The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 01/26/2022

By

Family Fest & Health Fair
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a free Family Fun Festival and Health Fair at the school’s New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road, on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Festivities will include music, food, campus tours, children’s activities, crafts, games, prizes and giveaways.

Information on PHSC programs, financial aid, scholarships, student activities and athletics also will be provided; and application fees for college admission will be waived for prospective students in attendance.

Students under the age of 18 interested in applying at PHSC must be present along with a parent or guardian.

The free event, sponsored by the Musunuru family, will be hosted in recognition of Pasco County’s Rao Musunuru, M.D. Day, established on Feb. 1, 2014 by the Pasco County Commission to honor the nationally renowned, Hudson-based cardiologist and his many initiatives to support community health.

Organizations providing health care, mental health services, diet and fitness programs, or any service related to community wellness can reserve a free table for the event’s Health Fair online at tinyurl.com/ya6cfur2.

To register for the event, visit PHSC.edu/about/events.

Open House
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Jan. 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The school encompasses PK3 through 12th grade.

It has full accreditation, affordable tuition, character training, college prep classes, fine arts, and athletics.

For information, call 813-995-9040.

Student achievements
These students were named to the fall 2021 Dean’s List at their respective schools:

  • Madison Nichols, of Odessa, Nazareth College, Rochester, New York
  • Laurie Schlosser, of Land O’ Lakes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
  • Timothy Williams, of Lutz, Wheaton College (Illinois)

Afterschool craft
New River and Hugh Embry library staff will visit Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Dade City, on Feb. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., for an afterschool craft.

For information, call the New River Library at 813-788-6375.

Flexible-start classes
Registration for Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) spring flex-start semester is underway, with an offering of more than 1,000 classes.

The flex-start schedule offers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on campus, online, and live online, to ensure that students have the flexibility they need.

Students can earn credits applicable to any of HCC’s associate in arts and associate in science degrees, college credit and postsecondary adult vocational credits.

Tuition assistance also is available.

Flex-start semester dates are: Feb. 7 (12-week classes); Feb. 14 (10-week classes and five-week classes); March 8 (eight-week classes); and March 29 (five-week classes).

For information, visit HCCfl.edu/flexstart.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship (FSASE).

Applicants must be at least a junior in college; be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, and have at least a C average or above for the previous year; have been a resident of Florida for two years; and demonstrate a financial need.

Two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university last attended or graduated from, and one from a personal reference should accompany the application.

The applicant also must be a registered voter.

Applications, as well as additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information, can be found online at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2022 FSASE Scholarship Application under the Newsworthy tab on the homepage.

Deadline for getting applications to the supervisor’s office is March 11.

Applicants will personally be interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Scholarship Committee.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science/public or business administration or journalism/mass communications major.

Chalk Talk 01/19/2022

By

Loan repayments postponed
Borrowers who were able to pause their federal student loan repayment will see their repayments postponed until May 1, according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEEA) news release.

The federal government had intended to have borrowers resume payments in February, but have decided to wait until May because of the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant, the release says.

KHEAA advises borrowers to make sure their loan servicer has their current contact information. To find your loan servicer, log into your account at StudentAid.gov, and visit the “My Loan Services” section.

The loan servicer can help if you have trouble restarting repayment of the loan, and help to find a repayment plan that fits your finances.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve students’ access to college, as well as to provide information about financial aid and financial literacy, at no cost to students and parents.

Visit KHEAA.com for more information.

Homeschool program
The Pasco County Library Cooperative’s Mobile Makerspace will join the Elementary Homeschool Program at Starkey Wilderness Park on Jan. 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The park’s team members will teach about native plants and the library’s team members will lead a gardening activity using native plant cuttings.

The program is free, but space is limited.

Registration is required for all who will take part, including parents/guardians and children.

Do not register unless you plan to attend; and please cancel the reservation if you no longer can attend.

For information and to register, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Flexible-start classes
Registration for Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) spring flex-start semester is underway, with an offering of more than 1,000 classes.

The flex-start schedule offers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on campus, online, and live online, to ensure that students have the flexibility they need.

Students can earn credits applicable to any of HCC’s associate in arts and associate in science degrees, college credit and postsecondary adult vocational credits.

Tuition assistance also is available.

