The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

PHSC: 50 years of building brighter futures

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Pasco-Hernando State College grew out of humble origins.

“We were known as ‘College without Walls,’” said Dr. Timothy Beard, the college’s current president. “We didn’t have a building. All we had, for the most part, was a dream and an idea.

The Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, also known as IPAC, has a unique design. The center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, is a teaching facility but also a venue for community events and performances. (FILE)

“They would have classes with whoever would have us, whether it was a storefront. We would recruit in the back alleys,” he said.

“We were the last of the Great 28,” Beard added, referring to Florida’s system of 28 community colleges.

Dr. Robert Judson — the man who would become the college’s second president and the first black college president in Florida College System— was involved in those early days, as a teacher and as a recruiter.

Over the years, Pasco-Hernando Community College transitioned to Pasco-Hernando State College. It has added campuses, increased staff, expanded programs, and continues to grow and evolve.

The college now has about 100 career program options and offers two bachelor’s programs, associate’s diplomas and various certifications.

In the early days, the college had strong ties with the faith communities in Pasco and Hernando counties, helping it to attract students, Beard said.

In recent years, it has revived relationships with faith-based institutions.

“About five years ago, maybe six, we started a program called LIFE, that’s an acronym for Linking in Faith and Education. That program really took off overnight.

“The idea was to allow the faith-based institutions to assist us in educating our community.

“Because word got out about our success, we also started to include partners in the healthcare area. A number of healthcare agencies got involved,” the college president said.

Jamal Roberts became the first student to gradu- ate from Pasco-Hernando State College with a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management. He took advantage of one of PHSC’s two four-year programs. Roberts received his diploma from Dr. Timothy Beard, the college’s president, in December 2015. (FILE)

For instance, BayCare and AdventHealth both provide scholarships to nursing students who are willing to work in the community after they graduate, he said.

The college also collaborates with the Pasco and Hernando public school districts.

In addition to dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits, PHSC also has been involved in partnerships on construction projects.

In Pasco County, for instance, the school district donated the site where the Instructional Performing Arts Center was built, at 8657 Old Pasco Road. It shares a campus with Cypress Creek High and Cypress Creek Middle in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco students also can take advantage of IPAC programs and facilities.

In Hernando County, PHSC has been involved in a partnership for a project known as the Corporate College.

“We’re in the process of building a Corporate College, out of a partnership with Hernando County Schools, as well as the county administration there,” Beard said.

Meanwhile the college continues to add facilities to its existing campuses.

The college received a state allocation of around $25 million to construct the STEM Student Success and Community Engagement Center on its East Campus, in Dade City.

The design work is happening now, with actual construction expected to begin in January and the project’s completion slated for early 2024, Beard said.

The 51,000-square-foot building will have an auditorium, house various student services and academic support programs and have a STEM center, he said.

The college also is adding a new Fire Academy Center to train firefighters, also at the East Campus, Beard said.

A spacious music studio gives music director, Justin Baggett plenty of room for students. Here, he leads a student quintet practicing a piece by Mozart.

Over the years, the college has hosted public speakers, local events, summits and other activities to share its facilities with the broader community.

And now, as it commemorates its golden anniversary this academic year, it is inviting the public to join in the celebration.

Festivities kick off on Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City. It’s fitting to begin there because the college has its roots in East Pasco, Beard said.

The college president also said there’s good cause for celebration.

“I am so proud of this institution and its history, and those in the community that have supported us, as a college,” Beard said. “It has been a gem in our community that has made the difference and transformed the lives of so many students.”

50th ANNIVERSARY FESTIVITIES
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has scheduled several celebration to mark the college’s golden anniversary year. (Note: Any prospective student filling out an application on a campus during the anniversary festivities will have the application fee waived.)

Here are the scheduled events:

  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City. This event, during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture. Guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture, and there will be entertainment, family activities and food.
  • Nov. 5, 10 .m. to 2 p.m., in the Quad at PHSC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, in New Port Richey: This event will have a fall festival vibe with music from DJ Jose Nix, a photobooth, activities, food, treats, goodie bags for children, and a casual mile-long walk on the tree-lined trail circling the campus.
  • Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. View an exhibit of Florida Highwaymen Painters’ collection and learn about the Florida Community Colleges. There will be food, children’s activities and more. This event coincides with Black History Month and will highlight African-American medical innovations.
  • Feb. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Take tours of the theater, dance, music and digital design programs and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment. The University of South Florida Jazz Under The Starz will pay tribute to Florida’s African-American entertainers and Tampa’s famous Jackson House entertainers. Light refreshments will be served.
  • March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PHSC North Campus, 11415 Ponce De Leon Blvd, in Brooksville. A carnival setting featuring “fair food,” a bounce house, games, prizes and music make this event family-friendly. This event coincides with Women’s History Month and will feature a panel discussion on the countless contributions made by courageous women throughout the ages.
  • April 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PHSC Spring Hill campus, at 450 Beverly Court. There will be entertainment by local theater and dance groups, campus tours, tours of student art exhibit and the butterfly garden and presentations about Florida sustainability and gardening. Free native Florida plant seeds will be distributed.

