The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 12/06/2023

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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

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(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

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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

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(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.

Pasco district pleads with parents to help reduce unruly behaviors at school

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Disruptive behavior by students continues to pose a challenge in Pasco County Schools — and the school district is hoping that parents and guardians can help play a role in reducing the problem.

Pasco County School Board chairwoman Megan Harding raised the issue during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting.

“Buses are being stopped because of (student) disrespect, the rowdiness on buses. 

“I’ve had teachers reach out to me for behavioral expulsions, for students fighting. 

Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Megan Harding is urging parents to help teach their children proper behavior at school and on buses. She said district staff is frustrated by behavior problems by some that are interfering with other children’s learning. (File)

“The list goes on.

“I’ve talked to Mr. Browning multiple times about this and he knows that his teachers, and staff and admin are frustrated,” Harding said.

She told Browning that she knows he’s going to continue to assess the behavior problem and she’s grateful for that.

However, she added: “But with the many disruptions we’ve had to the learning environment in the past two weeks and the number of teachers who have called, emailed or asked to meet with me about behaviors — it has grown.

“I know we need kids in school.

“But what I’m most worried about, like I’ve mentioned before, are these other kids whose learning is being impacted due to the one or two students who are misbehaving.

“I don’t have all of the answers, but I am willing to help problem-solve and work on this,” the school board chairwoman said.

“Teachers need to teach, bus drivers need to drive their bus, and our students need to go to school to learn.”

Harding continued: “Here’s my plea: Parents and guardians, we need your help.

“Students are sent to school to learn.

“In Pasco, we want your child to get that world-class education that they deserve and we can’t do this without your partnership and help.

“We’ve said it multiple times, but I’m asking you again: Please talk with your children about being respectful. Talk to your children about the importance of their education and how they’re in school to learn.

“Your child’s teacher and school love them. They just want them to be successful.

“Your child’s bus driver needs to get your child to school safely, and on time.

“So, please talk to your child and remind them of the rules of the school because we really can’t do this alone.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning chimed in.

He told Harding that her comments are both valuable and valued.

“Student behavior continues to be a challenge for us,” Browning said, particularly on buses and in classrooms.

“We, too, don’t have a solution,” the superintendent said.

“It’s easier to address the secondary students than it is to address the elementary students.

“But I will tell you, we are seeing a significant number of behavioral issues in elementary school.”

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said there’s no excuse for the behavior problems that are persisting in district schools. He said the district is seeing the problems happening with students as young as kindergarten and first grade, and while it’s not an excuse, he believes the lack of socialization during COVID is contributing to the issue.

Unfortunately, he added, the problems are showing up in the kindergarten and first grade levels.

“I’m not making excuses, but I think one of the reasons that we’re seeing this is that these were what I call ‘our COVID kids’ that have not been in a structured environment.

“They’re coming into a structured classroom, where the teacher demands and deserves respect to do his or her job, that is to teach — and to love those kids.

“But I think many times these kids do not know how to behave in a public setting.”

The superintendent continued: “I make no excuses for it.”

He told Harding: “And, you are dead right.

“We, as a district, cannot successfully fulfill our mission — and that is to provide that world-class education unless, and only unless, our parents engage with us, partner with us, in order to set expectations for their children.

“And that is, ‘What does acceptable behavior look like in a classroom setting, or a school setting, a bus setting?’

 “What does it look like?

“There’s got to be consequences for these kids at the home level when parents get reports that their children are acting out.

“We are struggling. We are struggling,” Browning said.

He offered to meet with Harding and with the teachers who she recommends, to help tackle the problem.

He said the district is well aware of the issue.

“My team is working tirelessly. There’s not a meeting that we have that we don’t talk in some way, shape or form, about behaviors of kids in this district.”

At the same time, it’s important to keep things in perspective, Browning said. There is just a small fraction of students who are creating disruptions for large numbers of kids.

Plus, he noted: “We’re not the only district that is dealing with this. There are districts all across Florida and all across the United States, having to deal with behavioral issues.

“We will continue to address this in every way we possibly can.”

Harding said she knows it’s just a small number of students who are disrupting others. But she said, she doesn’t want a small number of kids to impede the learning of others.

