Education

Wesley Chapel High receives national automotive certification

July 24, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Wesley Chapel High’s Academy of Automotive Technology has received a five-year certification for maintenance and light repair from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

The certification provides a level of credibility because outside experts have evaluated the program and determined that it has met is rigorous standards, said Shelley Carrino, an assistant principal who oversees the automotive program.

Shelley Carrino, who oversees the Academy of Automotive Technology at Wesley Chapel High, holds the framed five-year certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Shelley Carrino, who oversees the Academy of Automotive Technology at Wesley Chapel High, holds the framed five-year certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

With this certification, students can be confident their training is current and adheres to high standards, Carrino said. Potential employers can be assured that the students are prepared to handle the demands of the work.

Obtaining a certification requires a two-day evaluation by a representative of the association. It includes checking out the program’s facilities, resources, quality of training programs, and equipment, and measures them against industry standards.

Details are important, Carrino said. For instance, the evaluator looked through the school’s tool drawers to make sure there is enough equipment to support the program’s size. The evaluation also included checking out the technology that’s available and safety issues.

Carrino and academy teacher Jeff Corliss worked for months with Barbara Donaghy, a supervisor in the district’s career and technical education division to prepare for the certification process.

“She put a lot of long hours and hard work, in helping us,” Carrino said. Community partners also stepped in to help.

The program had to meet the standards for 12 different categories, and there were subcategories for each standard, Carrino said.

“Besides the fact that it’s important for us to do it, it really became urgent for us to go through this process and get it done as quickly as possible,” she said. “We were losing funding for our kids.”

The certification was necessary for the school to qualify for state funding for the classes offered through the automotive academy.

When the school launched its program in 2009, it began in a classroom. Then it branched into an outdoor space, Donaghy said.

It didn’t open its permanent building until this past January, so it would not have been able to qualify for the certification until this year, Carrino said.

“Every year you reflect on, ‘What can I do to do better? What can I do to meet the needs of my students so they’ll be more successful?’” she said. “The NATEF standards and tasks are definitely going to deepen the learning and the skills, and also enhance the instructor’s ability to be a better instructor.”

Published July 23, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

County approves middle school site for Learning Gate

July 10, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Learning Gate Community School has received Hillsborough County’s blessing to locate its classes for seventh- and eighth-graders in the former Hand-in-Hand Academy building near downtown Lutz.

Learning Gate Community School has gained approval for using buildings located at 207 Lutz Lake Fern Road to house its seventh- and eighth-graders. Even though that hurdle has been cleared, no details are available yet on when or whether the school will make the move to the site. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Learning Gate Community School has gained approval for using buildings located at 207 Lutz Lake Fern Road to house its seventh- and eighth-graders. Even though that hurdle has been cleared, no details are available yet on when or whether the school will make the move to the site.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Land use hearing officer James Scarola approved Learning Gate’s request to use the location at 207 Lutz Lake Fern Road for its middle school-level students. The approval, issued June 29, limits the enrollment, however, at the Lutz Lake Fern Road location to 205 students.

That’s 45 fewer students than the school initially requested. The school agreed to reduce its request after Mike White, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, objected to the higher number.

At a June 2 public hearing, White told Scarola the site was not conducive for that many students. White also said the community has no problems with the school, simply with the proposed enrollment, according to the hearing officer’s June 29 ruling.

During a recent interview, White said the school also agreed to sign a private agreement with the Lutz Citizens Coalition pledging that it would never ask for a variance to allow more students at the site.

The 4-acre site previously had been approved for 175 kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Of those, up to 85 were allowed to be in child care.

The property, which is included in Hillsborough County’s Landmark and Historic Archeological Resources Inventory, contains a church that was built in the 1940s and two educational buildings that were constructed during the 1960s.

No additions or expansions are requested in Learning Gate’s application.

The county’s transportation department reviewed the request and concluded the school will not impact traffic on nearby roads. The school is expected to generate 225 trips during the peak morning hours, and 151 during the afternoon peak hours.

However, the transportation department has determined that a detailed traffic study will be needed and it may show the need for such improvements as paving, widening and construction of a turn lane.

Learning Gate is a nationally recognized charter school that operates at two locations in Tampa. Its campus for kindergarten through sixth grade is at 16215 Hanna Road, and its campus for seventh and eighth grade is at 15316 N. Florida Avenue.

