The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 03/24/2021

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Republican scholarships
The Republican Party of Pasco Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for Pasco County Schools’ graduating seniors, including pubic, home-schools, charter and private schools.

Graduating seniors from any Pasco County high school are eligible if they meet this criteria:

  • Must be a registered or preregistered Republican
  • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Complete a 650-word minimum essay on the topic: “What is the importance of conservative values for young people in today’s world?”
  • Extra points will be given for club and social activities, volunteer hours and campaign participation
  • Must be planning to attend an accredited community college/university or accredited vocational school in Florida

Applications can be found online at PascoGOP.org, at the individual’s high school career counselor’s office, or at the Pasco Republican Party office in Hudson.

Applications and essays must be emailed to , or to RPOP, 12043 Cobblestone Drive, Hudson, FL 34667, Attention: Sandy Graves, scholarship chair.

For information and questions, call 727-863-5400, or email .

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., April 30.

Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in May.

Water safety program
The Rotary Club of Trinity will visit the Tanglewood Learning Center in New Port Richey on March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to present the Josh the Otter Water Safety and Literacy Project to 60 preschoolers. The program promotes water safety and drowning prevention through the “Josh The Baby Otter” book.

The club partners with the drowning prevention nonprofit that created the program, the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, which was established in honor of 2-year-old Joshua who died in 2008 after falling into the family pool.

The Trinity Rotary is looking to expand its awareness of drowning prevention with the Josh the Otter program to other schools and groups serving children.

For information, contact Becky Bennett at 727-967-7509 or .

Student degrees
These local, Odessa students recently earned degrees from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah:

  • Kea Allen: Master of Business Administration
  • Aneta Budzinski: Master of Science, Nursing – Leadership and Management
  • Rachel Morrell: Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Saint Leo receives honors
Saint Leo University earned honors in three categories for providing the best online education bachelor’s programs in the United States, according to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, released earlier this year.

The school received honors in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business (tied for 65th), Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (ranked 75th), and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (tied for 93rd) categories.

Launched in December 1998, Saint Leo was one of the first institutions to embrace online education with the creation of the Center for Online Learning, according to a news release.

U.S. News assessed universities and colleges based on four categories:

  • Engagement, which ranked bachelor’s degree programs based on promoting student participation and interaction with faculty members
  • Services and technologies, which looked at how well institutions support technology, learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid
  • Faculty credentials and training, which ensures that online instructors’ credentials mirror those of campus-based bachelor’s programs and makes sure faculty have proper training to teach distance learners
  • Expert opinion, which enlists a survey of high-ranking academic officials who look at tangible factors affecting program quality

To view all the rankings, data and methodologies for the 2021 Best Online Programs, visit USNews.com/online.

Need-based scholarships
Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, has announced that its application period for the 2021-2022 school year is now open to students currently in eighth grade attending Pasco County Schools.

The program is statewide, and provides scholarships, mentoring and hope, to help break the cycle of generational poverty through education.

Eligibility requirements and online applications are posted at TakeStockPasco.org or PascoEducationFoundation.org. The deadline to apply is April 15.

Selected students will be provided with a college readiness coach, a mentor, and College & Career Readiness Services.

How educated is Florida?
WalletHub has released its report on 2021’s Most & Least Educated States in America.

In order to determine the most educated states, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 18 metrics that examined the key factors of a well-education population: educational attainment, school quality, and achievement gaps between genders and races.

Florida’s rankings are (1=Most; 25=Average):

  • First: Gender Gap in Educational Attainment
  • Fifth: Average University Quality
  • 29th: Percentage of Bachelor Degree Holders
  • 29th: Percentage of Graduate or Professional Degree Holders
  • 31st: Racial Gap in Educational Attainment
  • 32nd: Percentage of Associate Degree Holders or College-Experienced Adults
  • 33rd: Percentage of High School Diploma Holders

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/e/most-educated-states/31075.

Child care courses
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is offering a course for child care directors to become credentialed and a course for those seeking a child care professional credential.

