Education

Chalk Talk 06/15/2016

June 15, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Up close and personal with a cheetah
Students and staff at Garden Montessori School got a close-up view of Tende (in the background), a 1 ½-year-old cheetah from Busch Gardens, when the animal visited their school in Wesley Chapel. The kindergarteners partnered with Busch Gardens to help raise money toward the Cheetah Conservation created by SeaWorld Inc. As part of the children’s yearlong ‘Peace Project,’ the students visited Busch Gardens to learn about the cheetah’s plight of becoming extinct, followed by a car wash to raise money for the cause. Kindergarten graduates Myla Garry, Rafael ‘Billito’ Robertson-Brown, Caitlyn Sorrentino, Naveed Fallah, Sophia Tarokh, Sophie Devolder, Sarina Choudhry, Jose Daniel Cuevas-Gonzalez and Naisha Shah presented a check for $500 to Cara Treadway.

Summer food program
Hillsborough County will participate in a Summer Food Service Program to provide free, nutritious lunches and afternoon snacks to children at more than 50 sites throughout the county from June 13 through Aug. 3. The sites are in areas where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced priced meals during the school year.

The program will provide a balanced meal during summer vacation when school meals are not available. The meals and snacks will be offered at local parks and other community locations to all children ages 18 and younger in the area.

Applications and summer camp registration are not required.

A list of approved sites can be found under the Summer Food Program link at HillsboroughCounty.org/summerfood.

Summer career camps
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer academic career-themed summer camps for middle school aged students (those entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades). The sessions will provide an opportunity for students to explore popular career programs offered at PHSC. Each camp will run for four half-days, Monday through Thursday.

Nature/Environmental Studies: June 27 to June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, at North Campus in Brooksville
EMS First Aid and Safety: June 27 to June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, at West Campus in New Port Richey
Survival: July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City
Photography: July 18 to July 21 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel
Engineering/Advance Manufacturing: July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at West Campus in New Port Richey
Health: July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel
Digital Photography: July 25 to July 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at West Campus in New Port Richey
Aviation: July 25 to July 28 from1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City
Fire Science: July 25 to July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City

For more information and camp fees, call (727) 816-3257, or visit PHSC.edu/summercamp.

Fundraiser for scholarships
The volunteers of Medical Center of Trinity will host a fundraiser to raise money for scholarships on Aug. 11 at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey.

There will be a fall fashion show sponsored by Stein Mart, a gift auction and dinner.

The cash bar will be open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m., and the fashion show.

Tickets are $30 and go on sale July 1, and can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the hospital’s cafeteria, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, by cash or check only.

The deadline to buy tickets is Aug. 5.

Character camp conference
The theme of the annual Character Camp Conference, hosted by the Florida Intentional Character Partnership and The University of Tampa, is “Linking Smart and Good.” The conference will take place on July 22 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the UT campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., in the Vaughn Center.

The free conference is of special interest to teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, school support staff, school bus drivers and stakeholders interested in the social, emotional and academic development of prekindergarten through grade 12 children.

Character Camp will feature national speakers with breakout sessions on digital citizenship, ethics in decision making, teaching social/emotional learning, and more.

The deadline for free registration is July 8 at Florida-ICP.com.

Chalk Talk 06/08/2016

June 8, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Nature/Environmental Studies, June 27 to June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, at North Campus in Brooksville
EMS First Aid and Safety, June 27 to June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, at West Campus in New Port Richey
Survival, July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City
Photography, July 18 to July 21 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel
Engineering/Advance Manufacturing, July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at West Campus in New Port Richey
Health, July 18 to July 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel
Digital Photography, July 25 to July 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at West Campus in New Port Richey
Aviation, July 25 to July 28 from1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City
Fire Science to July 25 to July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at East Campus in Dade City

For more information and camp fees, call (727) 816-3257, or visit PHSC.edu/summercamp.

Lutz students make Dean’s lists
The following Lutz students have been named to the spring Dean’s List or Dean’s Honor Roll at their respective schools.

Calee Ash, Harding University, Arkansas
Cami Ash, Harding University, Arkansas
Gleb Barkovskiy, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
Kenneth Barrett, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
Margaret Brekka, Fairfield University, Connecticut
Sarah Fecthel, Belmont University, Tennessee
Julia Fresne, Furman University, South Carolina
Brycie Gauthier, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma
Stephen Goldman, Belmont University, Tennessee
Jessica Howell, Furman University, South Carolina
Sarah Korta, Samford University, Alabama
Katelyn Preiboy, Belmont University, Tennessee
Katie Wynn, Belmont University, Tennessee

Russell Perciavallee, also of Lutz, was named to the recently-ended winter term Dean’s List at Washington and Lee University in Virginia.