Published November 15, 2023

Pasco School Board sticks by the district’s textbook decision

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The Pasco County School Board has voted to support a hearing officer’s recommendation, in the wake of a complaint lodged against the district’s selection of a textbook.

Jessica Jucusco-Wright, a former district educator, was one of the petitioners who filed an objection regarding instructional material entitled Foundations in Personal Finance, published by the Lamp Group, doing business as Ramsey Solutions.

Objections to the textbook adoption were the subject of a public hearing held on Oct. 10, conducted via Microsoft Teams, by hearing officer James A. Robinson.

Robinson’s Oct. 16 order determined that “petitioners did not demonstrate that the instructional material in question fails to meet one or more criteria for objection” as set forth under state law.

Jucusco-Wright raised objections again at the Pasco School Board’s Nov. 7 meeting.

She told the board that the textbook had not been approved by the state, which means the district is out of compliance.

Jucusco-Wright said: “Our constitution ensures that our Florida students have the right to an equal and uniform education, that is free of discrimination.

“I would argue that this text wholeheartedly discriminates against our students who live in a low socioeconomic condition. It also does not align with the new Florida standards, due to the lack of math literacy.

“Our district has ceded that that will be supported in previous courses. However, our proficiency rate in eighth-grade math right now is 55%,” she said.

She said teachers and students need support, but added: “this would be like offering them saltwater in the desert.

“This would not be an appropriate instructional material that would actually meet the overall standard.”

She also questioned the amount of money the district is spending on the textbook adoption, noting she had heard it was more than half-a-million dollars.

Lea Mitchell, director of the office for leading and learning, told the board that a hearing officer ruled that the district was within procedural guidelines that had been set forth by the state DOE.

“I would say in response to the public comment, there is absolutely accuracy in the fact the misalignment of state timelines puts every single school district in the state of Florida in a very hard position. Deleting course codes, making new graduation requirements, all in the midst of annual adoptions really does put us in a position where we have to make decisions for what’s best for our students in the moment,” she said.

She said the figures relating to around $600,000 were based on a five-year contract.

“Given the August decision of the State Board of Education, related to those course codes, it would not be our intention to enter into a five-year contract, knowing that the state is deleting courses and adding new ones.

“We do feel very confident that we are in compliance with state rules related to instructional materials. We’re well within our rights and terms of what we are up to.

“But I don’t disagree that there is a lot of misalignments in our state policies and practices that put us in a position where we are moving forward in adoptions, while also the state is making new graduation requirements and new course codes,” Mitchell said.

“Moving forward, as a district, we have made the decision — and you guys, also — to postpone all adoptions until the year after the adoption cycle at the state level, so that we never again are in a position to be in this cross-section.

“I will say though that it does hit our pocketbooks, in that all adoption cycles are within contracts and it creates what’s called gap years and you are out of contract, sometimes paying, double, triple and quadruple the costs.

“It is a convergence of many, many different complex issues that put us here today. But I do stand before you and say, I do believe we are well within the procedures, the regulations, the safeguards. And, I do believe that the department and the teachers will do their very best to pursue the standards of the courses they’re in right now, for this specific set of materials,” Mitchell said.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong added: “We had to go through the adoption of something to use for this year because the state did not release the standards in time for us to do anything.”

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted the board’s vote was being taken in regard to adopting the hearing officer’s recommendation.

The superintendent said the hearing officer reviewed whether the school district followed state law and board policy.

“The hearing officer found that we had, as a district. You’re just adopting that report, that recommendation from the hearing officer,” Browning said.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the hearing officer’s recommendation, which says, in part, that the board should “enter a final order denying the petitions and proceeding with the adoption process in accordance with school board policy and applicable law, as recommended by the superintendent.”

Published November 15, 2023

Report shares insights about Pasco Schools’ progress

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As a routine matter, Pasco County School Board members deliver reports during board meetings on the various committees on which they serve.

During the board’s Nov. 7 meeting, board member Colleen Beaudoin briefed her colleagues on some of the highlights from a recent District Vision and Success Plan meeting.

The report revealed that the district is making progress in some areas, having difficulties in others, and looking for new approaches, too.

For instance, Beaudoin said: “Under (the category of) employee success, retention is still a struggle. We discussed exit survey data and ways to get more specific information.

