Education

Pasco Schools’ five-year building plan gets OK

October 2, 2013 By B.C. Manion

When Sanders Memorial Elementary School reopens in 2015-16, the Land O’ Lakes campus will have an entirely new look. It’s undergoing a $16.9 million renovation.

Quail Hollow Elementary School in Wesley Chapel is undergoing a $10.5 million makeover. It, too, is expected to reopen in 2015-16.

Quail Hollow Elementary School was closed at the end of last school year to enable the school district to renovate the school. The school was built at a time when open classrooms were in vogue. Classrooms will have windows, walls and doors when the project is completed. It is expected to reopen for the 2015-16 school year. (File photo)

Work already is underway on a new gymnasium at Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills. That $4.6 million project is slated for completion in time for next school year, said Chris Williams, director of planning services for Pasco County Schools.

Those are just three of the scores of projects contained in the $192 million five-year work plan approved by the Pasco County School Board on Sept. 17.

One big-ticket item on the list is an $18.8 million elementary school planned in Wiregrass, which is earmarked for the 2014-15 school year.

The district also expects to spend $10.7 million to acquire school sites and $10 million on school buses within the next five years.

One of those sites is on the south side of State Road 54, across from the Ballantrae subdivision, in Land O’ Lakes.

Another elementary and high school are also expected to be needed to serve the Land O’ Lakes and Trinity areas in the future, Williams said.

It typically takes about 12 to 15 months to build an elementary school, about 18 months to build a middle school and about 18 to 24 months to build a high school, Williams said. That’s not counting all of the other work that must be done to get a school ready for construction, including design, site work and so on.

The district’s five-year work plan includes money to build or renovate schools, add classrooms, acquire new sites and complete sizable maintenance projects.

Some other notable projects on the district’s five-year plan include:

• West Zephyrhills Elementary School, a major renovation between 2014 and 2016, at an estimated cost of $8.2 million.

• Cox Elementary School, a $6.8 million makeover including a new cafeteria, removal of concrete portables, replacement of its old windows, parking and traffic improvements, and a new security system, slated for 2016-17.

• Pasco Elementary School, a major makeover in 2017-18, for an estimated $5.9 million.

• Woodland Elementary School, a $4.8 million upgrade to the school’s air-conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, anticipated in 2016-17.

• John Long Middle School, eight additional classrooms at an estimated cost of $4.4 million, expected to begin in 2017-18.

• Pasco High School, new bleachers, a concession stand, public restrooms and lockers, for an estimated $2.6 million in 2015-16.

• San Antonio Elementary School, upgrades in the heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems estimated at $1.25 million, expected in 2014-15.

Dozens of schools in east and central Pasco will also get facility improvement under the district’s five-year plan.

More than $11.2 million in roofing work is scheduled over the next five years, including projects at Land O’ Lakes High School, Moore-Mickens Education Center, Pine View Middle School and West Zephyrhills.

The district has also allocated more than $9 million for technology infrastructure upgrades, including projects at Centennial Elementary and Centennial Middle schools.

District plans also include nearly $7.4 million on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work, including projects at Pine View, Stewart and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools.

More than $4.5 million in athletic improvements are also planned across the district, including projects at Centennial, Rushe, John Long, Pasco and Weightman middle schools, and Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel High, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

Cafeteria renovations totaling more than $6.4 million are planned, including work at Chester Taylor, Fox Hollow, Lake Myrtle, Cox, West Zephyrhills and Woodland elementary schools; Pasco, Pine View and Weightman middle schools; and, at Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools.

Dozens of schools in east and central Pasco will be getting safety improvements, parking improvements, electrical upgrades, alarms, telephone and intercom repairs and closed-circuit television projects. A slew of painting projects are planned, too.

The district also plans to do playground renovation projects at about two-dozen schools in east and central Pasco, out of the $1.1 million the district has earmarked for projects in that category.

The district has also allocated $527,080 for energy retrofits, which will include two-dozen schools in east and central Pasco for those projects.

Some projects made it onto the district’s list, but have not yet received funding.

• $4.4 million to add a classroom addition at Wiregrass Ranch High

• $20.6 million to renovate Land O’ Lakes High

• $22.4 million to renovate Zephyrhills High

• $4.1 million to renovate San Antonio Elementary

Some projects on the district’s list are not funded, but sales tax proceeds from Penny for Pasco are expected to cover it, Williams said.