Watergrass Elementary is ‘golden’
The Florida Department of Education has awarded Watergrass Elementary School the 2015-2016 Golden School Award for its seventh consecutive year. The award is given annually to schools which have exemplary volunteer programs.

Hours donated in all forms of volunteering are considered for the award. Watergrass has accrued a total of 5,570 hours this year. Joy Causey serves as the school’s volunteer coordinator.

Character Camp will feature national speakers with breakout sessions on digital citizenship, ethics in decision making, teaching social/emotional learning, and more.

The deadline for free registration is July 8 at Florida-ICP.com.

New website for internship opportunities
In order to connect employers and those seeking intern opportunities, CareerSource Pasco Hernando has created a website, which provides a single location for employers and future interns to find open internship positions throughout Pasco and Hernando Counties. This program provides opportunities for individuals who have completed occupational classroom skills training, and need to gain job-related skills and knowledge. Based on a potential intern’s eligibility, employers may benefit by being reimbursed between 50 percent to 80 percent of the intern’s wages.

The site also provides opportunities to veterans. The Military Transition Employment Program is designed to support veterans who want to enroll in or continue in postsecondary education under the enhanced post 9/11 GI Bill.

For information on internship opportunities, visit PascoHernandoIntern.com.

For business services consulting, email Ken Russ at .

For internship and/or career related services, email Helen Rodriguez at .

Eli Hazen selected to dream team
Pasco-Hernando State College Cisco Network Academy student Eli Hazen has been selected for the 2016 Cisco Live Dream Team event that will take place in Las Vegas in July. More than 80 applicants from across the United States and Canada were recommended by their instructors to represent their academy at Cisco’s largest customer event.

The dream team opportunity is in its sixth year, and is a premier education and training event for IT, networking, and communications professionals. Students gain exposure and recognition among potential employers, hands-on experience working with Cisco engineers, full access to event sessions, and the chance to take a Cisco certification exam.

The 2016 Cisco Live Dream Team is comprised of 10 academy students, two academy instructor mentors, and a returning Dream Team student as captain.

For information about networking technology and other career programs at PHSC, visit PHSC.edu/careers.

Local history project heads to national competition

June 1, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Land O’ Lakes High School freshmen Isabella Torres and Lauren Pinero-Colon weren’t even sure if they could squeeze competing at the local History Fair into their crowded school schedule.

But, the pre-International Baccalaureate students decided to give it a shot, and even pulled an all-nighter to finish their exhibit on time.

The hard work paid off.

They came in first at the district competition and placed second at state.

Isabella Torres, of Wesley Chapel, and Lauren Pinero-Colon, of Land O’ Lakes, are traveling to College Park, Maryland, to competed in the National History Day competition. Their exhibit, behind them, has been selected to represent the state of Florida in a display at The Smithsonian. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Isabella Torres, of Wesley Chapel, and Lauren Pinero-Colon, of Land O’ Lakes, are traveling to College Park, Maryland, to competed in the National History Day competition. Their exhibit, behind them, has been selected to represent the state of Florida in a display at The Smithsonian.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Soon, they’ll be traveling to College Park, Maryland, to be among more than 3,000 students from around the world competing at the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest. The event is being held June 12 through June 16.

No matter how that turns out, the teenagers already have one claim to fame.

Their exhibit, “Sacagawea: Cultural Exchange Through New Encounters,” has been selected to be part of a special display.

“Every state affiliate gets to choose one project to represent the state. The state affiliate has chosen their project, and their project is going to be featured in The Smithsonian Museum,” said Jennifer O’Connor, coordinator of Pasco County’s History Fair.

Torres, of Wesley Chapel, and Pinero-Colon, of Land O’ Lakes, are the only Pasco County students who have placed at the state competition, and just the top two in the state are selected to go to the national competition, O’Connor said.

Their project examines the role that Sacagawea played in the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition.

“We thought she was kind of the star of the expedition,” Pinero-Colon said.

Historians focus on Lewis and Clark, she said, noting they “don’t really show how much of an asset she was to the expedition. We wanted to show that.

“She basically administered all of the exchanges between the Native Americans they encountered. She made it a lot easier for them to travel,” Pinero-Colon said.

“She was passed around through tribes against her will, so she knew the land very well,” she added.