A few key milestones
1972: Pasco-Hernando Community Colleges opents. It becomes the last of Florida’s system of 28 community colleges
1972: Milton Jones is named the college’s first president
2014: College opens Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, on land donated by the Porter family
2014: Pasco-Hernando Community College transitions to Pasco-Hernando State College. It also adds two four-year bachelor’s degree programs
2021: The Instructional Performing Arts Center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road, begins operation on the campus of Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle, in Wesley Chapel.
2022: College breaks ground for its new STEM Center for Student Success and Community on its East Campus, in Dade City

BY THE NUMBERS
4: Presidents during the college’s history (Milton Jones, 1972 to 1994; Robert Judson Jr., 1994 to 2005; Katherine Johnson, 2005 to 2015; and, Timothy Beard, 2015 to present)
6: Campus locations: New Port Richey, Dade City, Spring Hill, Brooksville and two in Wesley Chapel (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch and Instructional Performing Arts Center)
$450 million: Contributed to the regional economy annually
100-plus: Degrees and certifications offered
1.000: Approximate number of full-time, part-time and adjuncts
14,000-plus: Students served annually
60,000: Number of diplomas and certifications awarded since the college’s inception

Source: Pasco-Hernando State College

Published September 14, 2022

Chalk Talk 09/14/2022

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Decades of education support

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated a mountain of school supplies to three local schools — Lutz Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary and Miles Elementary — to help both stu- dents and teachers. The woman’s club has been supporting local schools and libraries since its inception in 1960. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

 

 

(Courtesy of Andy Taylor)

Alumni association wins award

The Pasco Chapter of the USF (University of South Florida) Alumni Association was honored with an Excellence in Fundraising Award by the USF Alumni Association. The chapter was recognized for its creativity in a scholarship fundraising campaign called Gimme Five, which encourages all alumni to give $5 to the fund. The Pasco Chapter leadership team of Andy Taylor and Bobby Smith, left, accept the award from USF Alumni Association Board Chairman Braulio Colon. To learn more about the Pasco Chapter, visit Facebook.com/USFPasco.

 

Pasco Schools hiring event
Pasco County Schools will host two non-instructional hiring events, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.:

  • Sept. 14, at Land O’ Lakes (District Office-Building 2)
  • Sept. 15, at Wesley Chapel High School

Those interested can meet hiring managers from district departments. Job opportunities include instructional assistants, bus drivers, food service, and custodians. Starting pay is $15 an hour, with the potential to make more based on years of experience. Register at EventBrite.com.

Technical school recognized
Wendell Krinn Technical High School in New Port Richey has been recognized as a Nationally Certified Demonstration Magnet School by Magnet Schools of America, according to a news release.

Nationally certified magnet schools provide high-quality, innovative educational options to families and students that promote choice, diversity, and academic excellence.

Magnet Schools of America created the national certification process to recognize the nation’s exemplary magnet schools (which offer specialized courses in themes designed to attract students from outside of traditional school boundaries) and to help them continue providing high-quality magnet programs.

Wendell Krinn provides access to 14 in-demand career and technical education programs, including auto service, biomedical sciences, commercial art, computer systems, pharmacy tech, cybersecurity, digital cinema, electricity, HVAC, robotics, welding and more.

Goddard School opens
The Goddard School, a childhood education franchise, has opened its first location in Land O’ Lakes, at 16718 Balance Cove, and is owned by a local family, according to a news release.

The play-based learning experience offered at the school uses the most current, academically endorsed methods in early childhood education so children can explore, learn and discover through different subjects and enrichement classes.

Children also can learn to communicate using sign language, as well as practice yoga and mindfulness.

The school features a 10,700-square-foot early education center with an indoor gym, as well as two outdoor playgrounds. Ten classrooms can provide care and education for about 160 children from infants to prekindergarteners.

For more information, visit GoddardSchool.com.

Discovery Crew contest
AAA – The Auto Club Group is bringing back its contest for eighth-graders, and the winners will be taken on a weeklong educational river cruise in Europe (March 12 to March 19, 2023).

There is no cost to enter the contest, and the prize includes the cruise, airfare, travel insurance and money for passports (for the student and a parent or guardian).

The “Discovery Crew” contest runs to Sept. 23.

Students must be at least 13 years old (at the start of the contest); be entering the eighth grade and in good standing; be willing to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of the cruise; and reside in select states (visit AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew to confirm eligibility).

Winners will be selected on a creative selfie that showcases their passion for travel, and their answers to three essay questions about travel.

Winning students will bring one parent or legal guardian to serve as a chaperone, and each pair will share a cabin while sailing on the AmaWaterways “AmaLucia” ship.

Winners will be notified in October.

For official rules, prize descriptions, and eligible zip codes, visit AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew.

Early release dates for Pasco
Pasco County Schools is utilizing a monthly, two-hour early release time again this year, to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities, according to a news release.

Scheduled early release days for the 2022-2023 school year are: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 8 and April 12.

