The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 06/28/2023

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Lauren’s Kids

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate.

Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org.

In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.

Future Business Leaders

Steinbrenner High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students recently attended the 2023 State Leadership Conference in Orlando and walked away with the most wins in Steinbrenner history:

  • Jacob Salmon and Tabur Salmon, juniors: first place, computer game programming
  • Kartikeye Gupta, senior: first place, cybersecurity
  • Katrina Lippert, sophomore: first place, economics
  • Alyssa Hayman, freshman, and Ryan Sumiantoro, sophomore: first place, mobile application development
  • Rahul Boggavarapu, junior: second place, advertising
  • Louis Li, senior: third place, impromptu speaking

These students will now go to Nationals. Alyssa Hayman is the only freshman and the only one in the state of Florida who was selected from hundreds of applicants as an intern at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Piano Festival

The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) will launch its 11th season at the University of South Florida School of Music, now through July 17. The festival’s continuing theme is “Legacy of Piano and Planet.”

Founded by Rebecca Penneys in 2013 as her legacy project, RPPF boasts a multi-generational, internationally renowned faculty together with the most talented students from across the globe.

The public is invited to enjoy the festival including Master Classes, Soirées, and Satellite Concerts at various venues throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, plus two live WUSF radio performances and the “2 Piano – 8 Hand Extravaganza Event” on July 15.

All events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the festival, visit RebeccaPenneysPianoFestival.org. 

New partnership

Covenant Journey Academy (CJA), a Christian online school for kindergarten through 12th grade, announced a new partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), to provide families with education-related financial services, according to a news release.

The partnership will allow all families enrolled with CJA to access such resources as: flexible tuition financing; Biblical financial literacy training materials; and student checking and savings accounts.

CJA is a full-service online Christian academy offering more than 150 courses, all taught by certified teachers — its programs designed to ensure students have the knowledge and ability to apply God’s truth to make sense of …the cultural issues facing the world today, the release said.

Founded by pastors in 1958, ACCU currently serves more than 75,000 Christian ministries and individuals across all 50 states. From basic checking accounts to adoption loans to church construction financing, ACCU gives Christians a high-quality alternative to financial institutions that champion causes contrary to biblical values, the release said.

To learn more about the academy, visit CJ.Academy, or call 407-875-1967.

For more information about ACCU, visit AmericasChristianCU.com, or call 800-343-6328.

Summer Reading Challenge

Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31.

Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library.

Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

Summer Haul Bus Pass

Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20.

The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Library reading program

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages.

Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure.

Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too.

Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes.

Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game.

Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card.

An A-Plus for this bus

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Marla Scaglione had never driven a bus before — but was pretty sure she would enjoy it.

“And I did!,” the Lutz resident and occupational therapist said. “People don’t pull out in front of me anymore! (laughs).”

Scaglione is the owner and operator of the A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, or, as she calls it, Miss Dot.

Owner and operator of A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, Lutz resident and occupational therapist Marla Scaglione works with Peter Bassil, 7, during an occupational therapy session in front of Lutz Preparatory School. Scaglione refurbished an old shuttle bus to convert it into a moving occupational therapy clinic. She travels to a handful of local schools to meet with young clients who have been diagnosed with such conditions as dyslexia, dysgraphia and autism. (Mike Camunas)

The bus is a 1999 shuttle bus that Scaglione refurbished and repurposed to create a mobile occupational therapy clinic that she takes to a handful of local schools. She provides therapy sessions for young clients who are diagnosed with conditions including dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism and others.

The bus had about 80,000 miles on it when she bought it, and with the help of her husband and family, they ripped out the 26 seats, put in new flooring, added another A/C unit and installed swings. They also added a whiteboard, a bench, a desk and other learning tools — and turned her dream into reality.

The name Miss Dot comes from a quote from the artist Paul Klee — “A line is a dot that went for a walk.”

With Miss Dot, Scaglione can provide her services without having to worry about having space for sessions, or finding a permanent home for a clinic.

Scaglione, who has been a therapist for 30 years, said Miss Dot provides a practical solution to a common issue.

“See, with clinics or therapy at home or even having to have therapy in school, the problem everyone has always talked about is they don’t have time to bring their children to therapy — that they have to drive across town or sit in waiting rooms or how do they juggle siblings.

Lutz resident and occupational therapist Marla Scaglione holds up Sensorsy Sid, a puppet she uses in her therapy sessions.

“So, kids don’t always get the therapy they need for some of these reasons,” she said.

