The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 09/22/2021

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Substitute teachers needed
Pasco County Schools currently is hiring substitute teachers. A high school diploma is required.

Apply at ESS Pasco County, Jobs.willsubplus.com/jobs?districtIds=1466.

Email Jenny Hacker at for additional questions.

COVID notices changed
Pasco County Schools has changed the way it notifies parents of positive cases being reported at the district’s middle and high schools.

As of Sept. 13, the district stopped sending daily notifications regarding a positive case being reported at its secondary schools.

“Given the nature of middle school and high school schedules, a handful of positive cases often resulted in notifications going school-wide, with some parents receiving multiple notifications of possible exposure,” according to the email the district sent to parents.

“This change pertains to middle school and high school only. Daily notifications will continue at the elementary school level,” the email added.

While the district stopped sending those daily notifications, anyone interested in finding out positive cases at any particular school can visit the school district’s COVID-19 Daily Report, which is listed on the district’s website, at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

The report lists each school alphabetically and provides the number of staff or student cases for that day.

Student attends space program
Rocco Pupello, of Lutz, attended the Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, in Huntsville, Alabama.

The weeklong educational Space Camp program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.

Rocco spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the moon or mars.

Space Camp uses astronaut training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects.

Students also sleep in quarters designed to resemble the ISS and train in simulators like those used by NASA.

Student achievements
• These local students, all from Lutz, were named to the summer President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University: Joel Gomez Ruiz, Felicia Shingles and Allie Ungerecht.
• Nathan Shane, of Lutz, was recognized for his academic achievements during the spring semester at The Citadel. Gold stars are awarded to cadets and students who achieve a 3.7 GPA or higher. The individuals who achieve gold-star recognition also are placed on The Citadel’s Dean’s List.

Course review
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is receiving excellent reviews of its college-readiness course called Journey to Success, according to a news release.

As part of the college’s reaccreditation effort with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this Quality Enhancement Plan helps students with improving several key areas: Problem-solving, time management, intellectual openness, and persistence.

The planning and implementation of this student experience began in 2018.

Journey to Success is a first-year, first-semester experience currently open to all students, and in the future, will be a mandatory course in the Associate in Arts degree program.

The target student population includes part-time or full-time students who are attending PHSC for the first time, have earned six or fewer credit hours from an accredited institution of higher education, and are enrolled in coursework that leads to an Associate in Arts degree.

With Journey to Success, students have consistently indicated in three semesters of data that by the end of the semester, they feel better prepared than at the beginning of the semester in the four focus areas of college readiness.

To read the full, published article and learn more about Journey to Success, visit PHSC.edu, and click on the “In the News” section.

4-H program has begun
Pasco County Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program will run through Aug. 31, 2022. Children ages 5 to 18 can participate in county, district, state, regional and national level 4-H clubs, events and activities.

Members join community clubs where they work with fellow volunteers to complete projects, community service, camps and workshops. Project areas include: Leadership, environmental science, animal science, robotics, sewing, art, fishing and more.

The cost to join is $15 for ages 5 to 7 and $25 for ages 8 to 18.

For more information or to join a club, call 352-518-0156, or email .

For more information about the Florida 4-H program, visit Florida4H.ifas.ufl.edu.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.

Upcoming early release dates are: Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13.

On each of these days, students will be released two hours early.

The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Pasco County is adding two new elementary magnets

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During the past few years, Pasco County Schools has been adding to its slate of educational choices for parents and students, and two new options will become available in the 2022-2023 school year.

Centennial Elementary in Dade City and James M. Marlowe Elementary in New Port Richey are slated to become STEAM magnet schools.

The acronym STEAM means the schools will have an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

As magnet schools, Centennial and Marlowe will not have traditional boundaries.

The school district will use its school choice program, known as Pasco Pathways, to assign students to the schools.

Parent meetings will be held in October, to provide additional information.

Centennial’s meeting is set for Oct. 12 and Marlowe’s is set for Oct. 5. (Check with schools for additional details.)

As a result of dropping their traditional boundaries, the geographic areas currently zoned to the schools must be absorbed by other schools.

The Pasco County School Board will have public hearings on the proposed boundary changes for the schools on Nov. 16 and on Dec. 14.

Centennial and Marlowe will pattern themselves after Sanders Memorial Elementary, at 5126 School Road, in Land O’ Lakes.

Sanders Elementary recently was named a nationally certified magnet school by Magnet Schools of America. The distinction signifies that Sanders meets rigorous standards that define high-quality schools, according to a school district news release.