On each of these days, students will be release two hours early. The bell times and early release times for each school, can be found at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Student achievements

  • Kali Anderson, Lutz: Master of Science, The University of Alabama
  • Jennifer Nalley, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Amanda Pollard, Lutz: Master of Science in Nursing, The University of Alabama
  • Masum Rahman, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Michael Selfe, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
  • Victory High School in New Port Richey has announced that two of its students have almost perfect attendance and have passed seven classes between the two of them. The school has an incentive program for its students to earn a $25 gift card for each class they pass.

Solving school discipline issues a ‘sticky wicket,’ superintendent says

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The Pasco County public school district continues to search for an effective way to handle discipline problems. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

It’s not a new problem, but as the 2022-2023 school year gets underway, the Pasco County public school district continues to search for an effective way to handle discipline problems — particularly at the elementary school level.

The issue came up during the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 30 meeting.

Board member Megan Harding raised concerns about school teachers not feeling the support they need form the school district, when students create disruptions.

Harding said she’d heard from teachers who didn’t understand how the district’s No Tolerance Behavior Plan applies to elementary schools.

Pasco County School Board member Megan Harding wants to be sure that the school district has the backs of elementary teachers when it comes to disciplining students who disrupt their classrooms. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“I think that there’s not a lot of clear expectations on what that looks like,” Harding said. “When I’m asked that, I don’t really know what that looks like in elementary.

“They (elementary school teachers) don’t understand what that looks like and that the district has their back. I honestly can’t blame them for their frustration,” Harding said.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning told the school board: “That is a sticky wicket.

“We continue, as a staff, to work on the discipline issue and how we address elementary kids.”

The district has a plan for its secondary students. In serious cases, it can remove students from a regular school campus and the student can attend an alternative school.

It doesn’t have that option for elementary school students.

However, there are a small number of elementary school students who create havoc on school campuses, committing what the district defines as Level Two and Level Three offenses.

According to the district’s Student Code of Conduct, examples of Level Two offenses include:  disruptive behavior, physical aggression, lying to a staff member, cheating, fighting, leaving a class or school grounds without permission, defacing property, gambling, and showing gang signals.

Examples of Level Three offenses include fighting that results in injuries; physical attack; using, selling or distributing controlled substances; bomb threat; false fire alarm; extortion, robbery; sexual harassment; theft of property; possession of dangerous objects (box cutters, pocket knives, look-alike weapons, etc.); major disruption on campus; and, sexual contact.

Both levels contain a longer list of offenses.

At the Aug. 30 school board meeting, Browning said there are instances, “where you have kids that are literally beating kids to the ground, bloodying them up and causing them to have to go the hospital because of the injuries they’ve caused. That’s the Level Twos and Level Threes, I’m talking about.

“The last thing I want to do is expel kids from school,” the superintendent said.

“I don’t want to expel kids, but I also want to make sure that the other 24 or 26, 28 kids in the classroom that aren’t fighting, have an opportunity to get an education. That’s what I want.

“That’s what we, as a school district, have a responsibility to ensure,” Browning said.

While the numbers of offenders are low, their impact can be sizable, he added.

“They will disrupt and create chaos either in a classroom, or across an entire school campus,” Browning said.

Harding said there are situations “where our teachers feel they are not being supported.”

“I have been in classrooms where there’s chaos going on, not because there’s any fault of the teacher, but because there are a few students that aren’t making good choices and they are being Level Two, and the teacher isn’t feeling any of that support.

“The learning is being impeded by other students. So, we do, at some point, need to be sure there are consequences for that,” Harding said.

She also cited an instance she’d reported involving a teacher who had been bitten.

“Our elementary teachers need that support just as much as our secondary teachers,” Harding said.

Browning responded: “And, I would agree. The one particular case that you are referring to, I have inserted myself in … I have spoken to the principal.

“I don’t buy the premise that the teacher should not feel supported. When the superintendent gets involved with something, that should send a pretty strong message,” he said.

“We continue to work on the discipline issues in this district. They are out of control. Not just in this district, but across the state of Florida, and quite honestly, across the United States,” Browning said.

“Ms. Harding, you have my word, you have my assurance that we will continue to work on the discipline issues,” Browning said.

While pledging to work on the issue, Browning noted that the problem of disruptive behavior begins long before students arrive on campus and extends far beyond the classroom walls.

“I will say this, until I walk out the door, and that is, ‘Parents have a responsibility to have discussions with their kids about what appropriate behavior is, in schools.’

“We’ve got to partner with them. They’ve got to set those expectations at home, so that they know when they come into school, what those expectations look like and what they need to do in a civilized society — and that is, behave.

Superintendent Kurt Browning said his staff continues to work on ways to deal with the challenges of disciplinary problems in elementary schools. (File)

Superintendent’s message to parents
Superintendent Kurt Browning reminded parents they “play a crucial role in promoting safety on our school campuses,” in a letter he wrote that’s included in the school district’s Student Code of Conduct for the 2022-2023 school year.

