Education

PHSC leaders speak at national conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College leaders attended the 2024 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Conference from Oct. 23 to 26 in Seattle, Washington. 

The conference welcomed nearly 2,000 leaders from community colleges, government agencies, philanthropic entities and other organizations.

PHSC President Jesse Pisors was joined by PHSC District Board of Trustees members Lee Maggard, Nicole Newlon and John Allocco Jr., along with student representative Krista Knowles, to attend and speak at the conference. Pisors, Maggard and Newlon spoke at the conference during a breakout session. Their presentation focused on the process of searching, selecting and onboarding a new college president, a familiar topic for PHSC with the onboarding of Pisors as PHSC’s fifth president in February 2024.  

“This was a great opportunity to represent PHSC at this major national conference and to present on a topic that is important to college trustees from across the country,” said Pisors.

 

College opens $4.9M fire training facility

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College opened a five-story fire training tower Nov. 18 at its East Campus.

The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment all spanning over a four-acre site. The $4.9 million project is set to not only be a resource for students in training, but also for local and state fire departments.

“PHSC strives to stay on the cutting edge, in terms of the preparation we provide our students,” PHSC President Jesse Pisors said. “This fire training tower means that the students who go through our fire science program will emerge better prepared for the realities they will face in their work. In addition to serving our students, this facility will allow us to provide ongoing training for professionals from across the state.”
The tower was developed and constructed by Skanska. The tower measures 4,280 square feet and 50 feet in height.

 

Principal appointed to Skybrooke K8 School

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools has appointed Michele Boylan as principal of Skybrooke K-8, which will open in August 2025 in Lutz.

Boylan has worked the past four years as principal at Bexley Elementary school in Land O’ Lakes. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Chasco Elementary School in Port Richey.

“Between both schools, she has learned so much about growing teachers, connecting with students and bringing in parents in the community as partners,” said Cortney Gantt, assistant superintendent for elementary schools. 

Boylan started working in Pasco County as a dropout prevention teacher in 1997 at Hudson Elementary School. 

 

School hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

DADE CITY – Pasco County Schools welcomed the community to a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Nov. 9 at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School. 

The event, initially postponed due to recent hurricanes, celebrated Hispanic and Latino heritage with food, vendors and activities. It was a partnership with Premier Community Healthcare and the Hernando Hispanic Heritage Network.

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, acknowledges the contributions and cultural impact of Hispanic and Latino communities. 

In August, Pasco County Schools honored this observance with a proclamation from the school board, followed by a countywide resolution from the Pasco County commissioners in September.

 

Jingle Bell Dash coming to Catholic school

SPRING HILL – Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will use proceeds from its Jingle Bell Dash 5K Run Walk to support its athletic running program.

Participants will run or walk through the campus, 13651 Hays Road. The event starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 14. Shirts go to the first 200 registered participants (excluding ages 0-9). 

Registration costs $30 for adults, $15 for ages 10-17 and free for 0-9.

Email for details. 

 

Hillsborough Education Foundation expands SCOPE Initiative

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation announced the expansion of the Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration to Spoto High School.

This will mark the third SCOPE site in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Foundation President and CEO Anna Corman envisions ongoing expansion for the college and career readiness initiative, with a goal of establishing six fully operational SCOPE centers by 2026. 

“SCOPE has proven to be a valuable resource for students navigating the complex journey toward college and career readiness,” Corman said. “Our students at King and Brandon high schools have shown tremendous growth and engagement through SCOPE, and we are excited to bring these resources to Spoto High School.”

Thanks to funding from The Mosaic Company and Tampa Electric Company, Spoto High School students will now have access to personalized support to prepare for their postsecondary journeys. 

The SCOPE program offers resources such as one-on-one college and career planning, assistance with admissions and financial aid applications, and guidance on technical college and trade school pathways.

 

Pasco County Schools promotes staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools approved multiple promotions during the Nov. 5 school board meeting. 

Promotions included: 

• Janice Cook, an intervention specialist, was promoted to assistant principal at Fox Hollow Elementary School. 
• Jaclyn Adamson went from a teacher literacy role to a voluntary prekindergarten coordinator for Early Childhood Programs.
• Lisa Cavalieri has been promoted from a professional standard investigator to a supervisor in the employee relations department. 

 

Expo offers look at school choice options

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools planned to inform families about the upcoming school choice application window and highlight available programs via the Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice Expo.