The Operation of an Early Childhood Center course will be offered as a remote, online class via Zoom, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., from May 17 to July 16.

The Childcare Professional Credential course will be offered as a hybrid course meeting via Zoom for 48 of the 120 class hours, on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., from May 13 to Aug. 3. The remaining course hours will be delivered through online assignments.

Both courses are T.E.A.C.H. scholarship eligible (visit Teach-fl.org.) and Rapid Credential scholarship eligible (visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training/scholarship).

Students need to apply as soon as possible, as T.E.A.C.H. takes six weeks to eight weeks to process, and Rapid Credential is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more about these courses, or to enroll, visit PHSC.edu/academics/continuing-education, or email .

Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.

Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.

The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.

Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.

International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.

Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.

Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.

For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.

Two new STEAM magnet schools coming to Pasco?

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The Pasco County school district is looking to convert Centennial Elementary School in Dade City and Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey, from traditional elementary schools into STEAM magnet schools.

The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Students now assigned to Centennial and Marlowe would be reassigned to nearby schools, and a lottery system would be used to assign students to the new magnet schools.

If the district proceeds with this plan, the change would not occur until the 2022-2023 school year, and boundary hearings would not occur until this coming fall, according to Steve Hegarty, district spokesman.

The issue came up at the Pasco County School Board’s March 2 meeting, when Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), complained about the district’s handling of future staffing for the two schools.

Peace objected to the new job description for STEAM magnet teachers.

“Normally, for contract waivers, major changes in curriculum — such as Wendell Krinn (Technical High School), Pine View (Middle) and Gulf Middle  — or school closings, as in Hudson Elementary, Ridgewood, and the Lacoochee proposal, USEP is invited to go to the school, along with district staff, to explain the contractual protocol for what is about to transpire.

“That did not happen with these two schools.

“In fact, when I first heard the details of what was transpiring, I had a district employee make a phone call to put a stop to what was going on. But that did not happen.

“Interviews took place, in an unacceptable manner, for jobs that do not yet exist, at schools that have not yet been voted to be closed, and for a job description that is yet to be approved.

“It appears the cart is in front of the horse,” Peace said.

Peace then told board members that approving the proposed job description would, in essence, create an elite position.

“Why would you want to create divisiveness among teachers?” the union president asked district officials.

“I would contend that with training, professional development and proper guidance, there are numerous teachers across this district that would be able to work in a STEM/STEAM school and be highly successful, if given that opportunity,” he said.

Peace suggested the board delay voting on the new job description, and instead hold a workshop to discuss the issue in greater detail.

Superintendent Kurt Browning responded to the assertions.

“I agree with Mr. Peace when it comes to the fact that any of our teachers, given the opportunity and the professional learning, could probably make it work in a STEM or STEAM environment.

“What Mr. Peace didn’t mention is what I call the ‘want to’ (factor). Do you want to put the effort into working at a STEM or STEAM school?

“We learned lessons when we converted Bayonet Point Middle and Centennial Middle. We did not have a separate job description for that. Honestly, it was more difficult to set the expectations for our staff.

“I will tell you that this job description, in no way, shape or form, is — as Mr. Peace has indicated — divisive. It is not intended to do that. It is merely to set expectations, for teachers that want to move to a STEM or STEAM environment.

“It is different, a lot more technology-driven, project-based learning.

“It is a choice school,” Browning said.

When the schools held faculty meetings to discuss the change, a number of teachers approached the principals and said, “I get it. I just don’t want to do it,” Browning said.

The new magnet schools will choose teachers based on the new job description.

While current teachers may be assigned to different schools, they will not lose their jobs, Browning said.

Before approving the new description, school board members asked for more information.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong asked for more details about how the job description was developed. Board member Alison Crumbley echoed that request.

Samantha Del Valle, assistant director of leading and learning, said “we knew we needed a job description to really be transparent with the staff that we’re going to hire and to share with them what would be expected, as they take those positions.”

So, the job description is based on the practices that happen in a STEAM classroom.

Hiring will mirror the process used in hiring teachers for Sanders Elementary STEAM Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes, Del Valle said.