Flex-start semester dates are: Feb. 7 (12-week classes); Feb. 14 (10-week classes and five-week classes); March 8 (eight-week classes); and March 29 (five-week classes).

For information, visit HCCfl.edu/flexstart.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship (FSASE).

Applicants must be at least a junior in college; be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, and have at least a C average or above for the previous year; have been a resident of Florida for two years; and demonstrate a financial need.

Two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university last attended or graduated from, and one from a personal reference should accompany the application.

The applicant also must be a registered voter.

Applications, as well as additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information, can be found online at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2022 FSASE Scholarship Application under the Newsworthy tab on the homepage.

Deadline for getting applications to the supervisor’s office is March 11.

Applicants will personally be interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Scholarship Committee.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science/public or business administration or journalism/mass communications major.

Student achievements

  • Sydney Fleeman and Andrea Lefebvre, both of Odessa, were named to the Dean’s List at Valdosta State University in Georgia.
  • Brianna Pearson, of Lutz, earned a place on the Dean’s List at The College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York.
  • Dylan Schaffer, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s List at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Allie Ungerecht, of Lutz, was recognized to the President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University , Manchester.

Filing for student aid
After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can take other steps to ensure they receive as much money for college as possible, according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release.

Once students submit the FAFSA, it takes several days for the application to be processed.

Students should receive and review a Student Aid Report (SAR) that recaps the information from their FAFSA, to be sure it is complete and accurate. If changes need to be made, visit StudentAid.gov and click on Apply for Aid.

The SAR is sent to each college a student lists on the FAFSA. Students should check with the financial aid offices at the schools to which they’ve applied to verify the SAR was received and if the school requires more paperwork.

After completing the FAFSA, students should contact the schools if their family situation changes in a major way.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve students’ access to college, as well as to provide information about financial aid and financial literacy, at no cost to students and parents.

Visit KHEAA.com for more information.

Pasco Schools sets up reunification shelter

By

Pasco County Schools has signed a memorandum of understanding with RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC to establish a reunification shelter.

The site will be used in the event an evacuation is required due to an emergency, resulting in students and staff no longer being able to remain in their regular facility, according to the agreement.

The district “will make every effort to notify RADD of evacuation possibilities with as much notice as possible so RADD can close its facility to the public as applicable.

“Contact information between the two parties shall be maintained in a separate appendix and is considered confidential information and is not subject to public disclosure,” according to the agreement.

Under terms of the agreement, RADD will open specific areas of buildings at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel, to provide bus access, shelter, and assistance to students and staff evacuated during emergency situations.

RADD will be responsible for opening the building and developing procedures for making the building accessible, including restrooms and an area with phone and internet connection, if available, to district administrative personnel.

The district will provide supervision for all students and staff during the time that the facility is used as an emergency shelter site, the agreement adds.

The district also agrees “that it shall exercise reasonable care in the conduct of its activities in said facilities and further agrees to replace or reimburse RADD for any items, materials, equipment or supplies that may be used by the district in the conduct of its sheltering activities.”

Under other provisions in the agreement, the district:

  • Agrees to accept responsibility for replacing, restoring or repairing damage, upon an itemized written request by RADD
  • Will reimburse RADD for any bona fide expenditure of personnel required to maintain the facility for reunification sheltering, including overtime costs, upon production of receipts or time sheets
  • Will provide all releases of information to the press and media

The initial term of the contract is for five years. It will automatically renew — with any modification agreed to by both parties — for an additional five years, unless either party provides a written notice of intent not to renew at least 60 days before the expiration.

Published January 12, 2022

Graduation rates rise in local public schools

By

The graduation rate continues to improve in the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts.

Pasco County Schools charted a 91% graduation rate in 2021, more than a full point increase over the prior year, according to Pasco school district officials.

Hillsborough County Schools recorded a graduation rate of 89.2% — the highest rate in the district’s history, according to the Hillsborough school district news release.

Pasco’s rate has improved by 15 percentage points since 2013, district officials said in a news release.

“We are seeing steady progress year after year,” Superintendent Kurt Browning said in the release. “I can’t say enough about how hard our students worked during a challenging and unusual school year. All our teachers in elementary, middle, and high school can share the credit because it really takes a team effort to prepare students for college, career, and life.”

