The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Dayspring Academy breaks ground on Angeline Campus

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Here they grow again.

Dayspring Academy, with its five other locations in Port Richey, once again is expanding — this time coming to Central Pasco. The charter school broke ground on Sept. 14 on its PreK-5 Angeline Campus in northern Land O’ Lakes.

Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus Principal Diana Greenier could not contain her excitement seeing the dozens who came out to the official groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 14. (Mike Camunas)

The school will be operating in a partnership with Pasco County Schools and with the newly opened Angeline Academy of Innovation.

“It really is ‘Here We Grow Again’ because that’s always our goal and then we always ask, ‘Where is our next project or school?’” Angeline Campus Principal Diana Greenier said, following the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are just making sure that any child, no matter what their background is, they have that opportunity to have an education. We’re not better or worse than any other school, but we have the niche — we have the arts infused with character infused with the content and maybe it’s not for everybody, but it is for those people that want a different opportunity that some other school can’t provide.

“It’s not a competition. We’re not out to be better — we’re just out to provide another option, a different niche and something a little bit different.”

For 24 years, Dayspring Academy has been an A-rated institution providing education through a fusion of arts and technology. It focuses on providing students with a holistic education with essential academic knowledge through creativity, critical thinking and digital literacy.

Now, they have partnered with Pasco Schools to provide a tuition-free charter school, at 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It will be situated on 20 acres of land in front of the Tierra Del Sol community, as the property is under construction for the athletic fields to Angeline Academy of Innovation.

Dayspring Academy board members and officials, and Pasco County Schools representatives and construction representatives lift up the official groundbreaking dirt on Sept. 14 for the charter school’s Angeline Campus, which will be located at 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., next to Angeline Academy of Innovation’s athletic fields. The PreK-5 school was made possible through $25 million in financial backing from Pasco County Schools impact fees and will open August 2024.

Dayspring Academy CEO John Legg told The Laker/Lutz News the new campus would not have been possible without the $25 million that Pasco County Schools is using from the impact fees it collects from new residential development.

Dayspring Academy will own the Angeline Campus and the 50,000-square-foot building, which will include a full-kitchen cafeteria that can also double as a black box theater, or a performance space with black walls and a flat floor.

Greenier added the charter school also will have full access to the athletics fields.

“We’re so excited about the athletic fields because we’ve never had a field or a gym or anything that even resembled that,” Greenier said. “We’ve never even had a little area for the PE teacher to go inside, and, as hokey as that sounds, it’s true. “It’s the little things like that people don’t realize that give our kids those little extra things that we never had.

“I even think that the district underestimated the gift that they have given us,” she added. “We’re a Pasco County charter public school. To get the financial backing from the district, to hear we believe in you guys — it’s the biggest compliment and opportunity to get something like this that we wouldn’t be able to do without the district and their faith in us.”

Greenier, who has been with Dayspring Academy as an employee and the parent of a former student for 20 years, said it has been a goal for the institution to expand out of the Port Richey area for a while, aiming for a campus in the East and Central Pasco areas.

She added many of Dayspring’s buildings have been donated or procured through funding. And as a longtime Dayspring employee, she’s not only honored to be the new principal, but overjoyed to see the Angeline Campus from the ground floor up.

Dayspring Academy will be adding a new PreK-5 school in Land O’ Lakes. It already has five campuses.

“When we saw the (building) forms there (on the property in Land O’ Lakes), once that hit us, it was the real deal,” Greenier said. “This real particular moment (at the groundbreaking), to see kids who have been through our schools and employees come back after leaving, that’s crazy — it made me emotional to see them, to see the commitment to Dayspring and it’s a big deal to see something Mr. and Mrs. Legg started way back — and it’s here to stay.

“To be able to take our program and be able to expand it to so many people in Pasco County, that has been a huge goal for us to finally see come to life.”

DaySpring Academy Angeline Campus
Where: 9371 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Opening August 2024; enrollment begins Feb. 1, 2024
Details: A learning institution dedicated to high-quality education through a fusion of arts and technology in a collaborative environment to prepare students for high school, college and the workforce. Dayspring Academy has five other locations located in Port Richey.
For more information, visit Dayspring.academy/angeline.

Published September 20, 2023

Suzanne Legg, CEO of Dayspring Academy, speaks to dozens in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Angeline Campus, coming soon to Land O’ Lakes.
Decorative cookies featuring the Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus logo were provided to those attending the groundbreaking festivities.
Construction is underway for the Dayspring Academy Angeline Campus, as well as athletic fields that will be shared between the charter school and Angeline Academy of Innovation.

Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget

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Pasco County Schools’ budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is just slightly under $2 billion.

The Pasco County School Board adopted the budget during its second public hearing, held Sept. 11.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview of the budget for the board and public.

The actual 2023-2024 budget amount is $1,996,021,940, which is an increase of $189,409,710 — representing a 10.5% increase, Browning said.

That budget includes all funding types, not just locally generated revenue, the superintendent noted.

“The total tax millage for the 23-24 fiscal year is 6.449 mills. That’s an increase of .933 mills,” Browning said.

Without the 1 mill voter-approved tax to improve salaries for teachers and non-administrative personnel, the district’s tax rate would have been lower by .67 mills, the superintendent added.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

Browning said a homeowner of a $350,000 home, taking into account a $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,096 in taxes. That represents an increase of $303 over last year.

The superintendent offered this rundown on the budget. It includes:

  • A general operating budget of nearly $997.1 million, of which $53 million is from the voter-approved 1 mill increase.
  • A capital budget of $520 million
Operating costs for Angeline Academy of Innovation, plus construction costs for that school’s athletic complex, are part of Pasco County Schools’ 2023-2024 budget. (File)

The operating budget is increasing from $850 million to $997 million, and the capital budget is decreasing by $14 million, Browning said.

He noted the district received $59 million more in state funding, to accommodate a projected growth of 3,479 students and recurring expenses.

He then detailed how some of that $59 million will be spent.

Approximately $11 million will be set aside for charter schools, which are public schools, he said.

About $8 million is set aside for Family Empowerment Scholarships, which the state uses to provide scholarships to private schools.

Other expenses being paid with the additional state funding include $7 million for Florida Retirement System increases, $3 million for health insurance increases, and $3 million for software licenses, utilities and School Resource Officer contract increases.

The 2023-24 budget also includes an increase of 158 school allocations, for an increase of $12 million, Browning said.

He also noted: “There were no increased allocations at the district office, at the district level.”

Additionally, there’s an increase of $1.4 million for allocations and operating costs for the opening of Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened in August, and for Kirkland Ranch K-8 school, which will open in August 2024.

Browning attributed the decrease in the district’s capital budget to a spending down of bond proceeds on construction projects.

He listed these major capital projects:

  • Completion of the construction of Gulf High School
  • Completion of construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8 school
  • Completion of the Starkey Ranch K-8 wing
  • Completion of the Angeline Academy athletic complex
  • Major renovations of West Zephyrhills Elementary School and Pasco High School

Other capital projects include: Marchman Technical College structural and roofing construction, infrastructure upgrades at various schools and HVAC system replacements.

Speakers at the public hearing urged the board to cut back on spending. They said they and other property owners simply can’t afford the increases.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong noted that the voter-approved tax increase is intended to help the district deal with a persistent problem.

“The whole reason for the salary referendum — the reason it was voted (approved) by over 60% of the voting population was because they saw the need for us to improve the salaries of our non-administrative people, because we were not competitive with the surrounding counties.”

Browning noted: “I’ll be the first to admit and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like the (tax) increase I saw on my house. I did not like it.

“But I will tell you that I know that the increase for the teacher salaries was certainly needed. I voted for it. It was certainly needed in order for us to stay competitive and to continue to have great teachers in our classroom. And, we are getting teachers from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties,” he said.

Published September 20, 2023

Chalk Talk 09/20/2023

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A boost for Miles Elementary students
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members delivered a van filled with school supplies to Miles Elementary School in Tampa. The women donated and collected supplies for four in-need schools in the area, which they support every year. The school posted a thank you to the club on its marquee. Club members Cheryl Winegar, left, and Marcy Edmonson, right, flank Deborah Mora, Miles’ guidance counselor. For information about the club, visit its Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Academy at the Farm recognized
The Academy at the Farm FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter has been recognized as a three-star national chapter and is a top-five finalist for the National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence award at this year’s National FFA Convention, according to an email from the school.

Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. National FFA recognizes the top chapters with innovative activities in each of the three divisions: growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters that receive three-star ratings during judging are eligible to compete for the premier chapter awards.

