The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 01/13/2021

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Student reminders
Pasco County schools went back in session for the second semester on Jan. 6, and here are some reminders for in-person and virtual learning for students, and parents:

  • Check your parent and student portal. If you have not yet done so, parents should create a portal account. Visit PascoSchools.org and click on the myStudent link.
  • Make sure portal contact information is correct (phone number, email and mailing address). If not, file an update.
  • Attendance is taken regularly for both in-person and virtual learning, and is a priority for Pasco County Schools.
  • Read the Spring 2021 Education Plan for information related to the health and safety of students.
  • Review the Student Self Screener link.
  • If help is needed for login, devices, meals, health and mental health, text 813-320-3004.

For additional information and more details, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/news.

School Choice
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window opened on Jan. 7 and will close at 4:30 p.m., on Jan. 21.

The application is available through the myStudent parent portal. Parents who do not have a portal can establish an account at PascoSchools.org, and clicking on the myStudent link.

This will be the only application window for all grade levels and contains all school choice options, including STEAM magnet schools, Starkey Ranch K-8, International Baccalaureate, and the Cambridge Programme.

Parent Connect
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer these online Parent Connect meetings:

  • Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m.: Pre-K and elementary school, for caregivers of children ages 3 to 9
  • Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m.: Middle and high school, for caregivers of children ages 10 to 18.

Participants must register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

Virtual summit
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a virtual “Linking in Faith and Education (LIFE), Spirit, and Wellness Support and Resource Summit: Equity and Advancement of Minority Males in America” on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The summit will bring together individuals, behavioral health communities, career resources and congregations to discuss social justice and equality issues as they relate to Black and brown underrepresented populations.

There will be a panel discussion on equity and advancement of minority males in America, followed by breakout sessions on leadership/mentoring; politics, policing and civic responsibility; life skills; and, mental health and spirituality.

The event will be presented by PHSC LIFE and Success Academy, and cohosted by Eastern Florida State College and the Florida African American Student Association.

The first 200 registrants will receive a free lunch from Grubhub, sponsored by Humana Bold Goal.

To register, visit PHSC.edu/about/events.

Student achievements
Andrew James, of Lutz, was named to the fall Dean’s List at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia.

Riley Wood, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor Roll at Bethel University’s College of Arts & Sciences and College of Health Sciences, in McKenzie, Tennessee, for the fall semester.

In-person courses
Pasco-Hernando State College, in accordance with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, will offer a select number of courses for in-person learning in the spring.

Each class will allow up to 12 students in the classroom, with social distancing applied to each space.

Remote learning and hybrid courses still will be available as the school continues to add more in-person courses in the coming months, with safety at the core of the plan.

A full list of in-person courses can be found at PHSC.edu/in-person.

The college’s re-entry plan can be viewed at tinyurl.com/ybj5cuym.

Pasco schools survey results help gauge ‘engagement’

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On the whole, this year’s Gallup Survey results in Pasco County Schools are slightly better than they were last year.

But, when Dr. Peggy Jones — the school district’s director of the office of accountability, research and measurement — discussed the results, she focused on specific data points within the report.

She detailed survey results at the Pasco County School Board meeting on Dec. 1.

In discussing the survey, she explained why it’s important for the district to collect the information to help improve both student and employee engagement.

“Why does Pasco County put money, time and effort into this process?

“We care about this,” Jones said. When employees are engaged, “productivity increases. Customer services increases,” she explained.

“Things that decrease. Absenteeism. Attrition. Theft,” Jones said.

The district’s mission is to provide a world-class education, and that requires engagement by students and teachers, she continued.

“At the center of engaged students are engaged teachers, so it’s important for us to also know how our teachers feel,” Jones said.

The district has a vested interest in doing what it can to keep teachers engaged because 62% of teachers who are engaged are less likely to leave the district, Jones noted.

“We are so in need of teachers and we want our good teachers to be able to stay, and we want to have those great teachers in front of kids every day in the classroom. These are reasons why this is so important to us, and why we care about this information,” Jones said.

“We want to invest in our employees. We want them to stay, and we need to invest in them, so they will stay. And, that includes their engagement, as well as professional development,” the research expert said.

The survey results also can help guide the district into greater exploration of specific issues, Jones said.

“You can’t just go off the number, and look at the number,” she said. “The next steps after you have your data is to have some conversations with groups of people, including kids.”

For instance, the survey has an item that says: “I have the materials I need to do my work right.”

