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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk – 04/20/2016

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Lacoochee Elementary color run
Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City, will host its annual 5K Color Fun Run for staff, students and families, on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The run helps promote awareness of good health and the importance of education. Fabric dye will be used to color participant’s shirts while they run.

The entry fee is $7 for students, and $12 for adults. The proceeds will help provide field trips, update technology, and purchase specific classroom materials.

For online registration, visit LES.pasco.k12.fl.us.

For information, call Wanda DeLaRosa at (352) 524-5609.

Shoes 4 Schools run/walk
The nonprofit C.O.P.E., a children’s outreach program, will host a fundraiser 5K run/walk called “Walk-4-Shoes,” for its Shoes 4 Schools program, on April 24 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 27727 Boyette Road.

Registration starts at 7 a.m., followed by the run/walk at 8 a.m. There will be awards for top finishers, live musical performances, an auction, and an antique car and motorcycle show.

Registrants will receive an event T-shirt. A $5 lunch will be offered by Rose Café of Zephyrhills.

For information and registration, contact Janet Chubinsky at (931) 210-0184 or .

Information days for PHSC students
Saint Leo University will host information sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College campuses to helps students from PHSC seeking transfer to a four-year institution.

  • April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road, Building S, Room 109
  • April 27 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the New Port Richey campus
  • April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brooksville campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Portable P002
  • April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Brooksville campus

For information, call (352) 588-7544, or visit SaintLeo.edu/PHSC.

Scholarship deadline is April 29
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board will offer $5,000 scholarships to eligible students who wish to continue their education by attending an institution of higher learning.

Applications for scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year will be accepted through April 29. Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22, and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Sixteen-year-olds may apply if they are graduating seniors.
  • Applicants must reside in Hillsborough County.
  • The applicant’s household income must fall within 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant.

These criteria also will be used to evaluate applicants:

  • Community service and school involvement
  • Application and additional letters of recommendation
  • Academic record
  • Essay response
  • Panel interview participation.

Application materials can be downloaded at HillsboroughCounty.org, by clicking on the “social services” page, and then “scholarships.”

High-flying teacher of the year
Hillsborough County and Florida Teacher of the Year Diane McKee soared in from 50 feet overhead on MOSI’s Sky Trail Zip Line to surprise a group of middle school students gathered at The Museum of Science & Industry to honor their favorite teacher.

McKee received a lifetime MOSI membership to honor her dedication to Florida’s children. The presentation was made 15 feet above the ground in a ceremony on the Sky Trail Ropes Course. McKee then came down to ground level to visit with the students from Tampa’s Williams Middle Magnet School who came to cheer her on.

McKee teaches eighth grade English at the school.

Discovery Point center earns accreditation
The Discovery Point Child Development Center in Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, has earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED.

To earn accreditation, schools must meet SACS CASI’s high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

Discovery Point centers provide safe, educational and nurturing environments for growing children, partnering with Teaching Strategies in using the nationally recognized early childhood education program, Creative Curriculum for Preschool.

For information on accreditation, visit Advanc-Ed.org.

Emily Nathe is scholarship recipient
Emily Nathe, a junior at the University of Florida College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was selected as the 2016 Pasco Co Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Scholarship recipient. Nathe has been a member of the Pasco Cattlewomen since 2002, and currently a Gator Collegiate Cattlewoman.

She graduated from Pasco-Hernando State College with honors in 2014, and was a Phi Theta Kappa member.

Nathe also is active in the Sigma Alpha Sorority at UF, while studying for her animal science/equine degree.

The scholarship she received is awarded in the junior or senior year of college to the applicant, or the son or daughter, of an active member of the Pasco Co Cattlemen or Cattlewomen in good standing.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration is scheduled for May 2, at all district elementary schools.

Families interested in preregistering children should contact the school in their area for details about orientation activities and times. For a list of schools with addresses and phone numbers, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/schools. A link to school attendance boundaries also can be found on the page.

Preregistration requirements include:

  • Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016.
  • Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birthdate
  • Health examination – HRS Form 3040
  • HRS Certificate of Immunization
  • Proof of Florida residency, such as current utility bill (electric, water, etc.), lease agreement, driver’s license, or state ID card

For information about kindergarten, call Courtney Lough at (813) 794-2780, (727) 774-2780 or (352) 524-2780.

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.

 

 

 

PHSC aims to prepare globally astute graduates

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Dr. Timothy Beard, president of Pasco-Hernando State College, has been making the rounds to each of the college’s campuses in a run-up to a formal celebration of his inauguration as the college’s fourth president.

The events have had a different focus at each campus, with the most recent event at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch centering on leadership development and community engagement.

