The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Debate over masks continues, as a new school year begins

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Students streamed back to school campuses this week to start the 2021-2022 school year in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

And, much like last year, the debate continues over mandatory face masks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a firm stand on the issue. He signed an executive order banning school districts from imposing mandatory mask requirements — instead letting parents make the call regarding whether their child wears a mask to school.

The Florida Board of Education also has adopted an emergency rule that allows a child to transfer to a private school or another school district, under a Hope Scholarship, “when a student is  subjected to harassment in response to a school district’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols.”

Masks are optional for students and staff in Pasco County’s public school district.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning repeatedly has said the issue is closed, based on the governor’s actions.

In Hillsborough County, there’s a mandatory mask policy for students — but that policy allows parents to exercise an opt-out option for their children.

Masks are optional for the Hillsborough school district’s staff.

In media interviews, Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis has said he believes the district complies with the governor’s executive order because parents can choose to opt out their children from the requirement.

Meanwhile, at least two lawsuits have been filed challenging DeSantis’ executive order, according to media reports.

While those debates play out, the Hillsborough and Pasco school systems have been busy preparing protocols for the school year.

During the Pasco School Board’s last meeting, on July 27, Browning said he and his staff had spent considerable time going over the COVID protocols for the coming year, in terms of athletics, fine arts, social distancing, cleaning protocols and so on.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd also told the school board that the district plans to have procedures that are “going to be considerably looser, as opposed to tighter than they were last year” as they relate to facilities, events and athletics.

Gadd told the board: “It’s only looking back, we’ll know if that’s a mistake. But going forward, we’re going to loosen up a little bit, so folks can attend ball games and dances, and things like that.”

Regarding procedures for quarantining students and staff, Browning said those rules are set by the Florida Department of Health and will remain the same this year as they were last year.

“All symptomatic cases will be sent home for 10 days. If you’re not vaccinated and you have come in contact with a positive case and the health department has made the determination that you’ll quarantine, then you’ll quarantine.

“If you are vaccinated and come in contact with a positive case and you are asymptomatic — not showing any signs — then you can remain in school, either as a student or as a teacher,” Browning said.

The district was still working out the details regarding how to handle sick time for teachers, if they have to quarantine because of COVID.

In Hillsborough, the district has posted its protocols for visitors on school campuses or district offices. In short, it prefers visitors to have a scheduled appointment.

It also requires visitors to practice social distancing, and all in-person meetings must allow participants to be able to maintain a 6-foot social distance.

Visitors also must complete a self-check before entering a school building.

They should check themselves for these symptoms: Fever or chills, fatigue, sore throat, cough, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, headache, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea or new loss of taste or smell.

Also, those who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or who have a known exposure to COVID-19, should not visit the district’s campuses or offices, according to the district’s website.

Published August 11, 2021

School board member cites concerns about funding trends

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Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong is calling attention to a trend she finds worrisome relating to state funding for schools.

She made her remarks during the July 27 school board meeting, after she and her colleagues approved the tentative budget for next fiscal year.

Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview, highlighting some of the key points of the approximately $1.47 billion budget, which is a decrease of $53.5 million.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong is concerned about a reduction in state funding for schools. (File)

For instance, the budget includes $10.5 million in additional state funding, to accommodate the district’s projected growth of 2,277 students, and recurring expenses.

The operating budget, of $731.5 million, includes the allocation and operating costs for the opening of Starkey Ranch K-8 and the mid-year opening of the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The budget also includes an allocation of nearly $1.6 million to continue to increase the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers, Browning said.

The $351 million capital budget includes the construction of the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, the construction of the 6-12 academy in the Land O’ Lakes area, and major renovations for Hudson and Gulf high schools, he added.

Olga Swinson, the district’s chief finance officer, said the district set aside $5.5 million for COVID-19 retention supplements, for employees who would not qualify under the governor’s bonus plan.

Swinson explained some of the steps necessary to balance the proposed budget.

For instance, she said, “we are moving 30 custodial units to be paid with the Department of Health grant.”

The district also plans to move 35% of the salary of its school psychologists to be covered by funding allocated for mental health needs.

The district additionally used Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief funding for the purchase of textbooks, which is allowed, but for this year only, Swinson said.

It also is transferring about $4.5 million from capital funds to the general fund to cover property insurance costs. Again, that’s for this year only, Swinson said.