Academy at the Farm members participated in a variety of activities during the 2022-2023 school year to qualify for this recognition, including organizing a pep rally for the school’s fair exhibitors, donating seed packets to the local library for its patrons and sponsoring a petting zoo at the Dade City annual Christmas Stroll, to merit their three-star status.

In November, FFA sponsor Robin Carter and several FFA members, will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the National FFA Convention. They are currently seeking help to raise funds to get as many members as possible to attend the event.

For $5, you can sponsor a mile of their 967 mile trip. For $100 you can be a pit stop sponsor and have your name or business name on the back of their special edition Proud Supporter T-shirt.

To participate, visit AATF.wufoo.com/forms/q133k7fi18b3zd5 or AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

After-School Program
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host Early Release Day After-School Programs to coincide with Pasco County Schools’ early release dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10. The programs are free and geared to second- to fifth-graders. There will be structured games, sports, and arts and crafts.

Program spots are limited and each date opens three weeks prior at 8 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online at secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog. For more information, call 813-929-1220.

SONIC Foundation donations
SONIC Drive-In is dedicated to getting teachers and students the classroom supplies they need for the new school year. In August, the SONIC Foundation donated $1 million to help fund requests on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers, according to a news release.
The $1 million donation is part of the SONIC Drive-In brand’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative.
The following schools received support for their teachers through the funding:

  • Lutz K-8 School, Lutz: $96 for “Classroom Necessities” for grades six to eight 
  • Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Land O’ Lakes: $107 for the project, “Magical Reading Nook for Little Bookworms!” for prekindergarten through second grade
  • Walker Middle School, Odessa: $168 for “Wobbling Into Small Group Engagement” for grades six to eight
  • Westside Elementary, Spring Hill: $61 for “Bold, Colorful Seating” for prekindergarten through second grade

Through the Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand donates a portion of proceeds from every drink, slush and shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local public education. Since 2009, SONIC has donated more than $26 million to funding local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs in the U.S. to support public education, the release said.
Visit DonorsChoose.org to donate to the public school teacher requests seeking support to provide students with educational resources.

Student achievement
Kierra James, of Odessa, was recognized to the summer Dean’s List at Georgia State University, Atlanta.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.
The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015.

For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or ">.

Price increases for new West Zephyrhills Elementary

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The Pasco County School Board approved an agreement with Wannamacher Jensen Architects Inc., in May, with the company’s initial fee based on an estimated cost of $39 million for a project to essentially replace the existing West Zephyrhills Elementary School, at 37900 14th Ave., in Zephyrhills, with a new facility.

But, according to background materials for the school board’s Aug. 22 meeting, “there have subsequently been changes that have resulted in an increase in both the scope of work and in the overall square footage of the new building.”

As a result, the agenda materials add: “This has increased both their design and construction administration work significantly since their original proposal, not least of which is the impact of the new building location and the additional civil services required, which has resulted in an increase to the overall construction budget.”

That new overall construction budget is $51 million.

The changes have led to an increase in the architect’s original fee of $1,006,805 to a new fee of $3,804,240, according to the agenda packet.

The school board approved the change, as part of its consent agenda, without discussion.

Published September 13, 2023

Chalk Talk 09/13/2023

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From left: Eileen Belanger and Zelia; Dee Reed and Boo; Debbie Smith and Shelby; Karin Glessner and Maizie; and Deborah Meyer and Ginger visit James Marlow Elementary School for a special reading event. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff, Public Information Officer, Pasco County Schools)

Local therapy dogs visit students
In line with Pasco County Schools’ commitment to expanding literacy among its students, local therapy dogs paid a visit to James Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey for a special reading event, “From Woofs to Words.”

A young reader at James Marlowe Elementary shares a book with a local therapy dog during a special reading event at the school.

Six therapy dogs and their handlers recently took the time to read to approximately 100 students. This unique initiative exemplifies the school district’s belief in innovative approaches to enhance the reading experience and bolster literacy rates, according to a news release.

The event also aligns with the district-wide “15 Million Minute R.A.C.E. for Reading” program, which champions the goal of logging 15 million minutes of reading this school year.

“We always explore diverse ways to excite our students about reading. Integrating therapy dogs

and our 15 million-minute RACE for reading program are just a few examples of Pasco County

School’s dedication to fostering a love for literature and achieving our ambitious reading goals,”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said, in the release.