Thirty-seven percent of employees that responded to the survey strongly agreed with that statement.

In this case, the district may benefit by seeking more information on the topic, she said, noting that having specifics can help the district to better understand why employees feel that way.

Jones also provided context for some responses.

For instance, one item on the employee survey says: “At work, my opinion seems to count.”

Thirty-nine percent of Pasco employees strongly agreed.

Jones said it is not unusual for teachers to respond that way.

“K-12 teachers nationwide are going to be the least likely of any organization in the Gallup database to mark that high.

“That can be for whatever reason. It could be that the federal government is telling people what to do. The state. The district. The school administration. Whatever it may be, that feeling of maybe being less empowered, is going to make you feel like your opinions don’t count as much,” Jones said.

She also shared some student results.

Student surveys explored student engagement, student hope, student belonging and social-emotional learning.

“Belonging and social-emotional learning are new,” Jones said. “We’re really excited about the two new domains because they are really at the heart of (the) work that we are doing. And, of course, we’re glad that student engagement and student hope have been there all along.”

The survey showed that 65% of the student respondents are confident they will graduate from high school; 51% said they believe they have a great future ahead.

But, Jones said, 14% of students strongly disagreed with the statement: “My classmates care about me.

“So, they feel like that their classmates don’t care about them,” Jones said, adding that response provides useful information for the district.

She also cited some results relating to social-emotional learning.

One item said: “When I’m angry or upset, I’m very good at explaining what is bothering me to other people.”

The district’s result showed that 29% of its students strongly disagreed with that, meaning they’re not good at that, Jones said.

“So, on the one hand, you might be concerned. But, on the other hand, what a great self-awareness that students can say that ‘I’m not good at that.’” she said.

On the plus side, students are confident about their listening skills.

Fifty-seven percent of students strongly agreed with the statement: “I’m really good at listening to my friends when they are upset about something.”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said the survey results are encouraging, especially during a pandemic.

But, he noted, “it still gives a lot of opportunity for areas to address,” particularly in social-emotional learning, and in working with students and teachers.

Published January 06, 2021

Chalk Talk 01/06/2021

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Superintendent Kurt Browning, right, surprises Yan Li Gazda, recognizing him as Pasco County Teacher of the Year. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Teacher of the Year
Seven Springs Middle School’s foreign language teacher Yan Li Gazda was named Pasco County Schools 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Yan Li Gazda, who goes by Mr. Li, is a Chinese immigrant who has been teaching for six years, all in Pasco County Schools.

During the surprise visit, which included Superintendent Kurt Browning, school board members Colleen Beaudoin and Megan Harding, and Education Foundation Director Stacey Capogrosso, Mr. Li commented on how he believes the honor is shared with all the other amazing teachers in Pasco County, and expressed gratitude at all the opportunities he has had in his adopted country.

“So many teachers do so many great things in their own classrooms,” Mr. Li said, in a news release.

New chaplain
Saint Leo University has announced that Rev. Randall Meissen recently joined the school as university chaplain to lead the University Ministry team.

Rev. Randall Meissen (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

“As the university chaplain, I’m very conscious of serving two segments of the university,” Meissen said in a news release.

“One side is the important duty that is ministerial sacramental life, and supporting the spiritual needs of our vibrant community. The other is the openness and receptivity to the whole university. I am not here only to say Mass and hear Confession. I’m also here to support the broader university – a pluralist, multi-faith community,” he said.

Meissen is a member of the religious order, the Legion of Christ, and was ordained as a priest in 2014.

Prior to coming to Saint Leo, Meissen served as sacramental associate at Our Savior Parish and the University of Southern California (USC) Caruso Catholic Center in Los Angeles, California.

He also is a doctoral candidate in the history department at USC.

Meissen earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology and classics in 2003 from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2008 and in theology in 2014 from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy.

In 2012, Meissen earned a master’s degree in Latin from the University of Florida and in 2016 a Master of Arts in history from USC.

In-person courses
Pasco-Hernando State College, in accordance with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, will offer a select number of courses for in-person learning in the spring.

Each class will allow up to 12 students in the classroom, with social distancing applied to each space.

Remote learning and hybrid courses still will be available as the school continues to add more in-person courses in the coming months, with safety at the core of the plan.

A full list of in-person courses can be found at PHSC.edu/in-person.

The college’s re-entry plan can be viewed at tinyurl.com/ybj5cuym.