Most of the new money received by the district resulted from an increase in property values, Swinson said. “The budget was built on about 6% property increase and we actually saw a 12.4% increase,” she said.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong raised concerns about the level of state funding received by the district and steps the district was forced to take, to maintain a balanced budget.

“You can see that we did use a few non-recurring funds to balance this budget, which is something that none of us like to do,” Armstrong said. “That just means we’re really going to have to dig in hard next year, unless the financial situation improves,” she said.

The board member continued: “I can only say, ‘Thank goodness property values went up, or we really would have been hurting.

“Because if you look at comparing this budget with last year’s, the money from the state that they give us was less than what we received last year,” she said.

The year before, the district received more money than it had the previous year — so it was on an upward trend, Armstrong said.

This year, she said, “despite what the Legislature (says) — how they spin it — when you look at the actual numbers, we actually got less from the state Legislature.

“Those are issues we need to be concerned with because, as we all know, the property values will not continue to go up at the rate that they’re going up,” she said.

She told her colleagues that she was raising the issue, as “kind of a cautionary thing.”

The district must remain fiscally strong to retain its high credit rating, so that it can borrow when necessary at the lowest cost possible, Armstrong said.

The district’s final public hearing on its budget is set for Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., in the board room at district headquarters, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Schools tentative 2021-2022 budget
General operating budget: $731.5 million
Capital budget: $351.1 million
Tax millage rate: $5.810
Taxes on a $175,000 home, assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, would go down $16.80, under the proposed budget.

Published August 11, 2021

‘Stuffing the bus’ for a good cause

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Florida Penguin Productions, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Premium Outlets teamed up for a ‘Stuff the Bus’ event on Aug. 8, at Tampa Premium Outlets. The idea was to gather supplies for Pasco County Schools. A number of vendors also were there, in the courtyard of the outlet mall, and some lucky kids walked away with backpacks and other freebies.

An event to collect school supplies to help others was organized by Drew Cecere, of Florida Penguin Productions, along with the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club. (Fred Bellet)
It wasn’t all about backpacks as Tim Crandall, a member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, prepares to ‘stuff the bus’ with pens, colored pencils and various other classroom items that teachers need.
The Florida Kid Care booth bustled as the organization distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, to those attending the Stuff the Bus event.
With the Pasco County Schools’ bus reflecting in her sunglasses, Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, waits with other members for walk-ups delivering school supplies to the ‘Stuff the Bus’ event.
Charane Groeller, president of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, sits near the cash donation jar on the table of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club’s tent in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets.
Making his way down the narrow aisle in a school bus made for children, Drew Cecere, owner of Florida Penguin Productions, carries donated items into a Pasco County school bus.
Nine-year old Anthony Clemente emerges from the crowd carrying a free backpack he received from the Florida Kid Care booth, one of 30 vendors and businesses in the courtyard of the outlet mall. He was at the event with his parents, David and Araceli Clemente, of Clearwater.

 

 

Chalk Talk 08/11/2021

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

Slow down, stay alert
With schools back in session, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) reminds drivers to be on the lookout for students traveling to and from school, whether it be on foot, bike, scooter or by bus. Take a look at the graphic for a refresh on when to stop for school buses. Slow down and stay alert while driving. The PSO also is looking for school crossing guards. Check out JoinPSO.com to apply and for additional information.

 

 

Saint Leo puts out welcome mat
Saint Leo University rolled out the welcome mat for nearly 1,000 guests — new and prospective students and their families — at its admissions event, “Super Saturday.”

Each of Saint Leo’s colleges provided a taste of what is to come for students who are enrolling in the more than 60 degree programs the university offers.

Super Saturday gave students a chance to meet faculty and engage in activities designed to introduce them to the degree programs, future classes and real-world learning experiences.

The event also provided opportunities for parents and family members to meet with university leaders during a Q&A session.

Students also were able to get a jumpstart on the fall by registering for classes, housing and parking, attending financial aid sessions, and more.

Saint Leo will welcome new students on Aug. 28, and classes will begin on Aug. 31.

For more information about attending the school, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283, or email .

Back-to-School Bash
The First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, will host a Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 13 starting at 5 p.m., rain or shine.

The event will include food trucks, bounce houses, make-and-take crafts, an indoor movie, and more. The Pixar movie, “Monsters University,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Popcorn and movie snacks will be available for purchase, as a fundraiser for the church’s youth mission trip.