Isabella Torres and Lauren Pinero-Colon conducted thorough research to create an exhibit tracing the life of Sacagawea and her contributions to Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery.

Sacagawea’s knowledge of the land and tribal languages made her invaluable, the students said.

“She served as an interpreter,” Pinero-Colon said.

Without Sacagawea, she said, ““We think that they wouldn’t have made it to the Pacific.”

The students tell the story of the Native American woman’s contributions through an elaborate exhibit tracing her life.

“They spent a lot of time looking for primary sources, and pictures and artifacts, that they could use, so that would help them in telling their story,” O’Connor said.

What sets this project apart is the quality of the research the students have done, O’Connor said.

“I think a lot of students will fall short, in that, they spend a lot of time on secondary sources, with the Internet,” O’Connor said.

Torres and Pinero-Colon, on the other hand, found information through the Library of Congress and tracked down researchers who specifically knew about Sacagawea.

“We spent time researching and interviewing professors for it, so we could kind of cross-examine all of the research, for different points of view on it,” Pinero-Colon said.

They wanted to be sure they were thorough, and relied on credible and knowledgeable sources, Torres said.

While they’ve earned the right to compete at the national level, there’s no funding available to cover the costs, so O’Connor and the students will be traveling at their own expense. They estimate that it will cost around $3,000 to cover travel expenses and contest costs.

This is some of the details included in the exhibit created by Isabella Torres and Lauren Pinero-Colon. Their work captured second place in the state history fair.

The students have set up a Go Fund Me account, in hopes of attracting some community support.

O’Connor has been involved with the district’s History Fair for nine years. “It’s always interesting to see what students will come up with,” she said.

“Most of the students learn the process of putting together the History Fair project in middle school.

“At the high school level, if they’re going to do History Fair project, they have to do it on their own. It’s not like there’s class time devoted to this. They have to do it on top of their other classes, staying after school, doing research,” O’Connor said.

The annual theme is broad enough to permit a wide range of projects, O’Connor said.

“The NHD (National History Day) theme provides a focused way to increase students’ historical understanding by developing a lens to read history, an organizational structure that helps students place information in the correct context and finally, the ability to see connections over time,” according to the organization’s website.

Contests are held each spring in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, and at international schools in Central America, China, Korea and South Asia, the website says.

Students create historical projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website.

Torres said she and Pinero-Colon wanted to compete because they believed it could help them in their college applications.

Plus, Torres added: “We just wanted to do something different. We don’t really participate in sports. We’re academic people. We wanted to apply knowledge and make something cool out of it.”

As it turns out, they did.

State History Fair winners from Pasco
Forty-six Pasco County Schools students competed at the 2016 Florida National History Day competition in Tallahassee in May.
Lauren Pinero-Colon and Isabella Torres won second place in the Senior Group Exhibit and earned them a right to compete at the national level.
Other Pasco winners were:

Akshaya Venkata, Land O’ Lakes High School: Economic Freedom Award, Senior Individual Website – Comparative Advantage of the Potosi Silver Mines
Jacqueline Cupo, Ariella Meier and Emerson Parks, Pasco Middle School: Third place, Junior Group Documentary – Hurricane Andrew and the Encounter with Florida
Shelton Ried, Paul R. Smith Middle School: Spirit of 45 Award, Junior Individual Documentary – Nazi Invasion of Florida
Pierce Thomas, Paul R. Smith Middle School: Third Place, Junior Individual Performance – Marco Polo and the Silk Road
Hannah Mayer, River Ridge Middle School: Outstanding County Award, Junior Individual Exhibit – Jeff Corwin Gone Wild
Ronak Argawal, Charles S. Rushe Middle School: Mayflower Scholarship, Junior Paper – James Cook

Published June 1, 2016

Good kids abound

June 1, 2016 By Diane Kortus

It’s easy to become jaded when hearing repeated media reports about our troubled youth — from drug addiction to repetitive crimes to disrespect of authority. Some days, one can’t help but wonder if there are any good kids left.

There are, of course.

This issue of The Laker/Lutz News is evidence that our communities are full of good kids.

It reaffirms that most teenagers obey the law, work hard, and have dreams and aspirations to make our world a better place.

Today, we publish the names of 3,000-plus high school seniors in the Class of 2016 who are graduating from area high schools. These are the good kids who don’t make the news because they respect their parents and their teachers, and meet all of the requirements to graduate.

There are many, many more of these good kids, than there are of those who go astray.