Before that panel discussion began, however, Beard shared his vision for the college and talked about steps that are necessary to ensure its graduates are ready for challenges they will face.

Dr. Timothy Beard outlines Pasco-Hernando State College’s quest to prepare globally astute graduates during a recent event at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. (File Photo)
Dr. Timothy Beard outlines Pasco-Hernando State College’s quest to prepare globally astute graduates during a recent event at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.
(File Photo)

The state college, formerly known as Pasco-Hernando Community College, is 44 years old, and has made its mark on the region, Beard said. However, he added, “we believe our best days are ahead of us.”

Beard told those gathered that it’s important to reach out to the community, and for the community to reach out to the college.

“We’ve learned over the years in order to be effective and efficient as a public institution, we all need each other,” Beard said. “At the end of the day, we want our students to be successful. We want our students to be able to complete whatever they started.”

The college wants to prepare students “who are globally astute,” Beard said. It also wants them “to be able to imagine, achieve and succeed,” he said. “In other words, we want them to be able to dream.

“This vision doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs fuel. It needs energy,” he said.

The college delivers its instruction through online learning, face-to-face instruction and through a hybrid approach, Beard said.

It is aiming to increase its college completion rates by 50 percent within the next five to 10 years, Beard said.

“College readiness is big piece of what we do. We have very strong partnerships with Pasco and Hernando public schools, with USF (the University of South Florida) and Saint Leo University,” Beard said.

“We serve a purpose in making sure that students have the right to a public education. So, we want to make sure that education is affordable. We want to make sure it is accessible. And, we want to make sure our students are successful,” he said.

“We take great pride in being the great democratizer of education — meaning we’re willing to give students not just a second and third, but a fourth and fifth chance.”

The college also wants to help close the American skills gap, Beard said.

“Companies want to come here. They want to do business with us. No. 1, they want to make sure we have a skilled workforce,” he said.

“We have companies that are calling us every day to ask us, ‘Do you have students or graduates who can go to work for us?’” Beard added.

So, the college is playing “a very vital role in making sure we can produce students with industry certifications, AS (Associate of Science) degrees, students who can go to work to make a difference in our workforce,” Beard said.

“We want every student in this county that at least by age 20, 21, they have some type of credential – a certification, an AS degree, a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree,” Beard said.

He also asked for continuing support of the college’s efforts.

“We know we can’t do it alone,” Beard said.

Inauguration of PHSC President
Dr. Timothy Beard will be inaugurated as Pasco-Hernando State College’s fourth president on May 6, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the college’s Performing Arts Center on its West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road. The reception will follow, at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the physical fitness center at the same campus.

Published April 13, 2016

Chalk Talk 04/13/2016

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(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)
(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)

Chamber recognizes student citizens
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has honored the following students as March Citizens of the Month: Danny Polce, Academy at the Farm; Emily Franklin, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Rosalia Ippolito, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Marley Wynn, Centennial Elementary School; Jennifer Osorio-Sandoval, Lacoochee Elementary; Jaxon Reyes, Pasco Elementary; Angie Hernandez, Rodney B. Cox Elementary; Talin Bruce, San Antonio Elementary; Maggie Cunningham, Centennial Middle; Jordan Gibbs, Pasco Middle; Jorge Hernandez, James Irvin Education Center; and Melody Huang, Pasco High.

Pasco students haul in STEM awards
Pasco Regional Science and Engineering Fair students won a number of awards at the 61st Annual State STEM Fair in Lakeland.

More than 900 Florida students competed in the fair. Students qualified based on judge recommendation, scores, and research quality at the regional fairs. The Pasco Regional Science and Engineering Fair included Pasco County traditional public, charter and private school students.

Out of the district’s 24 state participants, 14 placed or earned awards provided by regional fairs and event sponsors.

Pasco students were recognized in these state categories:

  • Mathematics and Computational Sciences: Pranav Warman, Academy at the Lakes, first place
  • Engineering: Achyudhan Kutuva, Dr. John Long Middle School, second place; Charles Reedy, Crews Lake Middle, third place; Alyssa Perez, Centennial Middle, fourth place
  • Physics and Astronomy: Roshan Warman, Academy at the Lakes, third place; Sarah Menard, Charles S. Rushe Middle, fourth place
  • Cellular/Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: Anmol Warmon, Academy at the Lakes, fourth place
  • Animal Sciences: Riya Choksi, Seven Springs Middle, fourth place
  • Behavorial and Social Science: Katie McCormick, Academy at the Lakes, honorable mention
  • Biomedical and Health Sciences: Regan McCormick, Academy at the Lakes, recognition award
  • Chemistry: Drew Burgess, Charles S. Rushe Middle, recognition award
  • Earth and Environmental Science: Madeline Murch, Bishop Larkin Catholic School, honorable mention