Those attending also are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Christian Social Services Food Pantry.

RSVP by Aug. 6. Each preregistered child will receive a gift bag.

Sign up at tinyurl.com/59c6rnue.

Leadership forum
Saint Leo University will host the FBI National Academy’s Mass Casualty Response Leadership Forum Series on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the school’s Pasco County campus.

The forum is designed to provide those in attendance with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to improve initial response, emergency operations center procedures, and communications management during and after a crisis.

Key topics include:

  • Lessons Learned (a review of past incidents)
  • The dynamics of an active assailant situation
  • Multi-agency Response
  • Communications during and after an incident

For information, contact Laura Masterton at or 540-810-2725.

For cost and registration, visit FBINAA.formstack.com/forms/mcrlf_fl.

Student resources
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers educational resources to support student successes on the library’s website, HCPLC.org.

A few of the resources include:

  • HAAL Pass (Hillsborough All Access Libraries) — All students enrolled in a Hillsborough County public school, charter school or virtual school have access to public library resources, even if they don’t have a public library card. Students can use their seven-digit student ID number to borrow up to three items from any branch, download eBooks and audiobooks, and refer to study aids and reference resources. Visit HCPLC.org/HAALPass.
  • Tutor.com — Get help with schoolwork, prepare for a test, send in a paper review, and connect with a live tutor. One-to-one help also is available for Spanish-speaking students. Visit “Learning & Research” on HCPLC.org.
  • Ask a Librarian — Chat with a local librarian about homework or educational needs, or ask a question via chat or email. Visit the “Get Help – Contact Us” link at HCPLC.org, or call 813-273-3652.
  • Online classes and events — Free, real-time programs continue virtually, including story time for little ones, youth book clubs, or technology tutorials. Find the listings under the “Online Events & Classes” tab at HCPLC.org.

For more information, visit HCPLC.org/BackToSchool.

SADD names local student for national post

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Shaina Finkel likely didn’t know at the ripe old age of 6 that one day she would be taking her place on a national stage for a group that’s primary mission is to save lives.

But that’s exactly what happened on July 28, when the Wiregrass Ranch High School student was sworn in as the national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Her selection was celebrated during a national news conference, which took place at Wiregrass Ranch High School and was streamed by SADD’s social media channels.

Shaina Finkel is the new national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). The Wiregrass Ranch High student was sworn in during a national news conference last week, and took a moment to thank a long list of supporters in life, including her parents, grandparents, SADD chapter members and the Wiregrass Ranch school administration. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

One of the key speakers at the event was Greg Finkel, the adviser for the SADD chapter since Wiregrass Ranch High opened. He’s Shaina’s dad.

“We do it to save lives,” said Finkel, who has been the adviser of the Wiregrass chapter since it began in 2008.

The chapter’s T-shirts have a Superman logo on the front and words on the back that say: “How to save a life.”

His pride in his daughter’s accomplishment was palpable, as he struggled, occasionally, to maintain his composure.

She was just a little girl, he said, when she asked if she could come along to a chapter meeting.

Finkel thought to himself: Why not?

She became a regular, and even at that early age, she was a leader, he said.

Whether the chapter was working with young kids or the elderly, he said, “she took over.”

As she grew older, she became even more involved.

At one point, she asked Finkel if he thought she could become chapter president.

He said he didn’t see why not, but they would have to see about it when she got to high school.

Shaina became president of the Wiregrass chapter during her sophomore year, and now, as a rising senior, she is entering her third year in that role.

Last year, though, she told Finkel: “Dad, I would like to see if we can go a little bit further.

“And,” he added, “here we are.

“Pretty amazing.”

Kids today face greater pressures
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning joined in the celebration.

“This is a big deal. This is a very big deal, isn’t it?” Browning said, adding he understands that today’s students are under a great deal of pressure.

“It was way different 45 years ago, when I graduated from Pasco High School,” the superintendent said. It was different, too, he added, when his sons, who are now in their 30s, graduated.

The leadership, exhibited by Shaina, and other officers in Wiregrass’ SADD chapter, “goes a far distance in encouraging students to make great choices in their lives,” Browning said.

SADD president and CEO Rick Birt conducted the swearing-in ceremony, as Shaina became student president of an organization with 7,500 chapters nationwide.