The questions district officials asked, when drafting the new job description, included: “What is a STEAM teacher? What practices are happening in the classroom? What does STEAM look like and how do we make sure that that occurs in our two new schools?” Del Valle said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin emphasized that she wanted it to be clear to district teachers that the new job description does not create an elite class of teachers.

“We’re not saying that these teachers are any better than any other teachers. These are just a specific skill set needed for these types of schools. I don’t want to give the impression that we’re saying that teachers at one school are any better than teachers at another school,” Beaudoin said.

Besides looking for teachers who have the attributes described in the job description, they also must be willing to undergo additional training, Del Valle said.

Plus, there is a preferred qualification related to computer science.

Browning reiterated Beaudoin’s point, noting the teachers are not better teachers.

“They’re different teachers.

“This job description was not designed to divide teachers,” the superintendent insisted.

He also said the shift to the STEAM magnet schools is intended to give parents additional options.

“Parents are wanting something different,” Browning said.

Published March 17, 2021

Chalk Talk 03/17/2021

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Need-based scholarships
Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, has announced that its application period for the 2021-2022 school year is now open to students currently in eighth grade attending Pasco County Schools.

The program is statewide, and provides scholarships, mentoring and hope, to help break the cycle of generational poverty through education.
Eligibility requirements and online applications are posted at TakeStockPasco.org or PascoEducationFoundation.org. The deadline to apply is April 15.

Selected students will be provided with a college readiness coach, a mentor, and College & Career Readiness Services.

Student wins third place for documentary
Eliza Lammers, a student at Charles Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is a third-prize winner in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition, according to a news release.

The competition in its 17th year invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary. Students were asked to join a national conversation on the challenges the country is facing, with the theme, “Explore the issue you most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021.”

Lammers’ documentary was entitled, “Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the USA.”

More than 2,300 students across the country participated.

The most popular topics addressed were: health care (14.9%); environmental and energy policy (14.6%); equal rights and equity (13.5%); criminal justice/policing (7.6%); and education (7.5%).

Catholic school enrollment
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.

For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org, or call 813-933-4750, ext. 105.

Student achievements
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has initiated these three Lutz students from Nova Southeastern University: Sasha Glasper, Jamie Thomas and Kairee Whitmore.

Also, Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor List at Minnesota State University Mankato for the 2020 fall semester.

Virtual STEM Fair
More than 40 Tampa Bay student innovators showcased their inventions in the 41st Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair on March 3, virtually.

“Our students need the opportunity to apply the math, science and engineering they are learning,” said Larry Plank, the school district’s executive director for k-12 science education, in a news release.

“Tampa Bay is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created….This competition gets students involved in authentic project-based learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills,” said Plank.

Award-winners in the invention category are eligible to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, in June.

School lunches
MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches. Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.

Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.

To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.

Prodigy showcases
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.

Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events. This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”

Many students will be performing for the first time.

Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.

A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.

Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.

Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.

The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.

Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.

International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.

Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.

Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.

For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.

Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Students may submit completed applications online only.

For information, call Irina White at 813-272-5074.

Pasco School Board asks for reprieve from state accountability impacts

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The Pasco County School Board has passed a resolution asking for a reprieve from the state’s accountability standards this year, to avoid potential punitive consequences.

The board is seeking to avoid any negative outcomes on teachers, students or schools that could occur based on results of the Florida Standards Assessments, known as FSA for short.

Specifically, the board approved a resolution that requests the governor and commissioner of education “to provide safe harbor to students, teachers, schools, and districts, by pausing negative consequences of the accountability system based on statewide assessments for the 2020-2021 school year.”

The resolution was adopted on March 2, on a 4-0 vote, with Allen Altman, board chairman, absent.

The board’s action followed a discussion of the issue on Feb. 16, prompted by concerns raised by board member Alison Crumbley.

Crumbley said it wouldn’t be fair to use the FSA results for anything other than a diagnostic tool to identify strengths and weaknesses, because of COVID impacts.

