Education

Chalk Talk 06/16/2021

June 15, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Nicholas Sobestanovich with his parents, John and Susan, after the undergraduate commencement at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. (Courtesy of the Sobestanovich family)

Academic honors
Nicholas (Niko) Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was named salutatorian at Saint Leo University, University Campus in Pasco County.

Sobestanovich earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.

He completed a spring internship with Strategis CPAs & Consultants, in Lutz, and accepted a full-time job with the firm as a tax accountant.

Chloe Padron, of Spring Hill, earned the recognition of class valedictorian and was named the winner of the Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Award, which is given to a University Campus undergrad with the highest grade point average over four years of study.

Padron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in management.

Both of the students studied in programs offered by the Saint Leo University Tapia College of Business.

Student achievements

Angelica C. Gonzalez, of Lutz, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Danny Jennings, of Land O’ Lakes, earned a Master of Science in occupational therapy professional development from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Anapaula Rios-Rosales graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and will attend Edward Via College of Osteophathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama.
Megan Rizzi, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.
Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was recognized to the spring President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

The dates listed below are for the first and second doses.

On June 21 and July 12:

J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

One June 22 and July 13:

Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

On June 23 and July 14:

Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

School supply drive
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Electric cooperative donates $400,000 to Kirkland Academy

June 8, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) has donated $400,000 to help Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation to purchase equipment for the school, now under construction off Curley Road, in East Pasco.

The donation “represents an investment in the next generation of engineers, IT professionals, electrical linemen, and entrepreneurs,” according to a news release from Pasco County Schools.

This is an aerial view of ongoing work at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a new high school that will help to prepare students for a wide variety of career paths. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The school district plans to open the new school in the fall of 2022. It will offer programs aimed to equip students “with 21st-Century employability skills and entrepreneurial experiences to enhance their long-term career prospects,” the release says.

The school is expected to have an enrollment of 1,000 students.

Its programs will include digital technology, engineering, biomedical science, transportation, building technology and others, the release adds.

The donation from the electric cooperative will go toward buying the equipment needed to prepare Kirkland Academy students for high-skill, high-wage careers.

“With technology rapidly changing particularly in the utility sector, WREC felt it essential to invest in an educational program that focuses on the latest in technology and innovation,” said Billy Brown, the electric cooperative’s chief executive officer.

The 184,000-square-foot school is within the electric cooperative’s five-county service area.

Having one of the largest employers in Pasco County partnering with the school district will help to ensure the success of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Pasco School Superintendent Kurt Browning said in the release.

“We have big plans for the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, and it’s great to see that Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative is as excited about it as we are,” Browning said. “This generous donation will enable students to have the kinds of cutting edge, hands-on educational experiences that will be a distinguishing feature of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.”

At a school board meeting last year, the team working on the design and construction of the school provided details about the site and plans, as well as offering a glimpse of its planned programs.

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

The campus is projected to cost approximately $70 million, according to district officials. And, the school will not have an attendance zone. Like Wendell Krinn Technical High School, the new Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation will attract students based on interest in its varied programs.

It’s at the northwest edge of Kirkland Ranch, on Curley Road, at the eastern edge of Wesley Chapel. It’s about 3 miles north of Watergrass Elementary School.

The site is at more than 40 feet of elevation, and includes an existing pond and oak trees.

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

Automotive, diesel, welding, construction, electrical and cybersecurity programs are planned, as well.

The diesel program will be one of a few in the state.

Those programs are in addition to core academic classes and electives.

Students will be able to learn about entrepreneurship and business, as well as foreign language, math and science.

In addition to the high school, the school district is planning for the future. A large portion of the property, east of the high school, has been maintained for a future kindergarten through eighth grade school.

Published June 09, 2021

Saying goodbye to a challenge-filled school year

June 8, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Some Pasco County School board members and the president of the employee union took a few moments during the board’s June 1 meeting to reflect on efforts made during this previous school year — to cope with challenges posed by COVID-19.

Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, summed up the last school year this way:

“Well, we made it. A most inconvenient, challenge-filled year is now finished.

“We didn’t make it without cost. We lost a few pretty special people along the way.

