The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 03/09/2016

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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.

Chamber names Student Citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens for the month of February, selected for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

The students honored were Jodie Baldwin, The Broach School; Austin Jacobs, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Rae-Lynn Agosto, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Sabrina Mraz, Heritage Academy; Nicholas Dester, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Devin Eubanks, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Caitlyn Eudy, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Taylor Lee, Woodland Elementary; and Keith Brockington, Zephyrhills High School.

Chorus and orff concert
The All County Elementary Chorus & Orff Concert will take place March 12 at 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Center for the Arts, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The chorus will perform “Oh Shenandoah,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Charlotte Town” and “A Distant Shore.”

The orff musicians will perform “Masquerade Ball,” “Linus and Lucy,” “Do Re Mi,” “We Are Young” and “More Than a Feeling.”

Chris Edwards from Pinellas County will be the guest clinician.

The Cinderella Project is back
Pasco County high school girls who have no budget for prom can once again choose a free ensemble with help from The Cinderella Project.

The project provides brand new and gently used prom dresses, and accessories, at no cost to young ladies with financial need. Donations (dresses, shoes, purses and costume jewelry) are currently being accepted at any Pasco County high school.

Girls can try on and pick out ensembles on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Youth and Family Alternatives Building, 38022 River Road in Dade City.

Girls who would like to select a dress and accessories must bring a school ID badge.

For information, or to make a tax deductible cash donation, call (727) 463-4306.

Crews Lake Middle to revive garden
As part of a semester-long “Making a Difference in My Community” theme, Pasco eSchool elementary students will conduct a Garden Day at Crews Lake Middle School, 15144 Shady Hills Road in Spring Hill, on March 12 at 10 a.m.

The students will put new soil in the vertical garden towers, and transplant vegetables they grew from seeds into the new soil.

The produce will be used in school lunches, sent home with students and families, and/or used in community programs such as food pantries.

Volunteers are welcome. Participants can bring a picnic lunch and gloves, and wear clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty.

Saint Leo info sessions
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Spring Hill campus will offer a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education in the fall semester.

Information sessions will be offered in Pasco County on March 14 from 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey campus; and on March 19 at 10 a.m., at University campus in St. Leo.

In Hernando County, sessions will be offered on March 17 at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the Spring Hill campus.

Those attending the information sessions will have the application fee waived. For information or to RSVP, visit SaintLeo.edu/RSVP.

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.

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.

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 .

Parent input sought for grant application

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Pasco County Schools is seeking federal grant money for a before- and after-school program for some students at Cox and Quail Hollow elementary schools, and wants to hear from parents during the process.

The application requires community input, said Tony Harroun, a senior grant writer for Pasco County Schools.

So, a community night is planned for March 3 at 6 p.m., at R.B. Cox Elementary School, at 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City.

Quail Hollow’s community night was set for earlier in the week, on March 1.

The idea is to give parents a chance to weigh in on what they would like to see offered as part of the program, Harroun said.

The emphasis of the before- and after-school program will be on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, he said.

But, children may be interested in specific topics in science or other subjects, and the district would like to hear parents’ suggestions, Harroun said.

If the district receives the grant, he estimates that the program at Cox and at Quail Hollow possibly could accommodate about 50 children each.

The district hopes to receive funding for both schools, so it can provide additional ways to engage children in learning and make it more interesting and fun for them, Harroun said.

The district already has this program at one elementary school and at an afternoon program at three middle schools, including Stewart Middle School, Harroun said.

The application will be submitted for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

The program it would fund is called STAR, which stands for Success Through Academic Readiness.

Children from private schools also are eligible for the before- and after-school program, but the school district would not be able to transport them, Harroun said.

Parents of private school children who are interested in learning more about the program and who would like to offer suggestions about the programming are invited to the community meeting, he said.

What: Community meeting
Why: To solicit parent input on a potential before- and after-school program.
Where: Cox Elementary School, 37615 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
When: March 3 at 6 p.m.