The superintendent’s letter says: “Preventing bullying and harassment is vital to establishing the safe, caring, respectful environment necessary for teachers to teach and students to learn. Please review with your student the definitions of bullying and the different types of harassment, as well as the consequences students could face if it is proven that they have engaged in such behavior.

“I want to eliminate uncivilized, disrespectful behavior in our schools, but I need your help to make sure students understand that the schools will not tolerate bullying, harassment or uncivilized behavior.

“We also need your help reinforcing with your student the consequences they face if they make a threat against a school. This issue is an increasing problem with more students on social media.

“Threatening violence against a school is never a joke; it always is taken seriously, and the consequences could include felony charges and expulsion from school. A new Florida law that went into effect on Oct. 1, 2016, makes threatening violence with a firearm a second degree felony.”

Published September 07, 2022

Passage of Pasco school tax is a very big deal, district leaders say

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When someone writes the history of Pasco County Schools, the date Aug. 23, 2022, likely will be remembered.

That’s the day that Pasco County voters approved a referendum allowing up to a 1-mil increase in annual property taxes to pay for wage increases, to recruit and retain non-administrative personnel who work for Pasco County Schools.

For Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), the voters’ decision marked the culmination of five years of pursuing an additional source of revenue to support employee pay.

The union leader characterized the tax initiative’s passage as “probably the biggest thing to happen to Pasco County public education in the last 20 years.”

These students are making their way to the first day of classes at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. A new tax passed by Pasco County voters is intended to support the district’s educational efforts for students like these, by providing increased revenues to pay for higher wages for teachers, bus drivers, kitchen workers and other non-administrative personnel. (File)

Peace also expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make it happen, during remarks he made at the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 30 meeting.

He thanked the community for voting yes. He thanked Superintendent Kurt Browning and the school board for getting the initiative on the ballot.

The USEP president also thanked Lift Up Pasco, a group of retired district employees, as well as employees who volunteered their own time, to help generate support for the tax.

Peace singled out Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and former state Sen. John Legg, who provided written support for the cause.

“FEA (the Florida Education Association) and Stephanie Kunkel are also to be commended, as they worked to get information out to voters, through mailers,” Peace said.

In essence, the union leader thanked anyone who had anything to do with approval of the new tax.

Browning also characterized the Aug. 23 Primary Election Day as “a great day for the Pasco district.

“It is a game-changer,” Browning said.

The superintendent said the reelection of school board incumbents Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding, as well as the approval of the millage referendum, “sent a strong message that our parents are happy with the direction that this district is moving.

“I think they (voters) want to support our teachers, and I think, most importantly, they want to support our students.

“This was a huge thing for us because what it’s going to do is it’s going to put us at even, if not above, our neighbors to the south, when it comes to pay,” Browning said.

The superintendent also noted there’s already been an increase in the number of applicants wanting to work in the Pasco district.

“I think it’s just the beginning of things to come.” Browning said.

While delighted by the outcome, Browning added: “We need to be accountable. We need to be transparent and we need to do what we said we were going to do with those dollars. And, we will do just that.”

The school district leader also thanked the union for its involvement on the tax issue and thanked the school board “for having the courage to place that issue on the ballot.”

School board members expressed gratitude, too.

“I’m so thankful for the community voting yes for our students and for all of the support we had on that issue. That was just a big win for our district,” said Cynthia Armstrong, the board’s chairwoman.

Board member Megan Harding put it this way: “On Aug. 23, you voted yes for our Pasco County students because you believe in public education.

“I truly believe this is going to help us retain our teachers and staff, and recruit teachers and staff to help us be competitive with our surrounding counties.

“Our students deserve to have certified teachers in front of them, teaching them.

“Our teachers and staff deserve to be compensated appropriately for all of their hard work, they do every single day.

“Good schools are created when you have certified teachers teaching our amazing students, and when you have good schools, communities thrive,” Harding said.

Like the others, she voiced appreciation for the work done by Lift Up Pasco, USEP members and district volunteers to support passage of the tax.

Harding praised the efforts of board colleague Colleen Beaudoin, in particular. “She worked really, really, really hard on that, so thank you Miss Beaudoin for all of your support.”

Beaudoin, for her part, began by thanking the Pasco community.

Beaudoin was a fierce advocate for the referendum, reasoning the district had no other way to provide the pay necessary to recruit and retain employees.

“Our students deserve to have high-quality, certified teachers in front of them. This referendum, in addition to our commitment to permanent salary increases, will go a long way toward Pasco County school employees being the best-paid district in the area,” Beaudoin said, during the board’s Aug. 30 meeting.

She, too, expressed appreciation for everyone who pitched in.

“The additional income will be significant for our employees, but I must also say that knowing that the majority of the community supports public education and our educators and staff is a big morale boost to our team.

“I know that this was a big ask for our community in difficult economic times, and I appreciate our voters supporting our schools.

“This is a big win for Pasco students,” Beaudoin said.

Published September 07, 2022

School board urges more sidewalks

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Conversations had already been happening between Pasco County Schools and Pasco County government about the need for the county to build more sidewalks — but school board members want to ratchet up the urgency level.