Also, if therapy is scheduled, it might occur during school hours — but many schools lack the space to accommodate the session, she said. Plus, if the session is held in a school, it costs more for parents who are often paying out-of-pocket for the much-needed therapy.

When Scaglione can bring the bus to the schools — the four she currently visits regularly with clients are Lutz Prep, Learning Gate Community School, Tampa Torah Academy and Corbett Prep — it costs parents less.

Miss Dot also provides a more private and sensory-friendly environment to work one on one with the patient.

“(Kids) love the bus because it’s something different about being on the bus and not some classroom or therapy room,” Scaglione said. “It’s usually something they’ve never seen before, so when they work, it doesn’t feel like work.

“I always like to make (therapy) fun,” she added. “That’s the No. 1 thing. If there’s no fun, especially when it comes to handwriting, then it just feels like school, and they might not pick it up as well. Therapy can and should be fun.”

Scaglione started seeing clients on the bus starting in August for the 2022-2023 school year, and will continue to hold sessions throughout the summer. 

Marla Scaglione’s A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, Miss Dot, is a refurbished and repurposed 1999 shuttle bus.

She mostly works with students to help them improve their handwriting ability, which is important for them to have success in schoolwork activities and to prepare them for life.

In traditional school settings, Scaglione says, there is less focus on proper handwriting technique nor the underlying motor and sensory skills required for success. Children then develop foundational skills for handwriting during their formative years as they play and explore while engaging their sensory awareness, gross motor skills and fine motor abilities.

That’s why it’s important to work with children at a young age, especially if they are diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia, Scaglione said.

“When it comes to OT, it’s mainly about catching them up to where they need to be or what they need to do,” she said. “And then use creative ways to get (the therapy) to them.”

And Scaglione does get creative.

Miss Dot includes several swings, which are sensory-friendly, but she uses lessons more as games or fun activities to keep the children on track. She uses puppets such as Magic C Bunny or Sensory Sid, along with a fun voice, to help convey lessons.

Occupational therapist Marla Scaglione has repurposed a 1999 shuttle bus into a moving occupational therapy clinic.

“I do the voices, but it’s helpful in terms of (getting) kids talking,” she added. “(The puppets) can be strict when I can’t, and they’ll listen to (the puppets).”

Working on the bus is showing improvements in its young clients, such as Peter Bassil, a 7-year-old Carrollwood resident that attends Lutz Prep.

“My son has been working with Marla for about five months now,” Peter’s mom, Livia Fernandes, said. “The biggest thing, to me, was being able to come to you, because, first off, that’s genius — you skip the bureaucracy with the school, and I would have been charged for her to come into the school and every time there was OT (in school), it would charge her an extra 20% of what she’s charging me, so then I would get charged.

“But he needs the therapy,” Livia continued. “Working with Marla, we’ve seen the improvements in a short time. It’s a process and a journey.

“But he loves it! And as long as it works, I’m at the point where we will take anything that works, but this really does and he, again, loves it.”

Seven-year-old Peter Bassil, who lives in Carrollwood, is all smiles as he works through a therapy session with Marla Scaglione in her A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, parked at Lutz Preparatory School.

Peter wholeheartedly agreed.

“It is a lot of fun seeing Ms. Marla,” Peter said. “I like seeing her because she has swings and because she has prizes that she gives me. I like getting those, but I like it when I get to get on the bus.”

A-Plus Handwriting Therapy Bus
Details: Meet Lutz resident Marla Scaglione and Miss Dot. Scaglione is an occupational therapist and Miss Dot is the 1999 shuttle bus she converted into a mobile occupational therapy (OT) clinic. She travels to a handful of local schools to offer her services. A+ Handwriting aims to help students improve their handwriting ability for success in schoolwork activities and life and other therapy services. Scaglione is a Gardiner/FEZ-UA Direct Bill Provider through Step-Up-For-Students and AAA scholarships. She doesn’t accept insurance at this time, but can provide OT services that can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement, if applicable.
Info: Visit APlusHandwriting.com.

Published June 21, 2023

Chalk Talk 06/21/2023

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(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)

Credit Union awards $15,000 in scholarships
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU) presented 10, $1,500 “Be the Difference” scholarships to its members who graduated from local high schools this year. From left: scholarship recipients Alexander Gard, Caitlin Eudy, Anna Anderson, Makaelynn Cameron, Jacob Partain, Scout Newlon, Jillian Payne, Belal Mansour and Adeline Shiver; SACFCU leaders Tony Coleman, board of directors; CEO Patty Sarne; John T. Vogel, chairman of the board; and Jay Vogel, supervisory committee chairman. Not pictured is scholarship recipient Effie Tillack.