Published March 2, 2016

Chalk Talk 03/02/2016

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Jersey Mike’s Subs supports education
Jersey Mike’s Subs has a new location at 2081 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The franchise owners Bill Atkins and Rick Barrett will hold a sub fundraiser from March 2 through March 6 to support Denham Oaks and Lake Myrtle elementary schools and Pine View Middle School.

The new restaurant is circulating 5,000 coupons through the schools and 5,000 throughout the community. The coupons offer a sub sandwich for a minimum $2 donation to one of three schools. The restaurant will collect the contributions and distribute them to the schools. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. While donations must be at least $2, they can exceed that amount.

The restaurant is covering the cost of the sandwiches, so the schools get the full benefit from the fundraiser.

“We are so excited to be opening the Land O’ Lakes location and educating the community on what Jersey Mike’s is all about,” Barrett said, in a release. “Jersey Mike’s is not only a great sub shop, but a partner in the community.”

The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.  To contact this location directly call (813) 949-2929.

Pasco Schools needs input on after-school programs
Pasco County Schools is hosting a meeting on March 3 at 5:30 p.m., at R.B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, to gather input on a grant proposal for a STEAM-focused after-school enrichment program at Quail Hollow and R.B. Cox elementary schools.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant would launch STAR (Success Through Academic Readiness) with hands-on, STEAM-focused enrichment opportunities. Services will be tuition-free for a limited number of children.

If awarded, the grant will fund STAR after-school programs starting in August at both schools.

Schwarzkopf hosted BearFest
Schwarzkopf Elementary School in Lutz hosted its annual BearFest in February, to promote family time. Families played games in the hallways, and Sweet and Sassy did a variety of hairdos for the children. There also were booths set up and themed basket raffle drawings.

The inclement weather was no damper on Schwarzkopf Elementary ‘bear pride.’

The Cinderella Project is back
Pasco County high school girls who have no budget for prom can once again choose a free ensemble with help from The Cinderella Project.

The project provides brand new and gently used prom dresses, and accessories, at no cost to young ladies with financial need. Donations (dresses, shoes, purses and costume jewelry) are currently being accepted at any Pasco County high school.

Girls can try on and pick out ensembles at these locations.

  • March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Longleaf Town Center, 3104 Town Ave., in New Port Richey
  • March 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Youth and Family Alternatives Building, 38022 River Road in Dade City.

Girls who would like to select a dress and accessories must bring a school ID badge.

For information, or to make a tax deductible cash donation, call (727) 463-4306.

International Business Conference at Saint Leo
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host the annual International Business Conference on March 10. This year’s theme is “Achieving Success in the Global Economy,” and the primary programming is geared for students.

Program session topics will include “Women in Leadership,” Doctoral student presentations on “Keys to Workforce Success in the Global Economy,” “Study Abroad and SERVE trips,” and “Mock Interviews.”

Panel discussions will include “Major Debate: Best Degree for International Business Opportunities,” “Contemporary Issues Related to Information Security,” and “The Affordable Care Act and International Healthcare Tourism: A Look at Recent Changes in Health Care.”

The keynote speaker will be Marshall Larsen, retired chairman, president and chief executive officer of Goodrich Corporation. Larsen will speak at 9:30 a.m., and will discuss the skills, qualities and characteristics necessary to succeed in the global economy.

For information, or special accommodations, contact Dan Tschopp at (352) 588-8238 or .

Chorus and orff concert
The All County Elementary Chorus & Orff Concert will take place March 12 at 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Center for the Arts, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The chorus will perform “Oh Shenandoah,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Charlotte Town” and “A Distant Shore.”

The orff musicians will perform “Masquerade Ball,” “Linus and Lucy,” “Do Re Mi,” “We Are Young” and “More Than a Feeling.”

Chris Edwards from Pinellas County will be the guest clinician.

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.

Chalk Talk 02/24/2016

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Rotary club to sponsor classroom
Kelly Mothershead, from Pepin Academy, spoke to the Sunrise Rotary Club of Dade City and gave an overview of the growth of the charter school with locations in two counties, Hillsborough and Pasco.

The Rotary club will be an “Adopt-a-Classroom” sponsor for the Pasco location, where all the money goes toward the classroom for academic enrichments, including books, visual aids or supplies.