Special awards went to the following students:

  • Suwannee Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair $25 award: Neto Coulbaly, Wiregrass Ranch High
  • Broadcom Masters Certificate and nomination: Achyudhan Kutuva, Dr. John Long Middle
  • American Meteorological Association: Madeline Murch, Bishop Larkin
  • Association for Women Geoscientists Foundation Certificate: Sarah Menard, Charles S. Rushe Middle
  • Florida Association for Science Supervisors $50 award: Viraj Patel, J.W. Mitchell High
  • Office of Naval Research medallion and certificate: Charles Reedy, Crews Lake Middle
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services $200 award, Intel Excellence in Computer Science $200 award, and Mu Alpha Theta certificate: Prenav Warman, Academy at the Lakes

Viraj Patel and Pranav Warman both qualified for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 8 to May 13 in Phoenix, Arizona, for having the top high school regional projects.

For more information about the fair results, call Laura Rulison-Lange at (727) 644-8561.

Chalk Talk 04/06/2016

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Touring Russian administrator visits Saint Leo
Saint Leo University recently hosted a higher education professional from St. Petersburg, Russia, visiting to learn the best practices used by American colleges that offer international programs for students or faculty.

Dr. David Felsen (right), executive director of Saint Leo’s Office of International Affairs, coordinated the visit for Maria Kuznetsova, a specialist at the International Office of St. Petersburg University of Management and Economics.

At Saint Leo, Kuznetsova met with professionals in areas including multicultural and international student services, business affairs, and learning design. She also visited an introductory Russian language class.

Her United States tour also included Indiana, Ball State, DePaul and Syracuse universities.

Young student helps K-9 funds
Eight-year-old Sophia Contino, a Wesley Chapel resident and Sand Pine Elementary student, set out to raise money through lemonade stands and online fundraising, in an effort to raise money for local K-9 units that lacked proper protective equipment.

In recognition of the second-grader’s efforts to help fund K-9 bulletproof vests, Novus Medical Detox Center contributed $2,400 to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of additional vests.

The Sand Pine student also was given an award ceremony at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where Kent Runyon, Novus’ vice president of community relations, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco presented her with awards to honor her for raising awareness for the county’s four-legged crime fighters.

Wharton newspaper earns gold status
The staff of Wharton High School’s newspaper, the Predator, earned gold status from the Florida Scholastic Press Association, after receiving 22 out of 25 points on the association’s critique.

Evaluators gave the newspaper special distinction in its coverage of news, feature and sports stories that affect its audience.

Out of a possible 5 points in each category, the staff received 5 in coverage, 4.5 in reader aids, 4.5 in layout and design, 4 in sound writing/editing, and 4 in photography/visuals.

The Predator staff missed receiving All-Florida honors by just one point.

More than 2,000 high school newspapers from across Florida entered newspapers for critiques this year.

Thursday Musicale concert
The final concert of Thursday Musicale’s season will be on April 7 at 2 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 8928 Cypress Lakes Blvd., in New Port Richey.

The guest artists will be the scholarship winners for this year: Kristin Nelson, Wiregrass Ranch High School, vocalist; and Kyle Schroeder, J.W. Mitchell High School, jazz saxophonist.

Admission is $5 to benefit the group’s scholarship program for graduating high school seniors entering musical careers.

For information, call (727) 807-3023.

Campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host open houses at all five of its campuses in April. The events are aimed at 2016-2017 high school graduates who are undecided on college plans and any potential students seeking higher education opportunities.

Attendees can learn about the variety of certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs offered through the college. There also will be opportunities for campus tours and information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more than 50 clubs and organizations available.

Open house dates and locations include:

  • Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel: April 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)
  • West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court: April 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Round Up at John Long Middle
Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the annual PTSA “Round Up” on April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This is its largest community event to support the continued A-rated education needs of the students. There will be games, prizes, food and a disc jockey.

For information, visit JohnLongPTSA on Facebook, or call (813) 346-6200.

Chamberlain High reunion
Chamberlain High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 55th year of graduation with a reunion on April 9 at 10 a.m., at Lowry Park Pavilion 115. Classmates should bring a lunch.

For information, call (813) 949-3074, and leave a message.

Jazz concert fundraiser
James Wall, a student at Steinbrenner High School, will host a benefit concert to collect food for a local food pantry, as a Boy Scout Eagle project. The traditional jazz music concert will be on April 10 at 4 p.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa.

Musicians include Chuck Berlin, a pianist who has played in New Orleans for nearly 40 years, and John Lamb, a former bassist with the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra. Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a food donation.