Plant/Animal Teacher Boxes
Hillsborough County Teachers and homeschool parents can sign up today to receive a “tool” box filled with lessons on invasive plants and animals (limited quantities available). The boxes give access to an online Canvas Module and video created by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

To claim a box on animals, visit http://tinyurl.com/yba7cc4z.

To claim a plant box, visit http://tinyurl.com/yjrb8558.

Boxes will be ready for pickup on Sept. 25, at 730 W. Emma St., in Tampa. For information, call 813-221-8733, or email .

There also will be a giveaway of plants for three butterfly gardens, which can be planted at a school or in an approved city or county area in October or November.

Absentee Awareness Month
Pasco County Schools is on a mission to ensure every student shines brightly in the classroom, as it recognizes Absentee Awareness Month in September.

“Every morning is a new opportunity. When parents and guardians actively participate in their child’s morning routine, it’s like lighting a spark for their entire day,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a news release.

“Together, we can fan that spark into a flame of academic achievement by being involved with starting our children’s day on the right foot,” said Browning. 

  • Why Attendance Matters: Students with consistent attendance achieve greater academic heights due to increased instructional time. Missing just two days a month is 10% of a school year.  High absentee rates can lead a student down the path of dropping out. Alarmingly, a 10% or higher absentee rate can steer a child towards future crime and unemployment. Statistics show that the two largest age groups impacted are students in the third and eighth grades.  
  • Get Involved: Parents can dive into Pasco Schools’ website (Pasco.k12.fl.us) for practical tips to ensure their child is school-ready every day.  Join in the conversation by speaking with your kids and family about the importance of school attendance.  Parents, guardians and community members are encouraged to be the change-makers in a child’s academic journey. 

During the month of September, Pasco County Schools will share valuable tips to help students, which will be highlighted on its website, shared across its social media platforms, and communicated directly to parents through district messaging platforms.

Pasco County Schools is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.

Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:

  • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
  • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community

Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.

The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.

Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Student achievements
These local students were recognized at Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester: 

  • Dean’s List — Tara Fisher, Kelsey Gulic
  • President’s List — Troy Bacon, David Hernandez, Timothy Hicks, Preeti Sameera Batchala, Matthew Stewart and Steven Turpin

Also, Noah Kilpatrick, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa.

Leadership Training
The North Tampa Bay Chamber in partnership with the Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will host a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., each day.

The virtual training is recommended for candidates and anyone interested in running for local or state office, serving their community or managing campaigns. 

Training is free and nonpartisan. Participants can attend one or both days.

The sessions will provide a comprehensive briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees on what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, offer guidance on how to prepare to run for office in the future, and provide training on how to run winning campaigns.

Registration is online at FIPL.org/Register.

After-School Program
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host Early Release Day After-School Programs to coincide with Pasco County Schools’ early release dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.

The programs are free and geared to second- to fifth-graders. There will be structured games, sports, and arts and crafts. Program spots are limited and each date opens three weeks prior at 8 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online at secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog.

For more information, call 813-929-1220.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015.

For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or ">.

Chalk Talk 09/06/2023

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(Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

School zones are everyone’s responsibility
Roads, sidewalks and pathways experience more traffic during the school year and require additional caution. Keeping students, families and schools protected is everyone’s responsibility, according to a Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) news release.

The PSO shares these tips to keep school zones, where students travel to and from school, safe:

  • Eliminate distractions when driving, such as phones.
  • Take time to learn school bus stop laws to know how to properly obey their lights and signs.
  • Follow posted speed limits, which are reduced in school zones, and obey all traffic laws and directions.
  • Pedestrians and bike riders must follow the rules of the road, including obeying safety signals and crossing at crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians to cross.

It is important to slow down and pay attention no matter how you travel, to help keep students, families, neighborhoods and communities safe.

Homeschool Morning
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium, 1722 N. Pinellas Ave., in Tarpon Springs, will host a Homeschool Morning: Backyard Florida Adventure on Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The event will feature hands-on activities and live animals. The cost is $10 per person (ages 2 and older); $5 per annual passholder (includes day pass admission). For information, visit Tarpon Springs Aquarium on Facebook.

Student achievement
Colin Frederick Gaynor, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business.

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.

Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:

  • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
  • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community

Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.

The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.

Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. The concert line-up includes:

  • Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
  • Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
  • Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
  • March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
  • April 5, The Majesty of Rock

Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015. For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or .

Shoes & Socks Drive
The eighth annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools.