Even though Learning Gate applied for permission to operate a school at the Lutz Lake Fern location, no additional information is available about Learning Gate’s plans.

Brian Erickson, president of Learning Gate’s board, said in an email that “at this time, it would be inappropriate for anyone to comment.

“There are many unanswered questions. We are having ongoing communications with the bank who holds the note, but we are still doing our due diligence on the property,” Erickson wrote.

Published July 9, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Chalk Talk 07-09-14

July 10, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Bash at the Ranch wrangles $35,000 for PHSC Foundation
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Bash at the Ranch topped $35,000 in funds raised to create new scholarships, including an endowment established in honor of the Porter family. PHSC president Katherine Johnson was on hand to recognize J.D. Porter and family at the event. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

PHSC hosts open house
Pasco-Hernando State College is hosting an open house at its Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel July 10 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Building B.

Guests can learn about the certificate and associate’s degree programs, as well as the new bachelor’s degree programs.

There will be a campus tour and information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and clubs and organizations.

To RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

Kindergarten camp
Double Branch Elementary School, 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel, will host a kindergarten camp July 29-31 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Incoming kindergarteners will have an opportunity to meet teachers and become familiar with the school.

Cost is $40.

For information, call (813) 346-0402.

Teachers get in free at zoo
Through Aug. 14, Florida certified teachers for kindergarten through 12th grade will be treated to a free ticket to Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., in Tampa.

County teachers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota are eligible.

Teachers must present valid professional or temporary teaching certification, pay stub and Florida ID to receive the offer.

Eligible teachers can purchase up to two additional one-day companion tickets at a discounted rate.

For information, call (813) 935-8552.

Luikart now certified board member
Steve Luikart, a Pasco County School Board member, was recognized as a certified board member June 13 at the annual summer conference sponsored by the Florida School Boards Association.

The Certified Board Member Program is a voluntary training program for individual school board members, and provides training in student learning, school finance, legislative processes, policymaking, strategic planning, school law, community involvement, advocacy for public education, diversity, employee relations and current trends and issues.

Gov. Scott appoints new PHSC board members
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Marilyn Pearson-Adams and Robin Schneider to the district board of trustees for Pasco-Hernando State College.

Pearson-Adams, of Brooksville, is the president of Century 21 Alliance Realty and a director with the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce.

Schneider, of Spring Hill, is a marketing coordinator at Medical Center of Trinity.

Board terms for both will run until May 31, 2017.

MOSI science camp scholarships available
The Museum of Science & Industry still has more than 200 scholarships available for students in need of financial assistance to attend MOSI Summer Science Camps.

Eligible students need to submit an application along with proof of financial need.

The application and eligibility requirements can be found on CampFun.org.

For information on how to apply for a camp scholarship, call (813) 987-6000.

Chalk Talk 06-25-14

June 26, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Math team scores first place
Long Middle School’s seventh-grade advanced math team won first place in the 2014 Pasco County District Middle School Mathematics Contest in May at Saint Leo University. Celebrating the win are, from left, math coach Diana Lister and team members Justin King, Ethan Kuss and Andrew Arnold. King and Arnold also respectively placed first and second for individual awards.

Pride for schools shines through
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce honored students at the 15th Annual Pride Awards Breakfast in recognition of their school pride, community involvement and athletic excellence.

The 2014 recipients from Wesley Chapel High School were Abby Devisfruto, Ethan Taylor, Jordan Hardin, Helena Polansky, Matthew Quiles and Ashley St. Charles.

Those honored from Wiregrass Ranch High School were Savannah Goode, Bryce Wilson, Matthew Bradshaw, Matthew Menendez, Selyne Smith and Briana Swain.

Guests can learn about the certificate and associate’s degree programs, as well as the new bachelor’s degree programs.

There will be a campus tour and information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and clubs and organizations.

To RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

Odessa students make the grade
Three students from Odessa were honored for scholastic achievement for the Spring 2014 semester.

Samantha Nicole Cuffe and Stephanie Leeanne Erickson were named to the President’s List at Clemson University in South Carolina.

Gabriel Selochan was named to the Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Teen driver safety front and center at Wiregrass
Wiregrass Ranch High School recently hosted the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s “I Know Everything” teen driver safety program for more than 100 students.

The program highlights the issues of drunk driving and distracted driving, and reiterates that parents have the most influence on their teen’s driving behaviors.

