The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 05-13-15

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Students earn record number of recognitions at State Science and Engineering Fair
Of 25 Pasco County students earning the chance to compete in the state science and engineering fair, 16 received a total of 19 awards, the most in the county’s history.

Area winners were:

  • Pranov Warmen, Academy at the Lakes, first place mathematics
  • Roshan Warmen, Academy at the Lakes, second place physics
  • Nalin Mehra, Long Middle School, fourth place environmental
  • Anmol Warmen, Academy at the Lakes, honorable mention chemistry
  • Regan McCormick, Academy at the Lakes, honorable mention medicine
  • Kyla Huelle, Rushe Middle School, recognition zoology

Local students receiving scholarships and special awards were:

  • Regan McCormick, Academy at the Lakes, Florida Institute of Technology scholarship
  • Pranov Warmen, Academy at the Lakes, New College of Florida scholarship
  • Nura Abujbara, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Florida Museum of Natural History award
  • Kevin Cheng, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair award
  • Neto Coulibaly, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Florida Association of Science Supervisors award
  • Sarah Menard, Rushe Middle School, Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair award

Community Awareness Series at PHSC
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer its Community Awareness Series for the summer term. Guests can learn about health and human services programs provided by local agencies in Pasco County.

All sessions last about an hour and will be at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Deanna Krautner, health education program manager for Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, will present the first seminar in the series on May 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming seminars will be presented by Grace Maselli, president of National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County on June 11; and Sheri Lawrence, vice president of Pasco Mental Health Foundation Inc., on July 9.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Local students graduate Youth Leadership Pasco
The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2015 had its graduation ceremony at Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club. Thirty-five outstanding student leaders represented 16 public, private and charter high schools in Pasco County.

Youth Leadership Pasco is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders.

Class members participate in full-day program sessions, tours and candid conversations with community leaders on topics such as law enforcement, criminal justice, health care, government, economic development, media, education and career development

Local students in the 2015 graduating class were Ashley Allen and Spencer Brass of Wesley Chapel High School; Christopher Brown of Zephyrhills High School; Amy Deeb, Alicia Megnath and Torrie Pound of Sunlake High School; Sean Godinez of Land O’ Lakes High School; Thea Henry and Christian Rodriguez of Wiregrass Ranch High School; Nicholas Phillips of Bishop McLaughlin High School; and Maggie Plourde and Rebecca Taylor of Pasco High School.

Applications for the Youth Leadership Class of 2016 will be available in August.

For information, call (727) 534-4280, or visit LeadershipPasco.com.

Student Citizens recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens at an April ceremony. Students are selected for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

Those honored were Bayllon Matson, Heritage Academy; Savannah Baptist, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Andy Denton, The Broach School; Brooke Schulman, Zephyrhills High School; Johnathan Guy, Woodland Elementary School; Evan Burnside, Hope Learning Academy; Serenity Rommel, Taylor Elementary School; Aysia Sobers, East Pasco Adventist Academy; and Mariah Feliciano, Stewart Middle School.

Scholarship info for deaf students
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Inc., and Deaflinx, an online resource for information on deafness, deaf culture and American Sign Language, are teaming up to provide information on educational scholarships to persons who are hard of hearing.

For a listing of 30 scholarships and grants, visit Vicaps.com/scholarship-information.php.

GTE Financial accepting scholarship applications
GTE Financial’s Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates for $2,500 scholarships.

Applications will be evaluated on the level of extracurricular community service involvement, essay content and academic achievements.

To apply, students must be a GTE Financial member and the primary account holder at the time of submission, and must be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student continuing to pursue an undergraduate degree.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and be attending courses full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, and demonstrate a commitment to community service.

Scholarship awards may be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and/or equipment required in the pursuit of a degree.

The deadline to apply is June 3.

For information and to apply, visit GTEFinancial.org/student.

Mitchell High class reunion
There will be a Mitchell High School class of 2005 reunion on June 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Jackson’s Bistro, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., in Tampa.

The cost of the cocktail reception is $75 per person and includes a three-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres, sushi bar and a deejay. Also included is a complimentary wristband for an after-party at Backjack’s Lounge and Island bar.

All Mitchell High faculty, staff and alumni are invited.

For information, visit EventBrite.com/e/jw-mitchell-high-school-co-2005-reunion-tickets-13321140891.

