The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Amy Drury is Pasco County’s Literacy Teacher of the Year

By

Winning awards is not exactly new for Amy Drury.

Recently, however, she added a big one.

She has been named Pasco County’s Literacy Teacher of the Year.

Drury was honored during the Pasco County School Board meeting on Dec. 5.

Tressa Lima, from the Office of Leading and Learning, shared Drury’s history and accomplishments with board members.

Amy Drury, forefront, was honored as the Pasco County Literacy Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year by the Pasco County School Board. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

She told the board it was with great pride and honor that she stood before them “to recognize this amazing educator, Miss Amy Drury,” the county’s Literacy Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Amy started her career in Polk County in 2003 as a substitute teacher. She quickly learned that teaching was her calling, and moved to Pasco County Schools, teaching second grade at Woodland Elementary, in 2004,” Lima said.

“She spent 14 years at Woodland Elementary, moving from a second grade teacher to a PLC (Professional Learning Community) facilitator and then moving into the role of the instructional trainer/coach.

“She was recognized as the Teacher of the Year in 2007 for both of her school sites, as well as recognized as the Sam’s Club and Walmart Teacher of the Year winner, as well.

“Since 2018, she joined the ranks at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School as a sixth grade language arts teacher, and then quickly became their instructional trainer/coach for literacy, in the following year.”

Lima continued: “She knows that developing caring adults will develop caring students, and she carries that mantra forward in everything she does.

“Her passion for literacy led both to her taking formal and informal leadership roles within her school, as she serves the community as well.

“I had the pleasure of serving as Amy’s district coach in 2017 and it was awe-inspiring to me to see her deeply ingrain herself in work, while keeping students at the forefront.  She’s truly one-of-a-kind.

“You couldn’t walk the hallways of Woodland Elementary without a student or staff member stopping her to say hello. It was like I was walking with a celebrity.

“She’s someone who anyone can, and does, go to for support because she assists in any way possible.

“She’s extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. She’s truly loved by students, teachers, staff, parents — all alike.

“Most importantly, she’s passionate about literacy for all, for all of her students.

“Prior to her moving to middle school, she told me she felt like she wanted to do more for her students and see them through the continuum of learning.

“She knew how they performed under her watch at Woodland, but wanted to impact them at that point after leaving her as well.

“She told me that she gained inspiration from watching Mrs. (Kimberly) Poe (former principal) hug her students on the graduation stage, as they beamed with pride and excitement, and she thought to herself: ‘This is what it’s all about — students, and joining in their success.

“Every professional development that Amy runs, she does it with her team — rooted in action, support for literacy across disciplines for each student.

“Amy is a true testament for passion and dedication. She’s never afraid to get her hands dirty with the right work. She would never ask anyone to do something that she hasn’t done herself, which makes her truly amazing among her peers and colleagues alike.

“Her forward-thinking and continuous desire to grow and learn makes her an asset to our system, in every aspect.

“She believes each student can be successful, if they have a champion in their corner — someone who is willing to fight for them and let them know that they are worth it and they can do it,” Lima said.

She told the school board that the district has submitted Drury’s name to represent Pasco at the state level.

Drury was asked if she would like to make some remarks.

She responded: “I’d just like to thank Tressa for her kind words. That was beautiful, and my team over here that continues to support me in everything that I do.”

Published December 13, 2023

Kirkland Ranch K-8 is ‘beehive’ of activity

By

Crews are working hard, as Kirkland Ranch K-8 continues to make progress toward its August 2024 opening date.

Marcy Hetzler-Nettles, assistant superintendent of middle schools, told the Pasco School Board that she recently had a chance to tour the construction area, along with Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, and Julie Marks, the school’s first principal.

This rendering depicts what the new Kirkland Ranch K-8 is expected to look like, when construction is completed on the new school in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools/Hepner Architects)

Hetzler-Nettles told the school board that watching Principal Marks take in the sight was delightful.

“It was like Christmas morning, for a child unwrapping a gift, to see her eyes light up,” Hetzler-Nettles said.

Hetzler-Nettles also said crews at the work site are clearly focused on the tasks at hand.

“It is a serious beehive out there right now. It’s amazing the amount of crews that are all in – welding, electrical, they’re pulling cables. They’re putting up drywall, all over the place,” Hetzler-Nettles said.

“It looks fantastic and it’s coming together quite nicely. It’s going to be very exciting to see it, once it is done.”