For information, contact James Wall at (813) 347-8111 or .

Homeschool Day at Cracker Country
Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, will host Homeschool Day on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can learn about the lives of settlers in rural Florida before the turn of the 20th century through hands-on activities. The theme for the day is “Make and Take Crafts.”

Educators in historic dress will be on hand at the 1885 Carlton House, railroad depot, general store, church and other authentic structures. Participants can make toys, dolls and helpful items for the household, and can also learn to operate an early 20th century printing press and make postcards.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 4 through adult. Children younger than age 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at CrackerCountry.org.

For information, call (813) 627-4225.

Head Start applications being accepted
The Pasco County Schools Early Childhood Programs Department will have open application days across the county for Head Start and Early Head Start for 2016-2017.

Expectant mothers and parents/guardians of infants, toddlers and children through age 4 may apply. Eligibility is based on family need and income.

Locations, dates and times are as follows:

  • RCMA-The Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., Dade City, on April 20 and May 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City, on April 20 and May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, on April 26 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • District Office Complex, Portable 23, 20425 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes, on April 28 and May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For required documents and information, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (727) 774-2730 or (813) 794-2730.

Chalk Talk 03/30/2016

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Dr. Seuss was in the house
Watergrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, hosted a “Read Across America” event in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Guest speakers from Sunlake High School, Saint Leo University, and parents read various Dr. Seuss favorites in the kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms.

Campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host open houses at all five of its campuses in April. The events are aimed at 2016-2017 high school graduates who are undecided on college plans and any potential students seeking higher education opportunities.

Attendees can learn about the variety of certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs offered through the college. There also will be opportunities for campus tours and information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more than 50 clubs and organizations available.

Open house dates and locations include:

  • East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City: April 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)
  • Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel: April 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)
  • West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court: April 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Round Up at John Long Middle
Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the annual PTSA “Round Up” on April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This is its largest community event to support the continued “A” rated education needs of the students. There will be games, prizes, food and a disc jockey.

For information, visit JohnLongPTSA on Facebook, or call (813) 346-6200.

Chamberlain High reunion
Chamberlain High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 55th year of graduation with a reunion on April 9 at 10 a.m., at Lowry Park Pavilion 115. Classmates should bring a lunch.

For information, call (813) 949-3074, and leave a message.

Homeschool Day at Cracker Country
Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, will host Homeschool Day on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can learn about the lives of settlers in rural Florida before the turn of the 20th century through hands-on activities. The theme for the day is “Make and Take Crafts.”

Educators in historic dress will be on hand at the 1885 Carlton House, railroad depot, general store, church and other authentic structures. Participants can make toys, dolls and helpful items for the household, and can also learn to operate an early 20th century printing press and make postcards.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 4 through adult. Children younger than age 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at CrackerCountry.org.

For information, call (813) 627-4225.

Head Start applications being accepted
The Pasco County Schools Early Childhood Programs Department will have open application days across the county for Head Start and Early Head Start for 2016-2017.

Expectant mothers and parents/guardians of infants, toddlers and children through age 4 may apply. Eligibility is based on family need and income.

Locations, dates and times are as follows:

  • RCMA-The Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., Dade City, on April 20 and May 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City, on April 20 and May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, on April 26 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • District Office Complex, Portable 23, 20425 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes, on April 28 and May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For required documents and information, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (727) 774-2730 or (813) 794-2730.

Chamberlain High’s 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.

Saint Leo welcomes new partners
Saint Leo University now has professional working agreements with four new community partners.

In the Tampa Bay area, the new organization is The Circle of Veterans and Families, a charitable organization that offers an educational, relaxing and rejuvenating space for veterans, first responders, and their families, who have served post 9/11.

The other three organizations are the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association in Texas, the Newport News Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Culpeper, in Virginia.

Scholarship in honor of Dr. Katherine Johnson
CareerSource Pasco-Hernando presented a $1,500 scholarship to Pasco-Hernando State College in honor of Dr. Katherine M. Johnson, former president of PHSC and director on the CareerSource Pasco-Hernando board.

Johnson’s service to the community through her work has encouraged growth and success.

CareerSource and PHSC are partners in an effort to help jobseekers, students and businesses further advance their knowledge in order to become more competitive in today’s job market.

For more information regarding the scholarship, call (813) 877-1300.

Free math circle program
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, is offering its free, weekly Math Circle program for area middle and high school students. The program includes hands-on activities that engage young people and help them sustain an enthusiasm for mathematics.

Sessions are on Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., through May 12 in Lewis Hall, Room 207. There will be no class on March 17, due to Spring Break.

For information, contact Monika Kiss at (352) 588-8836 or .

 

New elementary school gets a name

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The school formerly known as Elementary W now has a name.