The students answered questions using handheld devices, and the results will be part of a nationwide survey of high school teen drivers from across the United States. Topics included drinking alcohol underage and driving, late-night driving, speeding, number of passengers, and license restrictions.

New officers selected for PHSC Foundation
The Foundation Board of Directors at Pasco-Hernando State College recently selected new officers to serve volunteer, two-year terms.

Frank Rygiel of Wesley Chapel was appointed chair of the board, and George “Skip” Miller, also of Wesley Chapel, was selected as vice chair.

Rygiel, a senior project manager for Batson-Cook Construction, became a board member in 2008. Miller, a senior vice president for SunTrust Bank, joined the board in 2012.

Mickey Smith, chief operating officer for Oak Hill Hospital, and Leonard Sossamon, county administrator for Hernando County, each will serve three-year terms as new directors.

Top Dogs at Stewart Middle
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills honored the Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School with a lunch at Hungry Howie’s. The club recognizes students for their academics and leadership roles in the school. Those recently honored were Zane Grimm, Ayden Smith, Jessica Burrows, Angus Butler, Adam Reid, Abigail Wilder, Tonee Thomas, Christian Bragg, Samettia Davis and Alexix McElhaney.

PHSC open house in Dade City
Pasco-Hernando State College is hosting an open house at its East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, July 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Building B, Rooms 104 and 105.

Guests can learn about the certificate and associate’s degree programs, as well as the new bachelor’s degree programs. There will also be campus tours and information offered on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and the clubs and organizations available.

To RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

Cooking workshops
The Encore Academy at Pasco-Hernando State College will offer a cooking camp workshop July 14-17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road.

Topics include seasonal desserts, Asian cookery, and edible holiday gifts.

The workshop is for adults older than 50, and costs $12. Additional lab fees may apply for cooking supplies.

Registration deadline is three days before the workshop start date.

For information, call (352) 797-5167, or visit PHSC.edu/encore.

Dade City chamber awards scholarships
The Dade City Chamber of Commerce recognized three Pasco High School seniors with a plaque and $1,000 toward their college education. With chamber executive director John Moors, left, are winners Emily Nathe; Doug Johnson, parent of Mady Johnson; and Katie Sutton, along with Penny Freeman and Carolyn Hodges. The scholarships are managed by the Pasco Education Foundation.

Trip to Thailand yields insights for Lutz college student

June 26, 2014 By B.C. Manion

When Hunter Rasmussen was a 10th grader at Berean Academy in Lutz, he began learning biblical Greek — and that changed his life.

“I just loved it. I thought it was the most incredible thing,” said Rasmussen, now a 20-year-old student at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. “That made me excited not just about biblical languages, but language in general. I just felt so convinced that this is what I am supposed to do.

Hunter Rasmussen’s village ‘sister’ Khwan presents him with some traditional fabric that was woven by hand. (Courtesy of Hunter Rasmussen) — Hunter Rasmussen’s village ‘sister’ Khwan presents him with some traditional fabric that was woven by hand.
(Courtesy of Hunter Rasmussen)

Rasmussen now takes linguistics classes at Covenant, where he majors in biblical studies with minors in missions and linguistics.

He began looking around last year for an opportunity to do a mission trip, an internship or to take linguistics classes during the summer. When representatives from Wycliffe Bible Translators USA came to Covenant to talk to students about an opportunity to work in Thailand, Rasmussen felt called to pursue it.

Wycliffe is an international organization that has worked for more than 70 years to translate the Bible into every language in the world. This Orlando-based nonprofit organization is named after John Wycliffe, who first translated the Bible into English in the late 1300s.

After hearing about Wycliffe’s Get Global program for college students, Rasmussen began seeking contributions to help him come up with the $4,000 he needed for the trip.

“I just shared with people in different communities that I’m associated with and in my churches, both home and here, and with people at school,” said Rasmussen, who is a member of First United Methodist Church of Lutz. “Lots of family and lots of church members and even some of my peers provided for me.”

Rasmussen spent three weeks in May in Thailand. He seized the opportunity to go to the Asian country, and said the trip yielded valuable insights.

“I think I got the affirmation out of it that God can use me in cross-cultural ministry,” he said. “It’s something I’m able to do.”

Rasmussen spent much of his time immersing himself in the culture of a Thailand village that’s so small, the people there go only by their first names.

When he and his team arrived to the rural village in a pickup truck, Rasmussen noticed many traditional wood homes built on stilts. There were more modern ones, too, with concrete foundations, such as the one where he stayed.