“There were some students who never really connected, and the mental taxation to all of us was monumental.

“Despite all of this, I thought we planned and executed a pretty remarkable year.

“Compared to districts and states around the country, who never returned to school, Pasco is light years ahead in giving our students the best educational opportunity to move forward, under extraordinary circumstances,” Peace said.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong agreed with Peace’s assessment.

“It was a tough year. I don’t think any of us ever want to go through anything like this again.

“We still were able to accomplish some amazing things.

“A lot of life lessons were learned by everyone, including the students,” Armstrong said.

“I really want to thank all of the students and staff at all of the schools for everything they did to help keep our students safe this year, (and to) make sure that learning and extracurricular activities continued,” Armstrong said.

Peace echoed that appreciation, giving kudos to teachers, support personnel, district staff, community partners, parents and grandparents for their help during a difficult year.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin also expressed gratitude for the flexibility demonstrated by school leaders, in light of changing circumstances.

“I know it’s not easy, but they have adapted,” Beaudoin said.

Peace said he knows the coming year will be challenging on the financial front, particularly because much of the state money coming to the district must be spent in specific ways.

The union leader also formally requested that USEP be included in discussions over how federal money, provided in COVID-19 relief, is spent in the district.

Regarding district spending, Beaudoin asked if the district can seek to reduce paper costs.

“Can we move more toward using less paper?” Beaudoin said, noting that during the pandemic, the district has increased its use of an electronic learning management system called CANVAS.

Superintendent Kurt Browning said the district has spent more than $10 million on CANVAS, so he’s a big proponent of using that system.

In conversations, he said, he has asked: “Why should we not, and I use the word, mandate, CANVAS in our schools. And, I still have some pushback. Right, wrong or indifferent. But with a district our size — we’re talking about ninth, 10th largest district in the state — we consume a great deal of paper.”

Browning said he wouldn’t favor going to a paperless system, but agrees the district could use less paper.

Beaudoin agreed: “I’m not advocating for not using any paper. Especially in math, I think it’s really important that kids be able to write on their tests. I wasn’t saying, ‘I don’t want any paper.’ I was just thinking there are some things that you can post.

“I remember in elementary school, my kids coming home with tons of things that could have been in an email, or could have been (on) a half a sheet of paper,” she said.

Browning said the district is making progress on that front. “We’re getting there. Every year, we’re getting better.”

The district is “very sensitive to the amount of materials,” the superintendent said.

As a matter of fact, Browning said he would be meeting with district staff about department budgets following the board meeting to address cuts that will be needed to avoid a deficit in the coming year’s spending plan.

Published June 09, 2021

More scholarships address increased need

June 8, 2021 By Mary Rathman

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has announced a total of $23,950 in scholarship awards for 2021.

From left: Woman’s club scholarship chair Lucy Albury, Alexis Fernandez, Jadon Ferrance, Alissa Vani, Marian Suliman and woman’s club president Annette Bellingar. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

For more than a decade, the club has had the privilege of administering the Lutz Fireman’s Endowment Fund on behalf of the former Lutz Volunteer Fire Department.

Each year, two scholarships were awarded to students who are Lutz residents; however, the former Fireman’s Fund directors recommended that during this challenging pandemic year, the woman’s club double the awards, to four $5,000 scholarships, due to the exceptional need in the community.

From left: Woman’s club president Annette Bellingar, Kaitlyn Sheppard, Clayton Topdemir, Shannon Gordy, and Jay Muffly of the Lutz Fireman’s Endowment Fund.

The four recipients of the 2021 Fireman’s Fund awards are Shannon Gordy, Sunlake High School; Clayton Topdemir, Cypress Creek High; Zachary Maddox, Freedom High; and Kaitlyn Sheppard, Gaither High.

The woman’s club scholarship recipients are Alexis Fernandez, Land O’ Lakes High ($1,100); Jadon Ferrance, Steinbrenner High ($1,100); and Alissa Vani, Steinbrenner High ($1,000).

The club’s Lynn LaFleur Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Marian Suliman, Steinbrenner High ($750).