Pasco County School Board members voted unanimously on March 15 to name the school Wiregrass Elementary.

Steven Williams
Steven Williams

The board chose the name after little discussion. They decided to go with a name that reflects the community where the school will open in August.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong made the motion for the school’s new name, saying she was recommending Wiregrass, rather than Wiregrass Ranch, to avoid potential confusion with the nearby Wiregrass Ranch High School.

Armstrong also noted that she prefers naming schools based on their location because it helps to build a sense of community.

She also noted that naming a school for a person can lead to problems later on. “Down the road, when we want to repurpose a building, we want to repurpose a program, it makes it very difficult to do so because people have very strong feelings, as well they should,” Armstrong said.

Melissa Bidgood
Melissa Bidgood

“I have always felt strongly that geographic names are the way to go,” agreed School Board Chairwoman Joanne Hurley.

The new school will be led by Principal Steve Williams and Assistant Principal Melissa Bidgood.

Williams joined Pasco County Schools in 2001, working as a literacy specialist, then assistant principal and then principal.

Most recently, he led the Office for Teaching and Learning, supporting K-12 learning in all Pasco County Schools.

Bidgood joined Pasco County Schools in 2004. She spent the first part of her career at Sunray Elementary School followed by Sand Pine Elementary as a classroom teacher.

She later became a literacy coach at Seven Springs Elementary School, interned at Sunray Elementary as assistant principal and, most recently, has served as an assistant principal at Seven Oaks Elementary School.

Published March 23, 2016

Bradley Massacre makes history in Pasco

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A Seminole war party led the attack
Various accounts, published on the historic website Fivay.org, tell the story of the Bradley Massacre, reportedly the last Seminole war party attack on a settler’s homestead east of the Mississippi River.

Capt. Robert Duke Bradley was one of the first white settlers to live south of the Withlacoochee River, according to those reports.

He wasn’t feeling well on May 14, 1856, and was awaiting supper with his wife and children that evening.

Barracks and tents at Fort Brooke in Tampa Bay, around 1840. In 1824 Fort Brooke was a military post established at the mouth of the Hillsborough River in present-day Tampa. It had as many as 3,000 soldiers and would take part in all three Seminole Indian Wars. The fort was decommissioned by the U.S. Army in 1883. (Courtesy of South Florida Library)
Barracks and tents at Fort Brooke in Tampa Bay, around 1840.
In 1824 Fort Brooke was a military post established at the mouth of the Hillsborough River in present-day Tampa. It had as many as 3,000 soldiers and would take part in all three Seminole Indian Wars. The fort was decommissioned by the U.S. Army in 1883.
(Courtesy of South Florida Library)

The captain, who was bedridden on his farm, was a veteran who had fought against the Seminole Indians as far north as the Suwannee River.

He had resigned his commission, because he was no longer a healthy man.

The skirmishes he’d been involved in had damaged his lungs, and for the rest of his life, he would require medical services from the army doctor stationed at Fort Brooke.

Bradley had personally surveyed a homestead in a remote area that would be later known as Darby, a community in Pasco County.

It was frontier country with its share of moccasin tracks, but the good news was that no Indian sightings had been reported for many years.

But, the evening of May 14, 1856, would forever change the 53-year-old’s life.

Bradley — who had always been willing to defend his land granted under the Armed Occupation Act — suddenly heard sounds of a war whoop and gunfire of a Seminole war party.

The attack would be recorded as the last attack on a settler’s homestead east of the Mississippi River.

After meeting with U.S. President Millard Fillmore at the White House, Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs initially agreed to surrender. The U.S. government later offered Bowlegs $10,000 to relocate to the Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Bowlegs had led his warriors on sporadic attacks, which may have included the Bradley Massacre. (Credit: Harper’s Weekly, June 12, 1858)
After meeting with U.S. President Millard Fillmore at the White House, Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs initially agreed to surrender. The U.S. government later offered Bowlegs $10,000 to relocate to the Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Bowlegs had led his warriors on sporadic attacks, which may have included the Bradley Massacre.
(Credit: Harper’s Weekly, June 12, 1858)

Bradley’s 11-year-old daughter, Mary Jane, was quickly shot through the shoulder and heart. The captain saw her come into his bedroom, where she collapsed and died.

Fifteen-year-old William Brown Bradley was shot on the porch of the log house.

An Aug. 4, 1922 Dade City Banner story recounting the raid, reported that Nancy Bradley, the captain’s wife, “…rushed out on the porch, picked up the wounded boy, and carried him into the room and laid him on the bed. He (William) got up, grabbed a rifle, and fired through a crack between the logs, handed the gun to one of his brothers, saying, ‘fight till you die’ and fell to the floor dead.”