Other board members agreed noting teachers shouldn’t be held responsible for testing results, especially for MySchool Online students who had failed to participate.

At the same Feb. 16 meeting, Crumbley questioned how school grades could be “considered accurate, during these COVID-related times.”

In other action at the March 2 meeting, the board:

• Renamed the James Irvin Education Center and Harry Schwettman Education Center. The new names will be the East Pasco Education Academy, James Irvin Campus and the West Pasco Education Academy, Harry Schwettman Campus.

These schools will begin offering voluntary placements options with diploma pathways for students. The Harry Schwettman complex will be relocated to the former Hudson Elementary School site. Additionally, the programs at Achieve Center of Pasco will be relocated to these schools.

• Superintendent Kurt Browning reported that the Department of Health-Pasco County had agreed to 2,500 doses of vaccine, expected as early as the weekend of March 6 and March 7, to vaccinate school district employees, who are at least 50 years old.

Those vaccines are in addition to the 500 second doses for district personnel, scheduled the same weekend.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she has been vaccinated, and encouraged others to get vaccinated when they can. “It brings you wonderful peace of mind, to go ahead and get the vaccine,” she said.

• Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco, announced that both school-related personnel and instruction staff overwhelmingly approved this year’s contracts. The SRP contract passed with 98% approval; instructional passed with 95% approval, he said.

Peace thanked the superintendent and the board for their part in the negotiations.

“I think that the results show that this was a fair and equitable contract,” Peace said.

Published March 10, 2021

New partnership aims to prepare tomorrow’s workforce

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Pasco County Schools has launched a new CTE Career Advisory Council aimed at helping the district’s graduates prepare for the world of work — while, at the same time, giving employers a chance to weigh in on what skills are needed for employees to be successful.

The advisory council also aims to give local businesses a chance to help develop the community’s future workforce.

Kristine Hensley, a career counselor at Wiregrass Ranch High School and Jennifer Batchelor, a career specialist in the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) division, explained the new advisory council during a recent breakfast Zoom session, and invited members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber to get involved.

The advisory council’s work has the potential to affect thousands of students enrolled in career and technical courses and programs across the district, Batchelor said.

“Currently in Pasco County, we have programs of study, or academies, that fit into 13 of the National Career Clusters. Within CTE — Career and Technical Ed — in Pasco County Schools, we’ve got 574 courses that are specific to those programs.

“We’ve got 17,000 middle and high school students — over 17,000 middle school and high school students — that are currently enrolled in one of these courses, or programs of study,” she said.

Previously, schools had their own advisory councils. This new approach puts the focus on career fields, with the aim to improve the district’s preparation of students, as well as expand their opportunities to get real-world experiences.

Concerns about keeping people safe during COVID has had an impact on opportunities that are currently available, but once things open up, the district hopes that will change, Batchelor said.

“We’re going to be looking for experiential learning opportunities. We need our students to get hands-on experience,” said.

Besides learning about occupations and jobs, the idea is to get students out to see how what they’re learning plays out in the workplace.

“They need to be out there seeing what it’s like in the real world,” Batchelor said.

There will be many different ways to get involved — through sharing expertise or providing suggestions on curriculum, to job-shadowing or offering other ways for students to get a real feel for the world of work.

“Work-based learning experiences are key for these students,” Batchelor said.

Hensley, career specialist at Wiregrass, told the chamber members, via Zoom: “Your involvement will be key to making sure that we are actually aligning what we’re teaching to what all of you need.”

Besides inviting chamber members to get involved, both Batchelor and Hensley encouraged them to put out the word to others who might want to get involved.

The advisories are career-focused and will help students across the district, rather than at any particular school, Batchelor said.

She added: “There are a lot of ways to help these students figure out what they are going to do, once they leave high school.”

Those interested in getting involved, or learning more, should contact Pam Willoughby at or Jen Batchelor at .