Free summer VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is offering a free summer voluntary pre-kindergarten program for eligible families and their children. The program is for those who have not yet used their VPK voucher.

Applications are being accepted. Classes begin on June 15 and run through Aug. 10.

VPK hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour of rest at 12:30 p.m.

For information, call Angella Hart at (813) 242-7800.

Wiregrass Ranch graduate gets Ivy League offers

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Antonio Medina wanted to give himself the best chance he could to attend the college of his choice, so he applied to several places.

“You can be a top candidate but still, it’s really tough to get in. They get more top candidates than they can accept. Sometimes, it comes down to luck,” said Medina, who will be graduating soon from Wiregrass Ranch High.

Sandra, Antonio and Alfredo Medina pose for a photo after Antonio is named salutatorian of the class of 2015 at Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of the Medina family)
Sandra, Antonio and Alfredo Medina pose for a photo after Antonio is named salutatorian of the class of 2015 at Wiregrass Ranch High School.
(Courtesy of the Medina family)

So, he applied to scores of schools, including the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, as well as to such colleges as Princeton, Columbia, Penn, Brown, Harvard and Yale.

Brown University sent him a letter saying he would likely be accepted, Medina said.

“We were so excited about the letter. That was so amazing. We were happy with that,” he said.

On the day that the colleges announce their decisions, Medina and his mom, Sandra, were sitting at three computers, waiting.

“So, I checked Brown. I got accepted, so I was happy,” Medina said.

“We checked Penn and Columbia and Princeton. None of those.

“Then I checked Yale and got in. I was super surprised.

“I checked Harvard last. I was like, ‘Let’s just see.’ ”

And he got into Harvard, too.

“I was speechless,” his mom said. “I’m never going to forget that day.”

Medina also received full-ride offers from USF, UCF and UF.

So, then it was a matter of choosing where he would go.

He and his dad, Alfredo, visited Harvard and Yale.

Then, Medina made his final choice.

“They’re both great schools. You can’t go wrong with either school,” Medina said. “It came down to, which school did I feel better at?”

He chose Yale.

“I was more at home there,” said the Wesley Chapel resident.

He is excited about his academic future.

“The caliber of education is through the roof,” said Medina. “You have world-class professors. I could be a roommate with a future president.”

Medina ranked second in the class of 2015 at Wiregrass and also was named the school’s Most Outstanding Senior.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, he was catcher on the school’s baseball team, drum major for the marching band and a member of the jazz band.

On top of all that, he has worked for his mom and dad’s business, Gator Fred’s, a fun and party center in Carrollwood.

“I helped them since I was 7. I’ve seen what it is like to manage a business, to work in a service — entrepreneurial, all that stuff, since I was a child,” Medina said.

That work has left an indelible impression on him.

“Probably because of the influence of my family, I want to go my own way, work for myself, create something that could be my own business, or create something new that would be completely under my wing,” he said.

He describes what he has gained by working in the family business in one of the essays he wrote for his college applications.

He details how the business started at the family’s home and has evolved into its own location, Gator Fred’s, a fun and party center in Carrollwood. He then explains the impact that working in the family business has had on him.

“The establishment of Gator Fred’s didn’t just enhance what my childhood had been. The store engraved in me a vital essence of my character,” he wrote.

“With my own bare hands, I helped my family turn an enormous, empty shell of what was once a Bealls Outlet into a beautiful playground of colors and bounce houses and train rides and joy.

“This experience taught me how to manage a business before I was even a teenager. “More importantly, it showed me how to take pride in building something bigger than myself.

“Every weekend that I spent there, instead of with friends, I remained aware that this place was what provided for our food, our house, our lives.

“I never took for granted what I had. I knew the value of hard work and persistence.

“My parents taught me the dangers of taking risks but also the courage needed to make the leap. For them, I will always be grateful,” Medina’s essay says.

The young man’s success in academics began when he was young.

He said he’s always been a good student, except for during kindergarten.

“We had just moved here (from Venezuela). I was 5 and I just learned English.

“The only problem was now, I wouldn’t shut up. I just kept talking. I’d get in trouble for being too talkative,” he recalled.

His mom recalls finding out about the problem.

“The lady called me and said, ‘He is too talkative,’ ” she said. “He would talk with an empty chair.”