The school, at 33137 Innovation Drive, in Wesley Chapel, will be on the east side of the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

During a previous presentation to the board, Peter Hepner, of Hepner Architects, offered details about the project. He said there will be play courts and a covered play area outdoors, as well as parking lots for staff and visitors, and a drop-off area for students.

The first floor will have spaces for administration, prekindergarten, primary classrooms, and elementary art, music and skills labs.

The student dining area includes a stage and there will be outdoor dining, too.

The second floor includes primary and intermediate classrooms, a media center and a teacher planning area.

On the third floor, there will be middle school classrooms, art and music areas, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Center and science labs.

Creative Contractors is the construction manager for the Kirkland Ranch K-8 project.

The school has been described on the school district’s website as a “state-of-the-art dedicated magnet school experience for young creators, innovators and entrepreneurs located near the Epperson community.”

The website notes that the school will have the magnet themes of World Languages and Entrepreneurship woven throughout the student experience. 

Students will begin with their language acquisition in kindergarten and will have the opportunity to earn high school World Language credits in their middle school years, the website says.  

The website also notes that Kirkland Ranch K-8 is the only school in Pasco County that offers a magnet entrepreneurship program, from kindergarten through eighth grade. The course progression allows students to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities beginning in elementary school.

Those wishing to attend the school can apply during the Pasco Pathways Application Window, between Jan. 8 to Jan. 19.

Published December 13, 2023

Pasco County Schools seeks to reduce absenteeism through new approach

By

Pasco County Schools will have three four-day weekends during its regular 2024-2025 school year in a bid it hopes will reduce student absenteeism.

The school board approved the proposed school calendar during its Dec. 5 meeting.

“We are hoping — and I think we are going to include this in our attendance campaign — that by placing those four-day weekends strategically, I think there’s one in October, one in February and one in April, that we can encourage our students and families to take their mini-trips or vacations on those long weekends, instead of taking off instructional days,” said Kevin Shibley, an assistant superintendent.

“So, we’re going to try to market that to our families,” he added.

Pasco County School is adopting a new calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The new approach includes four-day weekends in October, February and April. District staff and board members hope that families will take advantage of those mini-breaks, rather than pulling kids from school on regular days. (Mike Camunas)

School board member Alison Crumbley told Shibley: “I’ll add to your encouragement on that.”

Her colleague, Cynthia Armstrong, agreed: “That’s an excellent message because it is very frustrating when I see parents randomly taking students out for vacations.”

The new calendar also includes one full professional development (PD) day in the fall, instead of four early release days (ERD).

“I think the idea is that we can get some quality time with our teachers early in the school year with that full day of PD and then use the ERD days in the second semester to do follow-up and extension of that learning, in small chunks, as the school year continues,” Shibley said.

Consolidating the four ERDs also yields more student instructional time, overall, Shibley noted.

Shibley also pointed out a similar strategy is already used by some high-performing Florida school districts.

Elected school district leaders said they did not receive a great deal of feedback on the issue.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin said one teacher asked if the district could start the school year later in August, but Beaudoin explained that the district starts earlier so it can deliver as much instruction as possible before testing begins.

“Also, it allows us to finish the first semester prior to Winter Break, which is really important, especially at the secondary level,” Beaudoin added.

Another teacher asked if the work day after Spring Break could be shifted to before Spring Break, but Beaudoin said that would create scheduling difficulties for teachers because it would result in a week with a work day and a half-day, making it difficult for teachers to plan.

Armstrong said she received mixed feedback regarding the four-day weeks.

“I had some for it; I had some who preferred getting out earlier in the school year. So, it went both ways on that one,” she said.

Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, said the union is taking a neutral stance on the issue. He encouraged anyone who wanted to provide feedback to reach out to school board members.

“Some of these things may prove beneficial; others, maybe not so much. It’s hard to say right now.

“I’m not sure I know all of the particulars, but if proper planning and considerations are made, and I do want to note that I have had extended conversations with Mr. Shibley and I think that things are in order for planning, this might work well,” Peace said.

However, Peace added: “Respectfully, if we are going to make significant changes to the calendar, the opportunity to discuss this at an evening session prior to a vote would seem to be in order. This would allow those with concerns to express some to the board before a vote.”

Shibley said that, overall, comments received by the district were positive.

“Staff kind of liked the idea of the four-day weekends, in general,” Shibley said.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding  welcomes the new approach.

“It’s different this time. We’re going to try something new,” she said.

Published December 13, 2023

Pasco County Schools is identifying more gifted students

By

Pasco County Schools has seen an increase in the number of students identified as academically gifted since the district began using a screening tool with all district second-graders, according to Vanessa Hilton, the district’s chief academic officer.