Published March 10, 2021

Chalk Talk 03/10/2021

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(Courtesy of Molly Anderson/Collegis Education)

Rasmussen changes its name
Rasmussen College on Feb. 18 completed its transition to Rasmussen University. The Central Pasco campus, 16418 State Road 54 in Odessa, opened last December, with classes beginning in January. The new campus is a result of merging the New Port Richey/West Pasco and Land O’ Lakes/East Pasco campuses into one centralized location. Rasmussen features new health sciences and nursing labs, simulation equipment, and expanded offices, lounges and study spaces – both indoors and outdoors.

Catholic school enrollment
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.

For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org, or call 813-933-4750, ext. 105.

Board appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointments of Lee Maggard and Robin Schneider to their existing terms on the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees. Both terms will run through May 31, 2022.

Maggard, of Zephyrhills, is an associate vice president and commercial relationship manager with CenterState Bank. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and serves on the board of the Academy at the Farms.

Schneider, of Spring Hill, is the marketing coordinator at the Medical Center of Trinity. Previously, she was director of marketing at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.

Both reappointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

School lunches
MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches. Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.

Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.

To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.

Saint Leo food truck
Saint Leo University is taking dining services on the road, as it has officially opened its new food truck, The Hungry Lion.

University President Jeffrey Senese was looking for a way to not only help students, but to be a community service – and spread the word about Saint Leo University, according to a news release.

The 33-foot truck features photos of University Campus in St. Leo and a distinctive logo featuring a lion, Saint Leo’s mascot.

Presently, The Hungry Lion is open to students, faculty and staff at lunchtime on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with the goal to offer night-time dining for students, too.

Future plans call for the food truck to frequently be stationed at Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., to be there for events that are open to the public.

When fully staffed and operational, The Hungry Lion will begin serving at community events.

To learn more and to inquiry about availability, email .

Prodigy showcases
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.

Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events. This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”

Many students will be performing for the first time.

Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.

A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.

Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.

Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.

The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.

Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.

International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.

Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.

Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.

For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.

SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”

During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.

With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.

Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.

The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.

For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Chalk Talk 03/03/2021

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Grace Quinn (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School)

Twins selected as scholarship finalists
Twin sisters Faith Anne Quinn and Grace Helen Quinn, seniors at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, have been selected as 2021 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

Faith Quinn

The Quinns are the only finalists in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school and two of 12 semifinalists in Pasco County.

In addition to their studies, both Faith and Grace are active members of Bishop McLaughlin’s theater department and have played varsity basketball since freshman year.

The twins join approximately 15,000 finalists across the country in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

Student achievements
These local students were named to the fall Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne: Alexis Clark, Trinity; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Tyler Vermillion, Trinity; and Zachary Watson, Trinity.

Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, recognized Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, to its fall Dean’s List.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students.

Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question, “When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to .

For information and questions, call 727-847-8179.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.

SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”

During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.

With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.

Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.

The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.

For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Students may submit completed applications online only.

For information, call Irina White at 813-272-5074.

State testing should not be punitive, board members say

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Florida education officials have given school districts additional time to administer the Florida Standards Assessments, known as FSA for short.

But, the Pasco County School Board wants to avoid penalizing its teachers, students or schools based on results from the assessments.

Board member Alison Crumbley raised the issue during the board’s meeting on Feb. 16.

“In my opinion, the FSA testing is possibly going to be more valuable than ever this year because we need to find out our strengths and our weaknesses, and everything during the COVID year, and find where we need extra work or what have you.

“But, for school grade assessment and high stakes assessment, personally, I think they should be put on hold,” Crumbley said.

“Teachers I don’t feel should be held responsible when their MSOL (MySchool Online) students aren’t participating well, and they’re struggling, for example, and our school grades, I don’t see how they can be considered accurate, during these COVID-related times,” Crumbley said.

She asked the board to put those requests in the district’s legislative platform, and for the board to pass a resolution on the issue.

Other board members agreed.

School board member Megan Harding said, “I just know from hearing from our teachers. Mrs. Crumbley, especially the MySchool Online teachers, they still have kiddos that are not showing up. And they’re being tested and that’s part of their evaluation.”

Crumbley responded: “It’s really not fair to them, in my opinion.”