Lauren’s Kids
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate. Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org.

In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.

Student achievements

  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
  • Hannah Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Jack Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Peter Katsaros, Odessa: Master of Science, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Carly Price, Odessa: President’s List, Husson University, Bangor, Maine
  • Leia Randall, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Scholarship winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 3,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsored college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These local students were named as recipients:

  • Isabel A. Bequer, Lutz (Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Salpriya Gande, Lutz (Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Louis F. Li, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Andrew J. Maroun, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Lily A. Taylor, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Kaitlyn H. Tran, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Leina E. Owens, Odessa (Blake High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Anastasia Bogdatova, Wesley Chapel (Cypress Creek High, Wesley Chapel): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Jenna Ly, Wesley Chapel (Wesley Chapel High): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Megha Mano, Wesley Chapel (King High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Creative Writing course
Saint Leo University will offer a creative writing micro-credential, open to anyone who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in any subject or from any university or college who loves to write. This includes graduates of Saint Leo’s Master of Arts in creative writing or other creative writing programs.

The summer residency will run July 8 to July 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the school campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

The residency is an immersive and community-oriented retreat with daily morning workshops, afternoon craft talks, and opportunities to share and receive feedback on writing in progress. Students will submit original creative writing in either fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry for a small workshop group; however, throughout the week, students also will learn about all three genres, as well as the editing and publishing world of creative writing.

The deadline to enroll is June 30.

For more information, requirements and cost, email .

Pasco Schools offers free food program

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Pasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service program will provide breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Thursday, to anyone age 18 and younger, now until July 28, according to a news release.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School year programs at the various participating schools will receive their meals on campus while attending the program.

Meals will be available at the following schools:

  • Central Pasco: Crews Lake Middle; Dr. Mary Giella Elementary; Shady Hills Elementary
  • East Pasco: Centennial Elementary; East Pasco Education Academy; New River Elementary; Pasco High; Pasco Middle; Quail Hollow Elementary; R.B. Cox Elementary; R.B. Stewart Middle; San Antonio Elementary; Woodland Elementary; and Zephyrhills High.
  • West Pasco: Anclote Elementary/High; Chasco Elementary; Cotee River Elementary; Dayspring Academy (Harmony location); West Pasco Education Academy; Fivay High; Fox Hollow Elementary; Gulf Highlands Elementary; Gulfside Elementary; Gulf Middle; Hudson Primary Academy; Mittye P. Locke Elementary; Moon Lake Elementary; Richey Elementary; Schrader Elementary; Sunray Elementary; Wendell Krinn Technical High; and West Pasco Education Academy.

Additionally, buses will stop to provide lunch, Monday through Thursday, at these locations:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

For information and questions, email .

Published June 14, 2023

Chalk Talk 06/14/2023

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A presentation was made to the Hillsborough County School Board of total funds raised through this school year’s Kids Tag Art Program. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office)

Tag art reaps rewards
Forty-three Hillsborough County schools participated in the Kids Tag Art Program for the 2022-2023 school year, yielding more than 1,000 plate design entries. The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that allows students to showcase their artistic abilities by designing front license vanity plates in art class.

The plate designs are printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and the public. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships go back to the participating schools to help support their arts program. This year the program raised more than $37,800, and to date, the program across the state of Florida raised more than $2 million.

Top honorees this year were Aaliyah Greene-Walker from Dunbar Elementary School, who received the Sponsor’s Choice Award; and Katilyn Pace from McDonald Elementary, who received the Tax Collector’s Choice Award.

For a complete list of each school’s winner and artwork, visit https://www.hillstax.org/kids-tag-art/tag-art-winners-2022-2023/.

For information about the Kids Tag Art Program and other initiatives by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit HillsTax.org.

Flag Day lesson
Wreaths Across America (WAA) has announced the addition of new Flag Day lesson plans to its TEACH Program, which provides free access to curriculum and educational resources for all, according to a news release.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 and commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. The new lesson plans are designed for all grade levels and learning abilities, and have an objective for civic ideals and practices.

“An understanding of civic ideals and practices is critical for full participation in society and is an essential component of education for citizenship,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA curriculum developer and Gold Star mom, in the release. “This theme enables students to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy, and to appreciate the importance of active citizenship.”

To learn more or to download the plans, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach.

Summer break tips
With schools in ‘recess’ for summer break, Dr.  Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University, offers these useful tips to help avoid your children having meltdowns or experiencing boredom.