Chalk Talk

September 25, 2013 By Mary Rathman

Local sixth-grader crowned at pageant
Ashlynn Nicole Diaz, a sixth-grader at John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel, was crowned the new 2013 Miss American MAC Florida Citrus Preteen at a pageant Sept. 1 at Downtown Disney.
MAC is more formally known as Miss American Coed.
Diaz volunteers for the Fill-a-Heart Project, a program that makes pillows for breast cancer survivors. She also participates in Relay For Life, Autism Walks and volunteers at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa.
At the competition, Diaz received the highest awards for best academic achievement and best interview. She will represent Florida at nationals during Thanksgiving week in Orlando.

Red Ribbon Week kick-off
Red Ribbon Week is a national drug prevention program used by the Pasco County school system to teach drug prevention in schools. The kickoff for this year’s event is Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to dusk at the historic courthouse in Dade City.
For the past four years, Office Friendly has decorated the \courthouse with red ribbons. It also hosted a pep rally to spread the anti-drug message.
Cpl. David Hink is in need of red ribbon material to decorate the courthouse. He is asking local businesses to decorate their storefronts as well.
Anyone who can help with donation should call Cpl. Hink at (352) 424-4827.

Open house at CDS
Carrollwood Day School is hosting two open houses at its campus at 1515 W. Bearss Ave.
There will be an open house for middle and high school students on Oct. 6 at 1 p.m., and another for high school students only on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
To RSVP, contact Michelle Caceres at (813) 920-2288, or .

John Long Middle walkathon
In an effort to raise money to replace photography equipment stolen from Dr. John Long Middle School last year, the school’s PTSA is coordinating a Go-Take-A-Hike Walkathon on Oct. 18.
Pledge packets for this pre-collection walkathon will be sent home with students on Oct. 7.
Students will have opportunities to receive a “get out of class” pass, join a “minute to win it” party, get a T-shirt, grab cash and prizes in a cash machine, or win gift cards.
Visit Facebook.com/JohnLongPTSA.

PHCC peace week
Pasco-Hernando Community College will host keynote speakers, guest lecturers, exhibits, presentations, interactive workshops, peace and religion festivals, and musical performances throughout Peace Week Oct. 7-11.
All events are on the West Campus in New Port Richey, East Campus in Dade City, North Campus in Brooksville, and the Spring Hill campus.
For a daily agenda of activities, times and locations, visit www.phcc.edu/peace, or call (877) 879-7422.

Open house at Corbett Prep
Corbett Preparatory School, 12015 Orange Grove Drive, in Tampa, will host admission open houses Oct. 9 and Nov. 20 for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. It begins at 8:30 a.m.
Each date includes an overview of the school, tour of the campus and a light breakfast. Personal tours can be scheduled at any time.
For information, call admissions director Jennifer Morrow at (813) 961-3087.

PHCC collects canned food
Pasco-Hernando Community College Human Services Club members will compete in The Volunteer Way’s fundraising competition “Canstruction” on Oct. 18 at the Pasco Government Center, 7535 Little Road, in New Port Richey.
The exhibit will be open to the public Oct. 21-25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PHCC has a goal to collect more than 1,000 cans of food for the event. All food collected will be donated to The Volunteer Way Food Bank after the competition.
Collection barrels are located on the West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, in the library through Oct. 17.

Local students make semifinalist list for National Merit
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has announced the names of approximately 16,000 seminfinalists in the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Hillsborough County Public Schools led the state in the number of National Merit semifinalists, with 60 students earning the honor. Local students include:

Rachael Hargrove and Shahob Miltenberger, Land O’ Lakes High School
Bridget Weber, Sunlake High School
Stephen Hurley, Steinbrenner High School
Rohith Ravi, Freedom High School
Jorge Rodriguez, Sickles High School
Kiana Outen, Wharton High School
Chelsea Chitty, Wiregrass Ranch High School

Devon Dominguez graduates from Cornell
Devon Dominguez of Odessa has graduated from Cornell University’s summer college program.
The summer program invites talented high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to spend three or six weeks on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, N.Y., experiencing what it’s like to live and learn at an Ivy League university.
Students take official courses, earn college credits and explore majors and career options.

Chalk Talk

August 28, 2013 By Mary Rathman

Career and tech adult commencement
Pasco County Schools’ Office for Career and Technical Education will host the 79th Adult Commencement on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road. The ceremony is open to the public.

Open house at Double Branch
Double Branch Elementary School will have an open house Sept. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for kindergarteners to second graders, and from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for those in grades 3 through 5. The PTA will conduct a general assembly meeting in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. Spirit items will be available. The school is at 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 346-0400.

