The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

New ‘Angeline’ school to offer unique options for Pasco students

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Angeline Academy of Innovation is set to open in the fall, ushering in new education choices for middle and high school students in Pasco County Schools.

The magnet STEM program is scheduled to open in August 2023. Initially, it will serve grades six through 10, but the school will add grades 11 and 12 in coming years.

JoAnne Glenn, the school’s inaugural principal, provided details about the school in a video carried on Pasco County Schools’ YouTube channel.

She explained the school’s philosophy and mission, while also providing some nuts-and-bolts details about what to expect.

JoAnne Glenn is the first principal of Angeline Academy of Innovation, a new magnet school slated to open in August 2023. (File)

“Angeline Academy of Innovation represents our district’s realization of our theory of action,” Glenn said in the video. “The theory of action says that if we move as a system to create an environment where our students and our schools have the support that they need, then we can expect to see the best outcomes for our students.

“Angeline Academy represents a new approach to realizing this theory of action, and we’re excited to change and test some of the new ways that we can deliver education,” she continued.

The school’s planning will be intentional, to make its “learning experiences exciting and engaging, and connected to the real world to prepare our students for their lives after high school,” Glenn said.

“Our key levers to support this work include rigorous instruction; a compassionate school environment that ensures that our students feel cared for and supported; equitable instructional practices, meaning we believe in having an open door; and, allowing students to feel supported in taking academic risks and trying new things,” she said.

“These three levers are actually the foundation that we believe are essential to ensuring that our students leave our system prepared for college, career and life,” she added.

Beyond talking about the philosophical underpinnings of the new campus for middle and high school students, which is at 8916 Angeline School Way, Glenn showed renderings of what the new building will look like.

The floor plan includes workspaces for each of the school’s career academies, as well as collaboration spaces for students and teachers.

The high school will feature four primary career academies and will offer opportunities for students to merge some fields to create a more personalized track, Glenn said.

It will have a Biodesign Academy; a Computer Science and Applied Cybersecurity Academy; an Engineering and Applied Robotics Academy; and, an Entrepreneurship Academy, which will be woven through the other pathways to enable students to leave to become their own bosses and open their own businesses.

At the middle school, there will be two primary magnet pathways that are broad and intended to support the work in each of the high school pathways, Glenn said.

“From ninth through 12th grade is a highlighted progression of coursework that emphasizes engineering. These are the courses that define the engineering path, and an exciting thing about these courses is that each one of them offers the opportunity for students to earn an industry certification and/or college credit, as they go,” Glenn added.

“In our Biodesign Pathway, we will begin with emphasis on biomedical applications. That is growing, in part, because of the partnership that will be forged with the Moffitt Cancer complex that will be across the street. We’re excited about the opportunities for our students to be able to do internships, externships there, as that complex develops, and the opportunities for them to be able to work directly with practicing experts, scientists and doctors, and learn about some of the ways that Moffitt is tackling the challenge of cancer.

“Our high school Cybersecurity Pathway, you can see, is a pretty solid course of study here, and represents not just cybersecurity, but a strong grounding in computer science, as well. 

This is a rendering of what Angeline Academy of Innovation will look like. The new magnet school, being built in Central Pasco, is expected to provide a wide array of new opportunities for students. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“So, you’ll see that there are many courses tailored to students building their cybersecurity knowledge, as well as their computer science or programming skills, along the way.

“Additionally, we have an Applied Robotics Pathway, which includes a significant number of courses that are shared with the engineering and/or cybersecurity track, and so, our students will have a sequence of robotics courses and the opportunity to plug in courses in either the Engineering or Cybersecurity tracks, depending on where their interests lie and what future course of study or work they would like to pursue,” she said.

“As a district, we’ve made a decision to brand our elementary STEAM schools, with that label, emphasizing arts.

“As a secondary administrator, I believe the arts actually power innovation in our secondary STEM programs. Angeline will have solid arts offerings. However, as a magnet school, one of the things that we try to do is bring something new, or innovative or unique that helps distinguish our programs from other schools. So, you’ll see the emphasis on more technology-grounded experience in our visual arts and music offerings.