Pasco School Board member Colleen Beaudoin briefed her colleagues on a number of district successes and challenges during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting. (File)

“HERQ (The Office for Human Resources and Educator Quality) will try to do more phone surveys with the instructional staff.

“Teaching is a hard job and many are leaving the profession.

“It can be especially challenging at schools with large numbers of new teachers because they don’t have — they may not have — an experienced teacher on their teams to collaborate with.

“So, of course our administrators are stepping in and other people are covering. But it is still a struggle.

“So, we need to focus on the things we do have control over, like addressing the workload and the behaviors that we’ve discussed many times.

“The paid internship pilot program has helped. We hired 90% of the participants, so that’s good — over 20.

“We also added 36 more TPG Cultural Exchange teachers,” she said, referring to a U.S. State Department program that allows qualified educators to teach in the United States for up to five years.

Beaudoin also noted there are ongoing efforts to increase the pool of available substitute teachers and to recruit substitute teachers who may be interested in pursuing teaching full-time.

“We’re waiting on details from the DOE (Department of Education) about the new teacher apprenticeship program — that’s the new certification program. We’ll move forward on that when we know more,” she added.

In the category of taxpayer value, Beaudoin said the district continues to monitor and diversify its investments, when it can.

She also noted that the district’s buses that operate using compressed natural gas (CNG) are saving the school system money because the fuel is less expensive.

The district also continues to meet its goal of having at least a 5% fund balance, and its bond ratings are good and even have been upgraded.

But Beaudoin added: “The capital budget is challenging because construction costs, like everything else, have increased significantly.

“For example, we’re talking about the new school opening.

“School furniture has doubled, and even, tripled in costs.”

In another focus area — excellence in student achievement — Beaudoin said the emphasis of leadership walk-throughs this year will be on observing the work that students are doing.

“They’re looking at the rigor of the work students are completing.

“In the past, the focus has been a lot on what the teachers were doing,” she explained.

“The district teams are reviewing the data to determine the different areas of need. It could be more training. It could be instructional materials.”

On a bright note, the district has reported a decrease in the number of course failures at the sixth- and ninth-grade levels.

But Beaudoin noted: “Students skipping class was a significant issue across secondary schools last year.

“The Student Code of Conduct committee made revisions to address this and the district will monitor the impact of the strategies that are being implemented this year,” she added.

Another piece of good news is that the number of college credits earned by Pasco students has increased over 38% during the past five years, and there’s been a significant increase in the number of students earning industry certifications.

There’s been a 499% gain in elementary students enrolled in accelerated mathematics programs and 64% increase at the secondary level.

However, Beaudoin asked the district to take a look at one impact that’s resulted from the acceleration in mathematics at the secondary level.

“With all of the focus on accelerated math, we have students who are finishing their math progression early — before their senior year.

“We want to give them more opportunities for more rigorous programs, and there are things available through dual enrollment,” she said.

But some students simply don’t want to take another math course.

This can hurt students when they’re applying to college — if they choose not to pursue rigorous programming their senior year, said Beaudoin, who teaches mathematics at the University of Tampa.

“It can also hurt them — and I can speak firsthand to this — when they take a year off from math, and then they have to take math in college. It’s really difficult. It makes it harder when they take that year off.”

She said the district needs to find a way to offer students something they are interested in learning.

“We need to come up with some things, and ways to encourage them,” she said.

She also noted that she knows this is a struggle at the high schools because she’s heard about it from principals.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told Beaudoin that a school board workshop is scheduled for Dec. 19 to discuss advanced academics.

He said he would get with district staff to include this topic at that meeting.

“It is an issue. We know it’s an issue. We will attempt to address that at the workshop,” Browning said. 

Published November 15, 2023

Chalk Talk 11/15/2023

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Center builds respect, understanding
The community came together on Oct. 26 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) and to present the 19th Eternal Light Award to Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, PhD., at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa.

Rabbi David Sandmel speaks at the CCJS Eternal Light Award Celebration. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The event recognized the work of Saint Leo’s CCJS to build mutual respect and understanding between Catholics, Jews and all people of goodwill.