English as second language class
Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church, 19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host an English as a Second Language class on Thursdays beginning Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Classes are for beginner through intermediate level speakers. Topics include American culture, English idioms and slang. Cost is $20 per quarter, which covers the workbook and class materials. For information or to register, call Heather at (813) 753-8567.

PHCC hosts artist Michael Conway
Pasco-Hernando Community College will host a lecture by Michael Conway, artist of Beyond the Proof Sheet, the first fine arts exhibit of the season, at Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery on Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Conway will discuss his artistic journey from an early focus in photography to the use of mixed media. The gallery is in the library of the West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. For information, call (727) 816-3231.

SAT and ACT practice test offered
The Wesley Chapel High School PTSA is sponsoring the Princeton Review Practice test on Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. The practice test features a mix of questions from both the ACT and SAT. Cost per student is $20. Preregistration is preferred. Students will need to arrive by 8:45 a.m., and bring a calculator and No. 2 pencils. Lunch will be provided. A detailed score report will provide a side-by-side comparison of a student’s projected test scores. For information, call the school at (813) 794-8700, or email Heidi Bernaldo at .

Extension office offers food handler course
The Pasco County Extension office is offering the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Food Managers Food Safety and Quality Program and ServSafe Certification Exam on Sept. 11 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Central Pasco Professional Center in Land O’ Lakes. There will be a break for lunch and the exam from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a comprehensive food handler course, which includes food safety concepts. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a state Certificate of Achievement from the university. Upon passing the ServSafe manager’s examination, participants receive a national certification valid for five years. Class size is limited. Training, exam and textbook cost is $165. To register, call (888) 232-8723, or visit fycs.ifas.ufl.edu/foodsafety.

Saint Leo offers doctoral program
Saint Leo University’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business is accepting applications through Sept. 15 for its new doctor of business administration degree program. The coursework emphasizes applied knowledge and practice, and is designed to develop graduates for college-level teaching, academic leadership or consulting. The first class of students will be capped at 25 participants. For information, contact graduate admissions at (800) 707-8846, or .

Samuel Watkins earns business degree
Samuel Watkins of Lutz has graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in business. The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education.

Social work program gets accreditation
Saint Leo University announced its master of social work program has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, just four years after the technologically innovative program was launched.
The accreditation assures workplaces, prospective students and the general public that the Saint Leo program meets the teaching and curricular standards established by the profession. Through the accredited program, master of social work graduates are eligible to take the examination to become licensed clinical social workers.

Lee on Dean’s List at Eckerd
Laura Lee of Lutz has been named to Eckerd College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. Lee is majoring in American studies. To qualify, students must complete at least four courses with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Eckerd College is at 4200 54th Ave. S., in St. Petersburg.

PHCC trustees elect new leadership
The Pasco-Hernando Community College District Board of Trustees elected a new chair and vice chair for the 2013-14 academic year. Trustee John L. DiRienzo was elected to serve as chair, succeeding Rao Musunuru, and Trustee Leonard H. Johnson was elected as vice chair.
DiRienzo, of Spring Hill, is an adjunct faculty member at Saint Leo University. He is a retired school principal with a master’s degree in special education and additional certification in educational leadership. DiRienzo is past president of the Board of Directors for Arc of Florida and Arc Nature Coast in Hernando County, and currently is an active volunteer for the organizations. DiRienzo has served on the college’s board since July 2009.
Johnson, a Dade City attorney, is a shareholder at Johnson Auvil & Pratico P.A., where he practices real estate law, business and banking law, construction law and estate planning.
Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He also sits on the board of directors of Gator Boosters Inc., and has served on the college’s board since November 2011.

A trio of computer businesses under one roof

August 28, 2013 By B.C. Manion

When Michael Sawyer recently set up shop in Lutz, he brought together three businesses offering a broad array of computer services.

The storefront at 18125 N. US 41, Suite 101, is the new home for Aware Media, TechGuyToGo and Tampa Technology Training.

Aware Media Marketing focuses on design work, ranging from business cards to website design. Sawyer had that business before he opened his new storefront.

Michael Sawyer works at his computer in his new storefront in Lutz, which has three computer businesses under one roof. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

He added TechGuyToGo to bring consumers into the shop for computer repairs, as well as repairs to the screens on their hand-held devices and computers. Sawyer also offers business services and technical training.

He launched Tampa Technology Training to provide courses for those wanting to improve their computer skills. Sawyer wants to share his knowledge with students, whether they are seeking a job, want to handle new responsibilities, or are interested in engaging in creative pursuits.