Centennial Middle and Bayonet Point Middle, which are middle magnet schools focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also were named nationally certified magnet schools by the same organization.

In general, magnet schools feature themes and courses that are designed to attract students from outside traditional school boundaries.

Sanders Elementary became the district’s first magnet school in 2015, when it reopened, following a massive renovation. Most of the students attending Sanders live in the central part of Pasco County.

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. Marlowe will do the same in West Pasco.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning briefed the school board members at their Sept. 7 morning meeting, on the process the district will use, leading up to the switch. He said communications would be sent to families later in the day.

Centennial Elementary Principal Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd explained how the transition will work in a letter to parents, posted on the school’s website.

In part, she told parents: “Making a transition like this requires several steps. Some are significant, while others are formalities that have no impact on students.”

She posted some frequently asked questions and answers to those queries, too.

Here’s an excerpt of those FAQs. (To see the FAQs in their entirety, visit the school’s website at https://cenes.pasco.k12.fl.us).

Will our school have to close?
Technically, it will, but it will not impact students because it will close at the end of the 2021-2022 school year and will reopen at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

Will parents have to apply to have their student remain at the school?
Yes, parents will need to make that desire known by applying via School Choice. Children currently attending the school will have “preferred” status and there is every expectation they will be able to remain at the school.

Why is a rezoning necessary?
Magnet schools do not have traditional zones, so nearby attendance zones will expand to include Centennial’s current attendance zone.

Will the current teachers lose their jobs?
No one will lose their job as a result of the transition to a STEAM magnet. However, staff changes will result. The expectation is that most teachers will remain, but others have opted to pursue a teaching position at a different school. Teachers wishing to transfer to a more traditional position will be able to do so.

Published September 15, 2021

Chalk Talk 09/15/2021

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High school fishing program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2021-2022 High School Fishing Program offers high school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to teach fisheries conservation, practice fishing skills and apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant Program.

The program is focused on recruiting new anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant will award up to 30 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses and the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.

Participating clubs and teams will receive an updated educational curriculum comprised of lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing a conservation project.

The grant program is open to freshwater or saltwater fishing clubs or teams at public, private and charter high schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, 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.

The application can be found online at MyFWC.com/HSF, under “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.”

The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Fee adjustments review
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider the approval of proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Sept. 21 board meeting, at 6 p.m., via Zoom.

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/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Magnet schools recognized
Three Pasco County schools have been recognized as nationally certified magnet schools, which means they have met the rigorous standards that define high-quality magnet programs.

The schools are Bayonet Point Middle and Centennial Middle, both of which are STEM magnet schools, and Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a STEAM magnet school.

Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, created the national certification process to recognize the nation’s exemplary magnet schools and to help them continue providing high-quality magnet programs, according to a press release.

Magnet schools are those that offer specialized courses in themes that are designed to attract students from outside the traditional school boundaries.

“This is a tremendous honor for our magnet schools,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release.

“The staff at each school should be very proud, and I know parents will be pleased to know that their schools have met the highest standards of excellence,” said Browning.

Student achievements

  • Austin Cambas, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
  • Shane McBride, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the summer Dean’s List at Columbia College of Missouri.

Working while in college
Working while going to college can pay off in several ways, according to The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The KHEAA states, in a news release, that earning money while in school, building a resume and learning to work well on a team can help a student after graduation.

One benefit is learning the importance of time management by having to juggle classes, study time, work and other parts of life in general.

Being employed can help to build a network of contacts and references that can aid in a future job search, too.

However, there can be possible drawbacks.

Working and going to school, especially if a student has a full-time job and a full schedule of classes, can cut into study time. The combination of work and school also can reduce downtime, which is needed to stay healthy — an important part of being a good student and employee, as well.

Before signing up for additional work hours or additional classes, a student should make sure there is still time to take care of one’s self.

For more information on KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.

Upcoming early release dates are: Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13.

On each of these days, students will be released two hours early.

The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.

Education award
The Center for Education Reform (CER) will accept applications for and award a $1 million prize to an education provider, exceptional group of people, or organization that demonstrated accomplishment during COVID-19 and seeks to expand its work throughout the coming year, in the U.S.

The STOP Award for Education will reward education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless.

The application window is open now and closes on Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m., EST.

“We are on the hunt for great, successful entrepreneurs and innovators who have been educating our kids during COVID, and didn’t skip a beat to give parents what they want and children what they need during the pandemic,” said Jeanne Allen, CER founder and CEO, in a news release.