His mom decided to nip the problem in the bud.

She put his toys in a bag and pretended to throw them out.

“I did better in school,” Medina said. “And my toys magically reappeared.”

Apparently, the lesson stuck.

“Being good in school is good. Learning for the sake of learning is good,” he said.

Medina is graduating from Wiregrass Ranch on May 31. His younger brother, Andres, will be attending the high school next year.

Medina’s mom is clearly ecstatic about her son’s academic accomplishments.

His dad is proud, too.

“My dad has worn the same Yale shirt for the past four days,” Medina said. “It says ‘Yale Dad’.”

Published May 6, 2015

Construction crews give shape to Pasco’s first magnet

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Construction crews are fully engaged in the project to give Pasco County its first magnet school, which is set to open this fall in Land O’ Lakes.

Jason Petry, principal of Sanders Memorial Elementary School, has been immersed, too, in the task of hiring teachers for the school, which will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Interest in the district’s first magnet is evident.

Principal Jason Petry, left, has been working to get staffing lined up for the inaugural year of Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, which will be housed at Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes. Jeff Wright, of Ajax Building Corp., is the project manager who is overseeing construction work on the project. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Principal Jason Petry, left, has been working to get staffing lined up for the inaugural year of Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, which will be housed at Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes. Jeff Wright, of Ajax Building Corp., is the project manager who is overseeing construction work on the project.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

There were more than 1,689 applicants for its 762 student seats.

Most of those seats have been filled, but some of those initially chosen have opted out, leaving some available for students lower on the list, Petry said.

Students aren’t the only ones expressing a desire to be at Sanders.

The school drew 180 to 200 applicants for its teaching staff.

The vast majority came from Pasco County Schools, but there were also applicants from Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois and Arizona, Petry said. He was surprised by the out-of-state applications, since the openings were only posted on the district’s website.

Hiring was nearly completed, as of last week.

“We’ve hired our 40 teachers. We’re working on P.E. (physical education), music and art this week,” Petry said on April 24.

While work is wrapping up on selecting the school’s staff, construction crews are still hard at work to complete the building.

Sanders’ roots in Land O’ Lakes date back to 1948.

The school district funded the redesign of Sanders in 2008, but the project was put on hold because the housing market crashed. The initial plans had to be updated because of changes in codes and to address the school’s curriculum needs.

When completed, Sanders — located at 5126 School Road — will be almost entirely new. Just three of the former school’s buildings remain on site. The rest were demolished.

Besides being the district’s first magnet, Sanders also will benefit from an agreement between the school board and Pasco County. The arrangement aims at providing more recreational opportunities for school children and the community at large, while also broadening learning opportunities and providing a venue to accommodate community gatherings.

In keeping with the school’s educational mission, classrooms will have wireless technology and large-screen televisions. There’s also a space designed to foster collaboration between students and between classrooms. And, there is storage space for student projects and sinks in classrooms, to accommodate experiments.

The school also will equip each student with technology. Kindergarteners and first-graders will have iPads, and second-graders through fifth-graders will have laptops.

While the district moves forward with its academic preparations for the school, considerable construction progress has been made.

Still, much work remains.

Jeff Wright, project manager for Ajax Building Corp., is confident the project will be finished on time.

“The stuff that makes it look done — that’s the easiest part,” Wright said. “There’s a lot that happens very quickly in the finishing steps.”

Initially, Sanders’ lottery system gave preference to students living in the Connerton and Oakstead elementary schools to help relieve overcrowding at those schools.

In the coming year, the school will be serving primarily Central Pasco, but there will be students coming from as far away as Zephyrhills and New Port Richey, Petry said.

“I’m real excited about this school,” Petry said.

“This school is like a pillar in the community. Everybody that I come across is like, ‘I used to go to Sanders’ or ‘My grandmother used to go to Sanders’ or ‘My dad went to Sanders.’ ”

Petry said he’s looking forward to leading a school that will emphasize the four Cs: collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking.

Students need to learn how to work in teams, share ideas, take chances, and when they fail at something, to persevere, Petry said.

Being willing to take chances and to fail is part of how the world works, he said. The important thing is to learn from failure and be persistent.

“People who create ideas at Google and Apple, they get shot down a lot. They just keep on having to move forward. Even though their ideas aren’t making it, they’re still persevering,” Petry said.