Fee adjustments meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will meet to consider adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 19 board meeting, at 6 p.m., at the North Campus in Brooksville.

If the meeting goes virtual, details will be available on the school’s website at PHSC.edu.

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

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

For details regarding proposed fees adjustments, justification for the fees, and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Chalk Talk 12/30/2020

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Ribbon-cutting
Florida’s Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay Inc., will open its first nonprofit, private school – Victory High School – to help youth struggling with addictions.

Teens in traditional high schools are exposed to forces that make it very difficult to maintain recovery, and of those who make a commitment to recovery, more than 50% relapse within 12 months, according to a news release.

Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay “aims to be a beacon of hope and provide wraparound services to the families and students; a safe, connected healing-centered environment that honors the whole child; and collaborates with the family to bring growth,” the release said.

Students range in ages from 14 to 19, and receive an education, mental health services, and opportunities to learn and lead substance-free lives with individualized recovery support.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 4 at noon, at Calvary Chapel Worship Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.

Victory High also is having a shoe drive fundraiser event, “Stepping into Recovery,” through Jan. 31. Donations of new or gently used shoes will be accepted.

For information, contact Tina Levene at 813-444-7766 or .

National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day honors charitable donations and volunteerism from local organizations and individuals.

The PHSC (Pasco-Hernando State College) Foundation, a member of the Nature Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, has recognized the following organizations and individuals for their philanthropic efforts:

  • Philanthropic Corporation of the Year: Suncoast Credit Union
  • Volunteer of the Year: Paul Friedlander
  • Philanthropist of the Year: Scott Fink
  • Philanthropic Service Organization of the Year: Rotary Club of New Port Richey
  • Philanthropic Small Business of the Year: George’s Wholesale Tires

Open application windows
The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice selections for the 2021-2022 school year can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.

The controlled open enrollment window for elementary and secondary grades opens on Jan. 7 at 8 a.m., and closes on Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Acceptance notifications for secondary grades will be made between Feb. 19 and Feb. 28.

Elementary grades acceptance notifications will be from March 12 and March 26.

To complete a school choice application, a parent must have an active parent account in myStudent.

Inclusivity award
Pasco-Hernando State College was awarded the 2020 Excellence in Inclusivity Award by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, for its “It Takes Us” program addressing social justice and race relations.

Jessica White, director of student life and leadership, acknowledged the collaboration of many committed individuals who contributed to the honor, while acknowledging the career contributions of Imani Asukile, director of global and multicultural awareness equity and special assistant to the president.

“We collectively felt this award should be dedicated to Imani (Asukile)’s longstanding service to our institution and for his commitment to equity, fairness and social justice,” said White, in a news release.

Outstanding seniors
Pasco County Schools congratulates its 2021 Outstanding Seniors:

  • Anclote High School: Thomas J. Crawford
  • Cypress Creek High School: Matthew Ravenna
  • Fivay High School: Tyler Borges
  • Gulf High School: Angel Martin-Meza
  • Hudson High School: Sydney Ramos
  • J.W. Mitchell High School: Tiffani Bidgood
  • Land O’ Lakes High School: Kaitlyn Wall
  • Pasco eSchool: Emma Burdik
  • Pasco High School: Augustus Hoff
  • River Ridge High School: Raynee Meek
  • Sunlake High School: Geoffrey Brown
  • Wesley Chapel High School: Sydney Bauer
  • Wendell Krinn Technical High School: Mariano DeCarvalho
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School: Lynn Asare-Bediako
  • Zephyrhills High School: Madison Aguilera

Honor roll
The University of Mississippi announced the students recognized for the fall 2020 Honor Roll lists, including the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.

Two area students were named to the Chancellor’s Roll: Timothy John Elko, of Lutz, and Madeleine Nicole Hendron, of Odessa.

Winter commencement
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) hosted a virtual, live-streamed commencement on Dec. 16 for winter 2020 graduates.

Graduating students who opted to participate were asked to submit a photo for the video.

Speeches were recorded by Timothy L. Beard, PHSC president; Marilyn Pearson-Adams, PHSC district board of trustees chair; Channing Sampson, PHSC student speaker; and Jessica LaBoissier, associate professor, English, and faculty senate president.

Approximately 185 degrees and certificates were conferred at the virtual ceremony.

Boundaries set for Starkey Ranch K-8

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The Pasco County School Board has set boundaries for the new Starkey Ranch K-8 school under construction in the Starkey Ranch development.