  • Consider your own schedule for the summer and try to take some time off to spend with your children this summer.
  • Take a vacation or staycation. Take a road trip or make quick trips to the beach, park, zoo, aquarium or amusement park.
  • Check out camps offered in your area. Some local elementary schools offer camps, but there also are programs for dance, music, gymnastics, art, and more. Visit Fun4TampaKids.com/Camps/Variety-Camps/. Saint Leo University also offers camps ranging from athletics to robotics and more. Visit SaintLeoCamps.com.
  • Plan activities for days at home. Break out board games, make chalk drawings in the driveway, make crafts, paint pictures with the kids, play outside, check out books from the library.

Student achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Camryn Bliss, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Cameron Douglas Coughlin, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Gabrielle Fontanez, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University, and inductee into and board secretary of the PSI CHI International Honor Society for psychology
  • Angelica C. Gonzalez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University, California, Pennsylvania
  • Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Christian Hewett, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Graydon Horn, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Igor Christian Ibaka Kabasele, San Antonio: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
  • Noah Kilpatrick, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Charles King, Odessa: President’s List, Georgia Southern University-Statesboro
  • Alexis Leighty, Lutz: Dean’s List, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Midhun Raj, Lutz: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Oregon State University-Corvallis
  • Kaitlyn Ryan, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Christiana Till, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

Truck driver partnership
FleetForce Truck Driving School and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) have launched a partnership to recruit commercial truck drivers in West Pasco and surrounding areas, according to a FleetForce news release.

PHSC’s West Campus is now home to one of FleetForce’s six new locations statewide. This partnership helps generate an additional 3,000 commercial truck drivers annually, helping to alleviate the critical need for commercial drivers. The partnership, with assistance from the State of Florida and CareerSource Pasco Hernando includes testing and on-site training, the release said.

FleetForce training programs are designed to teach all the mandatory skills drivers need to obtain a Certified Driver’s License (CDL). It offers a variety of options to help people enroll as soon as possible, including a Pre-Hire Program, created in collaboration with the Florida Trucking Association, to match qualified drivers with potential employers who may sponsor them. FleetForce offers training opportunities for Class A, B, and C licensees, and students can graduate in as little as one month after enrollment, training and passing the CDL exam.

To learn more, visit FleetForceTruckDrivingSchool.com. For information about the college, visit PHSC.edu.

Essay winners
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an Essay Contest for fifth-graders at Lutz Elementary School, to encourage and reward students’ writing skills. First prize received a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card; second prize, $50 gift card; and two third prizes, $25 gift card. Two Honorable Mention certificates also were awarded.

Board meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at .

HERricane Summer Camp
Pasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Building A, New Port Richey. The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the opportunity to explore emergency management-related careers.

The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification upon completion. The program will count toward the student’s volunteer hours.

Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a parental/legal guardian’s signature.

Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by filling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/mw625fe8.

Summer Reading Challenge
Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31. Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Chalk Talk 06/07/2023

By

(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)

Students recognized for community service
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recognized its Community Involvement & Service Scholarship winners, all from Pasco High School. Sister Roberta Bailey, left, education committee chairperson, and Carolyn Hodges, right, education committee co-chairperson, congratulate Oliva Krol, Maggie Mashke, Gabriela Perez, Frida Rodrigues, Susanna Rom and Jordan Ware.

Water Awareness contest
More than 1,300 local students used their creativity to promote water conservation during the 14th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Students from 15 Pasco County elementary schools created artwork with the theme “We Need Water, Water Needs Us.”

Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, in collaboration with Pasco County Schools, hosted the competition. Judges use science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning standards when choosing the top posters. Winners receive trophies and gifts from the event sponsors.

Pasco County commissioners will recognize first-place students, in kindergarten through fifth grade, at their June 20 meeting. Winning posters will be on display in the lobbies of the West and East Pasco Government Centers through mid-August.

To learn more about next year’s program, visit WaterContest.org.

(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens honored
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has recognized 10 students Citizens of the Month, for May. Students are chosen by their teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The students honored were: Iva Kellerman, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Dakota Shattuck, The Broach School; Alexander Sosa Cuza, The Broach School Elementary Campus; Ashley Montoya, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Jayci Hoogewind, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Nehemiah McClammah, Heritage Academy; Jordan Mitsch, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Christopher Le, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Evelyn Kamau, Woodland Elementary; and Siya Patel, Zephyrhills High.

Board meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at .

HERricane Summer Camp
Pasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Building A, New Port Richey.

The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the opportunity to explore emergency management-related careers.

The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification upon completion. The program will count toward the student’s volunteer hours.

Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a parental/legal guardian’s signature.

Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by filling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/mw625fe8.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Scholarships awarded
The Knights of Columbus San Antonio Council 1768 awarded four $1,000 scholarships to one senior from each of the council’s four member parishes. The recipients were: Anna Anderson, Saint Anthony Parish; Maggie Mashke, Sacred Heart Parish; Frida Rodriguez, Saint Rita Parish; and Adeline Schiver, Saint Joseph Parish.

Student achievements

  • James Cook, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts
  • Hannah Drielick, Lutz: Dean’s List, Northern Illinois University-DeKalb
  • Daniel Higgins, Odessa: Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois 
  • Mykayla Christine King, Lutz: Dean’s List, Mars Hill University, North Carolina

Library reading program
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages. Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure. Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too.

Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes. Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game.

Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card.

Sonic donates to teachers
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Month (May), Sonic Drive-In’s Sonic Foundation donated $1.5 million to match all public contributions made to 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.

Sonic helped fully fund nearly 15,300 projects from teachers and schools across the country, including two in Holiday that received a combined donation of $857. Gulfside Elementary School received funds for two projects: “Wiggle Seats for Wiggly Seats” and “First Year in First Grade…For All of Us!”

To donate to one or more of the public school teacher requests, visit DonorsChoose.org.

Ye Mystic Krewe scholarships
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announced it awarded 10 high school seniors from the Tampa Bay area with $120,000 in college scholarships.

Known for their pirating ways and stealing the key to the City of Tampa, the krewe has awarded $1,346,000 to students in Hillsborough County over the past 26 years through its community fund, according to a news release.

Tampa Bay area high school principals nominate one student for every 100 students or a fraction thereof in its graduating class. Nominees complete a comprehensive application, which then goes to a panel review. Finalists participate in face-to-face interviews before scholarship recipients are selected.

For more information, visit YMKG.com/ymkg-community-fund/.

Chalk Talk 05/31/2023

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Sarah Robison will serve on a youth council to advocate for a healthier, safer planet. (Courtesy of Sarah Robison)

Environmental youth council
Sarah Robison, of Lutz, a college sophomore and youth leader in environmental activism, has been selected to serve on Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program’s 2023 Future Blue Youth Council (FBYC), a global group of diverse young leaders who will work together to empower peers to advocate for a healthier and safer future for the planet.

The Bow Seat Ocean nonprofit program is based in Massachusetts and its mission is to engage youth in ocean conservation and advocacy through arts.

The youth council members will mentor grantees of the international Fellowship Program, a by-youth, for-youth FBYC initiative that provides funding and guidance to young people who are addressing water-related challenges in their local communities.

Robison was selected from more than 50 applicants worldwide and will join 13 other young leaders on the 2023 Future Blue Youth Council.

Robison was awarded first place in the A Voice for Animals contest by the Humane Education Network and Animal Welfare Institution, in 2020.

Currently, she is the founder and president of the CARE Club, an international organization of high school and college students who are committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

Those interested can visit the club’s Instagram page: @careclub2023_2024.

For information about the youth council, visit BowSeat.org/get-involved/alumni/future-blue-youth-council.

Merit Scholars announced
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 students were chosen from more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

Each award is supported by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s own funds. These area students are among the $2,500 scholarship winners:

  • Thehan V. Atalugama, Land O’ Lakes High (Probable career field: Science/Research)
  • Andrews S. Domonkos, Land O’ Lakes High (Finance)
  • Kartikeye Gupta, Steinbrenner High (Science/Research)
  • Allen Ho, Land O’ Lakes High (Environmental Engineering)
  • Rishabh Kanodia, Land O’ Lakes High (Computer Science)
  • Saneyah Khan, Academy at the Lakes (Neuroscience)
  • Diganto N. Ray-Sarkar, Wesley Chapel home-school (Biomedical Engineering)
  • Joshua K. Selvan, Hillsborough High (Medicine)
  • Andria Wang, Land O’ Lakes High (Computer Engineering)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Commencement celebrations
More than 1,300 students participated in Saint Leo University’s commencement ceremonies on May 13, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Students from the university’s main campus, its Florida locations, and those who study online throughout the world came together to celebrate their achievements and receive their doctoral, master, bachelor and associate degrees. University Campus undergraduate students received their bachelor and associate degrees, while graduate students in the College of Education and Social Services received their doctoral degrees in criminal justice and education, and master degrees in criminal justice, education, emergency and disaster management, human services administration, instructional design, and social work.

CSI Summer Camp
Saint Leo University will offer its CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Summer Camp from June 18 through June 24 at the campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

The camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15 to 18, with parental consent.