A part-time teacher at Hillsborough Community College, Sawyer said he’s excited about launching his training center because he wants to create an educational environment he believes will help students thrive.

“This is a small class. I have eight seats,” said Sawyer, who also previously taught at Aparicio-Levy Technical Center in Hillsborough County. “I might go to 10 eventually, but at the end of the day, it’s going to be a small-class environment. I just think the dynamics of the whole class changes, when you have that small classroom size.”

Personal interaction is helpful in computer courses because students arriving at class often come with wide-ranging levels of experience, he said.

“You have people who think they know, and they don’t. And, you have people who have no clue,” Sawyer said.

When people lack experience, they tend to be tentative, Sawyer said.

“You have to break down some of that intimidation. You have to make sure there are some steps for people to follow,” he said.

Small classes encourage greater collaboration in the learning process, Sawyer said.

“I think it makes people feel more comfortable because they’re not afraid about asking a question because they’re not holding up 29 people,” Sawyer said.

He plans to offer a wide array of courses, including those for people who want to get a better job, but may not be so strong with their computer skills. Sawyer will also offer classes for those looking to get into Web design.

He also plans to provide corporate training classes, as well as classes focused on desktop publishing. Training will be geared toward preparing students to obtain certification.

Because it is his own business, Sawyer said he is able to offer classes when he wants, usually around his HCC teaching schedule. However, he is planning to survey students to find out when they would like classes to be offered.

Sawyer moved to Lutz about a year and a half ago because he was attracted by the community’s natural beauty and quiet nature, he said. He chose to locate his storefront on US 41 because the busy highway that bisects the community brings thousands of cars past his business each day.

The location is also about midway between computer repair shops to the north and south, Sawyer said.

To learn more about Mike Sawyer’s businesses, visit:

www.awaremediamarketing.com

www.TampaTechnologyTraining.com

www.TechGuyToGo.com

Local schools add 1,000 students to rolls

August 28, 2013 By Michael Hinman

More students are walking through the front doors of area schools as communities in Pasco County continue to grow.

The 39 schools in east and central Pasco County added 1,000 students since this time last year, according to population numbers released by Pasco County Schools. On average, the student population growth in east and central Pasco would be equivalent to adding a classroom per school. The additional students bring the total public school population to 30,800 — a 3.4 percent increase.

Samantha Touriello, an incoming fifth-grader at Connerton Elementary School, gets some reassurance from principal Aimee Boltze while her mother Jessica Cottrell looks on during the first day of school last week. Samantha was able to wipe away her tears, and make her way to her new classroom. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“We’re not exactly sure where they are coming from as we haven’t had a chance to analyze it just yet,” said Christopher Williams, director for planning services at Pasco County Schools. “There are certainly some new houses being built, but I’m not sure how much of that has impacted the schools.”

The biggest student population jumps came in Wesley Chapel, where Watergrass and Wesley Chapel elementary schools added 382 students, many of them coming from Quail Hollow Elementary School, which is closed this year for renovations. Both schools already taught more than a combined total of 1,000 students, but this year are operating with 1,438 — a 36 percent jump.

Also on the rise is Wesley Chapel High School, adding 206 students from this time last year, and increasing its student body by nearly 16 percent. Wiregrass Ranch High School was not far behind, adding 159 students to cross the 2,000 mark with an 8 percent jump.

“The Wesley Chapel and (SR) 54 corridor is where we’re seeing the most growth,” Williams said, adding there are still serious overcrowding issues at schools like Seven Oaks Elementary, Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch.

And it will be that way, at least for the near future.

“We don’t have much of a budget for new schools, other than having enough money to build a new elementary school, in the next five years,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re doing what we can to help these schools.”

Can’t afford training? There may be a grant for that

August 28, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Businesses have to overcome many obstacles to find success, but the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board wants to remind them they are not alone.

The board, which administers local workforce development and welfare reform programs, is connecting businesses in Pasco and Hernando counties with grants that can be used to help employees learn new skills or can provide on-the-job training for new hires. The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.

“We put the word out to everybody,” said Ana Segovia, a business services consultant for the workforce board. “It’s set up to help the local employers for what their needs are.”

For example, someone has worked at a company for five years gets promoted and now has to work with different software, Segovia said. The employee may need training to handle their new responsibilities.

Or maybe the company has a new bottling line, and its staff needs to learn how to work it. Training dollars may be available to help meet that need, she said.

Under the Employed Worker Training grant program, companies can seek reimbursement of 50 percent to help employees upgrade their skills. But they must meet specific requirements. These grants seek to help companies perform well, with the increased skills of their workforce leading to greater success, which is good for the overall economy, Segovia said.