This group of graduates will soon begin their university studies at various schools, including Florida State University, the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, George Washington University, the University of Florida, Florida A & M, the University of North Florida, and the University of Central Florida.

Published June 09, 2021

Chalk Talk 06/09/2021

June 8, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Pasco High senior receives scholarship
The Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee selected Pasco High School senior Brian Schildt as a scholarship recipient. Schildt’s application was evaluated by the committee and received a high score. Points were given for GPA, community volunteer hours, school clubs, awards, sports and activities, political involvement and an essay. Other student scholarship recipients included one student each from Wiregrass Ranch High and Land O’ Lakes High, and two students from J.W. Mitchell High. From left: Jean Nathe, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee; Brian Schildt; Rep. Randy Maggard, District 38; and Debbie Murray, Republican Party of Pasco scholarship committee.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program was set to begin on June 8 and continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Essay contest draws students
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an essay contest for Lutz Elementary School second-graders, on the topic of “Would you rather play indoors or outdoors?”

Fifty-nine students submitted entries, and retired elementary school teacher and club member Pat Wagner and her granddaughter judged the submissions.

The winner of the contest was presented with a blue scooter, donated by club education chair and member Faith Sincich.

Each student received a participation ribbon, as well.

SONIC donates to teachers
To honor the creative efforts that teachers have made to maneuver the ever-shifting learning environments and keep students engaged this past year, SONIC Drive-In donated $1.5 million to teacher requests on the national education nonprofit site, DonorsChoose.com, on Teacher Appreciation Day in May, according to a news release.

The brand matched 50% of each donation made to all teacher requests on DonorsChoose.

In Odessa, one teacher from Walker Middle School received a combined donation of $140 for a Salty and Sweet Rewards project and a Fidget Fun project.

In New Port Richey, two teachers received a combined donation of $773 — Calusa Elementary School for a Classroom Resources project and Longleaf Elementary for a Calm Corner Connections project.

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student achievements
• Roland Anthony Chacon, of Lutz, was named to the honor roll of the academic dean at Mars Hill University, North Carolina.
• Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, earned a Master of Arts from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Moriah Davis, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
• Kayla Mains, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• John Martinez, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the spring dean’s list at Union University, Jackson, Tennessee.
• Rylind Robinson, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the spring dean’s list at Shorter University, Rome, Georgia. Robinson is majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

Chalk Talk 06/02/2021

June 1, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Woman’s group bestows scholarship
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Group raised money for a $500 college scholarship and sifted through numerous applications to honor one graduate. Kayla Mys, a Wesley Chapel High School student, was chosen because of her volunteer work with many different organizations, including Special Olympics, and reading to children in schools and libraries during COVID-19. Mys’ goal is to continue to help others, as well as earn a bachelor degree as an occupational therapist. From left: Marie Ambrosino, education chairman of the woman’s group; Kayla Mys; and Cindi Nalon, woman’s group president.

Chamber awards students
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce awarded seven scholarships, for a total of $3,500, to seven Zephyrhills High School seniors, during the Pasco Education Foundation online scholarship ceremony last month.

Recipients of the chamber scholarships were selected based on community service, presentation, character and academic achievement.

These students were each awarded $500 for the Academic and Vocational Scholarships:

Hailey Cameron: Pasco-Hernando State College
Clayton Cornelius: University of South Florida
Melody Holloway: Saint Leo University
Daisy Martinez: Pasco-Hernando State College
Gisele Navarra: Saint Leo University
Jaiden Ryker: University of Cincinnati, Ohio
Yahir Torrs: University of South Florida

Student achievements
GentleCare Pet Hospital in Land O’ Lakes announced that its technician, Shelby Brown, has been accepted to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Brown has been with the pet hospital for more than a year.

Also, GentleCare’s part-time assistant Allen Felipe, a graduate of Wesley Chapel High School, received the National Merit Scholarship and will be attending the University of Florida, focusing on mathematics.

Graduations to allow more guests
High school graduates in Pasco County will be allowed to invite additional guests and family members to outdoor graduations, and social distancing at the events will no longer be required, according to a Pasco County Schools news release.