In addition to the $1 million prize, CER also is supporting several new micro-schools in underserved communities.

For more information, visit StopAward.com.

Chalk Talk 09/08/2021

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Saint Leo University’s ‘For Those Who Serve’ sculpture, to honor the U.S. military, is in Dempsey Plaza, next to the Student Activities Building. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo recognized
U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) has named Saint Leo University as one of the nation’s Best of the Best 2021 Top Veteran-Friendly Schools.

USVM polled hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies for this year’s Best of the Best evaluations, which in addition to educational institutions, also lists top veteran-friendly employers, initiatives, and government agencies. More than 375 companies and institutions participated, according to a news release.

Saint Leo University served as a military college in its past, and in 1973, the then-college began offering courses on military bases in Avon Park and at MacDill Air Force Base.

Saint Leo welcomed military students and student-veterans who were returning from Vietnam, at a time when other colleges shunned them.

The school offers a variety of programming for these students, including Mindful Monday (guided meditation via Zoom) and Transition Tuesday, which provides information about making the transition from being in the military to being a college student.

Saint Leo designs veteran-specific activities to support student-veterans.

In addition to more than 6,000 veterans currently being served by Saint Leo University, many of the faculty and staff are military-affiliated.

Education award
The Center for Education Reform (CER) will accept applications for and award a $1 million prize to an education provider, exceptional group of people, or organization that demonstrated accomplishment during COVID-19 and seeks to expand its work throughout the coming year, in the U.S.

The STOP Award for Education will reward education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless.

The application window will be open Sept. 8 and closes on Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m., EST.

“We are on the hunt for great, successful entrepreneurs and innovators who have been educating our kids during COVID, and didn’t skip a beat to give parents what they want and children what they need during the pandemic,” said Jeanne Allen, CER founder and CEO, in a news release.

In addition to the $1 million prize, CER also is supporting several new micro-schools in underserved communities.

For more information, visit StopAward.com.

Homeschoolers info
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Homeschoolers Destination: Information” on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.

Every other week, the center will use activities related to different content areas to discover monthly themes.

The theme for September will be “Great Growers,” and will include fruits and vegetables to explore the world of growing.

Registration is required. Masks are recommended, but not mandated.

To register, visit PascoLibraries.org.

For questions, call 727-815-7126.

Academic honors
These local students have been named to the Dean’s List at the Florida Institute of Technology:

Theodore Martin, Hudson; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Ian Ragan, New Port Richey; Zachary Watson, Trinity; Alexis Clark, Trinity; and Tyler Vermillion, Trinity.

New board members
Victory High School, in New Port Richey, has added new members to its board of directors.

Dr. David Barzelay was named the board chair. He brings more than 49 years of teaching, grant writing, leadership and chaplaincy to the position.

Barzelay has experience in writing curriculum, preparing and conducting training sessions for staff, and planning budgets and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

His contributions also include fundraising efforts in securing federal, state and local grants.

Dean Chung is now a board member. He has more than 30 years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit management sectors.

From IBM to volunteering with Pasco-Hernando SCORE, Chung brings his leadership, consulting and fundraising efforts to the board of directors.

He has been a supporter of Victory High School since its beginning.

Apprenticeship program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PSHC) has increased opportunities for students seeking a nontraditional college experience and looking to pursue a certification in the workforce.

Through its Workforce Education department, and in partnership with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA), PHSC now offers an Apartment Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program.

The program is registered by the state for veterans training under the GI Bill, and is designed for varying groups of individuals, including those leaving the military, graduating high school or college, or switching careers due to COVID-19.

Through the apprenticeship program, students will be placed with a property management company, where they can receive paid on-the-job training, as well as classroom and hands-on training.

The apprentices will gain skills in electrical, cabinetry, HVAC diagnosis and repair, punch skills, basic plumbing, appliance repair, exterior maintenance, and more.

For additional information on the program, visit PHSC.edu/apprenticeships, or contact Karen Strouthopoulos at 727-816-3123 or .

Mask ruling has no immediate impact in Pasco schools

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Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper has deemed unconstitutional the state’s order to ban local school districts from imposing mandatory facemasks.

Cooper explained his decision in a two-hour announcement from the bench on Aug. 27.

Cooper ruled that school districts can impose mandatory mask mandates, and if challenged, must be granted due process to demonstrate their mask requirement is reasonable.