Campers will experience hands-on and behind-the-scenes evidence collection, documentation and preservation as they work a variety of mock crime scenes.

Participants should expect to be involved in:

  • Practical exercises lifting fingerprints, casting foot and tire impressions, drawing and photographing evidence
  • Learning about types of bugs relating to crime scene decomposition
  • How to dig up human remains
  • Exercises about interview, interrogation and legal aspects of CSI, and then presenting their findings to a mock grand jury

Campers also can experience residence hall life and join other campers for meals, swimming, movies and other evening activities.

For more information, contact Nikki Heister at or 352-588-8487.

To register, visit CSICamps.totalcamps.com/shop/Event.

Student achievements

  • Maxwell Gebhart, Wesley Chapel: Master of Science (Biology), Minnesota State University-Mankato
  • Marissa Schabes, Lutz: Dean’s List, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
  • Alice Washburn, Odessa: Dean’s List, Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama

Online academy debuts
Covenant Journey Academy (CJA) recently made its national debut at the National Religious Broadcasters convention and at the Florida Parent Educators Association, which is the nation’s largest homeschool convention, according to a CJA news release.

The CJA is a full-service, kindergarten through 12th grade, online Christian academy available to anyone around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It has more than 150 courses taught by certified teachers.

The academy’s mission is to offer families a biblically integrated alternative to an on-campus classroom.

In addition to homeschool, Covenant offers Christian school affiliation options. 

CJA also offers six languages, including Spanish, French, Latin, German, Chinese, and American Sign Language. Students can begin Spanish as early as kindergarten.

To learn more, visit CJ.Academy online, or call 407-875-1967.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran, there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

Weightman Middle School gym named for revered coach

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The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, when the Pasco County School Board voted to name the gym at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (TEMS), in honor of Thomas Mine, a longtime coach at the school.

The request for the honor came from Weightman’s Principal Donna Gricoski and the Weightman school community. The school is located at 30659 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Gricoski wrote a letter to the school board and Superintendent Kurt Browning seeking the honor for Coach Mine. She read from that letter at the board’s May 16 meeting.

Thomas Mine is surrounded by supporters on May 16, the evening the Pasco County School Board voted to name the Thomas E. Weightman Middle School gymnasium in honor of the longtime coach at the school. (Courtesy of Thomas E. Weightman Middle School)

“Coach Mine has been a teacher at Thomas E. Weightman (Middle School) since its inception 33 years ago,” Gricosi said.

“Besides being a physical education teacher at our school, he has also coached various extracurricular sports, such as football, track, soccer and basketball.

“He has won the most games in the history of Thomas E. Weightman, possibly even in the history of Pasco County.

“Coach Mine has won more than 25 district championships, in various sports. Many of his former players have gone on to play high school sports and beyond.

“In addition, some of his former students have also gone on to become coaches within our district.

“Throughout his years of service, Coach Mine has also taught the adaptive physical education classes to our students with varying special needs, held the title of athletic director for many years and ran multiple summer sports camps so that many children had the opportunity to play and try different sports.

“After 38 years of service to our district, Coach Mine continues to be a great coach and mentor to our students and community.

“He continues to share his knowledge and passion for sports and fitness daily with the students.

“If asked about his years of teaching, he will probably tell you that after all of these years, he continues to love his job.

“In recognition of his dedication and commitment to the students, staff and sports programs at Thomas E. Weightman, we request that the gymnasium at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School be named after Coach Thomas Mine,” she said.

In addition to the letter of support, a large contingent of the coach’s fans turned out at the school board meeting, in a show of affection and respect for him.

Mine was obviously touched by the tribute.

“First thank you for my friends and family for attending this evening and celebrating this very special honor,” Mine said.

He thanked the administration and his colleagues for spearheading the honor, and the school board and superintendent for approving it.

“At the end of this school year, I will have completed my 45th year of teaching — 38 in Pasco County. The last 32 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle,” Mine said.

“During this time, I have witnessed the Weightman family strive for excellence, with genuine care for each student, family and staff member.

“I have worked with awesome administrators, tremendous teachers, super students and families, and a terrific P.E. team, especially Coach (Brian) Dorkowski and Coach (Claudine) Nipps, for over 20 years.

“To put it simply, Weightman is a fantastic school. To have my name associated with TEMS is an honor and privilege for which I am sincerely grateful.

“Throughout my career, I have been supported with love and encouragement by my extraordinary family, my amazing wife Anne, and children, Jonathan, Jessica, (and) Zachary.  Thank you, and I love you dearly.”

He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues at Weightman.