Pepin Academies serves 850 students with the main campus in Tampa, one in Riverview and the latest addition in New Port Richey.

For more information, email .

Teacher job fair
Pasco County Schools is hosting a job fair on Feb. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd, in Land O’ Lakes, for college graduates and soon-to-be graduates interested in becoming a teacher.Pasco has teaching opportunities in language arts, math, science, social studies, special education areas, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors.

The job fair is not just for education majors, so those with or seeking degrees in other subjects are encouraged to attend.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the job fair banner at the top.

Kiddie Academy dance party
Kiddie Academy of Carrollwood, 15320 Casey Road, will host a dance-off and party on Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to celebrate its 35th birthday.

The Kiddie Academy Music & More program will teach different dances to those participating, young and old. Dancers can choose one of three music genres with coordinating, age-appropriate choreography.

Register online at KiddieEvents.com/danceparty. For information, call Linda McDonough at (813) 264-2378.

Stetson law school open house
Stetson University College of Law will host an open house on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1401 61st St., S, in Gulfport.

Future law students can have lunch, tour the campus, meet with Stetson law school professors, and learn more about studying abroad or specialized studies in advocacy, environmental law or elder law.

To register for the free event, call (727) 562-7802, or email .

Environmental sustainability talk
Saint Leo University will host Anthony Cortese on March 1 at 7 p.m., in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center for a talk on “Creating a Socially and Environmentally Sustainable Economy.”

Cortese served as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and was the first dean of environmental programs at Tufts University, outside Boston. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tufts in civil and environmental engineering, earning his doctorate in environmental health at Harvard School of Public Health.

Admission is free. For special accommodations, contact Jennifer Orendorf at (352) 588-8401 or .

Jersey Mike’s Subs opens
Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening a restaurant at 2081 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes on March 2 with a ribbon cutting, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The franchise owners Bill Atkins and Rick Barrett will hold a sub fundraiser from March 2 through March 6 to support Denham Oaks and Lake Myrtle elementary schools and Pine View Middle School.

The new restaurant is circulating 5,000 coupons through the schools and 5,000 throughout the community. The coupons offer a sub sandwich for a minimum $2 donation to one of three schools. The restaurant will collect the donations and distribute them to the schools. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. While donations must be at least $2, they can exceed that amount.

The restaurant is covering the cost of the sandwiches, so the schools get the full benefit from the fundraiser.

“We are so excited to be opening the Land O’ Lakes location and educating the community on what Jersey Mike’s is all about,” Barrett said, in a release. “Jersey Mike’s is not only a great sub shop, but a partner in the community.”

The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.  To contact this location directly, call (813) 949-2929.

Three Pasco district schools win gold
New River, Oakstead and Cypress elementary schools have earned gold medals from Florida’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Project.

A PBIS multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) model school has consistent methods of:

  • utilizing its data to better serve students and staff
  • teaching PBIS:MTSS to new students throughout the school year
  • creating and engaging reward systems
  • extending PBIS:MTSS throughout the campus and partnering with the community and parents
  • including PBIS:MTSS into daily activities across all available teaching opportunities

New River Elementary has a school-wide matrix that supports being safe, responsible and respectful in all areas of the school. It uses visual images for younger students, and is in written form for all students, so no matter where you go on campus, everyone is able to know and support the positive behavior expectations.

Oakstead Elementary’s staff works to teach the expectations and rules to students explicitly, and uses visual reminders throughout the school, including posters with pictures, to show the rules and expectations. Every department’s staff forms mentorships with students who need extra behavioral support.

Cypress Elementary focuses on catching students who are being respectful, responsible and safe by issuing “tickets” for random drawings for prizes.

Saint Leo ranks for online programs
U.S. News and World Report named Saint Leo University among the top universities in its 2016 Best Online Programs edition. Saint Leo has had an online program since 1998 through its Center for Online Learning.

This is the fourth year U.S. News has numerically ranked online degree programs from scores of colleges and universities throughout the nation.