Taryn Fenske, communications director for Gov. Ron DeSantis, issued this reaction to the ruling: “It’s not surprising that Judge Cooper would rule against parent’s rights and their ability to make the best educational and medical decisions for their family, but instead rule in favor of elected politicians.

“This ruling was made with incoherent justifications, not based in science and facts – frankly not even remotely focused on the merits of the case presented. We are used to the Leon County Circuit Court not following the law and getting reversed on appeal, which is exactly what happened last year in the school reopening case. We will continue to defend the law and parent’s rights in Florida, and will immediately appeal the ruling to the First District Court of Appeals, where we are confident we will prevail on the merits of the case.”

Locally, Judge Cooper’s ruling will have no immediate impact in the Hillsborough or Pasco public school districts.

Hillsborough already has adopted a temporary facemask mandate in its schools which remains in effect through Sept. 17.

The Hillsborough board took that action, despite the governor’s executive order, and subsequent actions taken by the Florida Board of Education and the Florida Department of Education.

DeSantis has stood firm in his position that parents — not local school boards — have the authority to determine whether a student wears a mask in school.

Hillsborough school board members took emergency action to impose a temporary mandatory mask order, with a medical opt-out provision.

In doing so, they joined a number of school districts that defied that order and faced potential financial sanctions.

Cooper enjoined the state from imposing those penalties.

Shortly after Cooper’s ruling, Pasco County Schools issued this statement: “We are aware that Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper has determined that Governor DeSantis’ order banning mask mandates is unconstitutional. At this time the ruling has no impact on Pasco County Schools’ mask-optional policy.

“The Governor’s order remains in effect until the final order is submitted. At that time, the Governor is expected to appeal the decision.

“To summarize: Today’s ruling has no immediate impact on Pasco County Schools. Masks remain optional for students and staff.”

So far this school year, Pasco County Schools has had a combined total of 2,481 student and staff cases, as of the evening of Aug. 27.

As of the same date, that figure stood at a combined total of 5,500 for students and staff in Hillsborough County Schools.

In other pandemic news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval on Aug. 23 of the Pfizer vaccine for those age 16 and older. The vaccine has emergency use authorization for those age 12 and older.

Experts have said the FDA’s approval could encourage people with vaccine hesitancy to go ahead and get vaccinated.

The pronouncement also could prompt more employers to require employees to get vaccinated.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has announced that city employees have until Sept. 30 to become vaccinated. Those who do not will need to wear an N95 mask and show weekly results from a COVID test.

Pasco County has decided to use a different approach. It is offering $500 in premium pay to every employee who becomes fully vaccinated by Nov. 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend that everyone age 12 and older get vaccinated to lessen the chance of becoming infected. While people may become infected, medical experts and scientists have said they are at much lesser risk of hospitalization or death.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 transmission rate remains high in Florida. Experts attribute that to the infectious delta variant of the disease, which they say is highly contagious.

In the week between Aug. 20 to Aug. 26, Florida recorded 151,749 new COVID-19 cases, with a positivity rate of 16.8%, according to the Florida Department of Health’s website.

Pasco County had 4,433 new cases, with a positivity rate of 21.2%.

Hillsborough County had 11,800 new cases, with a positivity rate of 18.9%.

AdventHealth West Florida Division continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases at its facilities across West Florida and continues to experience a peak of COVID-19 patients, according to an Aug. 27 news release. To date, more than 600 COVID-positive patients are currently hospitalized in the West Florida Division’s 10 hospitals.

AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Zephyrhills have paused all non-time sensitive and non-emergent procedures.

The hospital chain also has limited visitors at numerous locations, including these in and near The Laker/Lutz coverage area: Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Tampa and Carrollwood. Specifics are available by visiting each hospital’s website.

In other COVID-19 related news, Hillsborough County has issued a news release to inform its water customers that they may notice a temporary change in the taste and odor of their drinking water.

Tampa Bay Water temporarily changed its water treatment process beginning Aug. 26 at its Lithia Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Facility, due to a lack of liquid oxygen deliveries to the facility.

Water provided to Hillsborough County Public Utilities customers will continue to meet all local, state, and federal regulations for drinking water, the news release said.

While consumers may notice a change in taste and odor, the treatment change will not alter the quality of the drinking water, according to the news release.

There is a delivery driver shortage caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the need for available supplies to be diverted to local hospitals, the release explained.

“In addition, Tampa Bay Water is adjusting the regional blend of water sources to accommodate the change in available deliveries of liquid oxygen in the taste and odor,” the release said.