The food was spicy.

“The people group that we stayed with is known for having food that’s even spicier than Thai food (is generally). It was pretty hot, but it was also delicious,” he said. “I loved the food. God really blessed us because nobody on the team got sick at all, or were unable to handle it.”

The villagers there abide by the concept of eating locally produced foods.

“When it’s dinnertime, they’ll go and pick some mangoes from a tree, or grab some leaves from a bush, or pick off some roots, and you have dinner right there,” Rasmussen said. “There was a lot of fish and a lot of chicken.”

They also often gave people nicknames that were associated with food, added Rasmussen, who was given the nickname “Sticky Rice.”

“They named somebody else in our group, ‘Watermelon,’” Rasmussen added.

He noticed a big difference between the American way of life and the village culture when it came to how work is completed.

“They would definitely do work, and we helped them plow fields and catch fish and do things,” Rasmussen said. “But they do them as they need to be done. They don’t follow a strict work schedule.”

In general, he found the people of the village to be laid back and to esteem the values of comfort, convenience and fun.

As a student of linguistics, Rasmussen was fascinated by the fact that the villagers spoke a different language than mainland Thailand.

“Part of the trip is learning and realizing that language-learning and cultural-learning is not only foundational for Bible translations and foundational of ministry, but that language learning is itself a ministry,” he said.

Minority languages often are considered inferior by the nation at large, he explained. “So, by learning their language we show that their language is valuable and created by God,” Rasmussen said. “To be able to do Bible translation, you have to know a tongue.”

The college student said his trip to Thailand didn’t shatter any previously held misconceptions. He had been prepped well by the team leading the trip, he said, where they were told, “When you’re doing cross-cultural living and ministry, don’t expect anything.”

He followed their advice.

“I really tried not to expect anything and just to learn,” he said.

Rasmussen is interested in pursuing a future involved in Bible translation.

“Bible translation is what enables any other ministry,” he said. “That involves not only church planting, but literacy work. Then that opens the way for people to be able to improve their situation, like know more about health care and know more how to nourish themselves correctly and how to do agriculture better.

“Bible translation is also again affirming that God knows even these little languages that are only spoken by a few thousand people, and he values them as much as English, spoken by millions upon millions, or Thai, that’s spoken by the nation at large.”

Rasmussen intends to complete his degree at Covenant and pursue a master’s in linguistics, although he’s not sure where.

“I thought that I would be going to the Graduate Institute for Applied Linguistics, which is in Dallas, part of the International Linguistics Center,” he said.

That path is less certain now.

“Through this trip, I’ve learned there are other ways you can do linguistics schooling and also transition onto the field,” Rasmussen said.

He plans to find out more about those possibilities.

Published June 25, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Already a local inspiration, Keppel now takes national coaching stage

June 26, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Brooks Sports Inc., is known for its running shoes and apparel. But once a year, the Seattle-based company gives people a chance to choose among 25 high school coaches across the nation they feel is the most inspiring.

One of the coaches making the cut is none other than Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country coach Kris Keppel. And now his team — and the school — is depending on everyone to get to Facebook and vote for him in the 2014 Brooks Inspiring Coaches Award before the end of July.

Coach Kris Keppel, right, warms up with his Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country team during summer training at Pine View Middle School last week. Keppel is up for a national coaching award based on how he inspires his runners. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo) — Coach Kris Keppel, right, warms up with his Land O’ Lakes High School cross-country team during summer training at Pine View Middle School last week. Keppel is up for a national coaching award based on how he inspires his runners.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

“I opened up my email on the first day of my treatment this cycle, and I was just kind of blown away,” Keppel said. “I didn’t think this was real.”

The treatment Keppel is talking about is chemotherapy, which he’s undergoing to battle pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed late last year, but still made it out to as many practices and meets as he could muster.

Enduring a new round of chemo hasn’t stopped Keppel from moving forward with summer practices, waking up as the sun rises to get that little bit of cool air typically found only in the mornings during Florida summers.

That’s the kind of effort that really motivates his runners, like incoming senior Noah Thomas.

“He’s just one of the strongest men I’ve ever met,” the 17-year-old said. “All throughout this, he’s still been there for us, and he’s still pushing us hard, and we push back for him.”

It’s the runners, his fellow coaches like Karen DeHaas, and the parents that motivate him to get up and tackle each day with fresh energy, Keppel’s wife Dar said.