“Since that time, we have increased our number of gifted-identified students by 20%, especially in some of the more disproportionate areas,” Hilton said.

She said the district also has launched more professional development opportunities to help increase the number of educators to help serve the district’s gifted learners.

“In June of 2022, we started to offer all five endorsement courses over the summer, so teachers didn’t have to come out of their classrooms, they could do that when they weren’t doing other things, or as they did things for summer.

“We prioritized the teachers who were already teaching gifted learners, and, as a result, in that first year, we had over 250 classes completed,” Hilton told the Pasco County School Board, during its Dec. 5 meeting.

“And then, since we started, we’ve had a total of almost 650 classes completed, and we’ve increased the number of our gifted endorsed teachers by 33%,” she added.

“So, we have done support for students and support for teachers,” Hilton said.

She expressed her gratitude to district departments that help to pull off opportunities for students and staff in this area, including the Office for Leading and Learning, the Office for Student Support Programs and Services, and Accountability Research and Measurement.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding said she has heard positive feedback from a couple of her friends who have been able to take the classes.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Harding said.

Published December 13, 2023

Zephyrhills’ leaders step up to help school children

By

City leaders from Zephyrhills are stepping up to boost literacy efforts among the community’s young children.

City leaders are getting involved in efforts to help school children learn to read. They have volunteered to help a specific group of young children in Zephyrhills’ public elementary schools.

“There’s a commitment from the city to support our literacy efforts. They are doing that not only through their innovative programs at the public library, but they’re also committed to have their city employees volunteer in our schools,” said Poe, the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

“So, at this time — and they’ve been doing it for over a month —  every week we have the librarian, airport director, finance director and public information officer volunteering at West Zephyrhills Elementary.

“We have the city manager, police chief and public works director volunteering at Woodland Elementary. They have an assigned time, an hour a week, that they do during their work day, with assigned third-graders.

“So, they are working with those students who are really trying to give it their all this year, and we know that’s a high stakes year and we’re focusing our efforts there.

“Also, City Council members Lance Smith and Steve Spina — they are members of the Zephyrhills Noon Rotary — so they heard of the initiative and wanted to get involved, so they and the Rotary members are pushing into West Zephyrhills Elementary, focusing on first-grade learners.

“So, we’re super-excited to know that the efforts are citywide.

“And they’re working along our two elementary schools to impact their youngest citizens.

“We know it takes a village. It’s cliché. We hear it, but we know it does take all of us working together to positively impact our community, and we are all in on literacy this year.”

Published December 13, 2023

Chalk Talk 12/13/2023

By

Savory networking for students
Chad Mallo, Angeline Academy of Innovation business instructor, wanted his Entrepreneurship Academy students to have the ability to augment what they have learned in the classroom about focus groups and surveys and be able to apply that knowledge by networking with local startup companies.

He took the opportunity to have a local business owner come to the school to simulate what they learned in their textbook and make it real-world.

Mallo was able to leverage the standards that his students learn in the classroom and provide the students with an authentic real-world experience by networking with Pasco Economic Development, Dan Mitchell with SMARTstart Incubator and local start-up Dre’s Island Food Services, when students taste-tested a brand new sauce from Dre’s.

Angeline Academy of Innovation students taste-tested a brand-new sauce with business owner Chef Keary Simms of Dre’s Island Food Services, and EDC SMARTstart Program Director Dan Mitchell, along with business teacher Chad Mallo. (Courtesy of Chad Mallo)
Alexander Brigagao, center, expresses his excitement to taste-test a sauce sample.
Angeline Academy student Lucca Woodard, center, samples an item from Dre’s Island Food Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teen study session
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12119 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Teen Time Study Session on Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Students can link up with a peer or simply make use of a quiet place to study. For information, call 727-815-7126.

Congressional Award bestowed
Alyssa Hayman, of Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, has been awarded the Congressional Award Bronze Medal — Congress’ highest recognition for civilian youth. The medal honors youth for their commitment to voluntary public service, as well as personal development and physical fitness, according to a news release.

Hayman earned the medal by completing at least 100 hours of voluntary public service (sharing their time and talent for the betterment of the community), 50 hours of personal development (developing social and life skills as well as interests), and 50 hours of physical fitness (spent in any way to improve their health and quality of life). Additionally, participants must spend at least two days and one night exploring a new environment or culture.

Hayman has been working to achieve the award for more than seven months, the minimum time frame to earn the Bronze Medal.