She also said that the actual high school course offerings may vary from the presentation.

“In high school, our courses are driven by what students sign up for and what they are interested in,” Glenn explained.

Initially, no sports program had been planned for Angeline, Glenn said. However, she said, the community made it clear it felt that students would be best served if the district included athletics.

Angeline’s site isn’t large enough to accommodate an athletics program, but the district plans to partner with some other organizations and to provide a shuttle service from the school property to a piece of land the district owns at U.S. 41 and Tierra del Sol. There are plans for an athletic facility there.

At this point, Angeline is expected to have these athletic offerings: boys and girls cross country, boys and girls swimming and diving, boys and girls golf, girls volley, boys and girls wrestling, competitive cheer, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, girls weightlifting, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, and boys weightlifting, according to Pasco County Schools’ information page about Angeline.

There are no plans for football and sideline cheer, baseball or softball.

The school selection process for middle school students will be based on a lottery system. High school students will need to meet some entry requirements, established for magnet and innovative programs, Glenn said.

Those who are interested in attending Angeline can make their interest known during the School Choice window, which opens on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m. and runs through Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Glenn noted: “It is possible through the School Choice Portal in My School to select three options. Families may choose all three options to be different academic programs at Angeline.

“For example, one could submit a first choice request for Cybersecurity, a second choice request for Engineering and Applied Robotics and a third choice request for the BioDesign Academy.

“So that would be something to know, so you don’t feel like you can only select one option at Angeline,” Glenn said.

The notification and acceptance window is from Feb. 27 to March 8.

To learn more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us and click on the Pasco Pathways tab.

School Choice opening soon
What: Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window for all school choice options will be open from Jan.  9 at 8 a.m. through Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Applications will be accepted for all choice programs: STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Cambridge Programme.
Applications for the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application are available via the school district’s myStudent parent portal.
The notification and acceptance window is from Feb. 27 to March 8.
To learn more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us and click on the Pasco Pathways tab.

Published January 04, 2023

Pasco school construction adds options, addresses growth

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As 2023 approaches, Pasco County Schools is working on projects to add two new schools and to expand an existing one.

The new construction projects involve Kirkland Ranch K-8, at 33137 Innovation Drive, in Wesley Chapel, and Angeline Academy of Innovation, at 8916 Angeline School Way, in Land O’ Lakes.

The expansion project involves Starkey Ranch K-8, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa, where a classroom wing is being added.

The Pasco County School Board heard an update on the Kirkland Ranch K-8 project during its Dec. 13 meeting. 

This rendering shows what the new Kirkland Ranch K-8 is expected to look like, when construction is completed on the new school in Wesley Chapel. The scheduled completion date is in June 2024. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools/Hepner Architects)

Peter Hepner, of Hepner Architects, gave the board an overview of the design.

The new K-8 school will be built on the east side of the Kirkland Academy campus.

Details, according to Hepner’s presentation,  include play courts and a covered play area outdoors, as well as parking lots for staff and visitors and a drop-off area for students.

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

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

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

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

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

During the Dec. 13 meeting, the school board approved a guaranteed maximum price for the Kirkland K-8 project at $38,388,098. That price includes the construction manager’s fee, plus the cost of the work.

The project’s notice to proceed was issued on Dec. 13, and the date for completion is set for June 7, 2024.

In addition to building a new K-8 school on the campus, which is off Curley Road in Wesley Chapel, the school board has entered into a partnership with Pepin Academies, which is planning to operate a charter school on the same campus.

The partnership is unique in the state, according to Pasco school officials.

When the arrangement was announced on Nov. 8, Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent, told the board: “This is an exciting partnership — a lot of learning ahead of us to figure out how to navigate some of the rules and regulations that the state puts on us, relative to our relationship, but really looking forward to it.”

While those projects are on the horizon in Wesley Chapel, there are other projects that are coming in Central Pasco.