“I have the greatest admiration for all of you. Your dedication, commitment, professionalism and perseverance in everything you do, has inspired me to do my best each and every day.

“My years of teaching have provided me with a lifetime of friendships and happy memories that I will cherish forever.

“Thank you for this incredible honor,” Mine said.

Published May 31, 2023

Pasco School Board pays tribute to Dennis Alfonso

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At the Pasco County School Board meeting on May 16, there were flowers on the school board’s dais, in front of the seat where the board’s attorney, Dennis Alfonso, normally sat.

Alfonso, the board’s attorney for a quarter-century, lost his longterm battle with cancer, on the weekend before the board’s meeting.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning paid his respects to Alfonso during the board’s session.

“Dennis had battled cancer for a good number of years,” Browning said. “He fought the good fight, until Saturday morning, early.”

The Pasco County School Board and Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning recently paid tribute to Dennis Alfonso, the longtime school board attorney who recently passed away. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The superintendent recalled that in his previous role, as Florida’s Secretary of State, Alfonso was one of the first attorneys to sue him, over the 2000 Election.

He characterized Alfonso as a dear friend, who was devoted to Pasco County Schools.

“He loved this district. His wife, Nancy (who also serves as the board’s attorney), loves this district. They raised their kids here and he was invested in this district,” Browning said.

The superintendent said he didn’t always agree with Alfonso, but he added that he will dearly miss him.

He recalled a phrase that Alfonso frequently used, when the attorney was about to reject one of Browning’s ideas.

“He’d say, ‘You know, I love you like a brother … But you can’t do what you want to do.’”

School board members also offered their condolences.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding began the meeting by offering a prayer for Alfonso’s family.

“Dennis has given our school district such wise counsel for over 25 years. I know, for me, he’s always been there to answer my questions, a sound mind — always made sure that we were following the law, within our district.”

Al Hernandez, the newest member on the board, said he didn’t know Alfonso as well as his colleagues, but he looked to him for guidance.

“I can tell you that as a new board member, the second phone call I got was from Dennis — talking about what I needed to do and what I shouldn’t be doing.

“He was definitely somebody I could call. Clearly, he is going to be missed.”

School board member Cynthia Armstrong said she frequently kidded Alfonso about how long it took him to answer a question.

“There was no short answer. With Dennis, what we knew is that we were going to understand every aspect of that answer and all of the nuances, and all of the different ways of looking at it. That just made it so valuable to us to have him as a board attorney.

“He was such a caring person. He cared so much for our district and for our students,” Armstrong said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin struggled to maintain her composure, as she spoke about Alfonso’s contributions to the school district.

“Dennis was always available, to answer questions and to talk through concerns. He spent many evenings and weekends on the phone.”

He was particularly helpful during the COVID shutdown during the spring and summer of 2020, said Beaudoin, who was chairwoman at that time.

“It was a difficult time and I’m eternally grateful that he was at my side,” she said.

School board member Alison Crumbley described Alfonso this way: “He was kind and he was calm and he was great to have as our board attorney. He is going to be so terribly missed.”

Published May 31, 2023

Chalk Talk 05/24/2023

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Blake Carroll (Courtesy of Carol Carroll)

Newly commissioned officer
Blake Carroll, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, with a degree in management, and was commissioned as an officer on May 17. He also was the captain of the academy baseball team, and set season and career home run records there. Carroll is a graduate of Bishop Mclaughlin High School, Imagine Charter School, and Lake Myrtle Elementary School. His first assignment will be to serve as deck watch officer on the Coast Guard cutter, Venturous, in St. Petersburg.

Pasco Graduations
Pasco County graduation ceremonies will take place at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive in Tampa, unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

  • May 23: Pasco eSchool, 6 p.m., River Ridge High School Center for the Arts, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
  • May 25: Marchman Technical College, 6 p.m., River Ridge Center for the Arts
  • June 1: Wendell Krinn Technical High School, 6 p.m., in the school gymnasium, 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey
  • June 2: Gulf High School, 9 a.m.; Anclote High School, 1 p.m.; Cypress Creek High, 6 p.m.; Pasco High, 7:30 p.m. (Pasco High stadium)
  • June 3: River Ridge High, 9 a.m.; Zephyrhills High, 1 p.m.; Wiregrass Ranch, 6 p.m.
  • June 5: Hudson High, 9 a.m.; Land O’ Lakes High, 1 p.m.; Wesley Chapel High, 6 p.m.
  • June 6: Fivay High, 9 a.m.; Sunlake High, 1 p.m.; JW Mitchell High, 6 p.m.
Dylan Lolley (Courtesy of Todd Lolley)

Coast Guard appointment
The United States Coast Guard Academy has recognized Dylan J. Lolley, of Wesley Chapel, for superior academic achievement and leadership potential.