Any interested motivated student, age 14 through 24, can participate in the award program by setting and achieving individual challenge goals as listed above. The award adapts to meet the needs of every participant as they set goals according to their own interests and level of abilities.

Congressional Awards are earned, not “won,” the release says.

For more information about the program, call 202-226-0130, or email .

Keelin Dailey (Courtesy of Dawn Dailey)

Student enters National All-American Miss
Keelin Dailey, an eighth-grader at Pine View Middle School, represented Land O’ Lakes in the National All-American Miss pageant in Orlando, in the preteen age division. Dailey placed as third runner-up in the nation in the Photogenic category.

Dailey said she started entering pageants to boost her confidence, to learn important life skills like public speaking and interviewing, to have fun dressing up in fancy outfits, and to make new friends around the state and around the country.

Dailey noted the act of kindness she experienced from other pageant contestants inspired her to create Keelin’s Be Kind project — she visits the elementary school across the street from Pine View Middle and has been invited to elementary schools around Pasco County to read books to kindergarteners and first-graders.

The student said, “Pageants are an amazing way I can express myself for who I am!” in an essay she wrote for her yearbook advisor.

Dailey also loves to travel, shop, go mudding, and is a black belt in Taekwondo.

Cyberbullying doesn’t stop during holiday break
Students may go on holiday break, but cyberbullying won’t, according to a news release from Stand for the Silent, an organization on a mission to help eliminate bullying nationwide. Kirk and Laura Smalley founded the group after their child took his own life due to bullying.

Cyberbullying can kick into high gear over the holidays with most kids having access to platforms where the bullying can take place and others getting new electronic devices as gifts.

Kirk noted in the release that parents must know about cyberbullying to prevent it, and to put an end to it when it does occur.

“It is an issue that we all need to know about because we are just about all online at one point or another,” said Kirk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six high school students report having been cyberbullied. Students in middle school tend to experience the highest amounts of cyberbullying, followed by those in high school. Elementary students do not experience it nearly as much, but the issues and concerns stretch across all academic years.

Parents are urged to know the dangers and realities of cyberbullying and to learn how to identify it taking place and what to do about it.

These are signs that may point to a child being cyberbullied, according to the release:

  • Pulling away from using technology when they used to like it
  • Being secretive about being online or on their phone
  • Quickly turning off a screen when a parent enters the room
  • Behaving nervously when using technology
  • Begins avoiding usual behaviors that they typically enjoy
  • Being upset or mad after using their phone
  • Withdrawing from their family or friends
  • Deleting their social media accounts or creating new ones
  • Noticeable changes in their mood or having difficulty sleeping

Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter in their group, get free curriculum at StandForTheSilent.org/schools/bullyfreeclassrooms/, host a presentation at their school, or donate to help support the cause. For more information, visit StandForTheSilent.org.

Chalk Talk 12/06/2023

By

Museum prepares to welcome more students
The Tampa Museum of Art will welcome nearly 15,000 additional students in Hillsborough County Public School’s Transformation Network next year as part of a new Community Arts Education Initiative supplementing the museum’s existing school tour programs.

A group of students learn the art of critiquing at the Tampa Museum of Art. (Courtesy of Tampa Museum of Art)

A federal grant of $1.9 million for the museum and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts will provide local students with experiences critiquing works of art, as well as practicing critical thinking skills that will help students in many different subjects, according to a news release.

“All Hillsborough County students should have an opportunity to develop creative skills and enjoy the arts in partnership with the expanding Tampa Museum of Art education initiative and local cultural arts centers. I am proud to champion federal support so that a greater number of Hillsborough students can engage, grow and thrive through arts education,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, in the release.

The federal grant funding will support an 18-month cycle of staff training, curriculum development, school visits, teacher and facilitator training, and assessments to determine the impact of the arts experiences on the students’ critical thinking skills.

In addition to the federal funding secured by Castor, the education initiative also made possible the museum’s recent Centennial Renovation project, which doubled the size of the gallery space and opened the Vinik Family Education Center, the release says.

The number of students the museum can serve will continue to grow with the upcoming Centennial Expansion.

Student Illustrative Contest
B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel invites students to submit original artwork for its illustrative contest entitled, “Enjoy the Magic of the Movies.”

Artwork should feature one of the movie titles listed below, using any art medium, limited to 11-inch by 14-inch size.
Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level, and delivered to the theater, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 14.

Works of art will be featured in the theater and the winners will receive a popcorn party in January for their class, as well as a movie pack for two.