The school — part of a complex that includes a theater, library and cultural center — is scheduled to open in the 2021-2022 school year.

The board adopted the boundaries during it Dec. 1 board meeting.

Starkey Ranch K-8 will have a capacity for 1,500 students, and initially will open for kindergarten through seventh grade, allowing students entering eighth grade to remain at their current school.

The new school will draw students from Longleaf and Odessa elementary schools, as well as River Ridge Middle.

The school also will be a magnet school, attracting students from beyond its assigned boundaries.

In addition to adopting boundaries for Starkey Ranch K-8, the board made some minor adjustments involving the boundaries of Watergrass and Wesley Chapel elementary schools.

That change is being made as a result of the Epperson Ranch subdivision, Williams said.

No one from the public spoke for or against the boundary changes during the board’s meeting.

Published December 23, 2020

Chalk Talk 12/23/2020

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Members of the K-Tech team, from left: Emily Null, Amanda Marrero and Shelly Nonnenberg. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Students’ experiment goes to space
A science experiment created by Kendall Krinn Technical High School (K-Tech) students in Pasco County was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) with the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Mission 14 and the Dragon cargo spacecraft was launched on Dec. 6.

An all-female team of K-Tech students from Sarah Kumar’s biomedical science class entered a national flight experiment design competition.

The team’s experiment was selected from among thousands of submissions of real flight experiments created by students from around the nation.

The K-Tech submission explores the effects of microgravity on amoxicillin’s ability to kill the bacteria that causes staph infections, which is a critical concern for astronauts living within the close confines of the ISS.

The team has its own compartment inside Dragon’s payload box for its mini-lab, which the astronauts will test aboard the ISS.

This authentic STEM experience included a formal research project and a written proposal by the student team.

High school fishing program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2020-2021 High School Fishing Program offers high school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant.

The grant program focuses on recruiting new anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program this school year is abbreviated to only include the spring semester.

The grant will award up to 30 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants. The clubs and teams will receive an updated educational curriculum comprised of lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing the Pure Fishing Conservation Project.

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

To qualify for a grant, high school fishing clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

The application can be downloaded at MyFWC.com/news and submitted to . The deadline for applications is Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.

Chalk Talk 12/16/2020

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Leo Sterns (Courtesy of Kathy Castor)

Military academies nominees
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor has announced the names of 24 students, representing more than a dozen local high schools, that received nominations for admission into the nation’s military academies: Air Force (USAFA), Navy (USNA), Army (USMA), and Merchant Marine (USMMA), in a news release.

Sohan Khanvilkar

Nominations are earned based upon each student’s interview with Castor’s nomination committee, their academic record, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Based upon the process established by federal law, all U.S. military academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, require either a service-connected or congressional nomination (from a member of Congress, U.S. senator, or the vice president of the United States).

Nominees who receive an appointment from a U.S. military academy will attend their respective academies in the 2021-2022 school year.

Nominated students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are Leo Sterns, Gaither High School and Valdosta State (Georgia), USAFA; and Sohan Khanvilkar, Steinbrenner High School, USAFA.

‘The Perfect Storm’
Saint Leo University and FIRST-Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics will present a look at how officials deployed and the best practices they implemented at “The Perfect Storm 2020: Navigating a Historic Hurricane Season during a Global Pandemic Symposium” on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., via Zoom.

The free webinar will discuss lessons learned from public safety officials regarding their preparedness and response efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what turned into the most active hurricane season in history.

Federal, state and local officials will exchange perspectives and ideas, and offer the best practices to improve all phases of emergency management.

The event is open to the public, criminal justice and emergency management personnel, Saint Leo students, prospective students, and alumni.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/perfectstorm.

Open application windows
The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice selections for the 2021-2022 school year can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.

The controlled open enrollment window for elementary and secondary grades opens on Jan. 7 at 8 a.m., and closes on Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Acceptance notifications for secondary grades will be made between Feb. 19 and Feb. 28.

Elementary grades acceptance notifications will be from March 12 and March 26.

To complete a school choice application, a parent must have an active parent account in myStudent.

Water conservation contest
More than 1,700 local students showcased their creativity for conservation during the 11th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest, featuring student artwork from 26 classrooms across 14 elementary schools.

The contest, hosted by Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Government Utility Authority, in collaboration with Pasco County Schools, was aimed at educating future generations about the importance of sustainable water.