The elimination of the limitations and restrictions was announced after a review of COVID-19 data in schools and in the community.

The mask requirement remains in place for indoor graduations.

Prior to the announcement, graduates in Pasco County had been limited to four guests each.

Now, graduates will be allowed to have two guests join them seated on the field, with additional guests seated in the bleachers.

Graduates and their families are asked to be aware that the availability of seating will vary due to the size of the venue.

Academy graduates inaugural class
The Global Prospects Academy (GPA) at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel on May 21 graduated its inaugural class.

A total of 15 students completed the academic and athletic curriculum as established by the GPA and its official educational partner, North Tampa Christian Academy, according to a news release.

Global Prospects is an elite development academy featuring the highest levels of training in the sport of hockey, ice skating, and sports performance/recovery, accompanied by an educational curriculum partnership for the student of the future.

The program encompasses training platforms for ages 8 to 17.

Access to educational freedom allows flexibility to the student and the family, and the ability to excel in both sports and academics, according to the GPA.

Global Sports is dedicated to establishing self-motivated members of the hockey community, and is determined to create a solid foundation, balancing both a strong academic focus and a dynamic sports program that sets well-rounded student-athletes up for success both on and off the ice.

North Tampa Christian Academy provides an immersive on-campus experience that encourages innovation through project-based learning and thematic structure.

For information, contact Jim Charos at 813-803-7264 or .

Road closes for graduation
The City of Zephyrhills will close the following roadways on June 2, between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., for the Zephyrhills High School graduation car parade.
• both eastbound turn lanes on U.S. 301 at the intersection of Fifth Avenue|
• from the corner of Ninth Avenue and 11th Street to Fifth Avenue and 11th Street
• from Fifth Avenue and 11th Street to Fifth Avenue and Seventh Street

Chalk Talk 05/26/2021

May 25, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Local student receives award
Each year, the City of Tampa Water Department recognizes outstanding STEM Fair projects at the elementary, junior and senior school levels with the Drinking Water Award. Lilienn Carpenter, a fifth-grade student at Sunlake Academy of Math & Science, in Lutz, this year received the award in the Hillsborough County elementary division, presented by Mayor Jane Castor. Carpenter competed with 1,800 other elementary students in Hillsborough County.

Student achievements

Andrea Denton, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the Provost’s Honor Roll at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas. Denton is majoring in respiratory care.
Timothy John Elko, of Lutz, was named to the University of Mississippi, Oxford spring Dean’s Honor Roll.

Local graduates
The University of Tampa (UT) hosted a virtual ceremony on May 8 to honor 1,781 degree-seeking candidates at the school’s 152nd commencement.

The event was viewed online by the students, family members and friends, UT faculty and staff, and the general public.

Graduating students in The Laker/Lutz News area include:

Alex Prendes, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – history
Alex Riccio, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
Breanna Sumner, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
Brieanna Rekow, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – human performance
Emalee Jansen, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
Hayley Jewett, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – psychology
Kaitlyn Thomas, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – design
Kaylyn Burroughs, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
Lisa Jungmann, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
Olivia Trinder, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
Spender Anderson, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity
Sydney Milton, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – education, elementary
Terese Okulski, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
Trevor Toma, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity

Each graduate received a personalized video commemorating their achievement.

College transfer tips
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) offers these tips for students who plan to transfer between colleges this year.

Talk to a financial aid officer at your current school to ask if you owe anything or to find out if you can get a refund. Also make sure you have done everything you need to do to get financial aid when you transfer.

In addition, students should contact the registrar’s office at their new school to find out which current school credits and grades will transfer.

Each college should have a contact person who can answer any questions to help make the transition.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

Community service
The Goodwill-Suncoast volunteer program for high school students has pivoted to a virtual format this year.

Students in J.A.G. (Junior Ambassadors of Goodwill) can earn up to 25 hours of community service.

The virtual program allows students to volunteer on their own, at the direction of Goodwill Volunteer Services. Each program activity supports a different aspect of Goodwill’s mission.

To learn more, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org/junior-ambassadors.