Movie titles to select from are:

  • “Disney’s Wish”
  • “Wonka”
  • “Migration”
  • “Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom”

Student volunteers needed
The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, is looking for student (and adult) volunteers for its 2023 Celebration of Lights that will run on select dates through Dec. 30. The drive-thru light display includes a holiday train and Pasco Safety Town features Santa Claus. For more information or to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/2bwppzpt.

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens recognized
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce honored 11 students as Student Citizens of the Month for November. Students are chosen by the teachers and administrators of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Back row, from left: Chick-fil-A cow; Yirer Hernandez, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Chief of Police Derek Brewer, Zephyrhills Police Department; Melonie Monson, Zephyrhills mayor; and Karly Jarrett, Jarrett Ford Dade City. Center row, from left: Justin Cleary, Children’s Educational Services Secondary Campus; Anjolaolywa Olatunji, Zephyrhills High; Dustin Simons, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; and Ashley Breaux, marketing coordinator, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills. Front row: Chris Sarhaddi, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Tayze Smith, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; Mia Cortez-Hernandez, Woodlands Elementary; Katalia Arriaga, Heritage Academy; Duane Clower, Chester Taylor Elementary; and Liela Villanueva, Raymond B. Stewart Middle).

Pasco Citizens Academy
The Pasco Citizens Academy is for those interested in gaining a deep understanding of Pasco County’s budget development, the county’s structure and the essential functions of its constitutional officers and departments. Students of the academy will engage directly with elected officials, state agency partners, department directors and county staff. Participants can become well-informed ambassadors for the community and eligible to serve on advisory boards and volunteer.

The Spring 2024 session is limited to 25 participants. Apply online at PascoCountyFl-services.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/26223.

VPK program applications
Pasco County Schools’ Early Childhood Programs will begin accepting applications for the free Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning Jan. 8 during the School Choice open application window.

The VPK Program offers three free hours of instruction Monday through Friday, at select school sites. Extended hours are available for an additional fee.  VPK extended hours will follow the school site’s regular bell schedule. Partial-day VPK will take place the first three hours of the school day.

To be eligible to participate in VPK, children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024. A Certificate of Eligibility/Voucher must be obtained from the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando prior to completing the Pasco County Schools VPK application.

The Pasco Schools’ sites for the 2024-2025 school year are:
VPK Inclusion Site (VPK & ESE Students) – Bexley Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Chester Taylor Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Double Branch Elementary, Gulf Highlands Elementary, Gulf Trace Elementary, Hudson Primary Academy, James Marlowe Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Quail Hollow Elementary, Seven Springs Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Schrader Elementary and Watergrass Elementary.
VPK Site (VPK students only) – Kirkland Ranch K-8, Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy, Trinity Elementary and Veterans Elementary.

For additional information, contact Mikesha Hayes, VPK coordinator, at 813-794-2730, or email ">.

Chalk Talk 11/29/2023

By

(Courtesy of Jason Lambert)

Marching band is best in state
Wiregrass Ranch High School was recently honored as the best in the state in the 4A Class of the Florida Marching Band Championships.

The Wiregrass Ranch band program has more than 150 students, and includes the marching band, three concert bands, one jazz band, two competitive colorguards, and indoor percussion. 

The band consistently earns superior ratings at Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessments for Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band, according to the program’s website.

The Marching Bulls have been Florida Marching Band Championship finalists four times (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019) and in 2019 became the first band in Pasco County history to win a State Championship. 

The colorguard and indoor percussion have had similar success and have medaled several times at FFCC Championships.

Vienna Jedrzejczyk, left, and Lyaddie Smart celebrate with the Marching Bulls. Both girls are in percussion-front ensemble. (Courtesy of Larissa Smart)
The silhouette of Charlie Jorgensen, drum major and senior. (Courtesy of Jennifer Roos)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academy hosts Santa
The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 County Road 52 in Dade City, will host a “Cookies with Santa” fundraiser on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free to visit with Santa and to decorate cookies, as well as play holiday games. Tickets can be purchased for the Polar Express, Snowball Fight and other Christmas surprises. There also will be opportunities for holiday photos. All proceeds will benefit the students of the academy.

Illustrative Contest
B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel invites students to submit original artwork for its illustrative contest entitled, “Enjoy the Magic of the Movies.”

Artwork should feature one of the movie titles listed below, using any art medium, limited to 11-inch by 14-inch size.
Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level, and delivered to the theater, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 14.

Works of art will be featured in the theater and the winners will receive a popcorn party in January for their class, as well as a movie pack for two.