To receive reimbursement, the training must meet industry-recognized standards, Segovia said. But the process is simple, especially if companies consider all of their training needs for a year and then put together a single application.

There are some restrictions, however. For instance, a company can be eligible for a grant two years in a row, but it cannot receive reimbursement for training involving the same employee year after year, Segovia said.

People are sometimes intimidated by the paperwork, but they shouldn’t be.

“The paperwork we’re talking about initially for your employer to fill out is six pages,” said Nathan Stevens, who also is a business services consultant for the workforce board. “It’s free money. You would think people would be standing in line. Why wouldn’t you come and try to get it?”
Companies can apply for any amount they’d like, and the application will be considered.

“If there’s money available, and there’s justification for this amount, they may be able to get it,” Stevens said.

On another front, there’s also funding available through an on-the-job grant program. The company can receive up to 50 percent of a new employee’s wages for up to 12 weeks through the program.

The arrangement must be pre-approved, the employer must document the training plan and the employee must be a new hire and cannot be a relative, Segovia said.

Some companies use on-the-job training because they want to mold their employees to complete the work the way they want it to be done, Segovia said.

For more information about either of these programs, go to www.CareerCentral.jobs. Click on the Job Seekers tab to find out more about on-the-job training, and click on the employers tab to find out more about the Employed Worker Training program.

Pasco adds new virtual school, while state sees its operations suffer

August 21, 2013 By Michael Hinman

They didn’t like it, but the Pasco County School Board earlier this month approved the application of a virtual charter school that was once under state investigation.

In a 3-1 vote, with Alison Crumbley dissenting, the board allowed the Southwest Florida Virtual Charter Board to open a virtual charter school in Pasco County — as long as the school meets stringent quality guidelines.

Science teacher Stephanie Carter prepares to give a virtual class through her laptop and tablet computer setup as part of the first day of school for Pasco eSchool last year. Joining Carter are, from left, Chinese language teacher Kim Giorgio, English and language arts teacher Heather Kline, and music and physical education teacher Kristi Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Pasco eSchool)

It turned a rather significant page in the evolution of virtual education with the expansion of such services in the county. But then the landscape shifted significantly when the state-run Florida Virtual School announced massive layoffs after an enrollment drop and changes to how the state funds it.

The future of educating students no matter where they are is at a precipice, and virtual education must find a way to not only survive, but thrive, says Pasco eSchool principal Joanne Glenn.

“It’s a great choice option for a variety of families in a variety of circumstances,” Glenn said.

Virtual schools are typically done through a computer and Internet connection, and were designed for students who were geographically challenged to get specific coursework from a bricks and mortar operation. Today, however, these types of schools are being used more and more by students looking to supplement what they’re already doing in an actual school classroom.

“Students in kind of a traditional setting began to supplement their instruction through virtual schools,” Glenn said. “They can take courses to recover credits, or even take courses that can accelerate their workload, to help them complete graduation requirements in their off time, so they can free up space to do a dual enrollment court or advanced placement.”

Pasco started its eSchool in 2009, and last year serviced 5,500 semester courses for 2,300 students. And that’s just for middle school and high school. The elementary eSchool has about 100 students — a smaller number because it requires not only the regular involvement of the student and teacher, but a parent as well.

Although interest in virtual schools continues to grow each year, the charter operation offered by the Southwest Florida Virtual Charter Board was met with so much skepticism from the board when it was first introduced last spring that they denied the request.

Southwest Florida Virtual appealed that decision to Florida’s Department of Education, prompting school board members to reconsider without risking a lengthy legal battle.

An investigation concluded Southwest Florida Virtual hired only certified teachers in Seminole County, but concerns remain.

“Student achievement, or the lack thereof, is something we are very worried about,” said Nancy Scowcroft, supervisor of charter schools for Pasco County. “Their school grades are not being posted on the Department of Education’s website, which means they are appealing. I don’t know what these scores look like, but apparently they are not where they want to be.”

The county maintains oversight of charter schools to make sure they are meeting specific criteria. With bricks and mortar schools, it means just traveling to different parts of the county when needed. However, to see what’s happening with Florida Virtual Academy of Pasco County, as this new school will be called, it will require regular trips to Daytona Beach.

“That means spending more money just to keep an eye on everything,” Scowcroft said.

Jeff Kwitowski, a spokesman for Virginia-based K12 Inc., which calls itself the “vendor” for the charter school operations in Florida, points to the fact that the previous claims against the school were unsubstantiated. And even if there was an issue of teachers lacking certification for their particular subject matter, it’s not against the law.