“It’s not just about providing a new pair of shoes and socks to each child in need,” said Paula Baracaldo, Pasco County support services director, in a news release. “It’s about giving them a sense of dignity and security. It’s about enabling Pasco County schoolchildren to focus on things other than basic needs,” said Baracaldo.

The types of new shoes and socks that are needed include:

  • Children’s shoe sizes 9 and up
  • Adult shoes in all sizes
  • Socks in all sizes/neutral colors
  • Closed-toe shoes only/no flip-flops

Donations can be dropped off in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector offices (visit PascoTaxes.com). All new shoes and socks will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October.

Grant applications open
Applications are now open for the 2023 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. McDonald’s owner/operators across Florida, southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina will select educators, nonprofit organizations, and the like, who represent programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students, as recipients of a grant.

This year, 27 Golden Grants will be awarded in the following amounts based on creativity and hands-on application of projects:

  • Three grants in the amount of $10,000
  • Seven grants, $5,000
  • 12 grants, $2,500
  • Five grants, $1,000

Qualifying activities include arts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service, sports activities, and technology.

To apply, visit GoldenGrantsFl.com through Sept. 15. Winners will be announced on Oct. 12.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2023-2024 School Fishing Club Program is now open for registration.

This annual educational program focuses on teaching youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

To register, club sponsors need to apply for a Florida R3 Fishing Grant, which is funded by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Coastal Conservation Association, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. 

The grant will award up to 50 school fishing clubs or teams $500 each to assist with club expenses, such as the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.

The grant application period is open until Sept. 15, but grant funding is not required to participate in the fishing club program.

To be considered for the grant, school fishing clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent.

Each participating club will be provided with program curriculum and educational materials. The curriculum consists of lessons and activities on ethical angling, conservation, Florida’s aquatic habitats, basic fishing gear, and general fishing concepts, applicable to both fresh and saltwater fishing.

Additionally, at least one conservation project activity must be completed each school year and is an opportunity for clubs to earn points for a chance to win prizes.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC, by scrolling down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 15.

Academy at the Farm plans to launch high school

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The Pasco County School Board has approved an amendment to Academy at the Farm’s charter contract that allows the school to begin phasing in a high school program, starting in 2025-2026.

The school has been granted its request to add ninth grade, in the 2025-2026 school year, and to add one grade level each year,  to phase in grades nine through 12, according to materials in the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 22 agenda packet.

The charter school, at 9500 Alex Lange Way in Dade City, is operating under a 15-year renewal contract amendment adopted by the Pasco school board on Aug. 1, 2013.

Academy at the Farm, at 9500 Alex Lange Way, currently serves kindergarten through eighth grade, but plans to phase in a high school beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. (File)

In the 2025-2026 academic year, the school plans to increase its total student enrollment from 700 students to 876 students.

Under its high-performing status, Academy at the Farm intends to fully implement a high school campus serving grades nine through 12 in 2028-2029, the background materials say.

Its anticipated enrollment is:

  • 876 students in grades kindergarten through nine, in 2025-2026
  • 976 students in grades kindergarten through 10, in 2026-2027
  • 1,076 students in grades kindergarten through 11, in 2027-2028
  • 1,176 students in grades kindergarten through 12, in 2028-2029.

The school board approved the action as part of its consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are approved in a single vote, without comment, unless someone pulls an item from that agenda for discussion.

About Academy at the Farm
Where: 9500 Alex Lange Way, Dade City
Details: Academy at the Farm is a K-8 charter school that intends to phase in high school, beginning in 2025-2026. The school focuses heavily on higher education, but also has several agricultural aspects, such as a working farm, livestock, crops and more. Any parent can apply for their child or children to attend Academy at the Farm; however, there is a lottery list that resets every March, and it has a long waiting list.
Info: Visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

Published August 30, 2023

Town Hall set for PHSC presidential finalists

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The public has the chance to learn more about the four finalists to become Pasco-Hernando State College’s next president during a Town Hall at the college’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC).

The Town Hall will be on Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at IPAC, 8757 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

A new president is being named to replace Dr. Timothy Beard, who is retiring in January 2024.

A presidential search committee made up of business leaders, community representatives and faculty and staff members from PHSC have selected these finalists to succeed Beard and to become the college’s fifth president.

The finalists are: Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D; Eric Hall, Ed.D; Jesse D. Pisors, Ed.D; and, Saul Reyes, Ed.D.

Lucy Miller, special assistant to President Tim Beard and to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT), provided details of what to expect during the Town Hall meeting.