Seeking expert help

Sanders Memorial Elementary School is gearing up to become Pasco County’s first magnet school. The school, which will open this fall in Land O’ Lakes, will have a curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

It is seeking experts in those subject areas to help enrich the learning experience for its students.

At the moment, the school is specifically looking for experts in computer coding, robotics, drones, and the arts, said Principal Jason Petry. But he expects to continue adding to that list.

Anyone who wishes to share their expertise would need to register with Pasco County Schools, Petry added. If you’d like to help out, contact Petry at .

Published April 29, 2015

Chalk Talk 04-29-15

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(Courtesy of Land O' Lakes High School)
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School)

Future business leaders at Land O’ Lakes High
Twenty-three members of the Land O’ Lakes High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America participated in the Florida FBLA State Conference in Orlando. Eight of those students brought home a total of five awards and qualified to go on to the FBLA National Competition this summer. Students were prepared in a range of areas related to business, financial stewardship, commerce and parliamentary procedure.

Kindergarten preregistration is May 4
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration is May 4, at all district elementary schools.

Parents who want to preregister their eligible kindergarten children for the 2015-16 school year should contact the school in their area for details on orientation activities and times.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1.

Parent must have child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date, health examination HRS Form 3040, HRS certificate of immunization, and proof of residency such as current utility bill, lease agreement, driver’s license or state identification card.

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

Digital reading seminar
Rushe Middle School, 18654 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host an iRead Digital Parent/Student Evening on May 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Parents and students can learn to download digital reading materials and see a demonstration of collaboration stations. Family members are encouraged to bring iPads, laptops, tablets, smartphones and digital readers to download free e-books.

There will be food, refreshments and prizes.

For information, call the school at (813) 346-1000.

Scholarship info for deaf students
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida Inc., and Deaflinx, an online resource for information on deafness, deaf culture and American Sign Language, are teaming up to provide information on educational scholarships to persons who are hard of hearing.

For a listing of 30 scholarships and grants, visit Vicaps.com/scholarship-information.php.

GTE Financial accepting scholarship applications
GTE Financial’s Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates for $2,500 scholarships.

Applications will be evaluated on the level of extracurricular community service involvement, essay content and academic achievements.

To apply, students must be a GTE Financial member and the primary account holder at the time of submission, and must be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student continuing to pursue an undergraduate degree.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and be attending courses full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, and demonstrate a commitment to community service.

Scholarship awards may be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and/or equipment required in the pursuit of a degree.

The deadline to apply is June 3.

For information and to apply, visit GTEFinancial.org/student.

Rubbing shoulders with scientific researchers

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Joseph Militello, a junior at Pasco High School, is one of 90 students from throughout the world selected to attend a summer scientific research program at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Militello will spend seven weeks immersed in the 57th annual University of Florida Student Science Training Program.

Joseph Militello plans to spend seven weeks this summer participating in a scientific research program at the University of Florida. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Joseph Militello plans to spend seven weeks this summer participating in a scientific research program at the University of Florida.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

He was chosen for the residential study program through a highly selective application program, according to background materials from the University of Florida.

The curriculum includes 28 hours a week in a science or engineering research lab, where participants are involved in ongoing research as part of a mentor’s lab team.

Militello also will write a research paper, give two research talks, attend faculty lectures, go on field trips and take part in activities aimed at helping him to build leadership skills.

The program was established in 1959, and since then has involved more than 4,300 academically talented students from 20 states in the United States and from countries around the world.

Militello is excited about the possibilities.

“I’m nervous, but confident at the same time,” the 17-year-old said.

“I’m nervous because it will be one of the first times I’ve been thrown into a situation that I have absolutely no idea who I’m going to be with, what I’m going to be studying,” he said.

“I know I’m going to struggle, because it’s going to be very rigorous,” he added, noting that he has been fairly laid back with his high school courses.

He’s looking forward to meeting other students involved in the residential research program.

He thinks there’s a chance he could develop some lifelong friends, because others taking part in the program have interests that are similar to his. Militello also thinks the experience of working with researchers will have a lasting impact.

At this point, he’s keeping his career option open.

He’s drawn to dentistry, but is also intrigued by genetics.

The residency program also will help him have a better idea regarding whether he would want to consider a career in scientific research, he said.