They agreed during their Aug. 30 meeting to send a letter to the Pasco County Commission asking that sidewalks to be made a priority.

The issue has become more pressing because the school district has dropped “courtesy” bus rides this year for sixth- through 12th-graders who live within 2 miles of school.

A bus arrives on the first day of school at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. While this bus arrived on time, the school district continues to struggle with late buses because of a shortage of bus drivers. (File)

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said the district was forced to take that action because of a shortage of bus drivers and increasing enrollment.

Last year, the district changed its school start and end times, in a shift aimed at getting students to school and home on time.

Browning characterized that as “an extreme step” but said he hoped it would result in students arriving to school and at home on time.

It helped, but did not solve the problem, he said.

“The second initiative we put in place was the elimination of courtesy ridership for secondary schools for this school year.

“This, too, was an extreme step to take, but one that was necessary,” Browning said.

He said he’s received emails from parents who are asking that empty seats on buses be filed by courtesy riders.

But the superintendent said exceptions cannot be made because that would lead to inequities in the district.

He also told the board that district buses are more filled than ever before.

“We’ve eliminated (more than) 100 routes from the beginning of last year, despite the growth that this district has seen. We continue to combine routes this school year to adjust to the numbers of students that we’re required to transport, and we do not have enough drivers to get this work done today.

“At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, we had 436 bus routes. Today, we have 333 bus routes. We’ve grown by approximately 6,000 students in that time,” Browning said.

The Pasco County School Board is urging the Pasco County Commission to put a higher priority of building new sidewalks. Many sixth- through 12th-graders who live within 2 miles of school must walk to school now because the school district dropped its ‘courtesy’ bus rides for secondary students. (Mike Camunas)

Parents have raised safety concerns about their children having to walk to school on streets without sidewalks or lighting.

But Browning is holding firm: “The elimination of courtesy riders for secondary schools will remain in effect.”

Even with the steps the districts has taken, there are still late buses, Browning said.

He attributes that to the district’s 57 driver vacancies.

“I think it goes without saying that our transportation staff is working many, many hours, addressing the issues of parents and students,” Browning said.

School board member Megan Harding said she wants to know how many seats on the bus are vacant.

“I would like some kind of count. We make our decisions based on data, so I think I have the right to have some of that data.

“I believe there are empty seats. You talk about equity and you talk about fairness. It’s not fair if we have empty seats on the bus and we have kids that are walking an hour in the dark to school,” Harding said.

Browning told her the district has rosters of students assigned to buses, but doesn’t keep a running count of how many seats are occupied.

School board chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong noted that parents of students who qualify sign up their children for buses and are entitled to that bus service, whether they use it or not.

In some cases, parents transport their children on most days of the week, but occasionally use the bus, when they’re not able to take the child to school.

Harding said she understands the district is in a crisis, relating to the bus driver shortages, but she added, at the same time: “I do have families reaching out to me, still daily, about their children waiting an hour at their bus stop because the bus is late.”

She said she’s personally written the Pasco County Commission, but asked if the board would support sending a letter, too, which it did.

“I feel that they’re dragging their feet and it’s a huge safety issue,” Harding said.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd said, “I think in the coming months, we’re going to have some commission members who are going to take up the charge for us on sidewalks.

“I think they’re sympathetic toward our cause.”

Meanwhile, Armstrong suggested parents may want to consider the old-school approach of carpooling.

With the availability of today’s social media tools, it might be easier to organize a carpool than it was in the past, Armstrong noted.

Published September 07, 2022

Chalk Talk 09/07/2022

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The GoldRush Dancers welcome students and families to check-in, in the university’s parking garage. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Classes begin at Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University welcomed new students to its campus in Pasco County with two move-in days for new and transfer students.

Incoming students and their families were greeted by volunteers, including faculty, staff, coaches and students, and received keys to their residence halls and information packets.

Saint Leo kicked off the new school year with on-campus classes that started on Aug. 30.

Here are some quick reference stats from move-in day, according to a news release:

  • New students: 988 registered
  • Where they come from: 59% are from Florida; 24% from out of state; and 17% are international students
  • First time college students: 85%; transfer students, 15%
  • Students living on campus: 709; students commuting, 279
  • Top major: biology: biomedical and health sciences
  • Top 10 countries: Bahamas, India, Canada, Jamaica, Brazil, France, Honduras, Morocco, Argentina and Colombia

Early release dates for Pasco
Pasco County Schools is utilizing a monthly, two-hour early release time again this year, to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities, according to a news release.

Early release days for the 2022-2023 school year are: Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 8 and April 12.

On each of these days, students will be release two hours early. The bell times and early release times for each school, can be found at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Affordable college
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has made the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency List for Lowest Net Price and Lowest Tuition, according to a news release.

Net price is the cost of attendance minus grant and scholarship aid. Tuition reports include tuition and required fees.

“PHSC is proud to be recognized as among the most affordable colleges in the nation,” said PHSC President Timothy Beard in the release.