Saint Leo University was tied for 43rd place for the bachelor’s programs, and tied for 56th place for the non-MBA graduate business programs. It also was recognized for its excellence in the MBA and graduate education online programs.

Deborah Rivera is scholarship recipient
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Take Stock in Children program for Hernando County, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship program, named Deborah Rivera, a junior at Hernando High School, as its 2015 two-year college scholarship recipient.

Students are selected based on academic performance, socioeconomic standing, and a desire to continue their education. Scholarship recipients receive a Florida prepaid contract that provides tuition for 60 credit hours at a Florida college or university.

Rivera is poised to achieve a higher education with above-average reading and math competencies, and plans to help children overcome adversity.

The 2014 winner, Christien Coleman is currently a senior at Nature Coast Technical High School and plans to serve in the U.S. Navy after college.

For information about PHSC scholarship opportunities, call (727) 816-3410.

 

Watergrass girls on the run

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Watergrass Elementary school counselor Meredith Ward joined forces last year with third grade teacher Amanda Hoffman to start a girls running club.

Since Watergrass doesn’t have organized school sports, they felt it was a good way for their students to get active and develop interpersonal skills.

The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club is for fourth grade and fifth grade girls. They meet every Thursday afternoon and are preparing for a 5K race in March. (Photos courtesy of Watergrass Elementary)
The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club is for fourth grade and fifth grade girls. They meet every Thursday afternoon and are preparing for a 5K race in March.
(Photos courtesy of Watergrass Elementary)

“I had heard about how girls running groups really helped promote empowerment and that kind of girl power mentality, and I just thought, ‘Well, this would be really cool if I could start this here at Watergrass,’” Ward said.

The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club — for fourth grade and fifth grade girls — promotes healthy choices, and tries to build positive self-esteem and teamwork. It also focuses on setting goals and developing perseverance, as the girls begin their transition to middle school.

The club has provided an outlet for Watergrass students to socialize, outside of the regular school day.

“I’ve had some girls who’ve said, ‘I’ve made some new friends since being part of the group,’ and that’s important,” Ward said. “We’re focusing on positive relationships with other girls, and how we need to work together and build each other up.

“It’s kind of a byproduct to the health and fitness, and goal setting that we’re doing,” she said.

Ward, an avid runner in her own right, was initially surprised in the amount of interest the afterschool club generated.

She had hoped to attract about 15 students or so. But, the club wound up with double that, at 30 members last year. Currently, it has 33 members.

“We weren’t really sure what we were going go get, but we were thrilled to have so many fourth (grade) and fifth grade girls who wanted to come out and do this,” she said. “The response from the parents has been great, too.”

Through business donations, the club was able to create a pink T-shirt that says, “I Run Like a Girl, Just Try to Keep Up.”
Through business donations, the club was able to create a pink T-shirt that says, “I Run Like a Girl, Just Try to Keep Up.”

The Owls Run Club meets every Thursday after school, exercising in various open areas, as well as in nearby neighborhood communities.

It welcomes all skillsets—no matter how fast or how slow.

“We have a varied ability level,” Ward explained. “We have some girls that, maybe, without this group wouldn’t be very active, and then we have some that are already running a couple of miles a couple of days a week.”

Watergrass fifth-grader Elizabeth Parsons said the club is “really fun” because “we get to have more exercise.”

“I recommend (other schools) have running clubs, because it’s really good for you,” said Parsons, who’s in her second year with the club. “Some think that girls are not strong enough to run something, so we try to build up our self-esteem, and we encourage people.”

The encouragement aspect of the club is especially important for students going through personal issues, Ward added.

“Sometimes we’ll do mini-sessions before we start running where everyone shares a compliment or shares something positive that has happened during their week,” the school counselor explained. “Some of our kids may be going through family changes or may have experienced some kind of a loss.”

Ward said a few adult volunteers from the school have stepped up to help supervise the group, thereby accommodating the girls’ varied running and walking paces.

“We try to kind of break the groups down…where one of us will push up so the girls who are capable of running more consistently can do so, and this year we’ve had some other adults walk…forming a barrier in the back,” she said.