He hopes that he’ll be doing research in dentistry during the UF program, because he’s already developed a bit of foundation in that arena.

He’s shadowed some Tampa Bay area dentists.

He’s spent time with Dr. Mark Farina, who is an orthodontist; Dr. Patrick Abbey, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; and Dr. Louis Cerillo, who practices general dentistry and does implants.

As part of his application, Militello had to submit letters of recommendation from two teachers.

Jacqueline Watson, a mathematics teacher at Pasco High, was one of the teachers that recommended him for the program.

“I have known Joseph for three years, and he is not only a great student but very mature for his age,” Watson wrote.

“Besides being gifted academically, Joseph also works well with others.

“He realizes that, while some things come easy to him, that is not always the same for other students.

“Joseph offers to tutor students that are struggling and is patient when doing this.

“Joseph is one of those students that comes along and, as a teacher, you feel fortunate to say you had him in your class. He challenges you to step up your game, because he wants and needs that challenge. I am amazed at all he has and is still accomplishing, and he would be a genuine asset to your program,” Watson wrote.

Militello said he enjoy tutoring others, because he has personally gained from being tutored.

Watson tutored him to help him build his skills. Then she became his mentor, and now she is a friend, Militello said.

In another part of the application, Militello was asked to write about someone who has been influential in his life. He chose to write about his stepdad, Paul Finora.

“I admire his thoughtful discussions and the way he weaves a life lesson into every conversation,” he wrote in part.

“He is my dad, and I cherish that. Any man can create a child, but it takes a father to raise one,” he added.

Militello said his interest in science began when he was in elementary and intensified during middle school.

He credits Michael Demaree, a science teacher at Centennial Middle School, for making the topic more attractive to him.

“He (Demaree) was always very interested in what he was teaching. He was always very human with his students,” Militello said.

“He was a very understanding teacher. He encouraged his students to explore different aspects of their life — other than just show up to school, do your work, go home and sleep.”

“He wanted everyone to be a very well-rounded person. He would talk to people about football. He would talk to people about band.

“You weren’t a number,” Militello said.

Besides enjoying mathematics and science, Militello’s other interests include music and boxing.

He boxes every Saturday. He plays the trumpet, French horn and guitar.

His mom Brenda Finora and his stepdad, Paul Finora, are ecstatic about his selection for the program.

It’s a big deal, his mom said.

But it’s also expensive, she added. It costs $5,000 to attend.

Militello is covering part of those costs by working part-time as a bus boy at Texas Roadhouse.

The family had been hoping that a portion of the costs could be covered by scholarship funds from local organizations, but those are already earmarked for other students, his she said.

So, a scholarship fund has been set up at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made by writing a check out to Joseph Militello and noting in the memo portion of the check that the check is intended for the Joseph Militello Scholarship Fund.

Donations also can be dropped off at any branch of the credit union or mailed to the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1057, San Antonio, Florida 33576.

If they would like to donate directly to the UF-SSTP Program to help cover his expenses, send a check payable to the University of Florida – SSTP, writing Joseph Militello in the memo section of the check.

The address is University of Florida- SSTP, 334 Yon Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611.

Published April 22, 2015

PHSC provides disabled students ‘Access to Success’

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College students who are disabled often require special accommodations in order to get through their coursework in the pursuit of a degree. It seems like a given that they’d receive those accommodations.

And they do, if they have the proper documentation. Normally that means assessment testing from a specialist in the field of their disability, which can be an expensive process.

Students with disabilities can participate in study groups and succeed in their classes, but they might need special accommodations. The upcoming 5K will help pay for assessment testing at Pasco-Hernando State College. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)
Students with disabilities can participate in study groups and succeed in their classes, but they might need special accommodations. The upcoming 5K will help pay for assessment testing at Pasco-Hernando State College.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

“It’s very rarely covered by insurance. It’s a big chunk of change for students going to school,” said Sarah Brunet, assistant coordinator of disability services at Pasco-Hernando State College. That chunk of change can run several hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

That’s why PHSC established Access to Success, a grant program that provides assistance to students with disabilities who have trouble paying for their assessment testing, which is required under the Americans With Disabilities Act. And with a growing disabled student population, the department is trying a new fundraiser to provide resources for that grant.