The newspaper that’s delivered to your home lists the graduates from the two high schools closest to where you live. If you receive the Land O’ Lakes edition of The Laker, your schools are Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes. In Wesley Chapel, they are Wiregrass and Wesley Chapel. And in East Pasco, they are Zephyrhills and Pasco. If you live in Hillsborough County, you receive The Lutz News and your schools are Steinbrenner and Freedom. Private schools pull from various areas, so these graduates are published in all our zones.

You don’t have to be a graduate, or relative of a graduate, to peruse through our pullout graduation section. We want you to look for names of kids you know from your neighborhood, church, recreational activities and friends.

When you find graduates you know, honor them by sending a congratulatory text or email, or better yet, pick up your telephone and give them a call.

This year, several elected officials are recognizing local seniors with advertising in our graduation edition. I find it heartwarming to see these politicians express their belief and confidence in our students, and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.

As publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, I want to thank Pasco County commissioners Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey and Mike Moore. I also would like to thank State Rep. Danny Burgess and State Rep. Richard Corcoran, Florida’s incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives. Also, thank you to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and Pasco Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

I also want to thank the many local businesses and civic groups who support our seniors with advertising in today’s newspaper. Many of these businesses have advertised in our graduation edition for many years, and never hesitate to step up and help with the cost of publishing this section.

The Laker/Lutz News is honored to recognize our graduates — an accomplishment that will forever play an important role in their future.

Published June 1, 2016

Saint Anthony to dedicate renovated school

June 1, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Saint Anthony Catholic School is planning a dedication ceremony for its renovated school building at 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive in San Antonio.

The event is slated for June 3 at 10 a.m., and the ceremony will mark the completion of a project to rejuvenate a three-story brick building originally erected in 1922.

The building in the foreground is the recently completed renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony school campus in San Antonio. Portions that could be restored, were restored, and the rest was renovated in the $1.8 million project. (Photos courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School) — The building in the foreground is the recently completed renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony school campus in San Antonio. Portions that could be restored, were restored, and the rest was renovated in the $1.8 million project.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)

“We are so excited,” said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, noting that Abbott Isaac Camacho of Saint Leo Abbey will bless and dedicate the building.

After the blessing, those attending will be invited to tour the building and to stay for light refreshments.

The $1.8 million project involved restoration where possible, combined with renovation, to prepare the building for use by students today and for future generations.

The project is being paid for by the parish community, and $260,000 is still needed to cover the costs, the principal said.

The renovation involved converting the top floor of the building into a cafeteria and recreation space. The second floor has a media room, a computer lab, an art room and a Spanish classroom.

The ground floor has a music room, two extra classrooms and storage space.

Students began using the renovated building two weeks ago, Ottapurackal said, because she wanted the eighth-graders to have a chance to use it before leaving the school.

The cafeteria, on the building’s top floor, has gleaming wood floors. The floors, which are original to the building, were beneath carpeting that was torn out.

The dedication ceremony is being held on the last day of school because the community was eager to tour the building, she added.

Over the years, thousands of students have been educated in the building at a school whose history dates back to the 1880s.

Saint Anthony’s wants to share its celebration with anyone who would like to attend.

It issued this invitation through a news release: “You are invited to stroll through the halls of history, rekindle fond memories, and perhaps find the calling to make new memories for your children or grandchildren.

“Please join us as this grand hall of learning is dedicated and blessed as it prepares to enter into the next chapter of its story. You may find yourself among the pages.”

The renovation is the second major project completed at the school in recent years.

This computer lab reveals Saint Anthony Catholic School’s desire to give its students opportunities to use modern technology. At the same time, the crucifix on the wall and the message on the bulletin board demonstrate the school’s emphasis on a Catholic education.

Last February, the school celebrated the dedication of a new building that was funded through the St. Petersburg Diocese’s Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.

The school officially opened in 1884, two years after San Antonio was founded as a Catholic colony.

The year before the school opened, a widowed woman named Cecilia Morse moved into the community with her six children. When she inquired about the school, she was told it could wait until there were more settlers. Instead, she began teaching 14 children — including six of her own — in her kitchen.

Saint Anthony Catholic School is the oldest parochial school in the diocese and also is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Florida.

School Dedication
What: Saint Anthony Catholic School is having a blessing and dedication of its renovated 1922 school building. After the blessing, there will be school tours and refreshments.
Where: 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive, San Antonio
When: June 3 at 10 a.m.
Who: All are welcome, but please RSVP by calling (352) 588-3041. The school wants to be sure to have enough refreshments.