“Today, we honor your community, we honor your chapter, we honor the resilience and the compassion of one remarkable young woman as she assumes a new leadership role,” Birt said.

“As the national president, she will serve as our key spokesperson, representing SADD in the media,” he said.

She also will help advise and guide the organization in its programming and structure, while working closely with SADD staff, students, advisers, partners and stakeholders across the country, he said.

Shaina said she applied for the role because she was looking “to bring the amazing work that my chapter does to a new level. I wanted them to be in the spotlight. I think we work so incredibly hard here, to make change, to really empower students and I just thought that needed to go to a new level.”

She said she saw the application for the position on social media.

“With little hesitation, I went ahead and I applied. It really was a shot in the dark,” Shaina said.

“To me, SADD is very much an opportunity. It is an opportunity to be more than yourself. To help others. To help the community.

“It gives you the opportunity to connect with others who have the same mindsets and the same goals and aspirations, that you have,” she said.

Helping students find a place they belong
She sees the organization as a way to tackle issues and to play an important role in the lives of others.

“I believe many high schoolers, and middle schoolers for that matter — they’re very lost. They don’t know their group of people. It’s very hard to find a group of people that believes the same things as you.

“So, SADD allows for students across the nation to come together and find each other … to be able to work together, to make incredible changes,” she said.

The past year brought many obstacles, she said. But, she added, the students and adults involved with SADD “are so ready to adapt and be able to change on a dime, to keep helping students.”

Shaina wants to make mental health a key priority.

“There is such a negative stigma that surrounds having a mental illness. You walk around campus and nobody really sees it, but if you really just tune in and think about it, there are so many students who are right next to us who are struggling. They are suffering. And, they feel alone because they’re too embarrassed to go and speak out about what they’re feeling,” she said.

That’s because, she said, “they don’t realize there is someone right next to them who has, or does, feel the same way.”

SADD wants “to show kids that they’re not alone and to touch those topics that most people try to avoid because they are uncomfortable topics,” she said.

Published August 04, 2021

Schools reopen, amid COVID concerns

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The debate over whether masks will be required in Pasco County Schools is over, in Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning’s mind.

“That issue has been settled. The governor (Gov. Ron DeSantis) has taken that issue on, as his issue. The governor has made that decision. There is no local decision-making regarding masks. And, he has said there will not be a mask mandate. We understand that,” Browning said.

The issue of quarantining people who have been exposed to COVID-19, however, is another matter.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said the debate is over, regarding making masks mandatory in Pasco County Schools and offices. Masks will be optional. (File)

“I know there’s been a lot of questions about quarantining,” Browning said at the July 27 Pasco County School Board meeting.

He told board members that he and members of his staff met with Mike Napier, administrator for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, and members of Napier’s team.

They discussed issues relating to COVID and the coming school year.

“As far as quarantining goes, that was the main issue that staff wanted to talk about yesterday (during that meeting),” Browning said.

“We know that is probably one of the more problematic issues, the more challenging issues, pressing issues — as you see COVID numbers dramatically increasing,” Browning said.

The superintendent noted that the COVID situation is at “about the same place as we were in December, which is frightening, if you will, particularly as we approach the start of a school year.”

That being said, Browning added: “The quarantine rules will remain the same. The quarantining rules are not made by this superintendent, this board or the superintendent’s staff. The quarantining rules are set by the state. They’re the health experts.”

Browning said until he’s directed by the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee, the quarantining rules will remain the same.

“All symptomatic cases will be sent home for 10 days. If you’re not vaccinated and you have come in contact with a positive case and the health department has made the determination that you’ll quarantine, then you’ll quarantine.

“If you are vaccinated and come in contact with a positive case and you are asymptomatic — not showing any signs — then you can remain in school, either as a student or as a teacher.

“We take the direction from the state department of health. They’re the ones who set these rules. We do not set these rules,” Browning said.

The superintendent also told board members that a Florida Department of Health grant will provide funding for the school district to hire, on a contract basis, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, to perform contact tracing.

The district will have little to no involvement in that effort, he said.

“I want to make sure that our school nurses are in fact back in schools, doing their jobs, as school nurses — providing health services to our kids,” Browning said.

Browning also told board members that he and his staff had spent considerable time going over the COVID protocols for the coming year, in terms of athletics, fine arts, social distancing, cleaning protocols and so on.