Guest speakers included Joseph Probasco, attorney and board member of the Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation; Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg; Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida and a trustee of the university; Dr. Matthew Tapie, director of CCJS; and Father Dennis McManus, a consultant for Jewish Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rabbi David Mayan, associate director of the center, introduced award winner Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, who was recognized for his dedication, outstanding contributions and lifelong commitment to the cause of Catholic-Jewish relations.

Sandmel’s keynote address was “Why Catholic-Jewish Relations Matter Today.” He also commented on what is happening in the world and noted he recently participated in the recent international conference in Rome organized by the CCJS.

“Let’s continue to support this organization (CCJS),” Sandmel said in his acceptance, and he encouraged everyone to continue to build friendships.

Learning Academy opens
Pasco County Schools has announced the opening of the Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy, at 4339 Evans Ave., in New Port Richey, on the former Mittye P. Locke Elementary School site.

The school was named in honor of the esteemed longtime principal, Mittye P. Locke, and is set to become a cornerstone in the community’s efforts to provide young learners with a solid educational foundation, according to a news release.

The grand opening ceremony brought together students, parents, staff and Pasco County Schools officials for a ribbon-cutting, special guests, and a performance by the Eaglets, the academy’s children’s choir.

The learning academy is designed to serve Pasco County children ages 3 to 5 and offers a wide range of programs, including the Head Start Program, exceptional classes, and the voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK). The school also provides complimentary breakfast and lunch daily.

The new facility features 10 well-equipped classrooms that can accommodate up to 18 students each. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, creative arts, and scientific exploration through meaningful play, ensuring a holistic and engaging learning experience for young learners, the release says.

Flexible enrollment options are available, including a full-day option for VPK.

Before parents can apply for enrollment, a valid VPK Certificate of Eligibility must be obtained from the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition.

To learn more, visit Lela.pasco.k12.fl.us, or call the academy directly at 727-246-5352.

New Honor Society members
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has inducted these new members: Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa; Joseph Pereira, Lutz; and Gabriella Sanabria, Lutz.

Holiday Card Lane
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is calling on local schools and artists to collaborate in reimagining its Holiday Card Lane for this and future generations. The cards adorn the paths of Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey throughout the holiday season and are sponsored by local Pasco County businesses.

The chamber is seeking creative ideas and expertise:

  • Material innovation: Looking for environmentally friendly materials to replace the heavy plywood traditionally used. The new materials should be sustainable, transportable and weather-resistant.
  • Artistic Expression: Looking for artists to infuse their unique styles and celebrate the spirit of the season while incorporating sustainable themes.
  • Community Involvement: This is an opportunity for schools and artists to gain exposure and engage with the local community.

Artists, schools or anyone who fits the bill should reach out to the chamber at 727-842-7651. Ideas, suggestions and contributions are welcome.

Digital literacy
The national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN), in partnership with AT&T, has brought Digital Literacy Learning Workshops and job fairs to those who may not know where to start or understand how technology can help them.

Since September 2022, CN has organized 330 workshops and/or classes and 59 job fairs — training 2,236 people in 21 different states, according to a news release.

Each workshop or class is taught by digital literacy experts and is focused on one of six topics: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Email Basics, Cybersecurity, Video Conferencing, and Mobile Device Basics.

The workshops are part of CN’s mission to expand internet access and advance digital literacy across America. The classes are made possible as part of AT&T Connecting Learning and AT&T’s commitment to help narrow the Digital Divide, the release says.

CN is looking to partner with more local community and state organizations to host in-person and virtual workshops.

To learn more, visit ConnectedNation.org/digital-literacy-workshops/.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s annual Fish Art Contest is now open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In partnership with Wildlife Forever, FWC announced a second annual category for a Florida Native Fish Award, in addition to the national Fish Art Contest that students can qualify for by submitting a Florida native species from the specified list below.

Grade brackets awards will be kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade.

Students can submit an original piece of physical artwork featuring any fish including one or more of these Florida native species from the same category:

  • Category 1: Freshwater: largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin
  • Category 2: Saltwater: snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper

Digital artwork will not be accepted. Students also must submit a piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades four to 12) and a Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.

To enter, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/fish-entry-forms/florida-entry-forms/.