“We have worked diligently to keep tuition and fees low without compromising the quality of instruction, facilities or support services. PHSC is committed to our open-door policy — to provide our district with accessible, affordable, high quality higher education and workforce training,” said Beard.

PHSC has not raised tuition since the 2012-2013 academic year, the release said.

The school now serves more than 14,000 students annually and has conferred approximately 57,000 degrees and certificates.

More than 60% of PHSC students receive some form of financial aid each year.

The PHSC Financial Aid Office provides information and advisement about federal, state and instutitional aid programs, as well as local scholarships to help students achieve educational goals.

PHSC currently is enrolling and registering students for the fall 2022 term.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden anniversary year officially began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.

Discovery Crew contest
AAA – The Auto Club Group is bringing back its contest for eighth-graders, and the winners will be taken on a weeklong educational river cruise in Europe (March 12 to March 19, 2023).

There is no cost to enter the contest, and the prize includes the cruise, airfare, travel insurance and money for passports (for the student and a parent or guardian).

The “Discovery Crew” contest began on Aug. 23 and runs to Sept. 23.

Students must be at least 13 years old (at the start of the contest); be entering the eighth grade and in good standing; be willing to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of the cruise; and reside in select states (visit AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew to confirm eligibility).

Winners will be selected on a creative selfie that showcases their passion for travel, and their answers to three essay questions about travel.

Voters approve school tax in Pasco, reject it in Hillsborough

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A ballot initiative by the Pasco County School Board was approved, with 58.66% of the total 94,230 voters who weighed in on the issue.

After the vote, in a video, Superintendent Kurt Browning assured voters “that every penny that is raised as a result of this referendum will go to improve non-administrative salaries for teachers, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, maintenance workers and many, many more.”

A similar ballot initiative in Hillsborough County failed, by the thinnest of margins.

In Hillsborough, 111,076 voters cast “no” ballots, while 110,486 voted “yes.” The end result was a difference of 590 votes, or 0.26% difference in the total.

Voting on the issue was so close in Hillsborough, it triggered an automatic machine recount of the ballots. In the end, though, the negative outcome remained the same.

Prior to that recount, Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis addressed the issue on his blog, which is posted on the Hillsborough public school district’s website.

Davis wrote: “If the unofficial results stand, it will not change our efforts as we fight to increase education funding for students and staff. The following facts remain:

  • We are facing an alarming teacher shortage due in part to salary levels.
  • Florida is ranked near the bottom in education funding nationally.
  • Hillsborough County is ranked 45th in state and local per-pupil funding.
  • Twenty-three Florida school districts – many bordering Hillsborough County – now have an additional millage allowing them to enhance compensation packages for teachers, administrators, and support staff.”

Davis added: “Please know we will be back in 2024 to ask the board to place a millage referendum on the ballot, asking voters for additional funding to further support education. As the seventh-largest district in the nation, we must do everything possible to inform our community on how education is funded in Florida and push lawmakers to help us create the best educational system for our children.”

Pasco County voters were urged to support a referendum intended to approve higher property taxes to support higher salaries for Pasco public school teachers, bus drivers, kitchen workers and other non-administrative personnel in the district. The ballot initiative passed. (Mike Camunas)

Meanwhile, in Pasco, on Aug. 24 — the day after the Primary Election — Pasco Schools Superintendent Browning issued a video expressing gratitude for the voters’ support.

Browning characterized approval of the ballot initiative as “a wise investment in our schools, our employees and our students.

“It’s an investment in the future of our community,” Browning continued. “It will enable us to be more competitive with surrounding school districts so we can recruit, retain, the best employees and make good on our promise to provide a world-class education. As superintendent of schools, I have to tell you that it is gratifying to see this kind of support from our community.

“Community support is essential to our success,” the superintendent said.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), played a key role in persuading school board members to place the measure on the ballot.

On a motion by Colleen Beaudoin and a second by Alison Crumbley, the board voted unanimously in April, to pursue up to a 1-mil tax. The additional tax will begin July 1, 2023 and end no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers, and other non-administrative school support employees.

An oversight committee will be appointed to ensure that the revenues are properly spent, Browning previously announced.

Much like the Hillsborough school district, Pasco has hundreds of vacancies in the district, for a wide variety of jobs.

After Pasco voters approved the referendum, USEP president Peace shared his thoughts on the initiative’s passage in a posting on the union’s website.

Due to the referendum’s success, Peace wrote, “Pasco County will now be able to negotiate competitive salaries for our employees and keep the high-quality educators we already have working here in Pasco. It is our goal to see that the multitude of vacancies in this district are filled with competent, qualified people being paid a fair, competitive, and rewarding salary.”

Like Browning, Peace thanked the Pasco voters for their support.

He also thanked all of the people who played a role in helping to ensure the adoption of the referendum.

“Many of you joined with USEP and waved signs and had roadside conversations with drivers to push the information out. Thank you.

“Many of you spent some pretty warm hours outside polling places to greet and educate voters. Thank you!

“No matter how you helped, USEP wants to say a heartfelt thanks to you for working toward this cause,” Peace said.

He also expressed gratitude to a group of former educators and school district who formed a group called Lift Up Pasco, to help in the effort.