When the district was gearing up for a new school year, Browning said, “I did not think we would have the positivity rate that we have today, two weeks ago, but we do.”

Board members told Browning that parents and staff must be kept informed.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin said she thinks the health department should be taking the lead in providing information about how quarantines will be handled.

“I feel like we’re being put in a position of having to be a spokesman for the health department. Really, that’s not our job,” Beaudoin said.

School board member Alison Crumbley said, “I think it’s important that we get the picture to the parents as soon as possible about what the quarantine is going to look like for their kids.”

“Parents want to know how kids will be able to continue with their education, if they’re quarantined,” she said.

School board member Megan Harding wants the district to do what it can, to keep healthy kids in school.

“I’m worried about their academic success and their mental health,” Harding said.

Harding added: “I’m getting a lot of questions from teachers now, that if they have to quarantine, what that is going to look like for their classrooms.

Teachers are worried that if they’re forced to quarantine that it will take away from their sick time. She asked if the district is making provisions for that.

Kevin Shibley, assistant superintendent for administration, said discussions must be held with the union before any specific actions can be taken.

Harding said she’s also receiving inquiries about how the district will handle sports, the arts and other activities.

Browning said the district will be sending out procedures to schools soon, outlining how it will address various COVID issues.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd put it like this: “The procedures you’re going to see are going to be considerably looser, as opposed to tighter than they were last year.

“So, as it relates to use of facilities, athletics, various events, they’re going to be looser.

“It’s only looking back, we’ll know if that’s a mistake. But going forward, we’re going to loosen up a little bit, so folks can attend ball games and dances, and things like that,” he said.

Published August 04, 2021

Chalk Talk 08/04/2021

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Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 5, for students and families.
Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon, and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m.
Students must be registered for school in advance. Summer registration hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the event, families will need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments. Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and get answers to questions about the school.
For information, call Seven Oaks at 813-794-0700.

Free school supplies
There will be a back-to-school drive-thru event on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, that will include free school supplies. Students must be present. Giveaways are on a first-come, first-served basis. To donate a backpack through the Sydney Paige Foundation, visit tinyurl.com/h3v5w778.

Back-to-School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back-to-School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade. One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last. For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

Back-to-School Extravaganza
Florida KidCare will present a Back-to-School Extravaganza on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets. The event will include backpack giveaways, free school supplies, face painting, games, photo stops, characters, stage performances, and information on family services. For more, call 727-674-1464.

Back-to-School Bash
The First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, will host a Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 13 starting at 5 p.m., rain or shine. The event will include food trucks, bounce houses, make-and-take crafts, an indoor movie, and more. The Pixar movie, “Monsters University,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn and movie snacks will be available for purchase, as a fundraiser for the church’s youth mission trip. Those attending also are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Christian Social Services Food Pantry. RSVP by Aug. 6. Each preregistered child will receive a gift bag. Sign up at tinyurl.com/59c6rnue.

Back-to-School Drive
Mitchell’s Coffee Time, 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes, is collecting school supplies for a Pasco Kids Helping Kids Back-to-School Drive. Items needed include backpacks, plastic pocket folders, half-inch binders, composition notebooks, paper, pencils/pens, erasers, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, pencil cases/pouches, rulers, highlighters, dry erase markers, and one-, three- and five-subject spiral notebooks. For information, visit Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco.

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.

Electric co-op makes donation
The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative made two donations to invest in the future of the community through its Educational Foundation, which receives monies from escheated Capital Credits.
A donation of $121,000 was made to the existing Central High School, in Brooksville, for new innovative equipment and technology for the classrooms.
A $400,000 donation was made to the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (currently under construction) for new equipment needed to prepare the estimated 1,000 future students for high-wage and high-skills careers. The school is planning for a fall 2022 opening.

Meal applications
Applications for the Pasco County Schools free and reduced meal plan are now available.
Currently, all 2021-2022 students will receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of eligibility.
However, Pasco County Schools strongly encourages families to complete a new meal application, as schools receive a portion of their funding based on the percentage of students who qualify.
To review the eligibility guidelines and to file an application, visit PascoSchoolMeals.com.