COVID Statistics: Week of Aug. 20 to Aug. 26

Florida
New cases: 151,749
Positivity: 16.8%

Pasco County
New cases: 4,433
Positivity rate: 21.2%

Hillsborough County
New cases: 11,800
Positivity rate: 18.9%

School cases
Cumulative cases, 2021-2022 school year*

Pasco County  Schools
2,350 student cases; 491 staff cases

Hillsborough County
4,563 student cases; 947 staff cases

*As of the evening of Aug. 27

Published September 01, 2021

Browning named best FACTE superintendent in Florida

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has been awarded the top honor among Florida superintendents in the arena of career and technical education.

The award — long delayed because COVID-19 and shipping complications — was delivered to Browning during the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 17 meeting.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning

Rob Aguis, director of Fred K. Marchman Technical College, bestowed the award to Browning, on behalf of Marsan Carr, executive director of the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education, known as FACTE.

Aguis told board members that Browning originally was set to receive the award during FACTE’s summer 2020 conference. But that was delayed because of COVID-19.

The conference was held in the fall, but that happened virtually, Aguis said.

Initially, when the trophy was shipped, it arrived in pieces. Then, it was sent listing the wrong county.

But the third time was the charm, and Aguis was finally able to hand it off to Browning.

In doing so, he cited letters of support for Browning, written by Colleen Beaudoin, a school board member and Vanessa Hilton, chief academic officer for the district.

They said, “Mr. Browning’s vision includes providing opportunities for every student to earn industry certification, in addition to providing multiple ways to earn college credit.”

They also noted that under Browning’s leadership, Fred K. Marchman Technical Education Center underwent a $15 million transformation to became Fred K. Marchman Technical College.

Another high point of Browning’s leadership was the conversion of Ridgewood High School into Wendell Krinn Technical High School, a choice school for students who want to earn industry certification, college credits, and be ready to work.

The district also has broken ground on Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation will deliver highly advanced career and technical education programs, to give students a head start on rewarding careers.

In essence, according to Beaudoin and Hilton, Browning, “desires his district to provide a world-class education that ensures each student is a full-option graduate,” with the freedom to choose any path for the future.

In accepting the honor, Browning observed: “Oftentimes, the leader of the district gets recognized for the great work of the district. I will tell you, that it has very little to do with the superintendent of the district, but of the people that make this district what it is today.”

He then went on to reiterate his commitment as the district’s leader.

“I am fiercely dedicated to making sure that each one of our students is prepared for college, or career and life,” he said. “It doesn’t happen by accident. You have to be intentional and you have to be deliberate when you do that.”

He concluded his remarks by expressing enthusiasm for the district’s career, technical and education programs.

“Great days are ahead for us in CTE,” Browning said.

Published September 01, 2021

Chalk Talk 09/01/2021

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Sheriff’s office dives in on first day of school
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) helped to welcome students back to school.

School crossing guards, traffic control officers and school resource officers (SROs) greeted students and offered words of encouragement.

PSO deputies and detectives increased patrols in school zones to ensure everyone’s safety.

The first week of school was packed with celebrations and introductions, as the SROs participated in “get to know you” projects; handed out goodies, school supplies and backpacks; and, celebrated birthdays and the grand opening of a new school.

A smiling Cpl. Brandy Bors opens the gate for students at the new Starkey Ranch K-8 School. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)
Cpl. Marvin Keys offers the Wiregrass Ranch High ‘Bulls’ sign to welcome students back to school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Myrtle awarded grant
Lake Myrtle Elementary students and staff aim to focus on kindness, as the 2020-2021 school year begins.

Lake Myrtle is one of 82 schools nationwide awarded funding by the Choose Kindness Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded earlier this year, according to a news release.

Together, Lake Myrtle and the foundation will begin an active partnership to teach and celebrate kindness, with the intention of creating a welcoming, inclusive and caring school environment.

The $6,500 grant honors the commitment to kindness the school has made over the years, and was based on Lake Myrtle’s demonstration of a systematic, evidence-based approach to developing pro-social behaviors for at least three years.

Through grant funding, online resources and training, the foundation works with recipient schools to engage all students in a consistent effort to learn and practice kind behaviors that are shown to increase academic, social, emotional and behavioral competence.

New administrators
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has named Marcia Austin, Ed.D., as senior vice president of technology and distance education, chief information officer; and Reginald Wilson as provost of the North Campus in Brooksville.