The state department of education reports more than 8,700 teachers in Florida’s schools are teaching courses outside their subject certification, Kwitowski said in a statement. He added that Seminole County, which made the complaint, admitted to having 100 teachers without proper certification in the 2011-12 school year alone.

“K12 had only three teachers whose certifications were ‘out-of-field,’ and they were quickly corrected,” Kwitowski said.

Some of the demand for virtual schools will now be shared by both Florida Virtual Academy and Pasco eSchool. And that alone could very well create a strong future for this newer type of learning, eSchool principal Glenn said, especially since taking at least one virtual course is a graduation requirement for the Class of 2015.

“This is the way a lot of employers are delivering on-the-job training now and professional development, and it’s also something that is happening more and more in post-secondary schools, colleges and universities,” Glenn said. “This gives all of our students a chance to have that first experience in a supported environment. So once they get out there in the real world, they’ll be ready.”

New River Branch Library stays open, but budget issues remain

August 21, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Patrons of New River Branch Library can breathe a sigh of relief.

The Pasco County Commission voted unanimously last week to keep open both the Wesley Chapel library as well as the Centennial Park Branch Library in Holiday.

The decision came after library supporters reminded commissioners how important those libraries are in the communities where they operate.

One woman described the New River Branch as having the welcoming feel conveyed on the television sitcom “Cheers,” saying it’s a place “where everyone knows your name.”

She told commissioners that the library is a community gathering spot, serving everyone “from the tiniest child up through seniors.”

Diane Halterman, a former county library system branch manager from Zephyrhills, also weighed in on the topic.

“When I moved here in 1985, I was appalled that there were no public libraries on the east side of the county, except for the very, very tiny one in Zephyrhills,” she said. “And Dade City’s library was also very small. I saw the bond issue coming to the county and was thrilled to see libraries go up.”

Closing the New River branch would pose a hardship for many young families in Zephyrhills, who work in the service industry and can’t afford to have computers in their homes, Halterman said.

Gail Stout, chairwoman of the county’s library advisory board, told commissioners the per capita spending on libraries is $12.07 in Pasco County, compared to the state average of $25 per capita.

“You certainly are getting a huge bang for your buck in this portion of your budget,” Stout said.

Bob Robertson, also of Zephyrhills, joined with other speakers in describing New River as being a central part of the community’s fabric.

“The activities that go on there well exceed the books on the racks,” Robertson said. “I think it would be a very sad thing, if we were to close that library.”

Nancy Fredericks, administrator for Pasco County libraries, said closing the two libraries would cause more than 18 layoffs and yield about $776,875 in savings.

It quickly became clear that commissioners had no interest in closing the libraries. Even Schrader said he raised the issue because he wanted to be sure the county explored all of its options.

Commissioner Jack Mariano adamantly opposed any library closings.

“I just would love to see this conversation stop right now,” he said, urging commissioners to send a clear message that all county libraries will remain open.

“I think the libraries are very important for the county. Children have to take online courses. If they don’t have a computer at home, where are they going to go?” Mariano said.

Closing libraries would be a step in the wrong direction, he added.

“I just think we’re really hurting quality of life. There are better ways to go,” Mariano said.

Commissioners Pat Mulieri, Kathryn Starkey and Henry Wilson made it clear they were against the idea.

“We all have to decide what kind of community we want to live in,” Starkey said. “Having a quality place takes some investment. This is, to me, a real turning point in Pasco County.”

Despite that sentiment, Schrader countered that the commissioners are still going to need to find places to save money, or residents will get bigger tax bills in the mail later.

“In less than a month, on Sept. 10, we have the first public hearing,” he said. “Staff needs some direction from this board where you’re going to cut and where you’re going to raise taxes.”

Commissioners have been hearing plenty from people who don’t want a tax hike.

But Mulieri asked how well those louder voices are being represented.

“How many people did you hear from?” she said. “Twenty-five? Thirty? Fifty? There’s 478,000 people in Pasco County. Most people like the idea that we have a fee for services. But they also want their library.”

Starkey and Mariano noted that quality of life has an impact on the county’s economic prospects.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people who don’t want any raise in the taxes. I’ve heard from a lot more that say they want a quality place to live,” Starkey said.

“We can’t attract businesses here, when they drive by shuttered parks, shuttered libraries, roads full of potholes, snipe signs and garbage everywhere because we aren’t taking care of our backyard,” she said.