The presence of other adults has been a positive motivator for club members, Parsons said.

“They really encourage us,” the fifth-grader said. “For people that are behind, they say, ‘You can do it’ and ‘Keep up the good work.’”

The running club is currently training for the Watergrass Elementary Parent Teacher Association 5K on March 7.

Since the group meets just once a week, Ward said the training program is loosely based around the ‘couch to 5K’ program — jogging sessions at a comfortable pace, gradually adding more distance each week.

“Each week, we’ve been building our stamina…and the goal is for the girls to be able to participate in that race, and finish that race,” Ward said. “For some of them, it’ll be their very first 5K.”

After the race, Ward plans to scale down the club until October, bypassing the warm weather conditions at the beginning and end of the school year.

“It’d be nice to do it all year, but once it gets extremely hot, there are some concerns about overheating and hydration,” she said.

Published February 17, 2016

Chalk Talk 02/17/2016

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ChalkTalk-Hall rgbEzekiel Wing Hall, son of Tresa Hall of Wesley Chapel, was named to the Dean’s List at Pensacola Christian College for academic achievement during the 2015 fall semester. Ezekiel is a former student of Land O’ Lakes Christian School. (Courtesy of Tresa Hall)

‘Into the Woods’ at Sunlake High
Sunlake High School will present the musical “Into the Woods” on Feb. 17, Feb.18 and Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road. Tickets are $15 at the door.

For information, email .

Business & Career Week at Saint Leo
Students at Saint Leo University will participate in the 2016 Business and Career Week, Feb. 22 to Feb. 25, with the following schedule:

  • Feb. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Business Card Clinic. All students registering will receive free business cards.
  • Feb. 22 at 1:30 p.m.: Northwestern Mutual Workshop. A recruiting professional will lecture on the best practices for winning the “resume game.”
  • Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: “Drop-In Advising”
  • Feb. 23 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Mock Interview Workshop. Students will practice interview skills during a simulated session.
  • Feb. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: “Dress for Success.” A fashion show will illustrate wardrobe mistakes students shouldn’t make.
  • Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Career Fair. Students will have a chance to network, and learn about internship and career possibilities.
  • Feb. 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Pasco Economic Development Council’s “SMARTStart Challenge” and the finals of the student business plan competition.

For information, contact Dr. Adam Shoemaker at (352) 588-8006 or .

Black History Month events
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Black History Month celebrations will feature the “History of African Drumming” by Myron Jackson and Kuumba Dancers & Drummers. Admission is free.

  • Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Room B105
  • Feb. 23 at 6 p.m., Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Room B303, Wesley Chapel
  • Feb. 24 at 9:45 a.m., West Campus, Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey
  • Feb. 24 at 6 p.m., East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Room A240, Dade City

 

 

Teacher job fair
Pasco County Schools is hosting a job fair on Feb. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd, in Land O’ Lakes, for college graduates and soon-to-be graduates interested in becoming a teacher.

Pasco has teaching opportunities in language arts, math, science, social studies, special education areas, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors.

The job fair is not just for education majors, so those with or seeking degrees in other subjects are encouraged to attend.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the job fair banner at the top.

Stetson law school open house
Stetson University College of Law will host an open house on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1401 61st St., S, in Gulfport.

Future law students can have lunch, tour the campus, meet with Stetson law school professors, and learn more about studying abroad or specialized studies in advocacy, environmental law or elder law.

To register for the free event, call (727) 562-7802, or email .

Pasco School Choice runs to March 1
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window is open until March 1.

If a student is currently attending a school on school choice, parents do not need to reapply unless their address has changed after initial approval, they reside outside of Pasco County, or the student will be moving to the next school level.

Families who live in another county and want to request student assignment to a Pasco County school must submit a release from their home county within the open enrollment period.

Separate applications must be completed for each child.

Applications can be found at PascoSchools.org, by clicking on the school choice banner at the top.

Simon Youth Foundation will award scholarships
Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities to at-risk high school students, has begun looking for a graduating senior who lives within 50miles of Ellenton Premium Outlets and Tampa Premium Outlets.

Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to Simon, Mills or Premium Outlets malls.

SYF will award 25 scholarships to students graduating in the class of 2016 who live within 50 miles of any Premium Outlets mall nationwide. No more than one scholarship will be awarded per property. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

In addition, an Award of Excellence will be given to the top candidate from among the scholarship applicants that represent the nationwide Premium Outlets locations. The top candidate will receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).

Students will be selected based on financial need, academic performance, leadership skills, and participation in school and community activities.

The application period ends March 1. Students can apply online at SYF.org/scholarships.

Recipients will be notified in May.

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 .

Spreading the word about Saint Leo

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William J. Lennox Jr., has been well-versed on the strengths of Saint Leo University for years.

Before assuming his current role on July 1, the retired U.S. Army three-star lieutenant general served on the school’s board of directors for nearly seven years.

But now, as Saint Leo’s president, Lennox is seeing the university from a new vantage point.

“When you’re on the board, you have the 60,000-foot view. And, I’m working my way down to the 6-foot view,” said Lennox, who was superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for five years.

Saint Leo University President William J. “Bill” Lennox Jr., former superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, said people have asked him how Saint Leo and West Point differ. He responds: ‘The similarities are more striking. The strong mission statement. The focus on teaching and small classes. The value system. The people.’ (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo Unversity)
Saint Leo University President William J. “Bill” Lennox Jr., former superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, said people have asked him how Saint Leo and West Point differ. He responds: ‘The similarities are more striking. The strong mission statement. The focus on teaching and small classes. The value system. The people.’
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Now, Lennox, who prefers to be called Bill, said he sees firsthand both the strengths of Saint Leo’s people and of its mission. The focus on teaching, the small class size and the university’s clear set of values are key attributes, he added.

“You put that all together, you get quite a package,” Lennox said.

Given his background, the former military leader said: “People have asked me about the difference between West Point and Saint Leo.

“The similarities are more striking (than the differences). The strong mission statement. The focus on teaching and small classes. The value system. The people,” Lennox said.

Unlike West Point, however, Saint Leo’s story is not nearly as widely known.

“I think we’re the best-kept secret around here,” Lennox said.

He’s working to change that.

“We’re going to add a V.P., (vice president) for marketing. That is going to help us both with the targeted marketing, but also with the branding. I think a lot of people think we’re this sleepy little organization,” he said.

“Not many people understand that we’re the third-largest Catholic university,” he added.

With an enrollment of 16,000, the university has about 2,400 students at its campus in Saint Leo, and the rest take classes either online or in person at locations across seven states, in such cities as Atlanta and Savannah, and in the Tidewater area of Virginia, he said.

Saint Leo’s brand is very strong in the military, he noted. “People recognize Saint Leo and want to attend. And, I think that transfers out to the civilian populations in those areas, too.”

But, military cutbacks and security issues pose a challenge.

“Some of the posts are becoming very concerned about security. If you don’t have a military ID card, you might not be able to get on. So that cuts some of the civilians out and the young veterans, who may have only served three or four or five years, because they don’t get an ID card,” he said.

These members of the military walk across the campus of Saint Leo University in St. Leo. The university is widely known in military circles, but doesn’t enjoy the same familiarity in other circles, according to William J. “Bill” Lennox Jr., the university’s current president. ‘I think we’re the best-kept secret around here,’ he said. He wants to change that.
These members of the military walk across the campus of Saint Leo University in St. Leo. The university is widely known in military circles, but doesn’t enjoy the same familiarity in other circles, according to William J. “Bill” Lennox Jr., the university’s current president. ‘I think we’re the best-kept secret around here,’ he said. He wants to change that.

To address that issue, “we want to look at maybe a model like we have in Tampa, where we have a presence on MacDill (Air Force Base) and we have (a location in) Channelside,” he said.

The Channelside location has helped raise the university’s profile, he said.

Channelside is also situated in an area that Lennox expects to develop over the long-term.

“So, we’re well-positioned,” he said.

Besides raising awareness about the university’s existing footprint, Lennox wants to increase its responsiveness to student needs.