Pasco school board approves dress code change

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The Pasco County School Board has revised its student dress code to remove the phrase that requires a student’s blouse to “extend to the waist.”

But it’s unlikely that the vote will be the end of district discussion on the issue.

A specific committee will likely review the issue during an update of the Student Code of Conduct for the 2024-2025 school year.

The school board voted 4-0 to approve the dress code for next school year during its Oct. 17 meeting. Board chairwoman Megan Harding was absent.

The Pasco County School Board has altered the district’s dress code to delete a phrase that required blouses to ‘extend to the waist.’ But discussions over appropriate student attire are expected to resume again next year, during the update of the Student Code of Conduct for the 2024-2025 school year. (File)

The dress code change drew considerable debate during previous board discussions, with Harding and school board member Cynthia Armstrong wanting to keep the requirement and school board members Colleen Beaudoin, Alison Crumbley and Al Hernandez favoring the change.

At the Oct. 3 public hearing, two speakers raised objections to the proposed dress code.

Pat Rogers, who frequently appears at board meetings to question various policies, told the board: “This morning, on my way here, I saw a very young girl walking down the sidewalk going to her school with shorts with legs that were maybe this long on them,” she said, indicating a couple of inches.

“Granted, she was young, but that was still too short for school.

“That’s fine for when you are playing at home and out in the yard, but at school, I think there needs to be a length, like 2 inches above the knee or something. So that these short shorts are not being worn around in school because they’re just as distracting as everything else, especially when you get to the young teen boys, the pre-teens.

“Anyway, that needs to be taken care of. The dress code to me is still kind of vague,” she said.

She thinks the code needs more clarity so parents know precisely what the rules are, instead of trying to guess.

“I know you guys can do a better job than this,” she said.

In previous discussions regarding the dress code, Beaudoin urged her colleagues to remove the phrase “extend to the waist” regarding blouses.

Like her colleagues, Beaudoin said she’d like to see students dress professionally and appropriately, but she noted that she believes that ultimately that’s a parental right and responsibility.

Beaudoin also pointed to community norms and said the type of clothing being discussed is socially acceptable.

Plus, she said there are more important issues for the board’s focus, and the dress code is not a barrier to education.

But Nancy Christian, of Land O’ Lakes, told board members that she strongly disagreed with Beaudoin’s rationale.

Christian said she’s a mother and grandmother, a frequent school and community volunteer, a retired bus driver from another district, and a barber.

In those roles, she said she’s come into contact with young people of all ages for many years.

She told the board: “Clothing makes a difference. Certain clothing isn’t appropriate for school. Bare midriffs, bare backs and exposed cleavage isn’t appropriate for the classroom or walking around school.

“It can be distracting, and what is the purpose of such attire?

“A student’s clothing affects their attitude for the good or the bad. Maybe not so much from kindergarten to fourth grade, but after that it depends on the child, but it starts to make a difference.”

“Part of the parents’ responsibility is to teach their child the rules and how to follow them,” Christian said.

Board members said they received feedback on both sides of the issue.

During the Oct. 17 meeting, Armstrong said: “I just want to say that I really appreciate all of the emails I received, and the calls and the discussions about the dress code.

“As you know, I was the one who added on, ‘extend to the waist’ for the shirt.”

“I thought it was pretty clear what that meant, but apparently it was not.

“I do feel like we’ve opened up this discussion about ‘What is appropriate attire for a learning environment? How do we prepare our students to participate in the workforce after they leave school?’

“So, I’m hoping this discussion will continue when we have the committee meet for the next Code of Student Conduct next year and that they will consider some of the suggestions that we received in our emails about how maybe that could be better worded to avoid some of the controversy over it, and to make sure that it was clear and concise.”

Board member Crumbley agreed the discussion should continue next year.

She said she appreciated the comments she received on the issue.

“I see all of the sides. I think it was a good conversation.

“I believe our objective will be to maybe turn this over to a special task force within the Code of Conduct Committee,” Crumbley said, noting that the group can look at the suggestions and emails that came in, in preparation for the 2024-2025 school year.

Published November 08, 2023

These two Pasco students stand out from the crowd

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The Pasco County School Board recently celebrated two student standouts.

Leah Ifill, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, is the district’s U.S. Presidential Scholar nominee, and Miguel Rosario, a senior at Cypress Creek High School, is the district’s U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education.

