher Katie Sutton.

New forensics program
Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) Explorer Post 916 now offers an innovative new forensics branch, according to a PSO Facebook post. The program will provide those ages 14 to 21 with the opportunity to learn about the world unmanned aerial systems (or drones) and forensics from experienced professionals at the PSO. The new branch will meet at Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. To learn more, visit PascoExplorers.pascosheriff.com/drones-forensics-program/.

Transition Services Night
Cypress Creek High School, 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, will host an ESE Transition Services Night on March 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the school cafeteria. The event is for all Pasco County Schools students and their families to learn about agencies and services for children and young adults with special needs. Dinner will be provided. Reservations must be made by March 20 online at EventBrite.com or by email to . Registrants must include the total number of people attending.

Math hotline
Hillsborough County Public Schools offers a free Math Homework Hotline/Show on select Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., for students who need help with math. On Spectrum Channel 635 and Frontier Channel 32, tutors start taking calls at 5:30 p.m. (call 813-840-7260), followed by a live broadcast at 6 p.m., featuring a variety of topics.

Upcoming shows are: March 23, Pythagorean Theorem; March 30, Transformations; April 13, Statistical Measures; April 20, Data Displays; April 27, Semester 2 Review; and May 4, Algebra Review.

Phone lines are only available during the live shows. For more information, visit MathHomeworkHotline.com.

School officially named
A new school for kindergarteners through eighth-graders, being constructed off Curley Road, has been named Kirkland Ranch K-8.

The Pasco County School Board selected the name from a list of 60 suggestions, during the board’s March 7 meeting.

The new magnet school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, will be on the same campus as Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and a charter school operated by Pepin Academies, through a unique partnership between the school district and Pepin.

Kirkland K-8 is expected to attract middle school students primarily living within the boundaries of Thomas Weightman, John Long and Centennial middle schools and its elementary-aged students primarily from Watergrass, Wesley Chapel and San Antonio, and even farther out, Double Branch, Seven Oaks and Wiregrass elementary schools.

Other names suggested for the new school included DeSantis, Epperson, Boyette, Kelly Boyd K-8, Creo, Dick Butkus School of Knowledge, Discovery Ranch Academy, Double Branch Academy of Innovation, Elon Musk Magnet School, Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Independence, W.E.B. Dubois Academy, Wonders and World’s Best School.

Hillsborough scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships, worth up to $5,000, are available to eligible Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or for university programs, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition. The scholarships are for the 2023 fall semester.

Read the full 2023 application package online, at tinyurl.com/225tdxjx, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met. Eligibility guidelines are subject to change based on grant requirements. Applications are due by March 24.

For questions, call 813-272-5220.

Republican Party scholarship
The Republican Party of Pasco will award a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior.

Student requirements are: 

  • Must be a registered (or pre-registered) Republican
  • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Be a current senior of any Pasco County high school (public, private, charter, vocational or home-school)
  • Must attend an accredited community college, university or vocational school in Florida

Applicants are required to write an essay and answer the question, “What is the importance of conservative values for young people in today’s world?” The deadline to apply is March 24.

For information, visit PascoGOP.com/rpop-scholarship/.

Bounce Party benefit
The Union Park Charter Academy, 32775 Oldwoods Ave., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Pasco Kids Bounce Party on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to benefit the academy, hosted by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.

The event will include 16 inflatables for kids with obstacle courses, bounce houses, slides, games and more. Food also will be for sale. The cost is $20 per child for a play-all-day wristband. Parents are free and must supervise their children and be present at all times.

To buy tickets, visit Pasco Kids Bounce Party on Facebook. For information, call 813-358-7306.

Easter breakfast
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 State Road 52 in Dade City, will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg Hunt, games and a petting zoo area for children ages 12 and younger, who will receive an Easter bag.

The pre-purchase ticket price is $10 per person. Free cinnamon rolls to the first 50 people who register. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/4ek3a4n3.

Woman’s club scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will award $5,000 Lutz Volunteer Firefighter Endowment scholarships to two Lutz resident students and three additional $2,000 awards, for a total of $16,000 in scholarship grants. The club is accepting applications from high school seniors with a Lutz or Land O’ Lakes home address.