Each of the four finalists will have about 40 minutes on the stage, Miller said, via email.

PHSC’s Faculty Senate President Dr. Misty Price will be the moderator, who will interview each of them in a casual “talk show” format.

Dr. Price will pose some introductory questions and then field questions from those attending the session and from those who are attending remotely.

The idea is to not only introduce the finalists to employees, faculty, staff, students and the community, but to provide an opportunity for constituents to interact with the candidates — and to ask specific questions about the candidates’ vision for PHSC, according to Miller.

The college’s DBOT is expected to name PHSC’s new president at its Sept. 19 meeting, during its meeting on the college’s Spring Hill Campus.

Published August 30, 2023

Chalk Talk 08/30/2023

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Student attends research experience
Diana Hernandez, a recent Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) graduate and Wesley Chapel native, attended a summer educational opportunity at Boston University.

Hernandez’s journey started with involvement in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Leadership and Academic Enhancement Program (LSAMP) through PHSC.

Diana Hernandez, of Wesley Chapel, attended a summer educational opportunity at Boston University (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The LSAMP program, named in honor of former congressman Louis Stokes, is a National Science Foundation funded program intended to support historically underrepresented students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The program fosters student growth and gives opportunities for participation in a

variety of programs, such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), which are highly competitive and prestigious programs having an acceptance rate of approximately 3%.

“Through the program, students have experienced valuable opportunities to expand their perspectives through travel experiences both in and out of state. They have attended conferences, participated in professional development workshops, taken part in college tours at the University of South Florida (USF), conducted water testing at the Crystal Springs Preserve, and explored the possibilities of humanoid robots at The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition,” said Courtney Dominique, pre-collegiate and LSAMP advisor at PHSC, in a news release.

Hernandez’s four-month summer REU at Boston University focused on The Fundamental Research in Chemistry Addressing Problems in Biology.

“I read many articles regarding my research consisting of the discovery and development of medicinally important compounds for the leishmaniasis parasite and worked under the supervision of Dr. Scott Schaus,” said Hernandez in the release.

Hernandez started her junior year at USF this fall where she plans to continue her

studies using her newly acquired experience to aid in her academic and professional journey.

During her time at Boston University, she also assisted graduate students in their research for their thesis. This consisted of creating imine reactions, running NMRs, using column chromatography, and many other incredible procedures that one doesn’t get to do during their undergraduate years.

Students interested in the program can apply at Equity-services.phsc.edu/students/student/lsamp. 

Reading Challenge
Pasco County Schools has introduced R.A.C.E. to Read, Pasco! This is a district-wide, pre-K through 12th grade reading challenge for the 2023-2024 school year. All students and staff can participate to collectively read 15 million minutes from Aug. 10 to May 24. Minutes will be logged via Beanstack and celebrations will be school-based. Check out https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/qcrwyjtjs1?wtime=0 for details.

College Prep & Readiness
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a College Prep and Readiness session on Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. Are you preparing to go to college? Do you require help navigating the application process? A guest speaker will talk about first-hand experience from working in college admissions and discuss the best practices and tips to writing the best application essay during this hour-long session. For information, call 813-929-1214.

Teen Republican Club
The Teen Age Republican Club of Trinity is inviting students from all local high schools to join this active, growing, national club. Members of the club volunteer and fundraise for Tunnel 2 Towers, veterans groups, and more. The club meets once a month. The next welcome/informational meeting is on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., at Havana Dreamers Café, 3104 Town Ave., in Trinity (Longleaf). 

Dues includes a T-shirt. Adult advisors are available to assist the club. For information, call 727-316-5476 or 727-774-9327.

Early Release Days
Pasco County Schools will have eight early release days for students, according to its Pasco Post newsletter. Schools will be released two hours earlier than usual on these dates: Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.

Saint Leo University welcomed students to the fall 2023 semester and new academic year. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo welcomes students
Saint Leo University welcomed new, transfer and returning students to its residential campus in Pasco County to begin the fall 2023 semester and new academic year. More than 800 new students — local and transfers from countries throughout the world — arrived at the campus in St. Leo. Classes began on Aug. 28.

A Family Respite Area was provided in the Student Activities Building lobby where families and students could have refreshments, ask questions, meet other students and family members, and interact with support staff. The university also hosted a Parent and Family Association Meeting to provide information on ways to get involved and how to stay connected, as well as a Q&A session.