The scholar program, established in 1964, recognizes and honors superior high school seniors.

Diamela Vergne, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch High, wrote the submission on behalf of Ifill.

Wiregrass Ranch High School student Leah Ifill is Pasco County’s Nominee for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. From left: Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Leah Ifill and Pasco County Schools Vice Chairwoman Alison Crumbley. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

In part, this is what she said: “Leah is well-rounded, hardworking, kind and an extremely driven student. She successfully and with great ease balances her multiple responsibilities, inside and outside of school, all while ensuring she tends to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social well-being.

“Leah was out of school for two months during her freshman year. During that time, she had to re-learn how to do many things.

“Leah has been dancing since she was 2, learning how to dance before she could fully speak.

“Having to re-learn things, she was forced to stop dancing for an entire year. She was stripped of her only passion.

“It was during this time that she was introduced to musical theater, which became her new passion.

“She was forever changed, but it allowed her to become someone she thought she could never be.

“Eventually, she was able to land main roles in shows, through perseverance and hard work.

“The journey from dance to musical theater has been transformative. This could have been a setback, but it became a catalyst for her success. It taught her resilience, determination and the importance of pursuing her life’s passions.

“Leah currently has 111 approved community service hours. These hours have been completed in a variety of environments. 

“She has volunteered at Toys for Tots, distributing toys during the holidays. She also volunteers at the nursery from her church. She volunteers at the community theater, and at Wiregrass Ranch freshman orientation. She also sings the National Anthem at various events at her high school campus.

“She is an active member of the student council, as well.”

The assistant principal also noted that Ifill is enrolled in several Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as courses in the arts. She also is a member of concert chorus, social manager for the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Thespian president of Troupe 7142.

Rosario is the district’s Presidential Scholars nominee in Career and Technical Education.

Nathan Baker, the Career and Technical Education teacher at the Coyote Engineering Academy, wrote this about Miguel: “Miguel is the best student I’ve had within the last five years within the engineering academy at Cypress Creek High School.

Cypress Creek High School student Miguel Rosario was recognized as Pasco County Schools’ nominee for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Program. From left: Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Miguel Rosario and Pasco County Schools Vice Chairwoman Alison Crumbley.

“His intelligence and natural abilities are just phenomenal. He is currently taking AP calculus BC and AP computer science.

“Miguel has also spread his wings in other directions besides academia. He is very active in the student government association, a member of the Spirit Club, captain of the varsity soccer team and has a part-time job.

“I’ve watched Miguel demonstrate an atmosphere of mutual respect, hard work, good sportsmanship, prioritization and time management.

“Miguel is selfless and always willing to lend a hand. Miguel will make an amazing computer engineer one day. He has all of the characteristics necessary for success, including high intelligence, a strong work ethic, amazing problem-solving skills and the desire to succeed.

“He has excelled at every challenge given to him within the engineering program, including thermal dynamics, electricity, fluid dynamics, robotics, programming and team leadership.

“He has a gift for envisioning a solution to a problem and optimizing that solution. Whether it is a complicated mathematical problem, or a robotics program that needs to be written, I’ve never known Miguel not to succeed.

“Miguel was chosen as the outstanding student of engineering his freshman year and likely would have won it multiple times, except Cypress Creek High School limits ninth through 11th graders to winning it only once to spread the award around.

“He has earned numerous Student of the Week awards, College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program, and recognized as being a member of multiple honor societies.

“Miguel has continued to add new tools to his technical toolbox. He spent a year in the Pasco Youth Leadership Program to learn about leadership, inspiring others and the projects taking place throughout the county.”

Baker noted that Rosario continues to add new programming languages to his arsenal.

“He is hands-on and can always be found tinkering with something in the lab.

“By spending time in the Pasco Youth Leadership Program and tutoring, it is evident that Miguel inspires others to be the best and instills in them a sense of duty to achieve more than they believe they can achieve.

“Miguel Rosario is the total package. He is highly intelligent, demonstrates common sense and possesses an amazing level of mechanical, hands-on ability and has limitless determination.

“He is truly the real deal.

“I could never ask for a better student,” Baker wrote.

Published November 08, 2023