“I think cross-country has been a godsend,” she said. “It has monopolized our life, and I was jealous of it at times. But I think if he didn’t have cross-country, he wouldn’t be in the mindset that he’s in. And that is something that is a great outlet.”

For just being named a finalist, the Land O’ Lakes team has won $5,000 in running shoes, apparel and accessories from Brooks, as well as $500 in cash for team expenses.

The coach chosen as the most inspiring on Facebook will win an additional $5,000 in Brooks apparel, plus $2,000 more in cash to the school’s athletic department.

DeHaas, who Keppel recruited some years back to coach the girls cross-country team, did the initial work to get her colleague nominated. But it was a nomination that almost didn’t happen.

“I spent a couple hours writing up everything online, and then when I went to go get a picture, I came back, and what I wrote wasn’t there anymore,” said DeHaas, who runners affectionately refer to as “Mima.”

“I had some good ideas there, too, and so I had to think of it all again so that I could write it a second time,” she said.

Keppel spent years as a media specialist at Land O’ Lakes High, but moved into the American history department after those positions were cut last year. Yet, he still finds a way to connect with students, even off the track.

“He’s a model for so many kids,” DeHaas said. “He has helped so many kids get into colleges, and wrote letters — you wouldn’t believe how many. Anyone who came to him for help, he would help them, whether it was something to do with sports, or something to do with academics. He is just a wealth of information.”

Keppel and his wife are heading to Seattle to learn who will win among the 25 coaches in August. For someone as well-traveled as Keppel is, this is the first time he’s ever been to Washington, and he’s looking forward to it.

However, he’s also looking to not have too many distractions as he prepares his runners for what Keppel hopes will be another successful season, both as a team, and as individual athletes.

“The true gratification of a coach is to see the transformation of a kid who just ran a couple miles to a kid who can run a half-marathon by the end of summer,” Keppel said.

To vote, visit tinyurl.com/KeppelInspire.

Published June 25, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Creativity wins local kids trip to Washington, D.C.

June 26, 2014 By B.C. Manion

The trio jetted to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of Congress, to hear remarks from the chief executive of an international company, and to take part in television interviews. And they are all still in elementary school.

Sophia Nobles, left, Catie Tomasello and Joey Santana have their picture taken with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson while visiting the nation’s capital. The kids won the trip by placing second nationally in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition. (Courtesy of Heather Tomasello) — Sophia Nobles, left, Catie Tomasello and Joey Santana have their picture taken with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson while visiting the nation’s capital. The kids won the trip by placing second nationally in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition.
(Courtesy of Heather Tomasello)

Joey Santana, Sophia Nobles and Catie Tomasello recently returned from a trip to the nation’s capital, and a whirlwind of appearances there. The Countryside Montessori Charter School students took the trip to receive their second-place honors in their age division in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition, provided by the electronics company and the National Science Teachers Association. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The team, coached by Lorna Cohen, finished among the top eight in the country. The contest itself drew more than 4,900 entries, representing nearly 15,300 students and 550 schools across the United States and Canada, according to the contest website.

It is the world’s largest science and technology competition for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It encourages them to develop problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Contestants are asked to imagine what technology might be like in 20 years. They work in teams to propose ideas for innovative future technology based on what already exists. They simulate scientific research to outline how they plan to test their idea, and they build websites to further illustrate and communicate their concepts.

For their entry, the Countryside Montessori students envisioned WateRenew, a concept that uses the technology of Wave Wings — which are wings that sway back and forth in the ocean, creating mechanical energy that can be converted to electricity. That electricity would then be used to power a leading edge desalination plant, which in turn creates clean drinking water for homes and businesses.

Florida’s water shortages inspired the team to search for a solution, Nobles and Tomasello said. The team began meeting in September, and team members spent at least a couple of hours each week working on the project.

The team worked well together because they are friends and they respect each other, the girls said. The team divided the project into pieces, and each team member became an “expert” on one part of the project.

Nobles also noted that the team benefited from the help of Lee Marcum, of Clean and Green Enterprises, who took the time to talk to the team about his invention, the Wave Wing.

While in Washington D.C., team members met with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, and went a tour of the Capitol Building led by staff members of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Santana’s family also dropped by the office of U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, where they posed for photos.

The kids also took part in two television interviews with Bill Nye the Science Guy, and they participated in a science showcase. Other highlights included hearing remarks from Atsutoshi Nishida, chairman of Toshiba Corp., and doing some sightseeing.