Work continues on the Angeline Academy of Innovation in emerging community of Angeline, in Land O’ Lakes. The school is about 1 mile east of the Suncoast Parkway at exit 25 off Ridge Road.

The STEM magnet school is expected to open with grades six through 10, with plans to become a 6-12 school.

The four-story building — the tallest school in the Pasco district — is under construction near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned campus.

Moffitt’s planned development is the centerpiece of Angeline, a massive development, which is expected to attract cancer researchers and life science companies from around the globe.

Angeline’s plans also call for an extensive trail network to promote wellness, the latest in internet connectivity and diverse housing products — from apartments to luxury homes — to provide something for everyone.

Angeline Academy of Innovation is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023. Representatives of the school district and Moffitt have long been engaged in discussions over potential partnerships.

In another action on Dec. 13, the school board approved a contract with the Williams Company Tampa for a guaranteed maximum price of $9,587,997, to cover the construction cost and construction manager fees for the addition of a classroom wing at Starkey Ranch K-8, in Odessa.

The work is expected to be substantially completed by Dec. 11, 2023.

When the school district opened Starkey Ranch K-8 in the fall of 2021, it knew that the development would continue to grow, Chris Williams, director of planning for the school district told The Laker/Lutz News in a previous interview.

But it turned out that in addition to the growth within Starkey Ranch, the magnet school also attracted students who had been attending private schools and charter schools — speeding up the need for expansion, Williams said.

Published December 28, 2022

Chalk Talk 12/28/2022

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(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens named for December
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized nine students as Student Citizens for the month of December. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. These students received the honor: Landon Bevell, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Megan Kelley, The Broach School; Emily Ortiz, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Tristan Geist, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Aaron McClamma, Heritage Academy; Paola Linares, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Taylor Mertz, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Mo-Nayia Carter, Woodland Elementary; and Destini Harden, Zephyrhills High.

Student achievements

  • Isabel Ellison, of Odessa, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Florida Gulf Coast University.
  • Lindsay Ugast, of Wesley Chapel, received a Master of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
  • Kevin Spillane, of Odessa, was named to the fall Dean’s List at Berry College in Rome, Georgia.
(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

Brightening up the holidays
Alexis and Alyssa Mitchell of the GFWC Little Women of Lutz, along with Linda Mitchell and Pam Blumenthal, advisors to the Little Women club, delivered their annual Christmas dinner bags filled with treats and the necessities for a holiday meal, to Kim Torres of Lutz K-8. In addition, the club selected the requested gifts to put under the tree of its Christmas Angel recipient family (a single mom with four children). The Little Women are young ladies, ages 12 to 18, who work community service projects in order to meet requirements for school service hours. For information, call Linda Mitchell at 813-389-2910.

Telemedicine launched
Pasco County Schools is partnering with Premier Community HealthCare to launch “The Hub,” so Premier can provide health services via telemedicine, according to a news release.

The first launch was on Dec. 14 at Gulfside Elementary, with a traditional ribbon-cutting, as well as a tour and a hands-on demonstration of the telemedicine equipment.

The initiative is an innovative and proactive approach to school-based health services that makes health care convenient, accessible and affordable, the release said.

The program was established at Gulfside with plans to expand to several other Pasco County schools.

Parents can make appointments for their student to visit virtually with a health professional while at school. A school nurse will assist in the process.

“This initiative is cutting edge and convenient and will provide tremendous benefit to our students and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release.

“We all know that children learn better when they are healthy, and Premier Community HealthCare is going to help us keep our students healthy without even having to leave campus,” Browning said.

Free STEM boot camp
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host a free STEM Boot Camp for Young Women workshop on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for graduating high school students.

The camp will introduce the participants to science, technology, engineering, math, data analysis, potential careers, and the university.

The special guest at the workshop will be Russell Goodman, sports analytics expert and a professor of mathematics at Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Participants in the boot camp also will explore the university’s anatomage table, cybersecurity lab, and robotics lab, among other activities.