Movie titles to select from are:

  • “Disney’s Wish”
  • “Wonka”
  • “Migration”
  • “Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom”

Student volunteers needed
The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, is looking for student (and adult) volunteers for its 2023 Celebration of Lights that will run on select dates through Dec. 30. The drive-thru light display includes a holiday train and Pasco Safety Town features Santa Claus. For more information or to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/2bwppzpt.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Lifting spirits for Thanksgiving
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated enough Thanksgiving ingredients to provide a dinner to each of 15 families of students at Miles Elementary School in Tampa, for a brighter and bountiful Thanksgiving Day. From left: Linda Mitchell, Marcy Edmondson, school staffer, Pam Blumenthal and Melba Pineira. For more information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Student achievements
–Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was welcomed into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor societies for all academic disciplines. Culpepper is majoring in biochemistry at the University of Mississippi.
-Jace Druschel, of Lutz, was among more than 140 transfer students welcomed to the Baldwin Wallace University (Ohio) campus who claimed more than $1.7 million in merit scholarships based on their previous college accomplishments. Druschel, a graduate of Steinbrenner High School majoring in exercise science, earned a $15,000 Transfer President’s Scholarship.
-Julie Rand, of Odessa, attends the University of South Florida and was named to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Certificate of Achievement
Donovan Garrido, an eighth-grader at Lutz Preparatory School, has received a Certificate of Achievement and a letter of congratulations from Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., in recognition of the perfect score he achieved on the Civics EOC Statewide Assessment. Donovan also is the president of the National Junior Honor Society, has a 4.0 GPA, has been named to the Principal’s Honor Roll 18 consecutive times, and is an accomplished baseball player. The student is currently applying for admission to Jesuit High School and the Aerospace Career Academy at Sunlake High School.

VPK program applications
Pasco County Schools’ Early Childhood Programs will begin accepting applications for the free Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning Jan. 8 during the School Choice open application window.

The VPK Program offers three free hours of instruction Monday through Friday, at select school sites. Extended hours are available for an additional fee. VPK extended hours will follow the school site’s regular bell schedule. Partial-day VPK will take place the first three hours of the school day.

To be eligible to participate in VPK, children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024. A Certificate of Eligibility/Voucher must be obtained from the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando prior to completing the Pasco County Schools VPK application.

The Pasco Schools’ sites for the 2024-2025 school year are:
VPK Inclusion Site (VPK & ESE Students) – Bexley Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Chester Taylor Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Double Branch Elementary, Gulf Highlands Elementary, Gulf Trace Elementary, Hudson Primary Academy, James Marlowe Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Quail Hollow Elementary, Seven Springs Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Schrader Elementary and Watergrass Elementary.
VPK Site (VPK students only) – Kirkland Ranch K-8, Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy, Trinity Elementary and Veterans Elementary.

For additional information, contact Mikesha Hayes, VPK coordinator, at 813-794-2730, or email .

Igniting a fire of learning in these students

By

Don’t expect these students to burn out.

They’re high-schoolers enrolled at the Fire Science Academy — a direct career path to prepare them for a future in firefighting. During this three-year program at Fivay High in Hudson, they’ll live, eat and breathe like any recruit entering the traditional fire academy.

Senior Damen Bouchard, center, and junior Jacob Iovino listen to Fire Science Academy instructor Lou Staggs, left, during a practice drill on an apparatus that can simulate blocked doors firefighters might encounter on the scene of a blaze. Staggs, a former firefighter, leads the academy at Fivay High in Hudson, as the classes prepare students for a career pathway in firefighter and as emergency medical responders (EMRs). (Mike Camunas)

They’ll do it as teenagers, as part of elective courses in addition to their core high school classes. When they graduate, they’ll be several steps ahead of other fire academy recruits and even capable of becoming a firefighter before they turn 20.

And, that’s all because they chose to be part of this program — to be firefighters.

“I never thought I’d be in a firefighter program in high school,” said Isaiah Ferrell, a junior. “It’s amazing that it’s offered because I’ve wanted to be a firefighter my whole life. My mom would take me to the fire stations, look at the fire trucks and stuff, but when I saw this when getting ready for high school, I thought it was perfect and I just fell in love with it in the first year.

“It’s great they have a program like this.”

Students will learn through classroom and work-based learning experience about fire vehicles, equipment, fire behavior, fire streams, fundamentals of extinguishment, ventilation, rescue, water supplies, medical techniques and more.

Fire Science Academy instructor and former firefighter Lou Staggs speaks to his students as they work on a drill that demonstrates the proper technique to wedge in and bust open a stuck door that might be on site during an emergency call.