This year’s “Drippy’s Big Adventure” detective theme took students on a journey, with mascot Drippy, to solve the mystery of where water comes from, how it’s cleaned and how it arrives in their homes.

Student artwork was judged based on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning standards.

Each award-winning student received a trophy and admission passes from this year’s sponsors: Bricks & Minifigs, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Florida Aquarium, The Lift Adventure Park and Urban Air Adventure Park.

All participants students received a free kid’s meal from Chick-fil-A of Trinity and a free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery & Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of Trinity.

Visit WaterContest.org for details on next year’s registration dates, and the winning artwork.

Student achievements
Hanley Riggs, of Lutz, qualified for the fall 2020 Dean’s List at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

These local students graduated from the University of Tampa:

  • Kathryn Adamski, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations
  • Bryce Benedict, Lutz: Master of Science in Finance
  • Cory Burke, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
  • Mesa Danglert, Lutz: Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
  • Kearsten DeGolyer, Odessa: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
  • Emma Gombert, Lutz: Master of Business Administration
  • Brooke Santiesteban, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Human Performance
  • Trevor Toma, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Jeffrey Valente, Lutz: Master of Science in Accounting

Victory High School
Victory High School, the first Recovery High School in Tampa Bay, will open on Jan. 6 in the Calvary Chapel Worship Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. The space will be leased, as the school is not part of the church ministry.

Victory High is a private, nonprofit school for teens in recovery from substance-use disorders or co-occurring disorders, according to the school’s website. And, all staff and volunteers are trained in trauma responsive services.

For information, visit VictoryHighSchool.net, or email .

Learning options go on, in Florida

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Parents will continue to have the choice of keeping their children at home for remote learning through the second semester of the school year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran made that announcement during a joint news conference on Nov. 30.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning also discussed the state’s new executive order during the Pasco County School Board’s Dec. 1 meeting.

The order “does allow for the continuation of the mySchool Online learning model,” Browning said. “It also does hold school districts harmless, financially, and I would add, with some caveats. We are still working through the details of the order, as it relates to the financial matters.”

The district must submit a plan to the state by Dec. 15, which outlines how it will identify struggling students and provide learning supports.

“Needless to say, staff is working feverishly to not just submit a report, or a plan, but submit a plan that represents how we’re going to support all of our students, and especially the struggling students,” Browning said.

“The plan will require specific steps for progress monitoring,” the superintendent added.

The plan will cover how the district plans to take “even more aggressive steps” in identifying students that are not having success, Browning said.

The district will be making contact with those parents, who then will have a choice between sending their student, or students, back to the traditional brick-and-mortar model, or to continue on with mySchool Online.

If they want to continue remote learning, they must make that affirmative choice.

“That is going to add another level of complexity,” Browning said.

“I will tell you, there will be a district-wide approach to this. There will not be different procedures in different schools,” the superintendent said. The procedure for identifying struggling students and notifying parents will be the same, he explained.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin asked the district to provide additional support for secondary teachers who are in schools where a significant number of notifications will have to be made.

Browning responded: “That is one of the issues that we’re trying to figure out.”

The district also is working on the best approach for notifications to parents.

“Do we send a certified letter home to moms and dads, with a return receipt, so we have written confirmation that they received it. Do we make phone calls? Who makes those phone calls? What information are we sharing with them? What is the measure of success?

“Those are all issues that we’re having to deal with, with guidance from Tallahassee,” Browning said.

While the district works this out, some other district tasks are being put on hold, he added.

Beaudoin said her perception of the press conference was that the state would like to get students back into traditional classrooms.

Browning agreed: “We do know that the Commissioner (Corcoran) was pretty clear yesterday, in his assessment about kids that are struggling: They need to be back in bricks-and-mortar environment.”

But, Browning said he’s pleased the state is continuing to give parents the choice.

“I will tell you that I understand, with where we find ourselves with COVID, particularly on Dec. 1, 2020, I understand why there are parents that do not want to come back into a bricks-and-mortar environment,” he said.

The superintendent went on: “The numbers, because of the measures and steps that we’ve taken as a district, have been relatively low.”

In fact, the number of positive cases among students is about ½ of 1%, he said.

In large part, the cases on campus are not resulting from spread at school, but are originating elsewhere, Browning said.

At one high school, for example, about a dozen students were sent home that were directly tied to a birthday party, he said.

“You go to parks and ballfields, and you will see full parks and ballfields — and I might add, with no masks, or very few masks,” the superintendent said.