The expo spans two days: 

• Nov. 12, 5 to 8 p.m., at Gulf High School, 5085 Madison St., New Port Richey. 
• Nov 14, 5 to 8 p.m., at Cypress Creek High School, 8701 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel.

The expos will feature informational sessions that cover the general application process for new student enrollment and school choice. 

In addition, many of Pasco County’s schools will showcase their unique educational options like STEM and STEAM magnets, Cambridge Programme, International Baccalaureate, Career Pathways and more. 

Attendees will also have the chance to learn about Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch K-8, Skybrooke K-8 and early childhood programs.

The school choice application window will run from Jan. 8 to 21  for all schools and grade levels.

Visit pasco.k12.fl.us/expo to see all the schools attending, register for a session or access frequently asked questions.

 

District recognizes top staff

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized several staff member with annual awards.

• Mike Baumaister won District Administrator of the Year.
• Josh Borders, of R.B. Stewart Middle School, won Principal of the Year. 
• Joel Quina, of J.W. Mitchell High School, earned Assistant Principal of the Year honors.
• Matt Fox, of Mary Giella Elementary School, won NNB (noninstructional, nonbargaining) of the Year.
• Lindsey Pahlck, of Connerton Elementary School, earned SRP (school related personnel) of the Year honors.
• Addie Ogden (Double Branch Elementary School), Tabatha Whaley (Cypress Creek Middle School) and Elizabeth Skoglund (Land O’ Lakes High School) were named finalists for Teacher of the Year. 

 

Quick Hits

• Principal Jeff Morgenstein welcomed Pasco County Schools officials and the community to a dedication of the new Gulf High School on Nov. 4.
• Pasco County Schools appointed Michele Boylan as principal of Skybrooke K8.

 

Districts receive grants for STEM activities

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $108,937 in grants to 51 educators within the district as part of the Splash! school grant program. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.

Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. Each school district allocates a portion of their annual youth education funding provided by the district to support the Splash! grants in their county.

The district awarded grants to the following schools/teachers in Pasco County:

• Achieve Center at Wesley Chapel – Meghan Butler
• Dayspring Academy – Chris Anzalone 
• East Pasco Education Academy – Jose H. Olmo 
• J. W. Mitchell High School – Dennis Koslin 
• Moon Lake Elementary School – Amy Craver 
• Shady Hills Elementary School – Margaret Higgins 
• West Pasco Education Academy – Shamsher Lamba 

Grants are available to support water education programs and activities that are focused on water cycle basics, freshwater or estuarian ecosystems, water quality and water conservation. 

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants.

 

College breaking in Workforce Development Center

SPRING HILL – Pasco-Hernando State College was scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of its Workforce Development Center on Oct. 30 at Gowers Corner.

The celebration was rescheduled to Oct. 30 due to Hurricane Milton. The center is at 18950 Michigan Lane.

The Workforce Development Program touches on a wide variety of skills and knowledge, providing students with opportunities to further their professional careers and goals. 

“Our goal is to give the students the knowledge, job experience and skills that they can use for the rest of their lives,” said Sean Kessler, instructor for the construction technician apprenticeship program. “If we’ve given them this foundation to build themselves up on, then we’ve done our job.”

President Jesse Pisors said the center illustrates a trend in colleges and industry partners working closely together to prepare people for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. 

On the web: phsc.edu

 

Student achievements

• Mykayla Christine King, of Lutz, is one of 387 Mars Hill University students named on the Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the spring 2024 semester. Students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C.

 

School collects donations for Tampa Hope 

LAKELAND – Students, faculty and families of St. Anthony Catholic School donated items, such as pet food, baby items and personal hygiene items, to Tampa Hope to benefit people in the community who have suffered losses during Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Sarah Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher, spearheaded the collection after hearing about the difficulties in Tampa Bay following the hurricanes.

“It weighed on my heart,” Fowler said. 

Tampa Hope is a shelter operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Saint Petersburg serving up to 234 homeless adults with plans to expand to 335. 

 

PHSC to host financial recovery workshop

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College will host a financial recovery workshop to connect students and the community to resources after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The workshop takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The Copeland Team sponsors the event, which is open to the public and free with lunch provided.

Visit phsc.edu/about/events/campus/community-awareness-series-financial-fitness for event and registration details. 

The workshop will explain steps to work toward financial wellness as well as community resources and agencies to assist families.

Originally, the event was intended as a Financial Fitness workshop; however, the focus shifted in the best interest of the community. A Financial Fitness workshop for spring 2025 will be announced soon.