In addition, international students participated in a parade of countries, there were student performances, and sharing of the university’s history and traditions.

Saint Leo’s Welcome Week, which runs through Sept. 2, includes First Day of School Pictures, Puppy Play, Rec the Night games, We’ve Got Your Six, Popsicle Pursuit, and more.

Homeschool Morning
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium, 1722 N. Pinellas Ave., in Tarpon Springs, will host a Homeschool Morning: Backyard Florida Adventure on Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The event will feature hands-on activities and live animals. The cost is $10 per person (ages 2 and older); $5 per annual passholder (includes day pass admission). For information, visit Tarpon Springs Aquarium on Facebook.

 

Ray Gadd recognized for his leadership, accomplishments 

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The Pasco Economic Development Council’s policy council chooses to single out an individual every year for exhibiting exceptional leadership that has had a positive impact on Pasco’s economy and community.

The honor this year is being bestowed to Pasco County Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd.

Gadd is set to receive the award — which will be accompanied by a video tribute — during the Pasco EDC’s 35th Annual Awards ceremony.

Ray Gadd

The event is set for Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), at 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. (For event ticket information, go to PascoEDC.com.)

Perhaps it is fitting that the ceremony will take place at IPAC, since Gadd was instrumental in the project becoming a reality.

When a grand opening was held for the building, Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong praised Gadd’s persistence, and his willingness to think out of the box — which she said played a big role in making the project happen.

For his part, Gadd credited former Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford’s desire to bring a performing arts center to the area.

Gadd said Weatherford called to ask for his help in the quest.

The deputy superintendent then set about collecting floor plans from various performing arts venues and getting cost estimates.

In the end, the state came up with some funding and Pasco County Schools and Pasco-Hernando State College created a partnership to bring the building to life.

Pasco County Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd played an instrumental role in bringing various stakeholders together to collaborate on the creation of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

Now, the performing arts center offers students the chance to pursue careers in the performing and digital arts, and provides a venue for performances in Wesley Chapel.

That center is one example of the many collaborations involving Gadd, who has a vast network of connections that can help make things happen.

One of Gadd’s most notable accomplishments is the role that he played in helping to get the initial Penny for Pasco surtax approved by voters in 2004, and again in subsequent extensions.

Revenues from the voter-approved tax provide money to pay for new construction and renovations in district schools, as well as other projects.

Penny funds also cover costs for such things as infrastructure, environmental land and economic development in Pasco County, and various projects across the county’s municipalities.

Gadd also has played a key role in expanding options for students.

He advocated for the creation of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, in Wesley Chapel, where students can enroll in rigorous academic courses and prepare for technical careers.

He’s also been on the leading edge of planning for Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened this year in the emerging community of Angeline, where Moffitt Cancer Center is developing its Pasco campus.

School district and Moffitt leaders began talking long before the new magnet school opened about ways they can work together to create unique opportunities for students.

Gadd also had a hand in a cooperative agreement between the school district and Pepin Academies regarding a new charter school that will be built on Kirkland Ranch Academy’s campus.

The agreement represents the first of its type in the state.

Ray Gadd, far left, stands with a group of people who helped realize the dream of creating a community stage in Land O’ Lakes. Gadd, who is the Pasco County Schools’ deputy superintendent of schools, was instrumental in pulling together various stakeholders to get the job done.

Gadd is a fan of the arts.

Beyond helping to bring IPAC to the county, Gadd helped make a black box theater a reality at Cypress Creek Middle School.

Plus, he helped pull together a multitude of forces — from local government, private business, the community and state leaders — to construct the long-desired stage at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Gadd also has worked closely with Chris Williams, the school system’s director of planning, to help the district secure land to serve future needs.

Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC’s president and CEO, praised Gadd’s contributions.

“I have had the privilege of working with Ray since I began working in Pasco County through his position with Pasco County Schools and work in passing the Penny for Pasco, which has been vital in improving the economic development landscape of our community,” Cronin said, in a news release.

“Ray’s eye to improving the community and dedication to the wellness of children are only a few of the reasons why he is being honored with this award,” the Pasco EDC executive said.

Superintendent Kurt Browning praised Gadd’s effectiveness.

“His ability to get things done is a testament to his work ethic and his commitment to the children and families of Pasco County,” Browning said, in the release.

“Ray is an incredible leader that has always had the best interests of Pasco County at heart.”

Published August 23, 2023