Browning also noted that he’s been in constant contact with Mike Napier, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health — Pasco County.

“He’s concerned about the direction that we’re headed — not we, as a district, but we, as a community, are headed with COVID cases,” Browning said.

Board member Beaudoin urged parents to help ensure their children’s success.

Browning said the district needs to give assurances to Tallahassee that it is adding additional supports, and those supports, he said won’t be cheap.

“Miss (Olga) Swinson (chief finance officer), and I, and others — we talk about the funding piece and how we are going to be able to get the dollars that we’re going to need to have in order to provide these supports that the department expects us to provide to these students,” he said. “It’s a sticky wicket.”

School board member Alison Crumbley said the district needs to analyze why students are struggling. “We need to break it down,” she said.

Published December 09, 2020

Chalk Talk 12/09/2020

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Ask a college student
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Ask a College Student” on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., through Zoom, for teens in grades eight to 12.

A panel of current students from a variety of colleges, majors and experiences will answer any questions participants may have.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be emailed the day before the event.

For information and to register, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or .

‘The Perfect Storm’
Saint Leo University and FIRST-Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics will present a look at how officials deployed and the best practices they implemented at “The Perfect Storm 2020: Navigating a Historic Hurricane Season during a Global Pandemic Symposium” on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., via Zoom.

The free webinar will discuss lessons learned from public safety officials regarding their preparedness and response efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what turned into the most active hurricane season in history.

Federal, state and local officials will exchange perspectives and ideas, and offer the best practices to improve all phases of emergency management.

The event is open to the public, criminal justice and emergency management personnel, Saint Leo students, prospective students, and alumni.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/perfectstorm.

Wreath challenge
The Florida Aquarium’s inaugural “Upcycled Wreath Challenge: Conservation Connections” is a platform for youth to learn about critical environmental issues impacting our planet through a creative art format.

All schools in Hillsborough County can participate.

Each upcycled wreath will focus on one of the aquarium’s conservation priorities and be made entirely of reused/repurposed items or materials.
Guests can then come to see the wreath in the aquarium’s CIBC Aquatic Lounge, in the Mosaic Center.

The challenge runs through Jan. 3.

For information, visit FlAquarium.org.

Drone ban in school zones
The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that prohibits the unauthorized operation of small unmanned vehicles – typically referred to as drones – on property that is leased, owned or contracted for by the board.

The ban is in effect at all times.

The superintendent may authorize the use of drones.

Also, pursuant to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) administrative policies, the board prohibits the operation of drones at FHSAA events conducted on property owned or leased or contracted for by the board. District officials may deny admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a drone until the event has been completed.

To be authorized to operate a drone, a staff member or administrator or other individual under contract with the board must have a remote pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The drone also must be registered and properly marked.

Anyone who is authorized to operate a drone also must comply with applicable regulations.

Limited crowdfunding
The Pasco County School Board has adopted a policy that applies to any form of crowdfunding within the district.

The action, adopted by the board at its Nov. 17 meeting, applies whether the benefit is to a specific classroom, grade level, department, school, or academic or extracurricular activity.

The policy defines crowdfunding as “the solicitation of funds or resources from individuals and/or organizations to support identified activities or projects that enhance the educational program or a specific cause approved by the district.”

Such solicitations typically are from a large number of people or organizations, using internet-based technologies.

The policy allows crowdfunding, but only with specific, prior approval by the superintendent.

It also says that “all crowdfunding activities shall protect the privacy of students, children, and young adults” in accordance with board policies, district guidelines, and applicable state and federal laws.

The policy also says that materials, supplies, equipment, and other proceeds of the crowdfunding activity shall become the property of the district, or school.

Also, any benefit to an individual employee derived from crowdfunding activities must comply with board policy, related to gifts and compensation, as well as applicable laws and state ethics rules.

The policy also prohibits cash or equivalent payment to district personnel.

And, all crowdfunding activities are subject to the district’s fundraising and other financial control procedures.

‘Type’ capsule contest
The Pasco County Library Cooperative is sponsoring a 2020 “Type Capsule” Essay Contest through Dec. 31, for grades three to five.

Because 2020 has been a historic year, students are asked to answer this question: “If you made a time capsule, what would you want to share about the year with future generations?”

The essay can discuss something the child experienced during 2020 and explain why it is worth remembering.

Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m., on Dec. 31.