Published June 1, 2016

From ‘Wallflower,’ the perks of repetitive learning

June 1, 2016 By Tom Jackson

On the topic of what is suitable reading for students of impressionable ages, the recent action attempted by a handful of parents at Pasco Middle School is instructive mostly because it is terribly familiar.

Every couple of years, it seems, certain grownups will flex their preferences in an attempt to assert preemptory authority over what youngsters are either assigned or even allowed to read.

Tom Jackson rgb In 2014, it was a John Long Middle School parent who created a stir when John Green’s popular and well-reviewed “Paper Towns” landed on the mandatory summer reading list.

Now, the book in contention is Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 novel, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which falls into the same genre: a coming-of-age tale. This one is told from the perspective of a bright, sensitive 15-year-old who, despite his willingness to simply observe from the sidelines, is summoned to experience virtually every cynical, malevolent or simply awkward social situation known to modern America.

Somehow, “Wallflower” became assigned reading for Pasco Middle School seventh-graders taking advanced language arts. That’s “somehow,” because the book got into students’ hands almost totally unvetted.

Pasco Middle’s copies came courtesy of a spend-it-or-lose-it philosophy rampant in taxpayer-supported enterprises. The school had dollars lingering in its materials fund at the end of the last fiscal year and, rather than return them to the cash-strapped district, they were hastily spent on the recommendation of an assistant principal and teacher who’d seen the 2012 movie and had read the publisher’s tout sheet, but not the book itself.

With a box of books that benefited from Hollywood branding just lying around, it was inevitable “Wallflower” would become part of somebody’s curriculum, which it did a few weeks ago.

Luckily, the teacher assigning the book is a long-term member of the faculty who has a reputation for thoroughly reviewing materials assigned students. Oh, wait. The complete opposite of that. The deed was perpetrated by a long-term substitute who also had not read “Wallflower.”

I am confident Pasco’s public school staffers are fans of handing out homework. Is it possible they do none of their own? How do you buy for a middle school population, let alone assign to a passel of 13-year-olds, a book no one has read?

No, forget reading. That could devour an entire weekend. How do you buy or assign a book no one has so much as subjected to an internet search? Within an otherwise glowing description, Wikipedia notes “Wallflower” was banned by some school districts. Some? Further investigation reveals “Wallflower” is a perennial target of angry parents and appalled school board members across the nation.

This does not mean the critics of “Wallflower” are correct, necessarily, or even that Chbosky’s work doesn’t have an appropriate age-group audience. Still, when a cursory search triggers caution flags, it’s a sure sign other education professionals should proceed warily.

Alas, wariness did not prevail at Pasco Middle, which had money to burn and at least one class with late-year time to kill. Small wonder parents staggered by the book’s frank descriptions of suicide, masturbation, drug use and homosexuality were not salved by the methods employed by an administration and faculty they want and need to trust.

Listen, it’s easy enough to rebuke red-faced parents and committees that issue tut-tutting opinions over questionable material as collections of rubes and yahoos. Try to make an argument on behalf of pulling books out of the hands of students or off library shelves without conjuring images of ignorant villagers mobbed up with pitchforks and torches, ready to deliver swift and permanent retribution to some poor, misunderstood innocent. It’s almost impossible.

But what I wrote in June 2014, the last time something like this came up, applies now: Generally speaking, banning books is a bad idea. On the other hand, virtually every rule has an exception, and so it is with this.

When it comes to what goes into a youngster’s mind, parents are the ultimate source authority. You might not approve of what mom and dad choose to withhold or endorse, but you know what? Tough.

If parents oppose exposing the teens under their care to the rough-and-tumble of life you know is out there and, in your wisdom, you think those shielded kids are being ill-served, well, good for you. Also, it’s none of your business.

Meanwhile, it’s on each school at every level, from the classroom teacher to the principal to the superintendent, to be mindful about the individual pace of exposure to the world their parents are willing to endure.

Pasco Middle School failed that fundamental assignment at every turn. Its sadder-but-wiser lesson applies across the region.

Tom Jackson, a resident of New Tampa, is interested in your ideas. To reach him, email .

Published June 1, 2016

Chalk Talk 06/01/2016

June 1, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Students garner merit awards
The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club recognized three outstanding Lexington Oaks students with merit awards. With Cindy Cox (second from left), the club’s president, are recipients (from left) Cara Adipietro and Gabriela Santiago, who each received a $500 award in honor of Mary Lou Kruse, a former Lexington Oaks resident women’s club member, and Amanda Barry who received the $250 Christopher Helbing Memorial Award.

Pasco graduates garner more than $23 million in scholarships
Pasco County Schools will graduate more than 4,300 students in 2016, who have earned in excess of $23 million in scholarships.