School board member Colleen Beaudoin concurred: “I agree with you, too. I support us trying to do something.”

School board member Cynthia Armstrong told her colleagues: “Just so you know, that is on the FSBA (Florida School Boards Association) platform — that although testing is important, that we really curb the punitive damages that the test results could have on students, and on teachers and school grades and so on.”

She agreed with her peers that they could add the issue to the Pasco School Board’s legislative platform.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said the Florida Association of District School Superintendents is finalizing its platform. “I believe there is something about removing the impacts of testing for this year.”

Pasco School Board members are expected to vote on a resolution on this issue during the March 2 morning meeting. Following that meeting, the board plans to hold a workshop on its legislative platform.

On another issue, board member Beaudoin raised the issue of seeking out revenue sources to find a way to improve salaries at all levels in the district.

“Our students deserve to have the best teachers and administrators. It’s becoming more difficult for us to compete with our neighboring districts.

“And, I’m committed to finding a way to increase pay for teachers and administrators.

“I think we have to explore other revenue sources to be competitive with our salaries at all levels. So, I hope my colleagues and staff will be open to having that discussion,” Beaudoin said.

Kevin Shibley, the district’s executive director for administration, informed board members about rising costs relating to COVID-19-related health care claims.

“We’ve been asking Blue Cross Blue Shield to track claims being run through our health plan that are specifically related to COVID.

“They started with five-figure numbers, in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. For the month of December, alone, we had over $1.2 million of COVID-related claims, among our employee population.

“So, we’re going to continue to monitor that, but that could mean that we are going to be in for a rough renewal for health care this coming year,” Shibley said.

Betsy Kuhn, the district’s assistant superintendent for support services, shared a couple of pieces of good news with the board.

She told them about $43,000 had been raised through a cooperative effort, with public and private entities, to help feed the hungry.

That money has been used to purchase $40 Publix gift cards that will be given to families that have been identified by district social workers as needing help.

The cards will be distributed before spring break, Kuhn said.

On another matter, Kuhn thanked Idlewild Baptist Church for donating $17,000 to pay off meal debt for Pasco students.

“This donation will eliminate meal debt for 4,371 students,” Kuhn said. “The pastor said that the church community wanted to let families in the area know that they have support, even in these uncertain times, and to be a source of hope during the pandemic.”

Published February 24, 2021

Chalk Talk 02/24/2021

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School resource officers care about the community

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Greene sponsors the J.W. Mitchell High SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and helped the students to prepare a PSA (public service announcement) video for their upcoming ‘Battle of the Belts’ competition. Greene also coaches the offensive linemen on the football team and spends time in the weight room with the students. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)
Pasco Sheriff’s Cpl. Stevenson, SRO officer at Marchman Technical College, helped Cpl. Ziegler at Chasco Middle School with a clothing drive before the winter holidays. One the most requested items was socks, so Stevenson provided those, along with food items, to aid families over the winter break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College/Career Fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College and Career Fair on Feb. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to share information with families across the district as plans are made for college entry and/or careers after high school.

To learn more and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Revised spectator rules
Pasco County Schools announced a revised set of rules that went into effective as of Feb. 15, to allow for more spectators at school sporting events and more audience members at performing arts events.

The new rules will allow for 50% capacity at all outdoor events, including both athletic and performing arts events.

Indoor athletic events would be limited to four spectators for each athlete, and indoor performing arts events will be limited with up to four audience members per performer.

Mask rules will remain the same: Outdoor spectators and audience members are required to wear masks while entering and leaving the venue, and when leaving their seats to visit the concession stand or restroom. Masks are not required while spectators are seated at an event.

Spectators and audience members are required to maintain appropriate social distance with one another, other than direct family members.

The revised rules were established after Pasco County experienced a decrease in local COVID-19 cases and infection rates, and after consulting with the Pasco Department of Health.

Academy at the Farm
Academy at the Farm, 9500 Alex Lange Way in Dade City, is open for enrollment through Feb. 28.