Third-graders should write at least three paragraphs; fourth-graders, four paragraphs; and fifth-graders, five paragraphs.

Essays should not be more than three pages of writing. The student also can include images, but the images must be on separate pages from the writing itself.

For more details and guidelines, visit PascoLibraries.evanced.info/signup.

Chalk Talk 12/02/2020

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Saint Leo University hosted an early tree lighting on Nov. 18. (Courtesy of Sam Gonzalez, Saint Leo University)

Christmas season kick-off
Saint Leo University kicked off the Christmas season on Nov. 18 – a little early this year – in order for students, faculty and staff to celebrate together before Thanksgiving break.

The last two weeks of the fall semester will be completed online, Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, and many students will not be on campus.

Saint Leo University’s manger awaits the Christ child.

The Saint Leo community was joined by members of the Pasco County community for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain, blessed the university’s Christmas tree and nativity as the university prepares for Advent.

Student Government Union President Ashley Butler read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke 2: 1-14, and students, faculty and staff provided Christmas music.

Leadership webinar
Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business will present a free virtual Leadership Re-Imagined Webinar on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., entitled “Finding Strategic Flexibility to Power Through the Pandemic and Beyond,” to assist small businesses.

The discussion will take a closer look at how businesses are thinking and acting differently, and why flexibility is an indispensable mindset.

The guest speakers will be Dr. Drew Gold, associate professor of management for the Tapia College of Business, and Brian Quinn, chief development officer for Domio Inc.

To register, visit www.SaintLeo.edu/business-events.

For information, email Kim Bulmanski at .

College essay tips
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a live event, “College Essays for Teens,” on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m., to discuss the best tips and methods to writing college essays.

The program is for teens in grades eight to 12. There will be a Q&A session after the presentation.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be sent out the day before the event.

For information, call Amaris Papadopoulos at (727) 861-3020.

Ask a college student
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Ask a College Student” on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., through Zoom, for teens in grades eight to 12.

A panel of current students from a variety of colleges, majors and experiences will answer any questions participants may have.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be emailed the day before the event.

For information and to register, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at (727) 861-3020 or .

Wreath challenge
The Florida Aquarium’s inaugural “Upcycled Wreath Challenge: Conservation Connections” is a platform for youth to learn about critical environmental issues impacting our planet through a creative art format.

All schools in Hillsborough County can participate.

Each upcycled wreath will focus on one of the aquarium’s conservation priorities and be made entirely of reused/repurposed items or materials.
Guests can then come to see the wreath in the aquarium’s CIBC Aquatic Lounge, in the Mosaic Center.

The challenge runs from Dec. 6 through Jan. 3.

For information, visit FlAquarium.org.

New nursing program
Saint Leo University will launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program starting in the 2021 fall semester, its University Campus. The program is designed to prepare students for generalist nursing practice within complex health care systems.

The limited-access program will be accepting new students into pre-nursing coursework in arts and sciences during the first two years, including courses in anatomy, microbiology, math, writing, ethics and psychology. Students can then apply to the nursing program during their sophomore year to begin the nursing-major courses in year three.

The application process is competitive and limited spaces are available for the BSN program. This program format will allow for potential transfer students and second-degree students who may want to pursue their BSN degree in a shorter time-frame to consider Saint Leo.

There is a growing need for nurses in the coming years as a result of the rapidly aging U.S. population and a simultaneous number of nurses retiring.

The global pandemic continues to support this urgent need for licensed nurses in the field as the health care system undergoes a major transformation in structure and groundbreaking technology advances.

Upper-level nursing courses will commence in the fall semester of 2023, and the university anticipates having 48 spots for students in the first group admitted. Students will participate in theory, simulation, lab, and clinical experiences at a variety of health care and community agencies. The program will prepare graduates who can provide safe, quality care with an emphasis on wellness.

Another advantage offered at the Saint Leo campus includes the Anatomage Table, a 3-D educational display system that is usually found only in medical schools. The table displays actual X-rays of the human body and can be operated by touch-screen mode to help teach students in anatomy and physiology classes the various systems (respiratory, vascular, etc.) and structures they need to know as nurses.

The BSN will be available for undergraduate students only at Saint Leo’s residential University Campus. Students applying for the fall semester will receive automatic scholarship consideration.

The new BSN program has received approval from the Florida State Board of Nursing and is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Applications are currently being accepted.

For more information, email , call (352) 588-8283, or visit SaintLeo.edu/bachelor-nursing-program.