Other winners in the competition also proposed creative solutions to challenging issues, according to the competition website. Third-grade students from Merion Station, Pennsylvania, developed a system designed to save people who are stuck in rip currents.

An entry from second-graders from Edmond, Oklahoma, aimed to save lives of babies, toddlers and animals left accidentally in a car. A team of fifth-graders from Locust Valley, New York, created an innovative plant power de-icing system for planes, while 10th graders from Toronto created a new technology that uses light signals to boost optical computing.

Besides the expenses-paid trip, the young students also each received a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond.

Since its inception in 1992, more than 330,000 students have participated in the ExploraVision program.

Published June 25, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Pasco and Hillsborough students improve test scores

June 26, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Students across Florida, as well as in Pasco and Hillsborough counties posted gains on statewide end-of-course, or EOC, exams.

Scores improved in all of the assessment areas in Florida, with the biggest gain being a 10 percent improvement in U.S. History.

Pasco has one of 13 school districts in the state that posted gains in all four EOC assessments, with its biggest improvement being an 8-point increase on the U.S. History assessment, Florida Education commissioner Pam Stewart reported.

The passing rate for Pasco students taking the test for the first time improved on all four assessments, improving by 2 percent in Algebra I; 2 percent in biology; 3 percent in geometry and 8 percent in U.S. History.

Hillsborough’s scores improved in two of the four assessment areas, with a 14 percent percentage gain in U.S. History and a 4 percent gain in Algebra I.

Pasco students outperformed the state in the percentage of students achieving a passing score or higher in 2014, except for Algebra I.

Some notable scores from Pasco schools include a 5-percent bump in the passing rate on the Algebra I assessment at Land O’ Lakes High School, a 7-percent gain by Wiregrass Ranch High School students on the Biology I assessment, and an 8-percent improvement on the same assessment at Zephyrhills High School.

Both Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass also posted big improvements in the passing rate on the geometry assessment. Wesley Chapel’s passing rate improved by 22 percent. Wiregrass Ranch boosted its passing rate by 13 percent. Students at both Zephyrhills and Sunlake high schools improved their passing rate by 6 percent, with Sunlake achieving a 73 percent passing rate and Zephyrhills boosting its passing rate to 60 percent.

Wesley Chapel principal Carin Nettles was delighted with her school’s results.

“I am thrilled about our scores,” she said. “We are very proud of the work our math department has done.”

The principal credits collaboration among faculty members during professional learning community meetings. Teachers are sharing “the best common lessons and assessments for our students,” she said. Teachers also have provided tutoring to help their students succeed.

Superintendent Kurt Browning said in a release that because the scores “reflect what we are teaching in the classroom, end-of-course exams present a much more accurate picture of our students’ learning during this time of transition than do high-stakes tests” like the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Published June 25, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Chef Rigberg is on the kitchen’s cutting edge

June 26, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Around the Academy of Culinary Arts at Land O’ Lakes High School, Michael Rigberg is known as Chef Rigberg.

In July, he’ll be known as an inductee into the American Academy of Chefs.

Chef Michael Rigberg, who leads the Academy of Culinary Arts at Land O’ Lakes High School, will be inducted this summer into the American Academy of Chefs. (Courtesy of Michael Rigberg) — Chef Michael Rigberg, who leads the Academy of Culinary Arts at Land O’ Lakes High School, will be inducted this summer into the American Academy of Chefs.
(Courtesy of Michael Rigberg)

The induction will take place at the American Culinary Federation National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, where Rigberg will be included in a group of men and women who have distinguished themselves in the culinary arts.

It’s an honor that requires recipients to meet rigorous requirements, and those attaining it are considered to represent the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society and industry.

That honor will follow another distinction that Rigberg received in April at the American Culinary Federation’s Southeastern Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. He was among four chefs receiving Cutting Edge awards from the federation.

Those awards, bestowed by regional vice president Michael Diehl, recognize leadership and service to the culinary profession.

Rigberg, who is president of the Tampa Bay Culinary Association, said he had no idea he was being considered for that award. So, when he heard the phrase, “This chef resides in Land O’ Lakes, Florida,” his ears perked up.

“I was shocked,” Rigberg said.

Hundreds of chefs, cooks and foodservice professionals were at the conference in Charleston, and thousands will be at the national convention. Rigberg said he’s not sure what he did to merit the award, but it was nice to receive recognition.