“For PHSC, our community partnerships are essential in our service to students and each other,” said Davina Jones, provost of the Porter Campus. “Natural occurrences, like hurricanes, have a way of reminding us that we are in this together.”

 

Pasco schools approved to operate afterschool meals 

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools announced the approval of 64 schools for participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program. 

The Afterschool Meals Program is designed primarily to provide nutritious meals to children participating in afterschool programs on campus. 

Approved schools hosting programs and activities (including PLACE) after school hours will have the ability to provide meals for the 2024-25 school year. 

Parents should contact the coordinator of the program their child is participating in to determine if meals will be provided.  

The following schools, grouped by city, have been approved to participate in the program:

• Dade City: Centennial Elementary School, Centennial Middle School, East Pasco Education Academy, Lacoochee Elementary School, Pasco Elementary School, Pasco High School, Pasco Middle School, R.B. Cox Elementary and San Antonio Elementary. 
• Holiday: Anclote High School, Gulf Trace Elementary School, Gulfside Elementary School, Paul R. Smith Middle School and Sunray Elementary School. 
• Hudson: Fivay High School, Hudson High School, Hudson Middle School, Hudson Primary Academy and West Pasco Education Academy.
• Land O’ Lakes: Connerton Elementary School, Lake Myrtle Elementary School and Pineview Elementary School.
• Lutz: Denham Oaks Elementary School.
• New Port Richey: Anclote Elementary School, Athenian Academy, Bayonet Point Middle School, Calusa Elementary School, Cotee River Elementary School, Cypress Elementary School, Deer Park Elementary School, Gulf High School, Gulf Middle School, James M. Marlowe Elementary School, Longleaf Elementary School, Mittye P. Locke Elementary School, Moon Lake Elementary School, Pepin Academy, Plato Academy, Richey Elementary School, River Ridge Middle/High School, Schrader Elementary School, Seven Springs Elementary School and Wendell Krinn Technical High School.
• Port Richey: Chasco Elementary School, Chasco Middle School, Dayspring Academy (Elementary), Dayspring Jazz, Fox Hollow Elementary School and Gulf Highlands Elementary and Learning Lodge.
• Shady Hills: Shady Hills Elementary School.
• Spring Hill: Classical Preparatory School, Crews Lake Middle School and Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School.
• Wesley Chapel: New River Elementary School, Quail Hollow Elementary School, Veterans Elementary School and Watergrass Elementary School.
• Zephyrhills: Chester Taylor Elementary School, R.B. Stewart Middle School, West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School and Zephyrhills High School.

 

Student Achievements

• Chad Cooper of Lutz, has earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 

 

SAINT PETERSBURG – The Diocese of Saint Petersburg offices sustained damage as high winds caused windows to shatter. 

The area surrounding the offices also suffered damage such as home and business flooding, trees down and property damage. 

Here are some of the initial reports of damage: 

• St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Church in the Town and Country area sustained flooding and the property was not reachable Oct. 10.
• The St. James Chapel at the Bethany Retreat Center, in Lutz flooded. The surrounding lakes overflowed onto the grounds and parking lot. There are many trees down and one has landed on the Youth Center.
• St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Spring Hill had damage to the church, including roof leaks.
• St. Anthony Catholic Church in San Antonio had roof leaks and debris damage.
• St Jerome Catholic Church in Largo had considerable roof damage including lost shingles and various roof leaks.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg implemented an Employee Assistance Reimbursement Program to help employees recoup some disaster related costs related to Hurricane Helene. This will be a resource for Hurricane Milton survivors.

On the web: dosp.org/stormupdates

 

PHSC experiencing fall enrollment growth

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s 2024 fall enrollment totals 9,891 students. While this number is not yet final, it represents an increase from fall 2023. 

This growth includes a steady increase in dual enrollment, as well as first-time in college students. 

The number of dual enrollment students served by Pasco-Hernando State College this fall has grown by 10% in just the last year, marking an increase in the number of high schoolers in Pasco and Hernando counties who are getting a head start on their higher education journey. 

Not only has enrollment increased, but applications to the college are up 31%, with admitted students increasing 13% since 2023. 

In addition, the percentage of high school seniors graduating in the top 10% of their class and then choosing Pasco-Hernando State College has grown over last year, indicating a strengthening preference for PHSC among high school graduates who are likely being recruited by multiple colleges and universities.

“With the populations of both Pasco and Hernando Counties growing, PHSC must continue to grow and evolve to meet our communities’ higher education needs within the scope of our mission and be the college of choice in our region,” President Jesse Pisors said. “It is exciting to see our enrollment continue to grow since we know that a PHSC education can lead to positive transformation in lives, families and communities.”