For more information or to RSVP, email Dr. Jacci White at .

School choice opening soon
The Pasco County Schools school choice application window will open on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m., and close on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

At that time, the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

The application window will be for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mark your calendar with these important dates:

  • Pasco Pathways Application Window – Jan. 9 to Jan. 20
  • Notification and Acceptance Window – Feb. 27 to March 8

To learn more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Scholarship applications
There are more than 100 scholarships available for university, college and trade school programs, through the Pasco Education Foundation.

The application window is now open for 2023 high school seniors and will close on Jan. 31.
Interested students should apply at PascoEducationFoundation.org.

Making a splat, in Sunlake

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These students are going to get unruly.

At Sunlake Academy of Math and Science in Lutz, the public charter school has brought in a new learning tool, one that is gaining popularity and proving, through fun and games, to be quite productive and valuable.

Ann Louis, a fourth-grader at Sunlake Academy of Math and Science in Lutz, stomps on an Unruly Splat floor button, making it light up and keep a score on a nearby iPad. Students at the school are using the first STEM learning tool that combines coding with active play, as students code the rules to create games like whack-a-mole, relay races and dance competitions.

“Just sitting down and learning, that can sometimes be boring for them,” Sunlake STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Program teacher Manjiri Jakhadi said. “So, it’s nice to get them something that is pretty engaging and fun. Movement is a big thing for them, but the goal is to get more technology in lessons, and that’s the focus of the school and the STEAM lab.

“Getting them up and moving as a way to learn is working out great so far,” the teacher said.

Sunlake recently invested in Unruly Splats, which are programmable floor buttons students can code to light up, make sounds and collect points when stomped on. Using block-based coding on an iPad, students code the rules to create games such as whack-a-mole, relay races and dance competitions.

Brandy Lee, the school’s EdTech coach, brought in the new “toys” about a month ago and is slowly implementing the 24 splat pads into different classes including math, reading and others.

“At first, it was kind of like, ‘What is this?’ and once I saw how it put them in front of the iPad and using the program, it was pretty cool,” Sunlake fourth-grade teacher Amber Hicks said. “Plus, it gets them out of their seat, gets them moving and that can work better than them just sitting there and reading and trying to get them to comprehend what they are learning.

“They are learning this way 10 times better than the traditional way of learning. This is a whole new way of getting them to learn and engage in the material than they would be just reading it to themselves or out loud to the class,” Hicks said.

For sure, students are having fun.

In fact, Unruly Splats’ goal is “to build ridiculously fun learning tools that empower teachers to incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into any classroom.”

Which is exactly what Lee and Jakhadi are trying to do with STEAM classes at Sunlake Academy.

“We want to expand it across campus and get teachers excited about it,” Lee said. “And it’s really going to be focused on the coding part, but it is so engaging with the students, who are so excited about it and to use the Splats.”

Sunlake Academy of Math and Science STEAM Program teacher Manjiri Jakhadi, right, is surprised to see how well Kaylianis Beltre did while using a program she and her fellow students coded with Unruly Splats and an iPad.

“We just showed it at the last faculty meeting to the teachers and how it can be used for a multitude of lessons,” Jakhadi added. “The students keep experimenting and learning more each time, learning how to improve its usage and the coding each time, so it’s been pretty obvious from the start that it’s been a great learning tool for them and for us.”

Lee added: “And, they pick up on tech very easily! We practiced five to ten times before we got it, but they got it right away, so maybe we should just let them show us how to teach the lesson! (laughs)”

The students appear to be completely engaged when using the new technology, and they’re learning more than coding.

“I think it’s really fun and it’s a good way to cooperate with other kids,” 9-year-old Leila Dehoyos said. “I like being able to jump around and stomp on them. We have learned to code and let other kids take a turn and not get mad.

“We’re learning a lot by working together as a team.”

So, in the end, the students are keeping to the rules of Unruly Splats.