To that end, the university wants to offer students an opportunity to take classes face-to-face, take classes online, or do both, Lennox said.

“We want them to be able to go back and forth, very freely.

“We want to appeal to the student, and let the student be able to choose,” he said.

He also wants the university to foster stronger ties with corporations, enabling it to work out agreements to teach classes in corporate boardrooms or training rooms.

“Starbucks just signed with Arizona State University,” he said, and he doesn’t see why Saint Leo can’t work out similar arrangements.

“Why can’t we offer that as an advantage of coming to Tampa?” Lennox said.

He believes the university is quite capable of delivering such services.

“We’re pretty agile,” Lennox said.

“I’m tired of people asking me where Saint Leo is. I tell folks the answer is: We are where you want us to be,” he said.

He’s bullish on the university’s prospects, because he’s confident in what it has to offer.

“My take is that if you’ve got a great product and people want it out there, why not expand it? That’s what I’d like to do,” Lennox said.

Published February 10, 2016

Pasco seeks to fill hundreds of teaching jobs

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If you’re looking for a teaching job, Pasco County Schools would love to hear from you.

The district has teacher openings in language arts, math, science, social studies and special education areas. It also needs school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors.

The district expects to fill more than 400 vacancies for the 2016-2017 school year, including some positions that will be filled immediately, said Christine Pejot, human resources director for Pasco County Schools.

Christine Pejot
Christine Pejot

“We’re really excited because this is the earliest we’ve started recruitment for the following school year in quite awhile,” Pejot said.

The job fair will be on Feb. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the gymnasium at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The district plans to advertise its openings Feb. 19 through Feb. 23, so that will give people a specific idea of what’s out there and available, and what principals are going to be looking for at the fair, Pejot said.

Potential applicants have the opportunity to register early, and some interviews will be conducted during the fair, Pejot said.

“We also expect a lot of students who are in their final internships at the colleges of education, that are looking for an appointment that would begin in August,” she said.

Having the job fair early puts the district in a better position to compete for available candidates, she said.

“Our certification people are going to be on hand in order to vet people in terms of certification,” Pejot said.

Pejot said the district is able to hold the job fair earlier this year than it has in recent years, because it instituted an Intent to Return process very early this year, helping the district to have a better picture of its staffing needs. It also has been able to take a look at how retirements will affect openings.

“It’s just more strategic planning on our part, and knowing that the staffing and recruitment needed to be prioritized and talked about at the same time that we were doing things like budget and allocations this year,” Pejot said.

“We are always looking for employees in the critical shortage areas, like math and secondary science.

“In fact, for those particular areas, you don’t already have to be a teacher. We are looking for people who already hold degrees in those special areas. We also have a district sponsored PDPC program. It stands for Professional Development Certification Program, where folks who hold bachelor’s degrees in those target areas can do a cross walk into teaching.”

“We have a very robust PDPC program,” she said. “It is actually the model for several other programs throughout the state.”

Thirty-six schools are planning to attend, at all levels, including Pasco e-school and adult programs, with schools from throughout the district represented.

The schools will have tables situated throughout Sunlake’s gymnasium, and applicants will be able to head to schools they are interested in.

While the job fair is scheduled for two hours, it could go longer, if organizers sense there’s a need to extend the time.

People who are interested in becoming substitutes can also get more information at a table designated for substitute teachers.

The district’s salaries are competitive and it offers a generous benefits package, Pejot said.

For more information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the job fair banner at the top of the page.

To register, visit PascoSchools.org\HR.

Published February 10, 2016

 

Chalk Talk 02/10/2016

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ChalkTalk-StewartPilot Club honors ‘top dogs’
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills honored students from Stewart Middle School for academics and leadership at a recent luncheon. Each student receives a certificate and a gold dog tag. Shown are the second quarter “Top Dogs” — Zy’Teirra Milton, Kiley Grishaber, Sommer Mullins, Edgardo Perez Soto, Robert Reidenbach, Robyn Thomas, Jessica Lee and Elisabeth Faison. Not pictured is Dana Alharbi. (Courtesy of Joan Midgett)

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 .