Pasco students start Aug. 10
Pasco County Schools offers these steps for getting back to school:

  • Know what the requirements are for immunizations, recommended adolescent vaccinations, waiver information, and information about physicals.
  • Check with your school for registration days/hours, and read registration requirements carefully.
  • Prepare for Day One by reviewing afterschool enrichment programs; bell schedules; bus stops; Code of Conduct/Dress Code; free/reduced lunch applications; high school graduation requirements; medications at school; online meal/snack payments; prekindergarten services; school lunch programs; and the school year calendar.
  • Parents should stay involved during the school year by checking grades online; elementary/curriculum guides; media and library resources; Pasco e-School; tips for parents; volunteer programs; and information on students with disabilities.

For more information and links to resources, visit Pasco County Schools at Pasco.k12.fl.us, or its Facebook page.

Dean’s List students
The University of Tampa honored 1,758 students who were named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester.
Local students from Lutz: Joseph Allen, Jaime Banks, Leigh Dittman, Rye Gapinski, Lisa Jungmann, Ashley Mueller, Connor Molloy, Victoria Nelson, Gage Robinson and Kayla Wittyngham.
Students from Odessa: Madeline Atherton, Cole Benjamin, Kaylyn Burroughs, Noah Doble, Amelia Iacovino, Hayley Jewett, Hope Lelekacs, Joshua Luther, Alex Prendes and Olivia Trinder.

Chalk Talk 07/28/2021

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Lisa Rapp-McCall (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Professor honored
Lisa Rapp-McCall, a professor in the graduate social work program at Saint Leo University, was honored by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW), which has 300 members, social workers and mental health professionals working in forensic settings around the country.

Rapp-McCall was named the NOFSW 2021 Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

The late Gothard was a member who started his career as a social worker and later became a judge, continuing his efforts to protect and to seek justice for abused children.

The award was presented to Rapp-McCall in recognition of her years of writing, teaching and researching in the areas of juvenile crime, child abuse and human trafficking, among other acts of service.

Rapp-McCall earned her doctorate in social work from the University of Buffalo. She is a resident of Hillsborough County.

Back-to-School Extravaganza
Florida KidCare will present a Back-to-School Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at these locations:

  • July 31, Citrus Park Mall
  • Aug. 8, Tampa Premium Outlets

The event will include backpack giveaways, free school supplies, face painting, games, photo stops, characters, stage performances, and information on family services.

For more, call 727-674-1464.

School supplies needed
The Hillsborough Education Foundation’s “Erase the Need” school supply drive will run July 28 through Aug. 6. The top 20 most-needed school supplies are: backpacks, cap erasers, 12-count colored pencils, composition books, copy paper, 24-count crayons, dry-erase markers, filler paper, glue sticks, glue bottles, highlighters, index cards, large pink erasers, pencils, pens, pocket folders, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks and washable markers. Drop-offs can be made to the donation bins in the lobby at these area YMCAs:

  • East Pasco Family YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • New Tampa Family YMCA, 16221 Compton Drive, Tampa

For information and more locations, visit EducationFoundation.com/DonateSchoolSupplies.

Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 5, for students and families.

Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon, and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m.

Students must be registered for school in advance. Summer registration hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At the event, families will need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments.

Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and get answers to questions about the school.

For information, call Seven Oaks at 813-794-0700.

Free school supplies
There will be a Back to School drive-thru event on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, that will include free school supplies. Students must be present. Giveaways are on a first-come, first-served basis.

To donate a backpack through the Sydney Paige Foundation, visit tinyurl.com/h3v5w778.

Back to School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade.

One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

Student achievements

  • Haarika Gurivireddygari, a graduate of Steinbrenner High School, received a $5,000 scholarship from Wieland Rolled Products North America.
  • Sarah Jason-Vikram, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the Dean’s List and received an Associate of Arts, Psychology Transfer Pathway, with high honors, from Normandale Community College, Bloomington, Minnesota.

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.

Conference proposals sought
The Florida Organization for Human Services Inc. (FLOHS) will host a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. The theme is “Resilient Horizons: Breaking Down Barriers.”

The educational nonprofit is seeking workshop proposals on how to be resilient through trying times, and that focus on how to provide knowledge and skills to help others.

The audience will include students, new practitioners and more established professionals.

Submissions may include interventions, skills, knowledge and wellness, as related to assisting Human Services professionals to master their craft and become more effective leaders.