Hillsborough Schools avoid state takeover

May 18, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Hillsborough County Schools will avoid a state takeover of its finances through the state’s agreement to provide a lump sum payment of $101 million in federal relief dollars.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis and School Board Chair Lynn Gray held a joint news conference to announce the news and to talk about how the school district goes forward from here.

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis

Davis said the release of the Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) II funds, coupled with district cost control strategies, create an opportunity to move forward on solid financial footing.

He said the lump sum payment will allow the district to transfer some of its COVID-19 expenses — to free up some of its general fund dollars.

It also has allowed the district to meet the state’s fund balance requirement to avoid a financial takeover by the state — a prospect that has loomed large in recent months.

“This year has caused a lot of angst,” Davis said, noting that feeling of unease has been pervasive throughout the district at all levels, and within the community.

The district’s dire financial prospects prompted massive cuts.

“We started out around 1,600 positions that we thought we were going to have to cut in the spring. But after working with our school leaders, looking at master schedules, we drilled that all of the way down to around 715 positions that we had to cut,” Davis said.

While the district is trimming a sizable number of positions, the vast majority of employees will be retained — through attrition, retirement or transfers to new assignments.

As of last week, there were still 95 individuals who had not been placed, but the district continues to look for potential opportunities, Davis said.

“I do believe that the 95 number will potentially go away,” he said.

Besides reducing positions, Davis said the district has taken other cost-cutting measures.

For instance, it has sought ways to leverage federal funds, reduced overtime and renegotiated contracts, he said. Through its steps, it has recouped $55 million since January.

The district needs to make sure it has systemic reviews looking forward and uses organizational controls to ensure it doesn’t face the same financial problems in the future, the superintendent said.

Board Chair Gray put it this way: “Now, with the ESSER II dollars, we can stabilize our fund balance. We want to assure our community that the district is taking swift action to solve this financial emergency.

“Our goal is to be transparent throughout the entire process, with all of our stakeholders.

“To this end, we will be forming a financial advisory committee,” she said.

Davis said he and his staff and cabinet will take furlough days, but said district administrators — unlike previously planned — will not be furloughed this year or next.

While reducing expenses, the district also needs to boost revenue, Davis said.

To that end, it intends to ramp up its marketing — particularly of the district’s magnet programs — to entice more students to take advantage of the district’s offerings.

Increased support is essential, too, he said.

“We have to continue to galvanize as a community to push our local legislators, and also legislators throughout the state. We’ve got to continue to ask for additional funding in education,” Davis said.

Published May 19, 2021

Chalk Talk 05/19/2021

May 18, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Students earn merit recognition
Three students from Lexington Oaks were honored by the Lexington Oaks Women’s Club with a merit award and lunch at Glory Days. Each year, the women’s club provides monies to a few resident recipients to offset the cost of their college education. All Lexington Oaks high school seniors and college students can complete an application and submit it to the club’s merit award committee. The 2022 merit applications will be available in the Lexington Oaks Community Center, in October. The 2021 merit award winners are, from left, Jacqueline Maher, Joseph Vreeland and Taryn Clower.

Community service
The Goodwill-Suncoast volunteer program for high school students has pivoted to a virtual format this year.

Students in J.A.G. (Junior Ambassadors of Goodwill) can earn up to 25 hours of community service.

The virtual program allows students to volunteer on their own, at the direction of Goodwill Volunteer Services. Each program activity supports a different aspect of Goodwill’s mission.

To learn more, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org/junior-ambassadors.

Student achievements

Garrett Evan Ashley, of Lutz, graduated from the University of Mississippi – Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Recreation Administration.
Jesse Andrew Fox, of Odessa, graduated from the University of Mississippi – Oxford with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Ryan Furlong, of Lutz, participated in Virtual Service Week 2021 while pursuing a degree in Business Economics at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Themes during Virtual Service Week centered around social justice, health care and mental health, hunger and the homeless, the environment and sustainability, and issues on borders and migration.
Dinesh Kumar Kannabiran Vasudevan, of Odessa, completed a Master of Science in Project Management at the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Jake Metrosky, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated magna cum laude from Flagler College in St. Augustine
Kobe Speros, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine
Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and initiated at Georgia College & State University, in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Hillel opens preschool
The Forman Early Learning Center, a Hillel-JCC Jewish preschool, will host a grand opening on May 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

The expansion program includes children ages 1 to 4, to serve the growing need of Jewish early childhood education in northeast Tampa.