Their Run, Walk, Roll 5K will take place April 26 at the college’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. They’re hoping for 100 participants in its first year, and the money raised will make a big difference to disabled students trying to further their college career.

“This gives them those accommodations to kind of level the playing field, to be as successful as their peers would be,” Brunet explained. The accommodations are specific to the disability, such as large-print course materials for the visually-impaired, an FM transmitter for the hearing-impaired, or a quiet environment and/or more time to take a test.

But class and graduation requirements don’t change. Disabled students need to complete their coursework like anyone else. The accommodations simply allow them to do so without their disability getting in the way of a diploma.

Without those accommodations, or the required assessment testing that allows them, students with disabilities face a tougher challenge. And it’s one they might not be able to overcome.

Access to Success has already helped a handful of students with their assessment testing, Brunet said, but there weren’t enough funds to help everybody. And unlike high school, college students have to take a more hands-on approach to getting special accommodations. And while there are community programs to help with testing, if they don’t qualify for them and there are no funds available in the grant, they have to then find a way to pay for it. Or, they’ll have to do their best without them and hope it’s enough.

One of the frustrating parts of her job, Brunet explained, is not being able to help everyone, knowing it can have an effect on their future.

“It makes you wonder, what happens to that student? I wonder if they were able to get through that class or finish up,” she said.

The Office of Disabilities Services hopes to make the 5K an annual event, and keep funds in the grant’s coffers. The college already has hundreds of students with disabilities on its rolls, and will add more as enrollment continues to grow. Brunet hopes the assessment testing assistance provided by Access to Success can have a positive impact on their academic career.

“It can make the difference of them graduating, to be able to complete a class,” Brunet said. “It can make the ultimate difference in what their career path is going to be.”

The Run, Walk, Roll 5K starts at 8 a.m., with a one-mile Fun Run starting at 8:45 a.m. The cost for the 5K race is $25, or $15 for PHSC students. The Fun Run cost is $15. For more information, call (727) 816-3473.

Published April 15, 2015

Hearing officer approves Lutz charter school

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A proposed charter school in Lutz has received approval, despite objections from nearby residents, homeowner associations and community organizations.

Land use hearing officer James Scarola approved a special use permit for the Tampa Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for up to 870 kindergarteners through eighth-graders.

In his April 6 decision, Scarola found that the request complies with the county’s land development code and the Hillsborough County’s comprehensive plan.

The ruling will stand, unless an appeal is filed with the county’s Appeals Board.

Plans call for the charter school to occupy 7.46 acres of an 8.45-acre tract, on the west side of Sunlake Boulevard, just south of Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The remaining acre is being reserved for a future development.

Besides clearing the way for the school, Scarola also approved a request to waive buffer requirements between the school and the remnant 1-acre parcel.

The applicants — Charter Schools Properties Inc., and Charter Schools Associates Inc. — scaled down their original request for a school for more than 1,000 students. They also agreed to numerous conditions addressing transportation issues, building height, buffering, phasing of development, placement of the school buildings, and the outdoor play area. They also must turn off outdoor lights by 9 p.m.

Phase one plans call for a two-story classroom building, with 33 classrooms for a maximum of 670 students.

Phase two, which is contingent upon an additional traffic analysis, would serve 200 students, in 11 classrooms, in another two-story building.

Both classroom buildings will be situated near Sunlake Boulevard.

Access to the site will be from one driveway on Lutz Lake Fern Road, which will be a right in/right out only, and two driveways on Sunlake Boulevard. One of those driveways would be right in/right out only, and the other would be right out only.

The applicant has agreed to build new right-turn lanes and a new U-turn lane in conjunction with the project.

Opponents have objected for months about the traffic the school would generate. They also have expressed concerns about potential flooding, fumes from vehicle exhausts and noise from outdoor activities.

County planners recommended approval of the request, with conditions, and staff from the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission did not object.

During the hearing, Tom Hiznay, a county planner, told Scarola that the site’s design, along with conditions for approval, provides “sensitivity to surrounding uses.”

But Jay Bockisch, a traffic engineer, speaking on behalf of the opponents, characterized the proposed use as “an intense traffic generator” that would have the same kind of traffic impacts as a regional mall, four Publix shopping centers, or the tallest office building in downtown Tampa.