“I like it a lot,” said 9-year-old Hudson Faedo. “We’re learning how to cooperate and take turns, which is important, because if someone didn’t get a turn, you can make sure they get a turn and share (using the splats) with them.

“Plus, we’re learning to code by stomping on them — a lot! — which is pretty cool.”

Unruly Splats
Details: Programmable floor buttons that students code using an iPad or Chromebook to tell Splats when to light up, make sounds, or collect points when stomped on. Using block-based coding, students code the rules to create games like whack-a-mole, relay races and dance competitions.
Info: Visit UnrulySplats.com.

Published December 21, 2022

Pasco Schools to start a few minutes earlier after winter break

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Pasco County Schools is adjusting schedules again — planning to start the school day four minutes earlier each day, once students return to school for the second semester.

The district had planned some cushioning into its schedule, but lost four days due to Hurricane Ian and then lost another one because of Hurricane Nicole.

To make up for instructional time lost because of Hurricane Ian, the district already has scheduled two student makeup days. One will be on Jan. 3 and the other on Feb. 20.

It also has had to convert all of its second-semester Early Release Days into full student contact days.

But it didn’t have any other options left, when it came to making up for time lost because of Hurricane Nicole.

So, the district has decided to make up that time by starting a little bit earlier each day.

The Pasco County School Board approved the revised bell times as part of the board’s consent agenda at its Dec. 13 meeting.

Items on the consent agenda are voted on in a single action, without discussion.

Published December 21, 2022

Chalk Talk 12/21/2022

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Gifting some holiday cheer
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club have been busy delivering Christmas bags  filled with gifts to Lutz, Denham Oaks and Miles elementary schools, as well as two additional schools, to provide extra cheer to selected families who are in need at this time of the year. The woman’s club also  creates holiday projects and makes deliveries to local senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and assisted living facilities, among others. Sabrina Scott and Ellen Brayton are shown as they deliver gift bags to Lutz K-8. For more information on this volunteer organization, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Useful holiday break tips
Saint Leo University professor of pyschology Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli is offering parents these useful “Holiday Break 101” tips, according to a news release:

  • Keep the kids busy. Kids get bored when they are home all day. There are many opportunities for winter break camps related to arts and crafts, music, dance, sports, and more. Local aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks also may offer camps. Visit Fun4TampaKids.com/camps/winter-break-camps/.
  • Start a family tradition. Holiday traditions are important to families, so start one such as baking cookies, volunteering, riding a Christmas train, or starting Elf on a Shelf.
  • Emphasize gratitude. Parents need to start teaching children gratitude at an early age. It can be difficult, but gentle reminders before a party to say “thank you” can be helpful regardless of the child’s age. Parents also can consider donating gifts through a Giving Tree or preparing boxes for Samaritan’s Purse to help children learn the true meaning of the holidays.
  • Prepare relatives for your visit. Children have different personalities and respond to situations in different ways, such as being uncomfortable with hugs. You know your child’s personality and behaviors, so it can be useful to have a conversation with relatives before you arrive.

Second student graduates
Victory High School, the first Recovery High School in the Tampa Bay area, celebrated the graduation of its second student, on Dec. 7.

The student started with Victory High in November 2021 and has graduated with honors at the age of 16.

The graduate had a 96% attendance rate and a GPA of 3.93.

Crisis negotiations course
Saint Leo University’s Center for Alternative Pathway Programs (CAPP) and F1RST, Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics, will offer a Crisis/Hostage Negotiations Course beginning on Jan. 5.

Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Level I is the first in three successive courses that addresses the fundamental tasks of a successful crisis negotiator, to prepare participants to work as part of a coordinated negotiating team, and to handle situations including those involving hostage takers, barricaded subjects, and potential suicide victims.

The course is designed for sworn law enforcement and corrections employees, non-law enforcement members of negotiations teams, and mental health, social work and clergy members who support law enforcement in crisis situations.

It is approved as a full credit basic course toward a 120-hour CSM Certificate of Proficiency.