The new 6,500-square-foot center has 10,000 square feet of playground area, right on the academy’s campus.

The Hillel-JCC program is bilingual — Hebrew and English — and is focused on the growth of each and every child as he or she develops.

Children participate in experiential learning, through a Jewish lens, as they transition to elementary school.

In addition to outside time, the program includes music, art, cooking and physical education classes, and runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the grand opening, visitors can check out the classrooms, play on the playground, view the toddler teaching kitchen and meet the educators.

All children will receive a special gift, too.

Visit HillelAcademyTampa.com/academics/preschool, for information about the early learning center.

Financial aid tip
The federal government requires many students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA) to verify information reported on the FAFSA, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Parents also will have to provide information.

Students requiring verification are chosen by the U.S. Department of Education.

The KHEAA advises students and parents to take the verification process seriously, as any financial aid can be held back until the process is complete. Putting it off can lead to frustration if the process isn’t finished when classes are ready to start.

Colleges may do the verifications on their own or may contract with an agency to handle the process.

The KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve student access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

For information, visit KHEAA.com.

Montessori education uses a sensorial approach to learning

May 11, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Lutz Montessori School, which officially opens on June 1, will provide a sensorial-based approach to education for children ages 2 through 6.

Initially, the school will offer a series of weeklong summer camps, each featuring a different theme that combines learning and fun.

Anisha and Pratik Patel are owners of the new Lutz Montessori School. The couple also owns Montessori at Trinity Oaks. (B.C. Manion)

The school will begin its academic year in the fall, following the Montessori method of education.

“We are a school, not a day care,” said Pratik Patel, who owns the school along with his wife, Anisha.

Anisha explained the school’s mission: “Our whole goal is to inspire a love for learning. We feel that kids, at this young age, if they love learning by using these Montessori materials, they’ll take that love of learning into their academic years — elementary school, middle school, high school and onward.

“I think the most unique thing about us is that we’re a sensorial-based curriculum.

“Everything is hands-on. That’s how little kids explore and learn,” she said.

Crystal Sithong is the director of the new Lutz Montessori School, at 5604 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. She is holding a fish that has removable pieces, which is used to help the children learn about different parts of the fish’s body.

Crystal Sithong, the school’s director, explained that Montessori uses a teaching approach that combines children in age groups for learning.

It also is self-paced learning, allowing children who are learning at a faster rate to move ahead, while granting others more time to learn, if needed.

“If they’re ready for the next set of work, we’re going to advance them at their pace,” Anisha said.

Children also are given choices in which instructional materials they use to learn particular lessons.

“So, if we say we’re going to work on a science puzzle, we don’t say, ‘You have to work on the horse,’ and give them no choice.

“They have the freedom to go over to the science puzzle section and pick which science puzzle they’d like to work on,” Anisha said.

The exterior of the Lutz Montessori School.

Different teaching and learning approaches are used, too.

Instructional materials are used to help children visualize abstract concepts.

For example, bead chains are used to teach mathematics.

“If they’re learning the number 16, they’ll take a 10-bead chain and a six-bead chain and put it together, so that makes 16. It makes it more concrete — what 16 is,” Anisha said.

Children also have freedom of movement: They don’t have to sit in the same chair all day.

They have rugs they use to sit on the floor or lay down, while doing their work.

In addition to the Lutz Montessori School, the Patels also operate another — The Montessori at Trinity Oaks.

To find out more about Lutz Montessori School, call the school for a tour (813-475-6030), visit its website (LutzMontessori.com), or attend the open house on May 15.

Lutz Montessori School Open House
Details: Learn about the Montessori method of education that is now being offered at a new school geared for children ages 2 through 6.
Where: 5604 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: May 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: All are welcome
Info: Call 813-475-6030, or visit LutzMontessori.com.

Published May 12, 2021