Cypress Creek High School had the highest graduation rate of 99.4% and Wesley Chapel High posted a 96.6% rate, an increase of more than 3 percentage points.

Fivay High School had a second year of impressive gains, increasing by 6.7 percentage points, after a gain of 6.4 percentage points the previous year.

Hudson High saw the biggest increase, improving by 10 percentage points — up to 86%.

Pasco school district staff also noted that students who graduated in 2021 did so after a highly unusual year of school due to COVID-19. Many missed significant time in school, either due to illness or due to quarantine requirements, a district news release noted.

Because of the COVID-related disruptions, the state waived state assessments required for graduation for the second year in a row, making it difficult to make historical comparisons, according to the Pasco district’s release.

Hillsborough officials were delighted by the district’s record accomplishment.

Hillsborough high schools within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area fared well.

Wharton High charted a 90.9% graduation rate; Gaither, 92.2%; Freedom, 94.1%; and, Steinbrenner, 97.8%.

Sickles High, which is near the newspaper’s coverage area, charted a graduation rate of 98.4%, the highest among Hillsborough public schools.

“I am so excited for our community and our organization for obtaining the highest graduation rate in district history,” Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis said in the school system’s news release. “This is in direct correlation to the hard work and dedication exhibited by our students, caregivers, teachers, school leaders, school counselors, support professionals, and district staff.”

To view the statewide results, visit the Florida Department of Education web page.

Published January 12, 2022

Chalk Talk 01/12/2022

By

School Choice window open
The Pasco County Schools’ School Choice application window is now open and will close at 4:30 p.m., on Jan. 20.

The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application is available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

Parents who do not have an account can establish a myStudent account by going to the district website, PascoSchools.org, and clicking on the myStudent link.

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

Citizens of the Month
Ten students were honored by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Month program.

Students were chosen by the teachers and administration of the individual schools for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

The chamber has recognized students through this program each month of the school year, for 22 years.

Recipients of the award were: Khamaron Paul and Noah Sublette, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Cordell Hooks and Janice Robles, The Broach School; Emily Lopez and Jomar Ruiz, Heritage Academy; Kira Fasig and Joseph Mohler, Stewart Middle School; Hailey Carter and Ximena Cortez, West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

Duke Energy awards grants
Duke Energy has awarded a total of $250,000 in grants to support a wide range of education and community assistance initiatives across Florida, according to a news release.

This year’s grant recipients range from local education foundations to community assistance programs that address economic and quality of life issues for students and families, as well as diversity and access to educational and training opportunities.

“These programs are more important than ever, as many students and educators continue to face academic challenges and families across the state struggle to get by,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, in the release.

“Duke Energy Florida is proud to support the organizations that work tirelessly to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for all children, individuals and families to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Seixas.

The list of the 2021 local grant recipients includes: Citrus County Education Foundation, $5,000; Hernando County Education, $5,000; A Gift For Teaching, $50,000; AdventHealth Foundation in Sebring, $15,000; Boys & Girls Club of North Central Florida, $5,000; Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler County, $5,000; Find, Feed & Restore, $5,000; Lake Wales Care Center, $5,000; Seminole State College Foundation, $15,000; The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, $40,000; United Arts of Central Florida, $50,000; Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coast (Franklin’s Promise Coalition), $5,000; Jefferson County Education Foundation, $5,000; Lafayette Penny Foundation, $5,000; Levy County Schools Foundation, $5,000; Public Education Foundation of Marion County, $5,000; Sumter Education Enhancement Foundation, $5,000; The Education Foundation of Alachua County, $5,000; Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education, $5,000; and Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, $10,000.

School district thanks county board for help during COVID-19

By

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, and Olga Swinson, the district’s chief finance officer, appeared before the Pasco County Commission at its Dec. 7 meeting, to thank the county for helping the school district when COVID-19 hit.

Ray Gadd (File)

“Early on in the pandemic, the school system was struggling — trying to figure out how to feed our students and our families; how we could buy devices for kids, so that we could do online learning,” Gadd told the county board.

“I happened to be talking to Commissioner (Commission Chairwoman Kathryn) Starkey and she said, ‘Well, you know we have this CARES Act funding, you might be able to get $1 million of that funding to help out.’”

The acronym CARES stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security.