Chalk Talk

August 14, 2013 By Mary Rathman

Adults-only Spelling Bee
The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc. found out who was “Smarter than a Preschooler” during its first adults-only spelling bee on Aug. 1 at the Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road in Spring Hill. Twelve teams of four spellers went head-to-head in the competition with three rounds of increasingly difficult words. The winning team of Kierczynski and Associates received the Ultimate Speller trophy by correctly spelling the word “ululation.” The trophy will be passed on to future spelling bee winners year after year.

Thomas, Janssen on Virginia Tech Dean List
Two local students enrolled at Virginia Tech were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. Junior Christine Thomas and Senior Eliana Janssen are both from Lutz and majoring in agribusiness in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To quality, students must attempt at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.4 grade point average during the semester.

Museum offers free day to teachers
The Henry B. Plant Museum will offer free admission to teachers and their families on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can explore the museum at their leisure, take a self-guided audio tour or participate in a walk-through at 1 p.m. There will be a screening of the historical video “Florida’s First Magic Kingdom.” The museum is at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa. For information, visit plantmuseum.com.

Visit The Reading Corner
The Reading Corner, a new private school at 1800 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Aug. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enrollment spots are open in various age groups in classes for children age 3 through fifth grade. For information on tuition, email , or call (813) 909-9204.

New principal for Wiregrass Ranch
Robyn White has been named principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel. Robyn White began her career as a Pinellas County teacher in 1986 and has been the assistant principal at Wiregrass since 2006. She succeeds Ray Bonti, who was promoted to an administrative position at the district offices.

PHCC looking for singers
Pasco-Hernando Community College is looking for experienced singers to join the College/Community Chorus program. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Aug. 20. The chorus meets in the Performing Arts Center building on the PHCC West Campus in New Port Richey. The chorus is offered through the college’s continuing education department. Tuition fee for the chorus is $29 for the fall semester and includes music. For information, email .

MOSI hosts home-school educators
MOSI is hosting a free day of fun and exploration in its exhibits and Kids in Charge area for local home-schoolers on Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of home schooling is required. Those attending can meet the MOSI home-school educators and discuss program options, view an educational IMAX film for $4.95, and visit the sea monster exhibit for $10. MOSI is at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. For information, call (813) 987-6000, or visit www.mosi.org.

Remington College gives haircuts
Throughout the month of August, Remington College Tampa Campus is offering a free haircut for children younger than 17. Instructors and students in the Remington College cosmetology program provide the haircuts. Adults who bring in a donation of school supplies can also get a free salon service. Choices include a haircut, manicure or pedicure. Remington College is at 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 400, Tampa. For information or an appointment, call (813) 316-4470, or visit remingtoncosmo.com.

Grant provides for scholarships
The Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation recently received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
The contribution provided scholarships to PHCC students in summer 2013 and will continue to provide scholarships to fall term PHCC students. Per the donor’s wishes, preference will be given to part-time students who may not qualify for other financial aid.
Roberts was a generous lifelong donor to PHCC. He relocated to Sarasota, and upon his death in 2009, established the fund. The PHCC Foundation was one of the organizations specified to be eligible for distributions from the Fund.
For more information about the PHCC Foundation, please call (727) 816-3410, or visit www.phcc.edu/foundation.

Thomas Rhoades makes Dean’s List
Thomas D. Rhoades of Lutz was among 332 students named to the Dean’s Recognized List at Benedictine University for the spring 2013 semester.
The list recognizes part-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher.
Benedictine University is an independent Roman Catholic institution in Lisle, Ill.

Open house at Double Branch
Double Branch Elementary will have an open house Sept. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for kindergarteners to second graders, and from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for those in grades 3-5. The PTA will conduct a general assembly meeting in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. Spirit items will be available. The school is at 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 346-0400.

American Board programs
According to the 2012 Florida Vital Signs report, only 22 percent of Florida eighth-graders have a math teacher who majored in the subject they teach. Only 43 percent of eighth-graders have a science teacher who majored in the subject they teach. This summer, the American Board, a teacher certification nonprofit, is aiming to alleviate this issue by helping career-changing professionals bring their experience and expertise to local classrooms. The board assists career-changers, subject area experts, recent college graduates and others with a bachelor’s degree to earn full teacher certification by offering programs online so candidates can work at their own pace. The board is hosting informational sessions in August for those interested. To learn more, visit http://www.abcte.org/drupal/teach/events.