Lolley attends Cypress Creek High School and has accepted an appointment to attend the Coast Guard Academy and will be sworn in on June 26 as a member of the Class of 2027.

Fewer than 400 appointments are offered annually for admission to the Coast Guard Academy.

Cadets receive a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a five-year service commitment to the Coast Guard upon graduation. All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are guaranteed a position of leadership as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Robotics Teams win
The George Steinbrenner High School JROTC’s VEX Robotics teams traveled to the JROTC VEX Robotics National Championships, where 130 teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Command JROTC programs gathered to compete.

The Steinbrenner Warriors 1 team partnered with a team from JROTC Hawaii and finished first in their division.

The Steinbrenner Warriors 2 team partnered with a team from Indiana to finish first in their division, which set them up to face Warriors 1 in the final round for the national title.

Both alliances played a best-of-three titles match — Warriors 1 team won two out of three.

Warriors 1 earned the Divisional Champions and are the 2023 National Champions.

Warriors 2 are the runner-up in the national title, Divisional Champions, earned the Think Award for programming, and placed third in the skills competition.

Free summer program
The City of Zephyrhills Parks & Recreation will host a free summer recreation program from June 5 to July 6, Monday through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon, at R.B. Stewart Middle School, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The program is open to students who have completed kindergarten through fifth-grade levels during the 2022-2023 school year.

Activities include art, bowling, movies, swimming, tennis, open gym activities, and more.

Space is limited to 120 students. Pre-registration is required online at ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/225/Summer-Recreation-Information.

Student achievements

  • Troy Bacon, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Sabrina Burke, Odessa: Omicron Delta Kappa, Rollins College, Winter Park
  • Raul Dopico, Lutz: Omicron Delta Kappa, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
  • David Hernandez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Lillian Hilt, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee
  • Amy Osterman, Lutz: Certificate Program, Family Nurse Practitioner, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee
  • Meredith Padellaro, Lutz: Master of Science in Nursing, Regis College, Weston, Massachusetts
  • Sarah Shortridge, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Matthew Stewart, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Steve Turpin, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Alice Washburn, Odessa: Marion Military Institute President’s List, Utah Military Academy

Best in Show
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis announced that Madeline Teague, a senior at Hernando High School, won the Best in Show at the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, in Land O’ Lakes. Teague used oil, acrylic and glitter to create her artwork entitled “Amour.” Her showpiece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. The panel of judges, comprised of volunteers from Hernando and Pasco County Fine Arts Council, also chose a top piece of artwork from each county, which will hang in Bilirakis’ local offices for the next year.

  • Citrus County: Illiana Enger, Lecanto High, “Upstream”
  • Hernando County: Natalie Hartman, Spring Hill Christian Academy, “Faber Est Suae Fortunae”
  • Pasco County: Katelyn Morrison, J.W. Mitchell High School, “On Repeat”

Free art classes
The Prodigy Cultural Arts Program at Saint Leo University will offer free visual art classes for youth ages 10 to 13, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday classes start on June 6 and will focus on clay work. Thursday classes start June 8 and will focus on studio art. The programs will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo, in the Fine Arts Building, Room 107.

Prodigy is sponsored by the University Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) and the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

The program uses visual arts to help youths build life skills, including communication, leadership, goal-setting and problem-solving skills.

For enrollment information and an application for the classes, contact Fignole Desir at or 813-558-5212, ext. 502; or email Lisa Rapp McCall at .

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran, there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

New classes at Lighthouse
Lighthouse Community School will begin offering classes for elementary school age children in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release. Lighthouse Preschool of Wesley Chapel already has 3- to 4-year-olds enrolled in its programs. 

The community school model brings together aspects of homeschooling and the benefits of classroom learning. Students are given qualified instruction on campus two days per week. Parents are responsible for homeschooling two days per week using the curriculum and lesson plans sent home by the classroom teacher.

“After many years of requests from parents, we decided to expand Lighthouse to include these older students,” said Director Heather Olsen, in the release. “Our plan is to begin with two teachers in a combined kindergarten/first grade class and to add additional classes as more people express interest.”

Lighthouse Community School is a Christian school that meets at Grace Community Church, and is located 1.5 miles north of State Road 54, near Wesley Chapel District Park.

For information, visit LighthouseWesleyChapel.com. To schedule a tour, call 813-994-8678.