They get hands-on experience, in the school’s “firehouse,” with live hose work, ladder rescues and navigating a smoke-filled maze. The academy even can even have prop fires to practice extinguisher work. It also has a stuck-door apparatus that allows for different scenarios to give trainees the experience of using an ax or wedge tool to bust down the door.

The program is led by Lou Staggs, a 20-year, retired lieutenant with the Dunedin Fire Department. He’s been training new firefighter recruits for most of his career, but is now preparing both young men and women in a feeder system into the Pasco Fire Rescue Department.

“They’re not certified, though since (most are) under age of 18, and part of (certification training) is live firefighting in an environment that is hazardous to life and death, they miss out on that portion,” Staggs said. “But after three years in this program, they have about five steps up on any other recruit going to the fire academy because they’re learning all the materials with hands-on experience more than someone walking in brand new.

John Randazzo, left, and Ja’heim Ellenwood work on a drill to open a stuck-door apparatus at the Fire Science Academy’s ‘firehouse.’

“Pasco County Fire Rescue comes out once a month and does some hands-on training and drills with them,” he added. “That’s kind of the direction I try to steer them, so we are a feeder system for Pasco County. They’re expanding the department and getting ready to hire hundreds of people, but thanks to this program, they can be a firefighter by the time they are 19.”

The academy, however, isn’t just hand-on training while wearing firefighting gear donated by Pasco Fire Rescue. It’s classwork — it’s testing and studying, too.

The academy’s students do that in a nearby classroom that also features the back end of an ambulance designed to teach them basic first aid and even get Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) certified.

Staggs, in his first year as academy instructor, loves this job. Academy students chose to be there, chose to set in motion a career toward firefighter or EMR.

When they show up to class or the “firehouse” or even need to do physical training, they’re ready and motivated.

“I personally feel that I’m blessed with the students I have because they chose this path and (were) not stuck with this class,” Stags said. “They still have their core classes, but this is an elective, like art or culinary, which we have and is fantastic. But these kids chose Fire Science Academy.

“Students absolutely love it, and they want to be here.”

Ferrell agrees.

While searching through some heavy, fabricated smoke, Fire Science Academy senior Damen Bouchard looks for a door apparatus during a drill in the academy’s ‘firehouse’ at Fivay High in Hudson.

“Everything you do in Firefighting I, you do here, stretched out over 2-3 years. You learn responsibility and stuff like that, too, because you have to be on the lookout for the other guys because you’re part of a team, you’re a family. You learn teamwork.

“All the knowledge I’m learning, it’ll make me a firefighter after I graduate.”

Fire Science Academy

Where: Fivay High, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson

Details: Fire Science Academy is a career pathway to prepare students for a future in firefighting. Students in the academy learn what it takes for careers in firefighting and as emergency medical responders through classroom instruction and hands-on lessons. The experience includes learning about fire vehicles, apparatus and equipment; fire behavior; fire streams; fundamentals of extinguishment; ventilation; rescue; water supplies; medical techniques, and more. The program is open to students throughout Pasco County, but those interested  must apply to attend by utilizing the Pasco Pathways School Choice Application.

Info: Visit tinyurl.com/36m9usve.

Published November 22, 2023

Junior Isaiah Ferrell, left, goes over his helmet at the Fire Science Academy with fellow junior Jacob Iovino.
Junior Jacob Iovino, a student at the Fire Science Academy at Fivay High in Hudson, uses an ax to pound in a wedge tool during a drill in the academy’s ‘firehouse,’ wherestudents practice skills needed to become a firefighter.
Fire Science Academy junior Aaron Roxberry uses a wedge tool on an apparatus that simulates a blocked door during a fire. The instructor, Lou Staggs, has a smoke machine to make the environment more realistic.

Chalk Talk 11/22/2023

By

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Pasco Elementary receives distinction

Pasco Elementary School has been designated an Imagine Nation Beacon School. ‘The Pirates’ earned the recognition after its pre-K classes came in third place and its ESOL students came in fifth place for the most minutes spent on Imagine Learning. The program covers reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Student volunteers needed

The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, is looking for student (and adult) volunteers for its 2023 Celebration of Lights that will run on select dates from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. The drive-thru light display includes a holiday train; Pasco Safety Town features Santa Claus. For more information or to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/2bwppzpt.

Build a Bear for a Cause

The seventh annual Build a Bear for a Cause is scheduled for Nov. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass store, 28163 Paseo Drive, #170, in Wesley Chapel, to benefit the Pasco County Schools’ ABC (Assist, Believe, Care) Program, a program that matches community individuals and groups with children in need at local elementary schools in order to provide basic essentials.