Crisis Systems Management LLC will present the course on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Jan. 5 through Feb. 2.

For more information, email , or call 877-815-4996.

Free STEM boot camp
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host a free STEM Boot Camp for Young Women workshop on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for graduating high school students.

The camp will introduce the participants to science, technology, engineering, math, data analysis, potential careers, and the university.

The special guest at the workshop will be Russell Goodman, sports analytics expert and a professor of mathematics at Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Participants in the boot camp also will explore the university’s anatomage table, cybersecurity lab, and robotics lab, among other activities.

For more information or to RSVP, email Dr. Jacci White at .

School choice opening soon
The Pasco County Schools school choice application window will open on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m., and close on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

At that time, the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

The application window will be for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mark your calendar with these important dates:

  • Pasco Pathways Application Window – Jan. 9 to Jan. 20
  • Notification and Acceptance Window – Feb. 27 to March 8

To learn more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Scholarship applications
There are more than 100 scholarships available for university, college and trade school programs, through the Pasco Education Foundation.

The application window is now open for 2023 high school seniors and will close on Jan. 31.

Interested students should apply at PascoEducationFoundation.org.

Avalon Applauds Pasco County Schools’ 2023 Outstanding Seniors

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Congratulations to the following students within The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area, who earned the title of 2023 Outstanding Senior for Pasco County Schools, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. To see the full list of Outstanding Seniors and to learn more about their accomplishments, go to tinyurl.com/mrybbhjf.

Jack Carbone, Cypress Creek High School: Highlights include: Scoring 1400 on his SAT; chosen as the district nominee for the U.S. CTE Presidential Scholar; and was the Coyote Engineering Student of the year twice.
Arossa Adhikary, Land O’ Lakes High School: Highlights include: president of LOLHS Student Government; president/historian of Future Business Leaders of America (District XI); and received the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award in 2021.
Myka Wilks, Pasco High School: Highlights include: National Honor Society president; presidential scholarship recipient at Flagler College; honor roll all four years; and completed 100+ service hours.
Frederic Bowen, Sunlake High School: Highlights include: Varsity color guard – rifle solo world champion; and three nominations for the Society for Science and Engineering Fair.
Paapa Kusi, Wesley Chapel High School: Highlights include: African Students Association founder/president; Students for Change co-founder; and National African American Recognition Program Scholar.
Aiden Macumber, Zephyrhills High School: Highlights include: 2022-2023 leader of all ZHS JROTC teams; founding president of ZHS Science National Honor Society chapter; ZHS student mentor; and Boy Scouts patrol member.
Caroline Gordon, Wiregrass Ranch High School: Highlights include: Volunteers at a senior living community; Senior band captain; and member of the 2019 State Champion Award-winning marching band.

Chalk Talk 12/14/2022

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Sunlake High School is now home to a squadron of Civil Air Patrol cadets. The unit was activated during a Dec. 6 ceremony. (Mike Camunas)

Civil Air Patrol activated at Sunlake
Following two postponements due to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, Sunlake High School is officially home to Florida’s high school-based squadron of Civil Air Patrol cadets. The unit was activated during a formal ceremony on Dec. 6.

The Civil Air Patrol first-time in-residence course is part of the aerospace program. Sunlake is now the Pasco School District’s Magnet Aviation Academy, which allows students to become pilots before graduating high school.

Students from 23 area high schools can attend the academy, and are dual-enrolled in Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning college credit while in the Aerospace Magnet Academy at Sunlake.

“We are extremely proud we are now able to celebrate this historic moment and the work that so many at Sunlake and within the Florida Wing have done to make this happen,” said Capt. Mark Aragon, Sunlake squadron unit commander, in a news release.

“With this activation, the cadets will learn aerospace, emergency services, military training and character development while working toward an aviation career,” said Aragon.

U.S. Air Force and other military personnel attended the unit activation ceremony.