The charter school is “designed to meet the needs of all students by promoting academic excellence, developing productive citizens through character building, and incorporating the advancement of technology in the curriculum,” according to its website.

The academy serves preschool through eighth grade.

For more information and to apply, visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

Chalk Talk 02/17/2021

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Aubriella Chiarell will represent Land O’ Lakes in Hometown program. (Courtesy of Florida’s Hometown USA Program)

Elementary student garners recognition
Florida’s Hometown USA Program Inc., is a nonprofit educational youth organization for students in Florida that helps to educate the young on the values of volunteer work, and to inspire them to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. The focus of the volunteer work is with children, youth and the elderly.

Five students, elementary through college, are selected each year to represent their hometown throughout the state. Aubriella Chiarell was selected as the program’s elementary school representative for 2021. She attends Veterans Elementary School, and is the daughter of Sarah and Vince Chiarell.

Students are being recognized for their volunteer and community service work, and will visit and entertain at nursing homes, children’s hospitals, veterans hospitals, charity events, and other scheduled activities. The program is partnered with 27 facilities throughout Florida.

Florida’s Hometown USA Program has received Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Award, Disney’s VoluntEAR of the Year, the Governor’s Points of Light from former Gov. Jeb Bush, and the national President’s Daily Points of Light Award from former President George W. Bush for volunteer work with youth.

St. Anthony open house
St. Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive in San Antonio, is scheduled to open a new VPK program in August. Enrollment for new families will begin on Feb. 23.

St. Anthony is a private K-8 school founded in 1884 and dedicated to providing students with quality and Christ-centered education that addresses a child’s needs spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically.

For information and to learn more about the school’s VPK program, K-8 openings, or to schedule a tour, call 352-588-3041, or visit StAnthonySchoolFl.org.

College/Career Fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College and Career Fair on Feb. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to share information with families across the district as plans are made for college entry and/or careers after high school.

To learn more and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Student achievements
James Cook, of Lutz, has been named to the Dean’s List at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts. Cook is majoring in history.

These area students were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: Kaylynn Butts, Odessa; Austin Cambas, Lutz; Jennifer Clifford, Lutz; Jack Houser, Odessa; and Emily Ymiolek, Lutz.

Kelly McDermott, of Lutz, was recognized to the President’s List at the University of Alabama.

Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Black History contest
All Hillsborough County students and teachers are invited to enter HART’s Black History Month Contest with a video, essay or drawing entry. The theme is the representation, diversity and identity of “The Black Family.”

Participants must first visit YouTube.com/HARTtransit and watch the “HART Celebrates the Black Family” video.

Then, students can create a video, write a short story, or draw an illustration that covers these three topics:

  • One thing you learned about the Black family from the HART video
  • Describe your own family
  • How your family uses HART (or take a trip on HART together and share your experience)

For entry forms, visit GoHART.org, email , or visit one of HART’s transit centers in Tampa.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28. All entries will be entered into a raffle to win a 31-day HART Pass. Four winners will be chosen.

Academy at the Farm
Academy at the Farm, 9500 Alex Lange Way in Dade City, is open for enrollment through Feb. 28.

The charter school is “designed to meet the needs of all students by promoting academic excellence, developing productive citizens through character building, and incorporating the advancement of technology in the curriculum,” according to its website.

The academy serves preschool through eighth grade.

For more information and to apply, visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students.

Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question, “When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to .

For information and questions, call 727-847-8179.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.

Online security
Students should be aware of the financial risks that accompany social media activity, according to the Kentucky High Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Each new social media platform — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others — present criminals with the opportunity to steal from unsuspecting people. Students should be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking them to open a file or click on a link.

Criminals exploit vulnerabilities in social media software in the hope that users won’t realize they are being phished. One of the most common ways is to send a link to what appears to be a legitimate website.

Students should not click on a link without first ensuring it is real by checking with the company that is the supposed sender.

The KHEAA also advises social media users to be wary of any kind of online survey that asks them to fill out a long list of information, such as their favorite car or where they were born. The answers can give scam artists what they need to steal someone’s identity.

SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.