Presentations are typically 60 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Proposals should target one of the following areas:

  • Ethics in Helping Relationships
  • Interviewing and Intervention Skills
  • Group Work
  • Case Management
  • Human Development
  • Social and Cultural Issues
  • Social Problems
  • Assessment/Treatment Planning
  • Intervention Models/Theories
  • Human Behavior
  • Social Welfare and Public Policy
  • Research, Program Evaluation and Supervision

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 1, and must include a CV/resume, a video (with an introduction of yourself and summary topic) or a 100-word to 300-word abstract.

All applicants that are approved will be notified by Aug. 15.

For additional submission details, or to email a proposal, contact .

Pasco health grant will help with return of students to school

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The health department in Pasco County recently received a $12 million grant from the Florida Department of Health, that is intended to help with the return of students to school, according to Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

“This is a very broad grant,” Gadd said, during a school board meeting last month. “It’s allowing us to purchase canopies, picnic tables and various supplies that will help us kind of separate kids during lunches and cafeteria time, to help mitigate the impact of COVID in the new school year.

The grant will support more health professionals, nurses and other personnel — allowing district nurses to focus on their nursing duties, which involve screenings and of other activities with students, Gadd said.

“Also, as part of this grant that we have with the department of health, we’ll be continuing to offer testing services to kids and staff, although the department of health will be running those testing programs.

“They’ll be doing it with a mobile bus on the east and the west side of the county. We’ll still have this location here, in the center of the county, but the department of health will be running it, as opposed to the school system.

“In addition, we are offering vaccinations through Health Heroes, and this is strictly voluntary,” Gadd said. That program provides free vaccinations for youths age 12 and older.

Published July 21, 2021

Chalk Talk 07/21/2021

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Alexandra Barath (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

Fine Arts award
The Heritage Arts Center Association presented the $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award to Alexandra Barath, a recent graduate of Pasco High School.

The award is given in memory of Gordon and Jean Nereim, the founding members of the organization.

Barath submitted a digital computer drawing entitled, “Pink Cityscape,” that referenced her fascination for both perspective and vast cityscapes.

Her artwork will be featured at next year’s Heritage Arts’ “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and art show, in February.

Barath will attend the University of Central Florida with a major in experimental animation.

For more information, visit HeritageArts.org.

 

Conference proposals sought
The Florida Organization for Human Services Inc. (FLOHS) will host a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. The theme is “Resilient Horizons: Breaking Down Barriers.”

The educational nonprofit is seeing workshop proposals on how to be resilient through trying times, and should focus on how to provide knowledge and skills to help others.

The audience will include students, new practitioners and more established professionals.

Submissions may include interventions, skills, knowledge and wellness, as related to assisting Human Services professionals to master their craft and become more effective leaders.

Presentations are typically 60 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Proposals should target one of the following areas:

  • Ethics in Helping Relationships
  • Interviewing and Intervention Skills
  • Group Work
  • Case Management
  • Human Development
  • Social and Cultural Issues
  • Social Problems
  • Assessment/Treatment Planning
  • Intervention Models/Theories
  • Human Behavior
  • Social Welfare and Public Policy
  • Research, Program Evaluation and Supervision

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 1, and must include a CV/resume, a video (with an introduction of yourself and summary topic) or a 100-word to 300-word abstract.

All applicants that are approved will be notified by Aug. 15.

For additional submission details, or to email a proposal, contact .

Back to School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade.

One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

SkillsUSA recognition
Elena Banet, of New Port Richey and a student at Marchman Technical College, was awarded the high school bronze medal in nail care, at the 2021 SkillsUSA Championships, that took place in June.

Students were invited to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 107 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions, including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.

Industry leaders from 650 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their individual standards for entry-level workers.

More than 3,700 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education, and more than 1,100 gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to students.

Many winners also received industry prizes, tools of their trade or scholarships.

The championship event takes place every year for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.

Student achievements
• Brady Lindauer, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona.
• Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was recognized to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Financial aid tip
High school seniors should keep a close eye on deadlines when applying for college financial aid, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Staying on top of deadlines can help students earn more in free student aid so they won’t have to depend as much on student loans.

KHEAA offers these tips:

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, beginning Oct. 1. To qualify for most state and federal student aid, a student must submit to FAFSA.
  • Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which the student has applied, to determine if they require any forms other than the FAFSA.
  • Look for scholarships using the free online scholarship search at CareerOneStop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx.
  • Attend college fairs and financial aid seminars. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that students can do that for themselves for free. If the student decides to pay, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.