“This is not a transitional land use,” Bockisch said. “We have safety concerns.”

Pat and Joe Serio, who live directly behind the proposed school, voiced strenuous objections to the hearing officer’s decision.

“We were very disappointed, but hardly surprised,” Pat Serio said, in an email.

“It was a totally uphill battle on our part, the most immediate and most impacted residents, neighbors and citizens of Lutz and Hillsborough County and others who will have to live with the consequences of this ill-conceived project and deal with the traffic issues on a daily basis whether commuting or delivering children to and from the numerous already existing area schools,” she wrote.

She also noted that she and her husband were disappointed that county commissioners did not respond when they reached out to them regarding concerns about the school.

“Once again, the Lutz Comprehensive Plan was ignored and the decades’ long efforts by the residents to keep Lutz quasi-rural have been for naught,” she added.

Joe Serio, also via email, said the hearing officer ignored testimony by a traffic expert representing the opponents.

The hearing officer also disregarded testimony at the hearing that “clearly showed the violation of the Lutz Community Plan,” he added.

A brochure for the Tampa Academy of Math and Science says the school is planning to open in the 2016 school year. It plans to focus on science, technology, engineering and math and will use hands-on learning and a solid foundation in core disciplines.

To find out more about the school or for early enrollment inquiries, email , or visit CharterSchoolAssociates.com.

Published April 15, 2015

 

Chalk Talk 04-15-15

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Fine Arts Showcase at Land O’ Lakes Christian
The high school students at Land O’ Lakes Christian School recently competed at the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools state fine arts competition in the categories of Bible, art, music, academics and speech.

There were 114 entries in the competition from the students. Land O’ Lakes Christian placed first, second, or third in 77 of the entries.

There will be a special presentation of the selection of winning entries and an art show April 21 at 6 p.m., at the school at 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call (813) 995-9040.

Most Holy Redeemer reunion, benefit
Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Tampa is hosting an Alumni Reunion & Farewell Fundraiser May 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., in the parish center.

There will be music, a silent auction and raffle items. The cost is $20 per person, or $30 for a couple, and includes two drink tickets per person and appetizers.

All proceeds will benefit the new Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School playground fund.

The event is open to alumni as well as MTC parents

Tickets must be purchased by April 25.

For information, email Tracie Holman at , or Kris Carson at .

Oakstead hosts open house
Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a kindergarten open house April 28 at 7 p.m., in the cafeteria.

The event will include a presentation, a meet and greet with teachers, and a tour of the kindergarten classrooms.

For information, call CJ Huffman at (813) 346-1503.

PHSC campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host two open houses for guests to take campus tours and get information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more than 50 clubs and organizations.

The open houses are:

  • April 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
  • April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road

For information and to RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

Sean Bartell Memorial Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the Sean Bartell Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a Wesley Chapel High School senior.

The student must complete an online or paper application by April 28.

The scholarship is in memory of Sean Bartell, a Wesley Chapel High School junior who passed away from a rare skin disease in December 2014.

Tax-deductible donations to the scholarship fund can be mailed to Atonement Lutheran Church, c/o Sean Bartell Scholarship, 29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel FL 33545.

For information, contact Paul Bartell at (813) 416-923 or .

Student Citizens named for March
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens for March at ceremony in their honor, for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

Students receiving the honor were Aspen du Mont, Heritage Academy; Catherine Hyer, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Annalyse Guash, Taylor Elementary School; Ronald Loader, Zephyrhills High School; Djiah Jones, Woodland Elementary; Aayden Sammon, The Broach School; Larry Caldwell, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; and Kaycee Velez-Santiago, Stewart Middle School.

PHSC students named to academic team
Ten Pasco-Hernando State College students were nominated to the 2015 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team.

Students were nominated by their respective colleges and selected on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service.

Those representing PHSC are Bibin Abraham, Katherine Romesser and Jason Rosenfeld of Wesley Chapel; Lori Ciesielski, Alexandra Gagnon, Denese Neide and Virmarie Rodriguez of Spring Hill; Karen Poole of Zephyrhills; Evelyn Rookey of Dade City; and Andrew Scaglione of Brooksville.

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

CHALK TALK 04-01-15

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Land O’ Lakes Christian School recognizes 2015 Science Fair winners
(Photos courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Christian School)

BryceHigh school division winners, from left, Bryce Hoynoski (third place), Sophia de la Rosa (first place) and Connor O’ Bryon (People’s Choice).