Graduation ceremonies will take place June 2 through June 5, except Marchman Technical College, which was May 25 at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge.

The University of South Florida’s Sun Dome will host J.W. Mitchell, Sunlake, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills, Hudson, Anclote and Fivay graduates.

Pasco eSchool students will have their ceremony at Crews Lake Middle School. Gulf High’s graduation will be at Calvary Chapel Worship Center. River Ridge and Ridgewood graduations will be in each of the school’s gymnasiums, and Pasco High’s ceremony will be in its football stadium.

Senior week at SunWest Park
SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson, will host Senior Week, May 31 to June 3, allowing graduating high school seniors to get in free, with a student ID. SunWest Park is the closest beach to Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and East Pasco. There is swimming, floating inflatables, volleyball, an aqua park and more. For information on the park, visit SunWestPark.com.

Saint Anthony school dedication
Saint Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive in San Antonio, will host a dedication of the newly renovated school building on June 3. There will be a blessing and dedication at 10 a.m., followed by an open house and refreshments.

For information, call Sister Alice Ottapurackal at (352) 588-3041.

Students earn regional science award
Colby Tomasello and Clay Kennedy, ninth-graders at Land O’ Lakes High School, won the Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Regional Award for their “Recharge Roadways” proposed prototype.

Both students joined Joshua Burke, of Jesuit High School, to form a team that presented its prototype as a renewable energy resource for electric vehicles. The proposal repurposes roadways to function as a continuous recharging mechanism.

The team was coached by Land O’ Lakes High teacher Victoria Savosh and mentored by Heather Tomasello.

Each team member, teacher and mentor received a Toshiba 8GB Excite tablet and a framed certificate. Land O’ Lakes principal Ric Mellin received a plaque and a Toshiba laptop. Savosh will use the laptop as a student station in her classroom.

As regional award winners, the team advanced to the national competition in Washington D.C.

PHSC students advance to national SkillsUSA
Pasco-Hernando State College students Toshia Knous and Richard Yackel were awarded gold medals at the SkillsUSA state competition and will advance to the national competition at the 52nd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference June 19 to June 25 in Louisville, Kentucky.

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations and for further education.

The NLSC is a showcase of career and technical education students representing 52 state and territorial associations. Knous will compete in Practical Nursing, and Yackel will compete in Related Technical Math.

PHSC student Margaret Liwski received a bronze medal, having placed third in the state competition in the Job Interview category.

For information about the career programs at PHSC, visit PHSC.edu/careers.

Chalk Talk 05/25/2016

May 25, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Chamber names Citizens of the Month
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has recognized these students as April Citizens of the Month: Aiden Kinney, Academy at the Farm; Odessa Benton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Ryan Potthast, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Destiny Flummer, Centennial Elementary School; Salieagh Simonds, Lacoochee Elementary; Julie Estrada-Garcia, Pasco Elementary; Owen Grasty, San Antonio Elementary; Mackenzie Neal, Centennial Middle; Nathan Shelton, Pasco Middle; Ashley Baxley-Mote, James Irvin Education Center; and Zachary Balogh, Pasco High. Also recognized at a recent ceremony was March Citizen of the Month Rosalia Ippolito, Saint Anthony Catholic School.

Summer bus haul pass available for students
Pasco County Public Transportation is offering Pasco County students a chance to ride the fixed-route bus system for free all summer for $20. The special student rate goes into effect June 1 and will run until Aug. 31.

Summer Haul Passes will be sold at all Pasco County libraries, the Pasco-Hernando State College campus bookstores in New Port Richey and Wiregrass, and at the PCPT Administrative Offices, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., in Port Richey.

Students can use the pass to go to the beach, swimming pools, shopping areas and summer jobs.

The PCPT fixed-route, transit buses run throughout east and west Pasco County and along State Road 54.

For information about the passes, call (727) 834-3322, (352) 521-4587 or (813) 235-6073.

For information about bus routes, transportation news and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Students qualify for national business leaders competition
Students from Pasco-Hernando State College participated in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and competition.

Leslie Barnwell, PHSC West Campus, placed first in the Job Interview competition. Barnwell also placed third in the Administrative Technology competition and received the Christopher J. Heider Scholarship award.

The West Campus student team of Tayler Carlson, Jaime Zapote-Pach, Marcella Thurman and Norman Widamen Jr., took first place in the Parliamentary Procedure competition.

Alyssa Bohnsack, North Campus, placed second in Job Interview, and Joy Jordan, West Campus, placed second in Personal Finance.