Peace also thanked Browning for his support.

Peace said the next step will be “collecting the funds and negotiating salary increases and doing it in a way to provide transparent information to all those voters who heard of our concern and stepped up to make something positive happen.”

The union leader characterized the vote’s passage as being “momentous” for Pasco County’s public school system.

“Long-term, both our students and our employees are going to benefit from this victory,” Peace wrote.

Published August 31, 2022

Chalk Talk 08/31/2022

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Join youth council
The Dade City Youth Council is looking for eighth- through 12th-graders who are interested in learning to be a leader in the community, earn service hours, and make valuable connections. Participants must live in Dade City or attend a zoned Dade City school. Those interested also must attend a one-hour meeting each month and participate in three service projects during the year.

Applications are due by Sept. 1. For information and an application, email .

New school name sought
The Pasco County School Board is seeking community input into the naming of a new school under construction in the new Angeline development in Central Pasco County, near the Suncoast Parkway Ridge Road exit.

The school will be a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) magnet school with grades six through 12, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023.

School board policy encourages community members, educators and students to submit suggestions for school names, and encourages names that involve the general location of the school, features of the area, or historical information.

If the suggested name is an individual, it should be a person of either local or national prominence recognized for their outstanding civic or educational contribution.

If the person is an elected official or a former school district employee, they must either be deceased, no longer in public office, or no longer employed in the school district for at least two years.

Suggestions must be submitted before Sept. 5 to be considered by the school board. The name of the new school will be determined by school board vote.

To access the suggestion form, visit tinyurl.com/yc26s9j4.

Threats & consequences
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of making threats, and to report anything suspicious to a trusted adult.

The PSO investigates all threats it is made aware of.

If you see a social media post that appears to be a threat to a school or an individual, do not share the post online. Instead, report threats or tips to the Pasco County Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7.

Additionally, the PSO suggests speaking with students about the impact their actions have on social media. A threat made on social media is still a real threat, which can result in criminal consequences.

Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa. The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remainding funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.

Student helps recycle bikes
Ananth Kutuva is an IB junior at Land O’ Lakes High School and is an avid mountain biker who enjoys tinkering with bikes. Kutuva has been volunteering since ninth grade at WellBuilt Bikes.

WellBuilt Bikes is a nonprofit shop that sells refurbished bikes at affordable prices and invests the sales revenue into the Earn-A-Bike program, so those with little to no money can access and personally own a bike.

In partnership with WellBuilt Bikes, Kutuva is collecting bikes in any condition that will be refurbished and given to those in need. As of Aug. 20, he has collected 60 bikes.

For information or to donate, contact Kutuva at or 813-701-7870.

Saint Leo enrollment
Saint Leo University is now accepting applications for the upcoming fall start term. To contact an enrollment counselor, email or 813-226-4851.

Local achievements

  • Scott Abramson, Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington
  • Colin Gaynor, Odessa, is part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 300-member Cornhusker Marching Band, which will make its debut Sept. 3 at Memorial Stadium. Gaynor plays the clarinet.
  • Nana Kusi, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Abigail Pesansky, Odessa, is a student-athlete (rowing) named to the Southeastern Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll, The University of Alabama
  • Emily Rogers, Lutz: Dean’s Academic Honor List, Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Classroom grant program
The Pasco Education Foundation helps to leverage money from the community to support local schools, to fund projects that improve student learning and make a positive, long-term impact in the classroom.

The grant program serves to provide schools and educators with an opportunity for financial support for innovative and creative curriculum, special activities, and classroom or school projects.

Innovative Classroom Project applications for 2022 are now open.

Every teacher has ideas to help their students engage in learning, and the foundation is looking to bring these to fruition in the classroom.

The grant program provides teachers across Pasco County the financial resources they need to inspire learning. (Individual projects have a limit of up to $1,000. Group projects may vary.)

To read all the guidelines and complete an application, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org/departmentsschool/. Applications are due on Sept. 12.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-2023 School Fishing Club Program offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

The grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for the participants.

The grant program is open to new or existing freshwater and/or saltwater fishing clubs or teams in public, private and charter schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, the clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC — scroll down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., on Sept. 16.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden anniversary year officially began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.

Celebrating the start of the 2022-2023 school year

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Whether they were heading to preschool, private school or public school, everyone in these photos has something in common: They’re smiling as they start a new school year.

Here’s a shoutout to our readers who shared their photos with us, so we could continue our yearly ritual of publishing these pictures —an annual tradition in many families to record a moment in time.

We hope you enjoy seeing them as much we enjoy sharing them.

We, at The Laker/Lutz News, also extend our best wishes to everyone heading into the academic year, for a year of fresh beginnings, new discoveries, friendships, fun — and, learning, too, of course.