Applications can be found online at GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org. The deadline to submit is April 3.

For questions, email Lucy Albury at .

Celebrating educators
Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery, its iCare Foundation, and community partners are celebrating the I.R.I.S.H. (influential, reliable, impassioned, selfless, humble) in those who have an undeniable impact on youth. 

The sixth annual iCare Foundation Cheers to Public Service Awards will reward 25 extraordinary local educators — teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas counties. Those chosen will receive $1,000 plus other gifts from friends of the program.

For more information and to nominate someone, visit Irish31.com/cheers. The deadline is April 7.

Student achievements

  • Scott Abramson, Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington
  • Chelsea Aquino, Odessa: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Jaime Arredondo, Lutz: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Camryn Bliss, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Charles Clerc, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Mikayla Croissant, Lutz: President’s List, Flagler College, St. Augustine
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Jackie Figueredo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Daniel Higgins, Odessa: Dean’s List, Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinoi
  • Zoe Howell, Dade City: Dean’s Academic Honor List, Baylor University, Robbins College of Health & Human Services, Waco, Texas
  • Olivia Jablonski, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
  • Natalia Kaminski, Wesley Chapel: Honor List, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla
  • Brady Lindauer, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Saint Mary’s University, Winona, Minnesota
  • Brycen Lowe, Lutz: Dean’s List, Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin
  • Max Martino, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Kelsey Mitchell, Odessa: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Cassidy Mizzi, Lutz: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Aaron Molloy, Lutz: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Holly On, Odessa: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Carly Price, Odessa: President’s List, Husson University, Bangor, Maine
  • Vasant Ramnarine, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • Victor Reyes, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Madeline Rodriguez, Lutz: President’s List, Flagler College
  • Emily Rogers, Lutz: Dean’s Academic Honor List, Baylor University, Robbins College of Health & Human Services, Waco, Texas
  • Kaitlyn Ryan, Lutz: Dean’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Emara Saez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
  • Angelo Sardegna, Lutz: Dean’s List, Curry College, Milton, Massachusetts
  • Julie Stevens, Odessa: graduate of The University of Tampa
  • Savanah Tribbe, Odessa: Presidents, List, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina
  • Thea Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
  • Laura Watford, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Pasco school board member is pushing to expand school choices

By

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin is asking the superintendent’s staff to consider adding more school choices in Central Pasco.

“I’m a big supporter and believer in neighborhood schools and we have fantastic neighborhood schools across our county. But families want choices,” Beaudoin said.

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin wants to increase choices for students in Central Pasco, by adding some new options for some schools within the area. (File)

“As we start planning for our summer budget meetings, I’d just like to ask staff to please explore the feasibility of adding some Cambridge Programmes, a fine arts magnet and/or some other advanced academic opportunities in our Central Pasco elementary schools.

“I want to reiterate that I am hearing from people in our community that are looking for these opportunities for their elementary children.

“Parents are going to be given more and more choices, and I believe public schools — Pasco public schools — are the best choice and we have the opportunity to expand on the great work already being done,” Beaudoin said, during the school board’s Feb. 21 meeting.

In essence, the Cambridge Programme is a rigorous academic program that uses an international curriculum and seeks to develop learners who are reflective, confident, engaged, responsible and innovative. It is already offered at some schools in East Pasco and West Pasco.

School board member Alison Crumbley said she was glad that Beaudoin raised the issue because she, too, supports expanding the Cambridge Programme into some Central Pasco schools.

On another topic, Megan Harding, the board’s chairwoman, asked Superintendent Kurt Browning to continue working to address behavior issues by elementary students who are disrupting classrooms.

“I’m still getting messages and phone calls every day about extensive behaviors that are occurring at the elementary level,” Harding said.

For instance, she said, “It’s hard when a child throws a water bottle and then they’re brought back into the classroom. The teacher doesn’t feel supported.

“I know that we have zero tolerance at the secondary level, but maybe we need to talk about that tiered plan at the elementary level, that we mentioned before,” Harding said.

“I just hope that we can continue those conversations,” Harding said.

Published March 08, 2023