Performing well is important to Rigberg, and he strives to pass that ethic along to his students in the culinary program at Land O’ Lakes High. His goal is to give students a solid foundation for a career in the culinary arts. He also wants them to have a good idea of what they will face in the field.

Along those lines, students have a chance to compete with students in other programs. They also have a chance to gain practical experience in the field, and they occasionally get to take part in special events.

When the Republican National Convention was in Tampa, for example, Rigberg worked out a deal to become part of the catering crew. He joined his teaching colleague, Jessica Cooper, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum while 26 students from their culinary arts program were there preparing food for the convention’s hungry masses.

“That is something they will never forget,” said Rigberg, who was influenced by his son to become an instructor.

When his son graduated from high school in Hillsborough County, he was interested in becoming an architect. So, he enrolled at Tulane University, where he quickly became discouraged, Rigberg said.

During orientation, a dean told the incoming crop of 90 freshmen that if five made it, they’d be lucky.

“After one semester, he came back home,” Rigberg said.

Instead of pursuing architecture, he went to Hillsborough Community College, then on to get a business degree at the University of South Florida. Rigberg’s son would eventually earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling.

Rigberg had already wanted to become a teacher, but after his son’s experience, he decided to teach at the high school level rather than at a college. He wanted a chance to help shape a life, and he figured high school would be a better place to do that.

Rigberg tells his students that people with culinary skills are always in demand.

“Whether you’re a mechanic, whether you’re an electrician, whether you’re a plumber, or whether you are a cook — you will always, in a trade, always have a job,” he said.

In his program, Rigberg said he tries to instill a sense of devotion, a desire to succeed and a sense of urgency. When students graduate, he wants them to understand that “what they have gained or learned here is just the beginning.”

Published June 25, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Chalk Talk 06-11-14

June 12, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Students face off in first high school challenge
The Land O’ Lakes campus of Rasmussen College hosted its first High School Challenge in May, pitting students from Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Mitchell high schools against each other. Koehler Macklus of Mitchell came back from a 2,400-point deficit, beating out his opponents to take home a $500 school donation and a Visa gift card.

Eighth-grader wins essay contest
Madeline Jones of Land O’ Lakes Christian School won the American Association of Christian Schools essay contest.

Students submitted entries on the topic “Life is Made Up of Moments.” Entries were judged on content, originality and communication of the piece.

Sarah Collins graduates magna cum laude
Sara Collins, a 2011 graduate of Sunlake High School, has graduated from the University of Tampa magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

At UT, Collins was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau honor societies, as well as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

She is the daughter of Martin and Linda Collins.

PHSC career camps
Pasco-Hernando State College is offering two academic career-themed summer camps designed for middle and early high school students beginning in June.

The camps will be at the school’s New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road, and will run four half days from Monday through Thursday.

Business and Technology Careers — Participants can create a new business plan, participate in a mock trial from the viewpoint of a paralegal, and expand the virtual world by creating a miniature version of the Internet, among other activities.

Sessions run from June 23-26 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., or July 14-17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $90.

Health Careers — Participants can take on simulations and other hands-on activities related to the school’s paramedic, nursing, dental and radiography programs. They also can become CPR-certified.

Sessions run from June 16-19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or July 21-24 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $100.

Each session is limited to the first 12 students to register.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/summercamp, or call (727) 816-3256.

Field trip leaps youngsters into new school year
Great Start Learning Center’s voluntary pre-kindergarten class toured the campus of West Zephyrhills Elementary School May 5. The youngsters will enter kindergarten in August. The field trip gave the students a sense of what to expect in the coming year, and to familiarize themselves with the layout of the school. Great Start Learning Center is located at 5314 First Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Students bowled over with fun
The more than 900 students of Woodland Elementary School participated in special field trips to go bowling at Pin Chasers, 6816 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Chamber honors student citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens at a May ceremony in their honor.

Students are selected from 10 area schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

Students recognized included Hayden Oley of East Pasco Adventist Academy, Mariana Chavez of Woodland Elementary School, Regan Yake of Stewart Middle School, Tabria James of Zephyrhills High School, Dashawn Walden of Stewart Middle, Karly Crews of Heritage Academy, Gideon Castorena of West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Tyler Brooks of The Broach School, Danny Pomorisac of Taylor Elementary School, and Caleb Salings of Florida Autism Center of Excellence.