News of the 15-year-old’s injuries reached as far north as the Macon Weekly Telegraph, which on June 24, 1856 reported: ‘His body had been pierced by two balls.”

When Bradley realized the Indians had reached the steps of his front porch, he heard his wife yell: “They are coming in!”

What happened next was reported as far east as the Palatka Democrat, which published a May 22, 1856 account:

“Captain Bradley, who was prostrated on his bed with sickness, arose and returned a fire on the Indians with two or three guns which he had in his house, which caused them to withdraw,” according to the Palatka Democrat report.

The Banner’s 1922 article indicated that “one of the boys shot at two Indians who were trying to hide behind a tree and afterwards more blood was found there than anywhere else.”

Bradley counted at least 15 Indians attacking his log cabin.

The Palatka Democrat reported: “Captain Bradley was of the opinion that the Indians were about his house all night.”

Because he was a known Indian fighter, there are several historical sources that describe the Bradley attack as an act of revenge.

During the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), a major strategist and leader for the Indians was Thlocko Tustenuggee– or better known as “Tiger Tail” to the white man.

And, it was Captain Bradley who had tracked down and killed Nethlockemathlar, the older brother of Tiger Tail.

At the time of the Seminole raid, the Bradley residence was approximately a mile north of the location of this historic marker off Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. (Doug Sanders/Photo)
At the time of the Seminole raid, the Bradley residence was approximately a mile north of the location of this historic marker off Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.
(Doug Sanders/Photo)

Reaching the Bradley homestead the next day from Fort Brooke, Capt. Thomas C. Ellis and a group of men went into the surrounding woods to hunt for the Seminoles. “The camp of the redskins was found in the big cypress swamp and nearby the grave of the Indian killed by Captain Bradley,” according to the Dade City Banner.

As the Bradley attack produced more sightings and fears of the Indians, Gen. Jesse Carter at Fort Brooke received a letter from a citizen’s committee dated May 31, 1856. It said, in part:

“… we therefore most respectfully ask that you will, at the earliest practicable moment, send to our relief a force sufficient to protect us from the cruel barbarities of this insidious foe…”

With the frontier on alert, Bradley and his wife laid to rest their son and daughter in unmarked graves. This was done to prevent the Indians from returning and desecrating the burials.

The family would learn later that the Indian war party was pursued as far south as Fort Mead “and the entire band either killed or captured,” according to one newspaper account.

Called “The Bradley Massacre” by a historical maker erected by Pasco County in 1979, the killings that night 160 years ago was one of several events that ultimately forced Chief Billy Bowlegs and the last of some 100 Seminole warriors to leave Florida at the end of the Third Seminole War in 1858.

Armed Occupation Act
Granting 160 acres to any head of a family, the Florida Armed Occupation Act of 1842 required a settler’s house to be built in one year, the clearing and growing crops for five years, and defending the homestead.

By Doug Sanders

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published March 23, 2016

Students have a field day at Sanders

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Sanders Memorial Elementary School started spring break early with a day of fun in the sun.

Presley Knouse, 9, has the school’s initials painted on her cheek by school art teacher, Kellie Silvey, during the Field Day activities at Sanders Memorial Elementary School. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Presley Knouse, 9, has the school’s initials painted on her cheek by school art teacher, Kellie Silvey, during the Field Day activities at Sanders Memorial Elementary School.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

More than 700 students spent their day at school playing games, dancing, relay racing, getting their faces painted and slurping down snow cones.

The annual Field Day on March 18 was the last school day before the weeklong spring break started for public schools in Pasco County.

Presley Knouse, 9, got her cheek painted with the letters of her school, SMES. Then, she headed off for a round of tinikling, a dance originated in the Philippines.

Classmates tapped and moved two poles in and out, as Knouse stepped over or in between the poles.

On the basketball court, students tested their skills with an outsized jenga game or zoomed handmade paper planes through the air.

A boom box energized dancers with familiar tunes, old and new. From “Hey Macarena” to “Do the Hokey Pokey,” students got into the rhythm.

Chloe Choo, 7, gets the jump on the tinikling event, as she goes airborne above plastic poles moving from side to side.
Chloe Choo, 7, gets the jump on the tinikling event, as she goes airborne above plastic poles moving from side to side.

On the school’s field, students tested their strength and skills at tug o’ war, relay races, soccer kicks, or football and baseball tosses.

About 70 volunteers, and another dozen or so teachers and staff members, participated. Most volunteers were parents, but about eight employees from the Nike store at Tampa Premium Outlets also helped.

Standing in line, students hopped with excitement as they waited a turn at kicking the soccer ball into a net.