Wesley Lorton attends ninth-grade at Steinbrenner High School, Megan is a sixth-grader at Lutz Preparatory School; Abigail is a third-grader at Lutz Preparatory; and, Madelyn is a kindergartner at Lutz Preparatory. (Courtesy of the Lortons)
Daphne Fread is in fifth grade at Pine View Elementary in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jennifer Fread)
Luna Stoltz, 3, attends preschool at Mary’s House, in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jan Crawley)
Nine-year-old Nykolus Di Roma is a fourth-grader at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz. (Courtesy of Sabrina Di Roma)
Five-year-old Kaiden Hay is in kindergarten and his 6-year-old sister Kaiya is in first grade at Denham Oaks Elementary School, in Lutz. The family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Kara Hay)
Oliver Butler attends kindergarten at Lake Myrtle Elementary in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Laurie Butler)
Julia O’ Connor is a fifth-grader at Sand Pine Elementary. Her family lives in Meadow Pointe, in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of George O’ Connor)
Rachel Kocsis attends third grade at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz and lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Shelley Roth)
Camden Meyer, 5, is in kindergarten at Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz. (Courtesy of Maura Lanoue)
Five-year-old Luna Mistretta is ready for her first day of kindergarten at Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School.
Greg Lewandowski, Megan Lewandowski and Margaret Lewandowski. Greg is entering his 16th year of teaching at Sickles High School; Margaret is a third-grader at Chiles Elementary; and, Margaret is entering her 18th year of teaching at Freedom High School. They live in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)
Nine-year-old Anora Smalls is a fourth-grader at Channelside Academy of Math and Science. (Courtesy of Marchele Smalls)
Thirteen-year-old Ivoryele Smalls, of Lutz, is an eighth-grader at Channelside Academy of Math and Science. (Courtesy of Marchele Smalls)

 

 

 

Chalk Talk 08/24/2022

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Apps parents should know
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) recommends parents and guardians talk with students about safe and appropriate behavior online, and stay aware of what apps students are using.

According to the PSO Facebook page, here is a list of apps (updated August 2022) that parents should look out for:

  • ASK.FM is known for cyberbullying. The app encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions.
  • BADOO is a dating and social networking app where users can chat, share photos and videos, and connect based on location. The app is for adults, but teens are known to create profiles.
  • BUMBLE is similar to the popular dating app Tinder. Kids have been known to create fake accounts and falsify their age.
  • CALCULATOR% is only one of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
  • DISCORD allows users to talk to friends or strangers in real-time via voice, text or video chat, while playing video games. Users have reported being confronted with racial slurs, explicit content and cyberbullying.
  • GRINDR is a dating app geared toward LGBTQ+ people, and gives users options to chat, share photos and meet up based on a smartphone’s GPS location.
  • HOLLA is a video chat app that allows users to meet people all over the world in just seconds. Users have reported being confronted with racial slurs, explicit content and cyberbullying.
  • HOT OR NOT encourages users to rate your profile, check out people in their area, and chat with strangers. The app’s goal is to ‘hook up.’
  • KIK allows anyone to contact your child directly, bypassing traditional text messaging features and giving users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
  • LIVE.ME is a live-streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos; users can earn “coins” as a way to “pay” minors for photos.
  • MEETME is a dating social media app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity, and users are encouraged to meet each other in person.
  • OMEGLE is a chat app connecting users with strangers. Criminals may use the app to exploit children, often recording the video chat and using it for blackmail.
  • REDDIT is a chat/discussion board app. Users can post whatever they want, with no identity verification. Users have reported being confronted with racial slurs, explicit content and cyberbullying.
  • SKOUT is a location-based dating app and website. Users younger than the age of 17 cannot share private photos, but kids can create an account using a different age.
  • SNAPCHAT in recent years has been one of the most popular apps. Users can take a photo/video and are promised it will disappear, but features allow users to view content for up to 24 hours.
  • TIKTOK, the mobile device app, is popular with kids for creating and sharing short videos. It has very limited privacy controls, and users can be vulnerable to cyberbullying and explicit content.
  • WHATSAPP, a popular messaging app allows users to send texts, photos, voicemail, make calls and video chat worldwide. The app uses an internet connection on smartphones and computers.
  • WHISPER is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so people can meet up.

Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa.

The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remainding funds will be donated to meningitis research.

For more information, call 727-842-7000.

Classroom grant program
The Pasco Education Foundation helps to leverage money from the community to support local schools, to fund projects that improve student learning and make a positive, long-term impact in the classroom.

The grant program serves to provide schools and educators with an opportunity for financial support for innovative and creative curriculum, special activities, and classroom or school projects.

Innovative Classroom Project applications for 2022 are now open.

Every teacher has ideas to help their students engage in learning, and the foundation is looking to bring these to fruition in the classroom.

The grant program provides teachers across Pasco County the financial resources they need to inspire learning. (Individual projects have a limit of up to $1,000. Group projects may vary.)

To read all the guidelines and complete an application, visit PascoEducationFoundation.org/departmentsschool/. Applications are due on Sept. 12.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-2023 School Fishing Club Program offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

The grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for the participants.

The grant program is open to new or existing freshwater and/or saltwater fishing clubs or teams in public, private and charter schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, the clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC — scroll down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.”

The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., on Sept. 16.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden anniversary year officially began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.