The school district pulled up the U.S. Treasury document on the implementation of the CARES Act and found out that schools could get funding, Gadd said, so it turned to County Administrator Dan Biles.

Biles informed the district that the county board had authorized him to make sure the district’s request was funded, if it met the criteria.

That resulted in $9 million in funding, Gadd said. “You, the County Commission funded (for) a lot of needs that the school district required (funding for) early on in the pandemic.”

Swinson reported on the specifics to the county board.

“We used the money for the development and implementation of online learning. As you know our students had to take online courses last year.

“About 30% did that from home; the other 70% actually came into our schools.

“We distributed 17,000 computers to our students.

“We also served over 1 million meals to students and families, across the entire county.

“And, we used the money for all of the expenses associated with contact tracing. As you know, we had to do that last year, and we spent a lot of time doing that,” Swinson said.

Starkey, a former school board member responded: “I’m really glad we could help the school district when they needed it because we (the county) got our money so fast.”

Published January 05, 2022

Chalk Talk 01/05/2022

By

Jacob Browne (Courtesy of Alexis Sobel)

Pasco native fulfilling his dream
Pasco County native and first-generation student Jacob Browne has graduated in three years from Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program, according to a news release.

At 9 years old, Browne knew exactly what he wanted to become – a broadcaster, and was inspired by Joe Buck’s play-by-play of the 2009 World Series, the release says.

As a member of the Emerging Scholars Program, Browne earned a Bachelor of Arts in multimedia studies, and served as the voice of FAU baseball and football, eventually becoming the sports director for the station.

Browne also had the opportunity to work in NFL Super Bowl Radio Row in Miami in 2020 and in Tampa in 2021, interviewing players and media sportscasters.

He also launched his own show, Strictly Sports on Owl Radio, and interned at SiriusXM PGA Tour Sports Programming.

Browne now is the play-by-play broadcaster for the Forest City Owls in Forest City, North Carolina, where he announces every baseball game, hosts the pre- and post-game shows, and conducts interviews with players and coaches.

New staff member
Victory High School in Pasco County has welcomed a new teacher, Melissa Curtis, to its team.

Curtis is a Tampa native who relocated to Pasco County a year ago.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Florida and has completed graduate coursework toward obtaining a master’s degree in English education.

Curtis’ favorite subjects to teach are English and culinary.

She also volunteers in the community for Meals on Wheels.

Dental office looking for students in need
Navarro Orthodontics in Land O’ Lakes is asking local schools to participate in its quest to commit $50,000 of orthodontic treatment to students in need.

Teachers can help to identify students in need of orthodontic care, who may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to treatment.

Once candidates are identified, the student must write an essay stating who they are, what their dreams are, how they will contribute to the community in the future, and why they need or want orthodontic treatment. Written consent from the parent of the student will be required, too.

For information and questions, email , or call 813-321-0084.

New board member
The Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay Inc. Board of Directors has welcomed Victor Lupis, owner and CEO of Dynasty Building Solutions, as a new board member.

When Lupis is not working, he spends time with his family and friends, on his boat fishing in the Gulf, or at church.

“The way to success is not by material, not by money, but making the people around you achieve their goals and ambitions,” said Lupis in a news release.

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

Chalk Talk 12/29/2021

By

(Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

A simple comfort can go a long way
Saint Leo University presented nearly 250 teddy bears and stuffed animals to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), at the school’s Tampa Education Center. The bears were donated by students, faculty and staff, and the public. The TPD’s Behavioral Health, and the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence units will carry the bears in their vehicles as part of a ‘comfort squad’ to help children in stressful, crisis situations. Law enforcement members are shown loading the numerous bears and stuffed animals into a vehicle.

Dental office looking for students in need
Navarro Orthodontics in Land O’ Lakes is asking local schools to participate in its quest to commit $50,000 of orthodontic treatment to students in need.

Teachers can help to identify students in need of orthodontic care, who may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to treatment.

Once candidates are identified, the student must write an essay stating who they are, what their dreams are, how they will contribute to the community in the future, and why they need or want orthodontic treatment. Written consent from the parent of the student will be required, too.

For information and questions, email , or call 813-321-0084.

Dean’s list
John Martinez, of Dade City, has been named to the Union University Dean’s List for the fall 2021 semester.

Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study, along with professional programs in business, education and nursing.

Bridging the gap
Most college-bound students qualify for financial aid to help pay for their education, such as federal and state grants, scholarships and federal loans.

Some students may find that these programs do not cover all the costs of college, according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release.

Because interest rates on private loans depend on the borrower’s credit rating, students may have to pay higher rates than they would on federal student loans.

In addition, many lenders require students to have a cosigner, and most require the college to certify that the student needs the loan, the release says.

Students and parents should compare the private loans offered by various lenders to find the best possible deal.

For information about KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.

Student aid options
Veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces and National Guard may be able to take advantage of numerous student aid programs to help pay for college or technical training, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), in a news release.

The federal government offers programs for the dependents of veterans and service members, too. These include:

  • GI Bill benefits, first passed for veterans of World War II. There are several versions, and more changes are coming as a result of the Forever GI Bill passed in 2017, the release says. Visit Benefits.va.gov/gibill/ for options and information.
  • Federal Tuition Assistance, for active duty members of all branches of the armed forces, including the Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves. For information, contact the college financial aid office or unit education officer.
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, for students who had a parent or guardian die as the result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 10, 2001. For information, visit StudentAid.ed.gov/sa/, and look under “Types of Aid.”

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

New bell times await students

By

Pasco County Schools wants to remind students and parents of the changes that are being put in place for when students return after Winter Break.

New bell times begin on Jan. 4; if you are unsure of the new time for your student, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Bus passes are now available in myStudent. The district sent an email notifying parents of the updated bus information. If the email was not received, call the bus garage in your area.

The bus garage phone numbers are as follows:

West Compound: 727-774-0400

Northwest Compound: 727-774-0540

Central Compound: 813-794-0520

East Compound: 352-524-0560

Southeast Compound: 813-794-0500

Temporary delays can be expected. These delays will be reduced, as everyone adjusts to the new schedule.

Pasco County Schools will have safety precautions in place, just as it did during the first week of school.

Published December 29, 2021

Pasco County Schools continue to add more school choices

By

The Pasco County School Board recently approved the conversion of two existing elementary schools into Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) magnet schools.

The board voted on Dec. 14 to shift the boundaries for Centennial Elementary School, in Dade City and for Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey into the boundaries of nearby schools.

The conversion to the new approach to learning will take place beginning in the fall of the 2022-2023 school year.

A new 6-12 STEAM magnet school is expected to open in the fall of 2023, near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco campus. The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Centennial Elementary will provide a convenient option for students and families in East Pasco, to explore the same educational opportunities as those offered at Sanders Elementary STEAM Magnet School, in Land O’ Lakes. Marlowe will do the same in West Pasco.

Sanders recently received national recognition for the quality of its programs.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, under construction on Curley Road in East Pasco, will open during the fall of the 2022-2023 school year.

The school is expected to have an enrollment of 1,000 students and its programs will include digital technology, engineering, biomedical science, transportation and building technology.

The 104-acre school site is about 3 miles due east of Interstate 75.

A number of career and technical education labs are planned, including those designed for digital media, engineering robotics, biomedical and patient care.

Automotive, diesel, welding, construction, electrical and cybersecurity programs are planned, as well. The diesel program will be one of just a few in Florida.

The school district also is expected to open a new 6-12 STEAM magnet program in Land O’ Lakes, near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

School district and Moffitt officials are already in discussion regarding the vast potential for unique learning opportunities for students who will be attending that school.

The school, which is expected to open in the fall of 2023, is planned on an 18.8-acre site within Angeline, south of State Road 52, north of the future Ridge Road extension and west of Sunlake Boulevard, according to Ajax’s website.

These schools are just a few of the educational options that Pasco parents can choose for their students.

Those wishing to know more can visit the school district’s website to peruse the Pasco Schools Pathways school choice catalog to find out more about program offerings.

The window for applications opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6 and closes on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Window for school choice opens Jan. 6
The application window for Pasco Pathways School Choice opens on Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. and closes on Jan. 20, at 4:30 p.m.

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

The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal. Parents who don’t already have an account may establish a myStudent account by clicking on the myStudent link.

Go the Pasco County Schools website to find out more. The school district’s website is www.pasco.k12.fl.us/

Published December 29, 2021