Awards of excellence
Pasco County Schools has been honored with two prestigious awards for dedication to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

The first award designates Pasco County Schools as a System of Distinction, making Pasco County Schools one of 38 systems globally to receive this designation from Cognia, the accrediting organization recognized around the world for its high standards and rigorous accreditation process, according to a news release.

“Each of these systems demonstrated evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning,” said Dr. Mark Elgart, Cognia CEO, in the release.

The second award is the Values-Driven Award of Excellence. This is a state-level award presented in each state to one education organization that systematically models Cognia’s values through its day-to-day efforts to improve student achievement.

The Cognia values include: Dream Big; Stand for the Learner; Be Bold and Daring; Drive Potential; Be Tenacious; and Build Connections.

“This is extremely gratifying to receive this recognition on the state level and on the international level,” said Pasco Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release. “It supports our efforts to provide a world class education to all our students.”

Superintendent Browning was recognized during the annual Cognia Impact Conference Excellence in Education Award Ceremony on Dec. 6.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Unification garners school recognitions
Starkey Ranch K-8 and Cypress Creek High School both received national banner recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for demonstrating commitment to inclusion through meeting 10 standards of excellence. Starkey and Cypress Creek are two out of only 13 Florida schools to receive the honor.

School choice opening soon
The Pasco County Schools school choice application window will open on Jan. 9 at 8 a.m., and close on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

At that time, the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

The application window will be for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Angeline Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mark your calendar with these important dates:

Pasco Pathways Application Window – Jan. 9 to Jan. 20

Notification and Acceptance Window – Feb. 27 to March 8

To see more about Pasco Pathways and school choice, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.

Chalk Talk 12/07/2022

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Rabbi A. James Rudin, right, receives the medal of the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory from Bishop Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Rabbi honored decades of work
Rabbi A. James Rudin on Nov. 20 became only the third American rabbi in history to be honored with the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Gregory for his work in interfaith relations, according to a news release.

Bishop Mark O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, conducted the investiture ceremony at Saint Leo University on behalf of Pope Francis, in recognition of Rudin’s decades of work in building positive Catholic-Jewish relations throughout the world, fostering interreligious dialogue and understanding, the release said.

Rudin is one of the co-founders of Saint Leo’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies and is the American Jewish Committee’s senior interreligious adviser. He also is a distinguished professor of religion and Judaica at Saint Leo.

Teddy bear campaign
For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for use by the Tampa Police Department. As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles in order to provide comfort to children in stressful situations.

In addition to the Education Center, the university community also is helping with the effort, and the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service, and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County are assisting.

Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13.

Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Those interested in participating can drop off items at these locations (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs):

  • Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center, University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
  • Student Activities Building at University Campus
  • Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus
  • Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus

“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center, in a news release.

“These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time,” said Kirkwood.

Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help to soothe children (and adults), the release said.

For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at or 813-226-2777.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Newly configured school board
The District School Board of Pasco County has elected Megan Harding as the board chair and Alison Crumbley as vice chair, for the coming year. Board members Cynthia Armstrong and Harding were sworn in following their reelections, alongside newly elected school board member Al Hernandez. Hernandez succeeds District 1 board member Allen Altman who did not seek reelection. From left: Colleen Beaudoin, Megan Harding, Alison Crumbley, Cynthia Armstrong and Al Hernandez.

Millions invested for school meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food and Nutrition Service launched a new and innovative initiative for healthier school meals through a $50 million grant opportunity that will support collaboration with the food industry to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for students, according to a news release.

“School meals programs are on the frontline of providing critical nutrition to millions of children,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, in the release.

“USDA is committed to supporting these programs holistically, and that includes strengthening the entire food supply chain that sustains them. These grants are intended to spark innovation in the school food marketplac and build a more equitable and resilient food system that serves all children well,” said Dean.

Up to four non-governmental organizations will be selected by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to manage funds for the School Food System Transformation Challenge.

These organizations will award competitive grants to support and enhance the food supply chain for K-12 schools.

Grantees may include food producers, suppliers, and distributors; school districts; and community partners.