These students all qualified for the annual Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National competition that will take place in Atlanta, Georgia in June.

Other students placing in the competition include: David Adams, North Campus, fourth place in Management Concepts; Victor Miller, West Campus, fourth place in Network Concepts and fifth place in Public Speaking; and Manuel Cuzco, Spring Hill, third place in Human Resource Management.

Virtual school opens enrollment
Florida Virtual School Full Time, a statewide online public school, will open enrollment for grades six to 12 on June 1.

Combining Florida-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools and community experiences, FLVS Full Time delivers a high-quality, online education to students who benefit from an individualized approach to learning.

Parents can enroll students online at FLVSFT.com.

Summer VPK enrollment
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a summer PVK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) program for eligible families and children. This is a free program for children who have not yet used a VPK voucher and turned 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2016.

Classes will begin on June 14 through Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour rest at 12:30 p.m.

To learn more about Primrose School at Collier Parkway and enrolling your child in the free VPK program, contact the school director, Angella Hart, at (813) 242-7800.

PHSC students on academic team
Eight Pasco-Hernando State College students were nominated to the 2016 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team: Sarah Del Monte of Land O’ Lakes; Christopher Hernandez of Dade City; Annie Hillin of Holiday; Vanessa Moore and Anthony Serieux of Brooksville; Samantha Rosario of Spring Hill; Allison Sharrer of Zephyrhills; and Allassandra Slate of Hudson.

The students were selected based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service. Students are nominated by their respective colleges to the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

For information about the All-Florida Academic Team, visit FloridaCollegeSystem.com/all-florida.

Wiregrass Elementary is gearing up for first year

May 18, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Between 400 and 500 people turned out for a parent and community night to find out what lies ahead at Wiregrass Elementary, a new school opening in August.

Principal Steven Williams was delighted by the turnout.

“I love it. It’s wonderful to be part of a community that’s engaged,” Williams said.

During the first half hour of the meeting, Williams said he gave some general information about the school and talked about the vision for the school.

Hundreds of parents turned out to learn more about Wiregrass Elementary, a new school set to open in August. (Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Elementary School) — Hundreds of parents turned out to learn more about Wiregrass Elementary, a new school set to open in August.
(Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Elementary School)

After that, parents were invited to make their way around tables in the room, to seek additional information and to offer their thoughts.

Questions that came in during the meeting were answered within 24 hours on the school’s Q&A that’s posted on its website.

Besides parents, others on hand included representatives of the architect who designed the school, the builder who is constructing the school, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The school is expected to open with 400 students, but is anticipating rapid growth, Williams said. There are residential developments nearby, and houses are sprouting up all around.

“We’re planning the school with change in mind and growth in mind,” he said, noting he’s buying furniture and textbooks for more than 400 kids. He knows he’s going to need more and wouldn’t be surprised to see enrollment topping 500 within 12 months of opening.

The principal is also planning for a school that’s going to grow in other directions.

“Do we have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?” Williams asked.

Construction is ongoing at Wiregrass Elementary School. The new elementary school is slated to open with about 400 students.

The school wants to be a place that fosters growth — and that means for everyone, students, staff and leaders, too, Williams said. “None of us has arrived yet,” he said.

Besides inviting community partnerships, the school wants to create ties with John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, Williams said.

For instance, a culinary student at Wiregrass Ranch High might be able to be involved in an elementary cooking club, Williams said.

Many of the questions raised by parents regarding specific issues are answered on the school’s website.

For instance, the school’s technology will include interactive whiteboards, Apple TVs, small group collaboration stations, iPads, MacBook laptops, 3-D computing stations and additional technological devices.

Each staff member will have a laptop, and students will have access to machines on a 4:1 ratio.

But, the school also is developing a “Bring-Your-Own-Device” program that will allow students to bring their own technology.

“It’s very important to me to have students ‘own’ their own technology,” Williams said, and that means going well beyond the typical uses for communication and entertainment. He wants them to be able to use the devices as resources, to help to elevate their education.

Students who are currently attending kindergarten through fourth grade and who live in the Wiregrass boundaries will be automatically registered. Those who are entering kindergarten or moving into the area must register. Individual appointments can be arranged.

The school will have before and after school care, and there will be clubs, though the types of clubs have not been determined.

Wiregrass will follow the school district’s dress code, so uniforms are not required. However, a line of spirit wear has been developed, and the optional items can be purchased through the school’s PTA.

Wiregrass will have gifted education through an inclusion model, which means the instruction will be embedded in all subjects, rather than delivered in a separate classroom.