Riya Mendenhall, 5, joined in a tug o’ war.

“You lose sometimes. You win sometimes,” she said.

Sanders Memorial Principal Jason Petry joined in the fun, too. He gave some tips on baseball pitching to 5-year-old Patrick Mize, as the youngster got ready for his wind-up.

“It kind of kicks off their spring break,” Petry said. “They’ve worked hard since the beginning of the year. You kind of need a day like this to celebrate.”

Published March 23, 2016

Trevor Lucas, 6, and Jordan Richardson, 5, pour on the steam, as they face off with another kindergarten class during the tug o’ war Field Day event.
Srinav Nekkanti, 8, carries empty water bottles to the recycle bin after teams finished the tug o’ war during Field Day activities. More than 700 students participated.
Srinav Nekkanti, 8, carries empty water bottles to the recycle bin after teams finished the tug o’ war during Field Day activities. More than 700 students participated.
Patrick Mize, 5, works on his pitching form during Field Day activities, with the help of Jason Petry, principal of Sanders Memorial Elementary School.
Patrick Mize, 5, works on his pitching form during Field Day activities, with the help of Jason Petry, principal of Sanders Memorial Elementary School.

 

Chalk Talk 03/23/2016

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New elementary school named
The District School Board of Pasco County has named the new elementary school under construction in Wesley Chapel “Wiregrass Elementary School.” The board voted unanimously for approval.

Wiregrass Elementary is scheduled to open in August on Mansfield Boulevard, across from Dr. John Long Middle School. The school will relieve overcrowding at Double Branch and Sand Pine elementary schools.

Wiregrass is projected to open with 496 students.

Steve Williams is the school’s inaugural principal, and Melissa Bidgood (appointed by the board) will start as assistant principal.

Head Start applications being accepted
The Pasco County Schools Early Childhood Programs Department will have open application days across the county for Head Start and Early Head Start for 2016-2017.

Expectant mothers and parents/guardians of infants, toddlers and children through age 4 may apply. Eligibility is based on family need and income.

Locations, dates and times are as follows:

  • Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, on March 29, April 26 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • RCMA-The Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., Dade City, on April 20 and May 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City, on April 20 and May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • District Office Complex, Portable 23, 20425 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes, on April 28 and May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For required documents and information, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (727) 774-2730 or (813) 794-2730.

History fair at Porter Campus
Pasco-Hernando State College will host a Wesley Chapel History Fair on March 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Participants will hear stories and anecdotes relating to the area’s rich and colorful history with special presentations.

Madonna Jervis Wise will discuss her newest book, “Images of America: Wesley Chapel.”

  1. Thomas Touchton, founding chairman of the Tampa Bay History Center, will introduce the historical connection with Wesley Chapel and his exhibit at the center.

Angelo Liranzo, librarian, will provide a hands-on demonstration of local historical resources.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Constitutional essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, as part of Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neill’s Constitutional Officers Essay Contest, will accept entries at his office. The contest runs through March 31.

The contest is for Pasco County middle school students in sixth to eighth grade. Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, nonpublic and home-schools can participate.

In 500 words or less, students must answer the question “Do You Think Taxes Are Too High or Too Low? Why?”

Entries will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools are asked to submit their essays to their principal, who will forward them to the tax collector’s office.

Students in private, nonpublic or home-schools may send essays directly to Greg Giordano, director of customer relations, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey, FL 34654.

Entries will be accepted up until 5 p.m., March 31.

For questions, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Scholarship essay contest
The Holliday Karatinos Law Firm PLLC Scholarship Program is sponsoring an essay contest to help high school seniors and college students in Florida interested in pursuing an institution of higher education.

Students can submit a one-page essay of 600 words on Personal Injury: Concussions in Sports, addressing whether they think there is enough emphasis on safety in sports to prevent concussions, and what the student thinks should be done to curb concussions in high school athletics.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent U.S. resident, be accepted to an institution of higher learning, and a high school senior (who is 18 years of age or older, or has written parental consent) or college student (two-year tech, four-year university, colleges, undergraduates).

A combined total of $4,500 in scholarship grants will be awarded.

The deadline for essay submissions is April 1. Winners will be contacted and announced by April 15.

For complete details, visit Holliday Karatinos Law Firm PLLC on Facebook.

Round Up at John Long Middle
Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the annual PTSA “Round Up” on April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This is its largest community event to support the continued “A” rated education needs of the students. There will be games, prizes, food and a disc jockey.

For information, visit JohnLongPTSA on Facebook, or call (813) 346-6200.

Homeschool Day at Cracker Country
Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, will host Homeschool Day on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can learn about the lives of settlers in rural Florida before the turn of the 20th century through hands-on activities. The theme for the day is “Make and Take Crafts.”