The request for application is open through Feb. 1.

For more information, visit FNS.usda.gov/cnp/healthy-meals-incentives.

Apprenticeship program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is expanding its apartment maintenance technician apprenticeship program beginning on Jan. 9, to include course offerings at its Spring Hill campus.

The expansion helps bolster PHSC’s continued efforts toward increasing opportunities for students seeking nontraditional learning experiences through workforce certification.

The 12-month program includes 183 hours of classroom instruction relating to the technical skills needed, while concurrently placing the apprentices with a leading apartment property management team in the area, where they complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.

Students can expect to earn their OSHA 10, HVAC EPA 608, HVAC EPA General, and certified apartment maintenance technician certifications, as well as a certificate of completion from PHSC.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive job placement assistance to fill industry vacancies as full-time apartment maintenance technicians.

For more information on the program and to apply, visit PHSC.edu/apprenticeships, or contact the Workforce Development/Career & Job Training department at 727-816-3123 or .

Band program headed to D.C.
The Pasco High School Band Program, under the direction of Kyle Spence, is set to head to Washington D.C., from May 25 to May 30, to perform in the National Memorial Day Parade.

The “Marching Band of Pirates” also are scheduled to perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and will visit the Smithsonian Museums and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at the World War II Memorial and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

If you would like to donate to the band’s trip, visit PHS.pasco.k12.fl.us/dc-page/. A schedule of the trip also is on the website.

Chalk Talk 11/30/2022

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(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student citizens recognized
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized eight students as Student Citizens of the Month for November. The students were chosen for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. These students were honored: Joshua Narankevicius, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Eliza Taylor, The Broach School; Annlee Holcomb, Chester Taylor Elementary; Santiago Sanchez-Mesa, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Adelie Jividen, Heritage Academy; McKayla Oberman, Raymond Stewart Middle; Jaxon Smith, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; and Laila Woolfolk, Zephyrhills High.

Open-Door Grant Program
The Florida Department of Education has awarded Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) $306,644 in funding through the Open-Door Grant Program, which continues to Sept. 30, 2023, according to a news release.

The grant supports credentialing for students completing short-term and technical education courses.

The program aims to increase the skilled and available workforce throughout the state.

With support from the grant, PHSC can better assist future workforce candidates through increased accessibility to obtain certificates for the high-demand fields.

The continuing workforce education department at PHSC currently offers rapid credentialing options for several certifications in the fields of information technology, engineering and manufacturing.

For more information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training.

To apply for a scholarship, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training/scholarship.

Tampa director Rod Kirkwood and adjunct faculty member, Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw and Interim Chief Ruben Delgado collect donations during the 2021 Teddy Bears for TPD campaign. (Courtesy of Mary McCoy, Saint Leo University)

Teddy bear campaign
For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for use by the Tampa Police Department. As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles in order to provide comfort to children in stressful situations.

In addition to the Education Center, the university community also is helping with the effort, and the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service, and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County are assisting.

Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13.

Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Those interested in participating can drop off items at these locations (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs):

  • Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center, University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
  • Student Activities Building at University Campus
  • Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus
  • Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus

“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center, in a news release.

“These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time,” said Kirkwood.

Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help to soothe children (and adults), the release said.

For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at or 813-226-2777.

Spring registration open
New and returning students can now register for Spring 2023 at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Classes begin on Jan. 9 at all campus and satellite locations, and online.

HCC offers flexible class schedules and course delivery options that allow students to study at their own pace without compromising their work or family obligations.

Options include:

  • On-campus, with face-to-face instruction and scheduled class meetings at one of five campuses or satellite locations.
  • Hybrid courses combine in-person and online delivery.
  • Simulcast courses combine online videoconferencing and an on-campus component.
  • Online, with no mandatory live class meetings. Instructor communication and feedback is through Canvas.
  • Flexible-start courses that begin at various times throughout the semester, including one 12-week session, one 10-week session, one eight-week session, and three five-week sessions.

HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For more information, visit HCCfl.edu.