“We want our students to be able to walk a learning path that is specific to them,” Williams said, noting the school will subscribe to the philosophy of “student-owned learning.”

There will be intentional outcomes, but different ways to achieve them, the principal explained. The teachers will serve as the guides, working with students as they work toward achieving those outcomes, albeit following different paths.

The school also is planning some special activities, such as the creation of a time capsule, to mark the school’s inaugural year.

For those wishing to reach the school’s staff before the new campus is completed, they can stop by the school’s temporary office at Sand Pine Elementary, 29040 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel, or call (813) 346-0700.

Wiregrass Elementary, 29732 Wiregrass School Road
School starts: Aug. 15
School hours: 9:40 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Childcare: (813) 794-2180
Transportation: (813) 794-0450
Additional information: WRES.pasco.k12.fl.us

Published May 18, 2016

Chalk Talk 05/18/2016

May 18, 2016 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephryhills Chamber of Commerce)

Zephyrhills chamber honors students
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens for the month of April at a ceremony in their honor.

Each month, one student from nine area schools is selected for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

The students honored were Austin Patterson, The Broach School; Emilo Gutierrez, Chester W. Taylor Elementary; Aiden Sobers, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Trevin Teets, Heritage Academy; William Harbuck, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Madison Driggers, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Shane Diaz-Valenzuela, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Joshua Darden, Woodland Elementary; and Jasmine Potwin, Zephyrhills High.

(Courtesy of Pasco Tax Collector's Office) — (Courtesy of Pasco Tax Collector’s Office)

Gabriel Quinn wins essay contest
As part of Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neill’s Constitutional Officers Essay Contest, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office received 290 essays from middle school students throughout Pasco County answering the question, “Do you think taxes are too high or too low? Why?”

A panel of judges, not knowing the age, gender, grade or school of each entrant, chose the essay written by Gabriel Quinn, a student at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in San Antonio, as the winning submission. Quinn’s essay best communicated his response to the topic question while meeting the contest criteria of overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Quinn received a $300 Best Buy gift card at a ceremony in April. All entrants in the contest received a personal letter from Fasano thanking them for their participation.

Pilot Club recognizes students
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills honored “Top Dog” students from Stewart Middle School for their academics and leadership roles in the school. The students recognized for the third quarter were Aaron Shaffer, Skyler Goodspeed, Jesse Fierro-Richards, Hannah Smith, Jorlyanys Suarez-Ayala, Sophia Martin, Alena Chavez, Ashley Ocasio and Isaak Voyles.

Saint Leo adult education
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at University Campus will host an information session on May 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pasco County School Board office at 20425 Gator Lane, Portable A, in Land O’ Lakes.

Another session is scheduled for May 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in TECO Hall in the School of Business building at the university’s main campus in St. Leo.

A 10 percent discount is offered for all bachelor’s degree programs through the Pasco County School Board corporate partnership with Saint Leo University.

Honor Day in Wesley Chapel
Citizens Concerned for Students will recognize the public middle and high school African-American students who have earned the honor roll at least once during the current school year. The annual awards ceremony, known as Honor Day, will celebrate more than 1,000 students to earn the achievement this year.

The ceremony will take place May 21 at 6 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel. For information, visit HonorDayPasco.org.

There also will be a College and Career Fair at 4 p.m., in the adjacent Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium.

Both the awards ceremony and fair are free.

Prom Promise at Wiregrass Ranch
Prom Promise brings together local first responders who visit high schools during prom season to inform students of the importance of making good decisions on prom night.

Using student actors from each high school who are dressed in prom attire and splattered with fake blood, the first responders illustrate the tragic events that can occur when a student gets drunk at the prom, and then drives away and crashes into another carload of prom-goers.

After the crash, the firefighters, paramedics and police officers converge on the scene, and students see the intense activity that follows, including a Bayflite helicopter ready to transport the trauma patients.

The presentations are coordinated with school SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) groups and the school resource officers.

Prom Promise will make an appearance at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd, in Wesley Chapel, on May 20 at 8:30 a.m., in the stadium.

Virtual school opens enrollment
Florida Virtual School Full Time, a statewide online public school, will open enrollment for grades six to 12 on June 1.

Parents can enroll students online at FLVSFT.com.

Summer VPK enrollment
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a summer PVK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) program for eligible families and children. This is a free program for children who have not yet used a VPK voucher and turned 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2015.

Classes will begin on June 14 through Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour rest at 12:30 p.m.

50-year class reunion
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.

If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to

If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.