Educators in historic dress will be on hand at the 1885 Carlton House, railroad depot, general store, church and other authentic structures. Participants can make toys, dolls and helpful items for the household, and can also learn to operate an early 20th century printing press and make postcards.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 4 through adult. Children younger than age 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at CrackerCountry.org.

For information, call (813) 627-4225.

School shootings: What are we doing wrong?

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When it comes to mass shootings at school, there is one thing that most have in common, said Lisa Rapp-McCall, a professor in the graduate social work program at Saint Leo University.

“The vast majority end in the shooter’s suicide,” the professor told a crowd at a conference for social workers at Saint Leo University on March 11.

Rapp-McCall’s presentation, “Mass Shootings: What are we doing wrong? Where to we go from here,” provided conference-goers a deep look at the issue, using information the professor gleaned from FBI reports, Secret Service reports, other researchers’ information and studies.

Lisa Rapp-McCall discusses the seriousness of mass shootings at schools, and ways that schools, families and care providers can work to reduce potential incidents. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Lisa Rapp-McCall discusses the seriousness of mass shootings at schools, and ways that schools, families and care providers can work to reduce potential incidents.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The professor also drew on knowledge attained through her own experience when she worked with juvenile offenders and youth with mental health issues while she was a practicing social worker in Buffalo, N.Y.

The truth is that it’s difficult to research mass shooting cases that occur at school because they are rare events, and because the shooter is typically dead, Rapp-McCall said, beginning her presentation with the FBI’s definition of a mass shooting at school.

“The FBI defines a school mass shooting as a first-degree multiple homicide involving four or more victims,” she said. By that definition, there have been nine school mass shootings in the past 20 years.

But, that doesn’t count the events where multiple people are shot, but fewer than four die, she said. By that broader definition, the number of mass shooting incidents would double.

Rapp-McCall also went over some myths about mass shootings at schools:

  • School violence is an epidemic
  • All school shooters are loners and alike
  • These are impulsive acts
  • Easy access to guns is the No. 1 contributor
  • School shooters are easy to identify

While not an epidemic, the incidents are serious and work needs to be done to reduce the potential for these occurrences, Rapp-McCall said. And, while some may think they’re impulsive acts, they tend to be carefully planned and scripted, she added.

While much more research is needed, there are some clues, including the risk factors for school shooters. Those include:

  • Seventy-five percent have attempted suicide
  • They have been rejected by peers; or, if they have friends, they’re engaged in unhealthy behaviors
  • They are disconnected from school and are withdrawn
  • They have been bullied, humiliated, gay-baited
  • They collect injustices, feel victimized, may be paranoid
  • They have access to weapons
  • They’re fascinated by weapons

There are also risk factors in families, Rapp-McCall said. There tends to be a lack of intimacy and cohesion in the home. The youth is allowed to be withdrawn. There’s access to weapons. And, the family often appears to be afraid of the youth.

There is no easy fix for the problem, Rapp-McCall said, noting it will take concerted and sustained efforts to address this complex issue.

Better coordination of services and more communication between providers would help, she said. In some cases, a problem could be spotted and addressed much earlier, if people were talking to each other, she said.

She’d like to see more social workers hired to coordinate multiple services.

“Parents shouldn’t be case managers. They don’t know how to be case managers,” she said.

“All of these families, at one point or another, sought help,” Rapp-McCall said. “They weren’t really given a lot of help.”

She also thinks parents need more guidance about what to do when their child is withdrawn.

“It is OK to get them out of their room?

“Yes. Please do.

“Is it OK to go looking in their room, when they’re not there?

“Yes. Please do,” she said.

She also said schools must do more to reduce the potential for incidents.

There are also risk factors at schools, she said. Those include a pecking order, where certain groups of students are favored; a code of silence, where kids know what’s going on but won’t tell anyone; and, a culture that allows bullying to occur.

To address those issues, schools must ensure that activities are inclusive, she said. The pecking order must be abolished. And, codes of silence must be broken.

Schools need ongoing teams to maintain a healthy climate and culture, she said. That team should meet regularly, and it should include students, teachers, staff, coaches, parents, guidance counselors, school nurses and social workers, she said.

Students must be taught that they can’t be bystanders when bullying occurs.

“With our technology, there certainly could be an anonymous number that you could text to say, ‘Someone is getting bullied behind the cafeteria right now’,” she said.

More research is needed, Rapp-McCall said, particularly in the arena of young male depression.

“Where is the data? Where is the research? Who’s studying this? Who’s talking about this?

“Little, very little, has been written or researched about male depression and male suicide,” Rapp-McCall said.

Published March 16, 2016