Austin had served as PHSC’s dean of workforce development, career and technical education since August 2018.

Prior to that, Austin was employed with Hernando County Schools for 28 years, serving as a mathematics instructor, principal, interim assistant superintendent and, most recently, as the district supervisor of secondary programs where she served as a liaison administrator for dual enrollment programs between Hernando County Schools and PHSC.

She was an adjunct professor at PHSC for more than seven years.

Wilson served as acting provost of the North Campus, and the associate dean of academic affairs and retention services for nearly one year.

Prior to his employment at the North Campus, Wilson served as an assistant dean of student affairs at PHSC’s West Campus.

Lighting donation
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received a $480,000 donation from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Inc. (WREC), for baseball field lighting at the college’s West Campus in New Port Richey, according to a news release.

Through the donation, state-of-the-art lighting will be installed at the field, enabling games to take place in the evening.

PHSC student-athletes will not be the only benefactors of the donation. Field lighting will increase PHSC’s opportunities to further engage the community by providing a premier sports recreation venue for youth programs, community outreach and fundraising events, and campus and student events.

Installation of the lighting is expected to be completed this fall.

For information on how to support PHSC athletics, visit Foundation.phsc.edu, or call 727-816-3410.

Performing arts fundraiser
In celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), the PHSC Foundation will host a fundraiser on Sept. 9, at the Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The foundation’s goal is to raise $1 million to help students with scholarships.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, the PHSC Foundation has assisted nearly 950 students with $1.2 million in scholarship funding.

The presenting sponsor for the event is the Musunuru family. Dr. Rao Musunuru has been serving as a member of the District Board of Trustees for PHSC for the past 22 years.

For information, contact Lisa Richardson, associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director of the PHSC Foundation, at or 727-816-3410.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Providing for students
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collected a large amount of school supplies to assist students at three local schools: Connerton Elementary, Miles Elementary and Lutz Elementary. Faith Sincich stands alongside one of three SUVs filled with school supplies. The club for decades has supported education, local schools and libraries. For membership opportunities or information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Controversy continues over school mask mandates

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Leon County Judge John Cooper was scheduled this week to conduct a three-day hearing involving a lawsuit that challenges the legality of an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In the executive order, DeSantis stands firm on his position that parents —  not school boards — have the right to decide whether their children should be required to wear masks on campus.

But a group of parents has challenged the governor’s legal authority to make that call.

This week’s Tallahassee court hearing, set to begin Aug. 23, comes after attorneys for DeSantis attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed.

The judge refused to toss the lawsuit, but refrained from any assessment on the merits of the case, according to numerous published reports.

In addition to DeSantis, the Florida of Board of Education has weighed in on the mandatory mask issue.

The board of education has created options for students who are in districts that mandate masks, but do not wish to comply. Instead of complying, those students can obtain a scholarship through the state to attend a private school, or can attend school in a different district.

Also, the state has warned districts that if they defy the governor’s executive order, they can face reduced funding in an amount equivalent to the sum of the superintendent and school board members’ salaries, according to numerous published reports.

President Joe Biden has countered that by pledging the federal government could fill that funding gap — if one arises — by using American Rescue Plan dollars.

“We’re not going to sit by as governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children,” Biden said, on national television.

DeSantis, at another news event, countered: “We believe this is a decision for the parent.”

As the debate plays out, individual school boards continue to impose face mask requirements.

During an emergency meeting last week, the Hillsborough County School Board adopted a 30-day mandatory face mask requirement for students and staff, allowing an opt-out with a medical note.

School boards in Mami-Dade, Alachua, Palm Beach, Broward and Sarasota counties have taken similar actions.

The divisiveness of the mandatory masking issue was on full display during the Hillsborough school board’s hearing.

Board Chair Lynn Gray said the surge in the delta variant of COVID-19 created an emergency for the board — not only in terms of the number of positive cases being reported on campus, but also of the numbers of students and staff being forced to quarantine.

She said action was needed because the situation was unsustainable.

Passions ran high at the meeting.

Dozens of speakers on both sides of the issues made passionate 1-minute arguments, either for or against.

“Our K-5 children cannot get the vaccine, but at the same time, you’ve given them no option to do e-learning, no required social distancing and no required masks,” one parent said, urging the board to take action.

Another put it plainly: “I am very concerned for our vulnerable children.”

A third observed: “If you can mandate masks 100% last year, you can mandate masks this year. Your actions today can save lives.”

Other speakers presented a different point of view.