Harlem Wizards at Liberty Middle
The Liberty Middle School PTSA will host the Liberty FastBreak 2 vs. the Harlem Wizards on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m., in the middle school’s gym, 17400 Commerce Park Blvd., in New Tampa. The doors open at 6 p.m.

The FastBreak team is comprised of teachers, principals, school staff and community members.

Advance tickets are $10 for adults ($12 at the door), and $8 for students ($10 at the door).

For information, visit HarlemWizards.com.

Black History Month events
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Black History Month celebrations will feature the “History of African Drumming” by Myron Jackson and Kuumba Dancers & Drummers. Admission is free.

  • Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Room B105
  • Feb. 23 at 6 p.m., Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Room B303, Wesley Chapel
  • Feb. 24 at 9:45 a.m., West Campus, Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey
  • Feb. 24 at 6 p.m., East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Room A240, Dade City

Simon Youth Foundation will award scholarships
Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities to at-risk high school students, has begun looking for a graduating senior who lives within 50miles of Ellenton Premium Outlets and Tampa Premium Outlets.

Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to Simon, Mills or Premium Outlets malls.

SYF will award 25 scholarships to students graduating in the class of 2016 who live within 50 miles of any Premium Outlets mall nationwide. No more than one scholarship will be awarded per property. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

In addition, an Award of Excellence will be given to the top candidate from among the scholarship applicants that represent the nationwide Premium Outlets locations. The top candidate will receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).

Students will be selected based on financial need, academic performance, leadership skills, and participation in school and community activities.

The application period ends March 1. Students can apply online at SYF.org/scholarships.

Recipients will be notified in May.

New cybersecurity degree program
Saint Leo University has developed a new undergraduate degree program in cybersecurity. The Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity program will begin in the fall semester, and courses will be offered on campus and online.

The new four-year degree program will afford students the foundation of Saint Leo’s liberal arts program along with a technically rigorous, hands-on curriculum in cybersecurity.

The new program requires six courses specific to cybersecurity, plus two undergraduate courses from Saint Leo’s Criminal Justice Department. The new cybersecurity degree will fulfill the undergraduate requirements set by the National Security Agency for its certification standards.

For information, contact Derek Mohammed at (352) 588-8413 or .

 

 

Names being sought for Elem W

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Pasco County School Board members are seeking suggestions for a formal name for a new school being built in the Wiregrass Ranch area of Wesley Chapel.

Crews are bustling around the site, as construction work continues on the school, which has been known generically as Elementary W.

The school board is asking the public, district staff and students to suggest names so that it can select one before the structure opens.

Classes are scheduled to begin at the new elementary school in August.

Crews are bustling around the site of Elementary W, off Mansfield Boulevard in the Wiregrass Ranch area in Wesley Chapel. The Pasco County School Board is seeking suggestions for a permanent name for the school. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Crews are bustling around the site of Elementary W, off Mansfield Boulevard in the Wiregrass Ranch area in Wesley Chapel. The Pasco County School Board is seeking suggestions for a permanent name for the school.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The structure is being built on Mansfield Boulevard, across from John Long Middle School, and down the street from Wiregrass Ranch High School and Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

When it opens, it will give Wesley Chapel students the opportunity to attend kindergarten through college, along the same road.

School board policy encourages the community, educators and students to suggest names for district schools.

The school board prefers to name schools after the general location, features of the area, or historical information about the school’s location, and the suggested name must be descriptive and brief, according to a school district news release.

If the name of an individual is submitted, it should be of a person of prominence, recognized for his or her outstanding civic or educational contribution, the news release adds. The board will only consider naming a school after an elected official or school district employee has been deceased for two or more years, or has left public office or district employment more than two years ago.

Once a name is adopted, it is considered permanent unless the facility or its use changes.

If you would like to suggest a permanent name for the school now known as Elem W, submit your suggestions with a brief explanation for each school name by Feb. 29.

Email submissions using the Subject “Elementary W” to , fax them to (813) 794-2716, or mail them to: Linda Cobbe, Communications & Government Relations Department, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34638.

Published February 3, 2016