Social work program gets accreditation
Saint Leo University announced its master of social work program has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, just four years after the technologically innovative program was launched.
The accreditation assures workplaces, prospective students and the general public that the Saint Leo program meets the teaching and curricular standards established by the profession. Through the accredited program, master of social work graduates are eligible to take the examination to become licensed clinical social workers.

Lee on Dean’s List at Eckerd
Laura Lee of Lutz has been named to Eckerd College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. Lee is majoring in American Studies. To qualify, students must complete at least four courses with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Eckerd College is at 4200 54th Ave. S. in St. Petersburg.

Private school lays the groundwork for its future

August 14, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Academy at the Lakes, central Pasco County’s private school that hugs both sides of Collier Parkway off SR 54, is getting a lot larger, growing by more than 46 acres.

The school has purchased a large chunk of land near its existing campus that has belonged to the pioneer MacManus family for decades, with an eye toward a major campus expansion in the coming years.

Dr. Lou MacManus, right, shares stories about growing up on the land she recently sold to Academy at the Lakes, with former Academy board chair Cynthia Martin and current headmaster Mark Heller. MacManus’ childhood home looms in the background. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

The land grab is four times larger than the school’s existing campus, and allows Academy at the Lakes to extend its reach to 20 Mile Level Road with a total of nearly 60 acres of land.

“About six years ago, my sister and I, and our brother, started talking about what we wanted to do with this land,” said Dr. Lou MacManus. A retired surgeon who lived for decades in Ohio and Tennessee, MacManus grew up in a modest house built a year before she was born on the property now owned by Academy at the Lakes. She shares many memories of her childhood on the land with her sister, University of South Florida professor Susan MacManus, as well as her late brother, Dr. H. Cameron MacManus, who was killed in a plane crash last spring.

“There’s been a lot of changes here since we were kids, and many of them good changes,” MacManus said. “But we didn’t want to see a bunch of homes on this land.”

MAKING IT WORK
Academy at the Lakes had plans to expand for the last two years, but the deal to purchase this piece of MacManus land came together only recently, thanks to the work of the MacManus family, as well as the Academy’s head of school Mark Heller and then board of trustees chair Cynthia Miller.

“The MacManuses have been very interested in seeing the future of their parents’ and grandparents’ land used for something productive and positive for the community,” Heller said. “They could’ve easily sold this land to a developer for a lot more money. But instead, decided that they should take a philanthropic route, and dedicate this land to the same thing they have always dedicated their lives to: education.”

Academy at the Lakes is paying slightly more than $2 million for the land, equating to a little less than $44,000 per acre. MacManus set up a charitable remainder annuity trust, which holds the 16-year mortgage for the property. Excluding any interest or other fees, that will cost the growing school approximately $10,500 per month on average.

While it might seem high, Heller sees it as an investment in the future for a school that is key to the economic growth in central Pasco County.

“The north side of the county is growing so fast, certainly now that construction and homebuilding is picking back up again,” Heller said. “The north side is going to be burgeoning again, just like it did 10 years ago, and we’re going to be able to grow with that community, and provide resources to that growing community.”

There are no immediate plans to build on the land, but it is something the school expects to do at some point to accommodate student needs, Heller said. In the meantime, some of the older students will tend to the land and learn how to grow oranges and take part in other agricultural activities. Food raised will be donated to local charities.

Heller talked about expansion in August 2011 when he said Academy at the Lakes should explore ways that would set it up for the next 100 years.

“This is something that could absolutely transform the footprint and the presence of the school,” Heller said at the time.

What happens is up to the school’s board of trustees, but there are many possibilities. One could include integrating the entire campus into one site, instead of having the younger and older students divided physically by Collier Parkway. The land could also become a sports complex center, among other things.

“There’s just so much that we can do that we haven’t really even talked about yet,” Heller said.

NEVER FORGET HISTORY
The matriarch of the MacManus family had always pushed education on her children, explaining why Lou MacManus and her siblings all reached doctorate levels in their schooling. Knowing that the farm she worked so hard to build would now be used for educating hundreds of young people — not just three — would make her mother proud, MacManus said.

“Education was so big for us growing up, and we were always out learning everything,” MacManus said. “We spent a lot of times outdoors, and didn’t watch much TV. We were doing sports, riding bicycles, and I even had a horse.”

The 2,200-square-foot house that served as the MacManus home for more than half a century still stands on the property. There are trees in front where the young MacManus children would hang their wet clothes after swimming in the nearby lake.

“We were together and outside from dawn until dusk,” MacManus said. “We spent our days swimming in the lake and roaming around the orange groves.”

And while the lake may no longer be a place where young people can just jump in, the land will be there to help educate many generations to come.