“Those that are living in fear, if they want to wear a mask, let them wear a mask. Put on a visor. Put on a second mask. But don’t force our children to wear masks if they don’t want to,” one speaker said.

Another put it this way: “Leave the mask policy as is, with parents deciding what’s best for their children.”

A third challenged the school board’s authority: “You work for us. We are not subservient to you. My children will not spend the rest of the year, or another minute, wearing a mask.”

Board members listened to hours of public testimony. Medical experts offered data and answered questions. Board members discussed the issue, too.

Ultimately, the mandatory mask decision passed on a 5-2 vote, with members Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn,  Henry “Shake” Washington, Karen Perez, Board Chair Gray voting yes; and members Stacy Hahn and Melissa Snively voting no.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis recommended that the board follow DeSantis’ executive order, but said he would support the board, whatever the vote’s outcome.

Hahn and Snively spoke against defying DeSantis’ executive order.

It remains unclear how the mandate, which remains in effect in Hillsborough public schools through Sept. 17, will be enforced.

Contact tracing can’t keep up
Meanwhile, in Pasco County public schools, masks are optional.

Dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and the delta variant in this new school year, has not been easy, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning told the Pasco County School Board at its Aug. 17 meeting.

“We are drowning. We are struggling to stay afloat,” Browning said. “It’s like bailing out a sinking ship with a thimble.”

The district can’t keep pace with the contact tracing that’s required, Browning said.

That’s problematic because by the time the contact tracing can be completed, the quarantine period has expired, he said.

“You may have positive cases, asymptomatic positive cases, in the classrooms,” the superintendent explained. “At this point, there is nothing we can do about that, unless they start showing symptoms. Then, as soon as they are symptomatic, they will be sent home.”

There’s another issue that’s compounding the problem, the superintendent said.

“What we’re having, and this is not a news flash, we’re still having some parents sending their sick kids to school,” Browning said.

School board member Alison Crumbley had this message for parents:  “If your kid has a symptom, they don’t need to be showing up at school. Period. Done.”

“I can’t even imagine sending a kid to school that’s sick and you know they’re sick. We cannot be doing that right now.

“We’ve got to keep these number down, we’ve got to keep these numbers down,” Crumbley emphasized.

School board member Megan Harding said the district should provide COVID sick time for all teachers, not just those who have been vaccinated.

Browning disagreed: “It is a statement of fact that the costs for unvaccinated employees are higher.”

The district has already spent $12 million in COVID-related claims, and the district’s insurance fund is running at a $4 million deficit, Browning said.

School district statistics: 2021-2022 school year, to date*

Hillsborough County
Student cases: 2,310
Staff cases: 648

Pasco County
Student cases: 897
Staff cases: 196

*As of the evening of Aug. 22

Published August 25, 2021

Chalk Talk 08/25/2021

By

Rebecca Urbonas (Courtesy of Allan and Pamela Urbonas)

Local student aims high
Rebecca Urbonas, Sunlake High School Class of 2018 valedictorian, graduated from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude, after three years, at the age of 19.

She also received recognition for achieving Max Planck Honors for her research and defense of her undergraduate thesis in the area of neuroscience.

Urbonas was one of 67 students, out of more than 6,000 applicants, to be admitted into the medical school at the Charles Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, to continue her studies to become a medical doctor.

She was inducted on Aug. 6 into the FAU medical school at the annual White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2025, where she received her white coat as an M1, at the age of 20.

Vocational center
Hope Services will host a grand opening ribbon-cutting of a Vocational Training Center on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Center Complex, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

There will be inflatables, food trucks, games, music, sports clinics, refreshments and more. The first 750 people will receive a free goodie bag.

For information, email .

Intro to Acting
The Live Oak Theatre Company will offer an Introduction to Acting program on Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. The program is for ages 7 to 18.

Topics will include basic acting skills and the principles of acting; theater terminology; theater etiquette; the use of humor; and memorizing and delivering monologs.

Tuition is $40 for the four-day course.

To register, call 352-593-0270, or email .

Performing arts fundraiser
In celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), the PHSC Foundation will host a fundraiser on Sept. 9, at the Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The foundation’s goal is to raise $1 million to help students with scholarships.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, the PHSC Foundation has assisted nearly 950 students with $1.2 million in scholarship funding.

The presenting sponsor for the event is the Musunuru family. Dr. Rao Musunuru has been serving as a member of the District Board of Trustees for PHSC for the past 22 years.