Guests can stop by to build a bear or to make a donation (and a bear will be built for you). For those interested but who cannot make the date, stop by during the day and the Build a Bear staff will hold your donation for the campaign. The goal is 200 bears that will be distributed to local children.

To make a monetary donation, visit https://square.link/u/zGHBhFJH or use Venmo: @Cindy-ross-0. For information, contact Cindy Ross at 813-949-5700, 813-205-6125 or .

Pitch Competition

Pasco-Hernando State College has challenged the Hernando County community to create a new product, service, or innovation aimed at improving the county, and will host a Dinner and a Pitch Competition on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m., at 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville.

In the presentation, PHSC will outline a business idea that leverages project-based learning and 21st century skills to develop a community-enhancing venture. The goal is to present the idea to a group of investors. Teams may consist of one to four business partners.

For more information, contact Alysen Heil at or 727-816-3257.

Behind the scenes

Payton VanNort, of Lutz, is a member of the production crew for Marietta (Ohio) College’s performances of “Stratum: An Original Musical” that opens on Dec. 1. VanNort, a major in theater-directing, is working as the stage manager in the production.

Academy hosts Santa

The East Pasco Education Academy, 35830 County Road 52 in Dade City, will host a “Cookies with Santa” fundraiser on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free to visit with Santa and to decorate cookies, as well as play holiday games. Tickets can be purchased for the Polar Express, Snowball Fight and other Christmas surprises. There also will be opportunities for holiday photos. All proceeds will benefit the students of the academy.

Illustrative Contest

B&B Theatres in Wesley Chapel invites students to submit original artwork for its illustrative contest entitled, “Enjoy the Magic of the Movies.” Artwork should feature one of the movie titles listed below, using any art medium, limited to 11-inch by 14-inch size.
Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level, and delivered to the theater, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 14.

Works of art will be featured in the theater and the winners will receive a popcorn party in January for their class, as well as a movie pack for two. Movie titles to select from are:

  • “Disney’s Wish”
  • “Wonka”
  • “Migration”
  • “Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom”

Scholarship recipients

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s (WREC) Educational Foundation since 1997 has awarded 2,414 college scholarships to its members with a potential payout of $18.5 million, according to a news release.

The recipients of these scholarships may attend any in-state regionally accredited college, university or technical school. The WREC funds the program using abandoned Capital Credits that would otherwise be forfeited to the State of Florida as abandoned property.

In 2024, WREC will select 110 high school seniors to receive a maximum $12,000 ($1,500 per semester) each toward their undergraduate education, totaling $1,320,000, the release said.

Students are selected in their senior year by local guidance counselors and WREC personnel.

Scholarship applications are available now and can be picked up at any local WREC District Office, high school guidance office or online at WREC.net. Applications must be mailed to the WREC Corporate Center Office and postmarked no later than March 31, 2024.

Students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area who received 2023 scholarships include: Arossa Adhikary, Land O’ Lakes High School; Angellea Bachtel, Pasco High; Jack Carbone, Cypress Creek High; Cameron Choate, Cypress Creek; Adrienne Csatlos, Sunlake High; Kaylee Eisenberg, Wesley Chapel High; Aydin Ferran, Wesley Chapel; Shannon Fields, Wesley Chapel; Lauralee Fuher, Wesley Chapel; Nam Huynh, Wiregrass Ranch High; Leah Kuriakose, Pasco High; Isabelle Le-Nguyen, Cypress Creek; Sophia Lipinski, Wesley Chapel; David Little, Land O’ Lakes; Mikayla Mahoney, Cypress Creek; Zoe Miller, Wesley Chapel; Alan Nguyen, Cypress Creek; Bryan Nunez, Wesley Chapel; Alejandra Padilla, Zephyrhills High; Mateo Palacio, Wesley Chapel; Joaquin Parrilla IV, Cypress Creek; Jessilyn Peppers, Wesley Chapel; Gabriela Perez, Pasco; John Purcell, Freedom High; Warren Raskopf, Wesley Chapel; Erin Roberts, Land O’ Lakes; Aliyah Rodriguez Sanchez, Wesley Chapel; Sophia Rojas, Wiregrass Ranch; Sachin Singh, Wesley Chapel; Asia Smith, Cypress Creek; Julian Stevenson, Wesley Chapel; Emily Sutton, Pasco; Antonio Williams, Wesley Chapel; Nya Williams, Cypress Creek; and Mckenna Yingling, Cypress Creek.