 

 

 

BrandtJunior high division winners, from left, Brandt Hoynoski (third place), Brooke Long (second place) and Benjamin Nichols (first place, People’s Choice).

 

 

 

 

MayzieHigh school division second place winner Mayzie Weigt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHSC campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host open houses at each of its five campuses in April.

Guests can take campus tours and get information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships and more than 50 clubs and organizations.

Upcoming dates are:

  • April 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road
  • April 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court
  • April 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
  • April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road

For information and to RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

John Long Middle School carnival
The 8th annual John Long Middle School Round-Up Carnival will be April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on school grounds at 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

There will be games, prizes, rides and attractions, an inflatable obstacle course, human hamster ball, laser tag, 4-D video game van and more.

Armbands and tickets go on sale the week of April 6 in the school cafeteria during student lunches.

For information, call the school at (813) 346-6200.

Woman’s club scholarship opportunities
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is accepting applications for its 2015 scholarships. In addition to the club scholarships, a limited number of the Lutz Volunteer Firemen’s scholarships are available and administered through the club.

Applicants for the club’s scholarships must live in Lutz or Land O’ Lakes.

Applicants for the firemen’s scholarships must be residents of Lutz.

The applications are available at Lutz and Land O’ Lakes high schools, Erwin Technical Center, Pasco-Hernando Community College and Hillsborough Community College.

For those students who do not attend these schools, but live in Lutz or Land O’ Lakes, applications can be requested by emailing Barbara Nicholson at .

Completed applications must be received by April 15.

Scholarship recipients will be notified by June, and funds will be sent to the college or school of choice in September.

Sean Bartell Memorial Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the Sean Bartell Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a Wesley Chapel High School senior.

The student must complete an online or paper application by April 28.

The scholarship is in memory of Sean Bartell, a Wesley Chapel High School junior who passed away from a rare skin disease in December 2014.

Tax-deductible donations to the scholarship fund can be mailed to Atonement Lutheran Church, c/o Sean Bartell Scholarship, 29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel FL 33545.

For information, contact Paul Bartell at (813) 416-923 or .

Pasco-Hernando State College chooses new president

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Timothy Beard has been selected to become Pasco-Hernando State College’s fourth president.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees announced its choice at the conclusion of its presidential search, on March 18.

Timothy Beard has been selected to become the fourth president of Pasco-Hernando State College. In choosing Beard, the college’s board went with someone who already knows the college and is ready to build on its strengths (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)
Timothy Beard has been selected to become the fourth president of Pasco-Hernando State College. In choosing Beard, the college’s board went with someone who already knows the college and is ready to build on its strengths
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Beard, vice president of student development and enrollment management at PHSC in New Port Richey, was among a field of four finalists. The other finalists worked at Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls, Oregon; West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Parkersburg, West Virginia; and, St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg.

They decided to promote Beard to replace Katherine Johnson, who is retiring on June 30.

Beard’s appointment becomes effective July 1, pending the successful outcome of contract negotiations.

“We are pleased to extend an offer for the presidential position to Dr. Beard,” Ed Blommel, PHSC District Board of Trustees and presidential search committee chair, said in a release. “As a senior administrator at PHSC for the past eight years, he is already familiar with the college and has an understanding of its strategic goals and mission.”

Beard is delighted to be stepping into the college’s leadership role.

“This is a surreal opportunity,” said Beard, who has worked for the college since 2007 and expects to build on the good work that has been accomplished there.

Before joining PHSC, Beard was vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, and director of student affairs and enrollment management at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

He earned his doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling, with a special emphasis in higher education administration, from Florida State University in Tallahassee. He also has a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from FSU.

Pasco-Hernando State College has more than 15,000 students and about 700 employees, including adjunct faculty.

Pasco-Hernando State College awards certificates, diplomas, associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees.

The college has campuses in Dade City, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Brooksville.

Beard said he plans to pursue an initiative that would enlist the help of faith communities and other organizations to help support students, through scholarships and in other ways.

He is looking forward to strengthening the ties between PHSC and the communities it serves.

“I really want to bring the community into the college and the college into the community,” Beard said.

Published March 25, 2015