For information, contact Lisa Richardson, associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director of the PHSC Foundation, at or 727-816-3410.

Adopt a Classroom
Pepin Academies Foundation is hosting its second annual Adopt a Classroom campaign to help equip teachers and students with needed school supplies.

Individuals and businesses can participate by sponsoring or adopting a classroom, with the option to donate to one Pepin Academies campus or support all three of its Tampa Bay-area campuses.

Teachers will have the opportunity to identify their own classroom needs, which is an important step in granting schools the flexibility to adapt teaching practices to suit the individual needs of the students.

Adopt a Classroom donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/y34hzd72.

Board reappointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Dr. Rao Musunuru and Alvaro Hernandez to the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT).

Dr. Musunuru, current vice chair, PHSC DBOT, has been a board member since 1999.

He is a cardiologist affiliated with Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point since 1981, and over the years, has served as chief of medicine, chief of staff, and chair of the board of trustees for the center’s heart institute.

Dr. Musunuru is a past recipient of the Southern Regional Trustee Leadership Award from the National Association of Community Colleges.

Alvaro Hernandez is a market vice president for Humana.

He is a past member of the PHSC DBOT and serves on the boards of the Behavioral Health Community Council, the Starting Right Now Foundation, and Humana’s Bold Goal Community Brain Trust.

Hernandez earned his bachelor degree and master degree in international business from Nova Southeastern University.

Both Dr. Musunuru and Hernandez have been reappointed for a term through May 31, 2025.

Shoe & sock drive
The Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway through Oct. 22, with the Pasco County government and constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County schools.

Last year’s drive yielded 1,746 pairs of shoes and 5,773 pairs of socks.

Social workers will distribute the items to Pasco County Schools students at the end of October. Drop-off locations/collection boxes are at the offices of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, the Pasco County Property Appraiser, and the Pasco County Tax Collector.

Chalk Talk 08/18/2021

By

(Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

Safety is a priority for these officers
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Traffic Control Officers (TCO) completed their annual certification training prior to the start of the new school year. The TCOs assist school crossing guards by maintaining traffic flow for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the street. This helps to ensure the safety of students and their families as they get to and from school. Training took place at Safety Town in Shady Hills.

Adopt a Classroom
Pepin Academies Foundation is hosting its second annual Adopt a Classroom campaign to help equip teachers and students with needed school supplies.

Individuals and businesses can participate by sponsoring or adopting a classroom, with the option to donate to one Pepin Academies campus or support all three of its Tampa Bay-area campuses.

Teachers will have the opportunity to identify their own classroom needs, which is an important step in granting schools the flexibility to adapt teaching practices to suit the individual needs of the students.

Adopt a Classroom donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/y34hzd72.

Vocational center
Hope Services will host a grand opening ribbon-cutting of a Vocational Training Center on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Center Complex, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

There will be inflatables, food trucks, games, music, sports clinics, refreshments and more. The first 750 people will receive a free goodie bag.

For information, email .

Scholarships awarded
Negative Population Growth (NPG) leaders have announced that 16 students from across the United States will receive checks ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to put toward tuition, as winners of NPG’s annual Essay Scholarship Contest.

High school students and currently enrolled college undergraduates competed by writing an original 450-word to 600-word essay addressing the topic of “Write a letter to President Biden that highlights why overpopulation must be part of his administration’s discussions concerning our environment, including efforts to curb climate change.”

This year’s $25,000 in prizes was a portion of the scholarship money NPG has awarded in recent years as part of its Youth Outreach program.

The multi-faceted outreach program is designed to get “young people focused on the disastrous future that awaits their generation if our nation’s leaders fail to soon recognize and act on putting forth workable, responsible, common-sense solutions to today’s ever-growing population crisis,” according to an NPG news release.

For more information about the essay contest and Negative Population Growth, visit NPG.org, follow NPG on Facebook @NegativePopulationGrowth, or on Twitter @npg_org.

Student achievements
-Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor List at Minnesota State University-Mankato.
-Benjamin Tomas, of Lutz, was recognized to the Dean’s List at Peru State College in Nebraska.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

An assembly line of help
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club recently volunteered at Connerton Elementary School in Land O’Lakes, to help it get ready for the new school year. The women quickly worked to assemble and collate 750 information packets for the students and parents. The woman’s club has long supported local schools through hands-on volunteering and annual scholarships. From left: Darlene Choe, Nancy Taylor, Jean Palmieri, Tanya Highnote and Joan Moore. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.