As enrollment increases, the PHSC Foundation has budgeted $1.4 million in funding for scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year, an 8% increase over the previous year.

“We are grateful to our donors who make it possible for so many students to receive much-needed financial support,” said Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships. 

 

Program puts CEOs in schools

TAMPA – CEOs in Schools returns for its sixth year, offering Tampa Bay area executives a rare, immersive experience inside public schools.

More than 150 business leaders will spend Nov. 1 alongside school principals, teachers and students, sharing their knowledge while gaining firsthand insights into the critical work of shaping future leaders.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Hillsborough Education Foundation, Vistra Communications and Hillsborough County Public Schools. 

“CEOs in Schools exemplifies the power of collaboration between business and education,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “When CEOs and educators come together, they share valuable insights, forge lasting partnerships, and create new opportunities for student success. This program is about more than just a one-day experience—it’s about fostering relationships that will continue to benefit our schools, students, and community. We are excited to witness the collective impact of this year’s participants as they help shape the future of education in Hillsborough County.”

Business leaders interested in participating can reserve a school by visiting CEOsinSchools.com, but spots are filling fast.

 

Saint Leo University hosting open house

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will welcome prospective students at its fall open house event on Oct. 26.

High school and transfer students are invited to visit campus and learn more about the innovative academic programs offered by the university.  

Students who attend the Fall Open House are eligible to receive a $250 open house microscholarship.

The open house is set for 8:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 26 at the campus, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. 

The open house will include a welcome session with university and academic leaders; campus tours including the Wellness Center; meeting current students and hearing about their experiences; learning about the university’s clubs and organizations; and a resource fair to meet faculty members and learn more about majors and degrees programs.

RSVPs are requested by Oct. 23. Register at saintleo.edu/student-experience/visit.

 

Staff/student achievements
• Brooke Heck, of Lutz, recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. Heck, a graduate of The Hill School, was selected from a pool of 8,531 applicants from all 50 states and 139 countries and joins a community of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students.

• Pasco County Schools shared a reel on social media of Coach JD Baker ringing the bell at River Ridge High School in honor of his last radiation treatment for skin cancer. 

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Pasco County Schools promotes assistant principals

LAND O’ LAKES – Monica Ilse, assistant superintendent for high schools at Pasco County Schools, introduced three new assistant principals during the Oct. 1 school board meeting. 

Caroline Holloman was promoted from a magnet coordinator to assistant principal at Hudson High School. She has experience as a science teacher and media specialist.  

“She is a great leader with teachers, is always willing to take on any task and is just a wonderful person,” Ilse said. 

Rodney McKinney was promoted from behavioral specialist to assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High School. He has worked as a behavior specialist at Wiregrass Ranch High School and has experience at AMIkids.

“He has most recently taken up a leadership opportunity helping out with hurricane shelter duty this past weekend,” she said. “He’s always willing to help and has also been a leader within the school building.”

Taryn Neale was promoted from intervention specialist at Seven Oaks Elementary School to assistant principal at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School. 

“Taryn has over 22 years of experience with Pasco County Schools,” Ilse said. “She has a great passion for education and has taken on numerous leadership opportunities within her school building.”

 

TouchPoint Medical gives back to district

ODESSA – TouchPoint Medical donated a grant of $73,216 to the Office for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Pasco County Schools. 

The grant will fund 100 adjustable height workstations and two touchscreens for health science programs across the district. 

“This generous donation will provide students a vital piece of work-based learning to enhance their education enabling them to practice and learn by using equipment currently used in the healthcare industry,” according to a memo by Lori Romano, Director of the Office for Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

Some of the schools that will see these workstations include Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Marchman Technical College, as well as JW Mitchell Pasco, Sunlake, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

 

Gulf High School hosts hurricane relief event

New Port Richey – Gulf High School brought together families from the Greater New Port Richey area to receive much-needed support and assistance Sept. 29 during a hurricane relief event.

The event was a collaboration with Gulf Middle School, Richey Elementary School, James Marlowe Elementary School, Cotee River Elementary School, Locke Early Education Center, Fox Hollow Elementary School, and other institutions to provide for the needs of families affected by Hurricane Helene.

Families could stop by and pick up bedding, clothes, food and hygiene items.

The Gulf High School Student Government and Title 1 Schools Family and Community Initiative gathered donations and resources for the event.

Hudson High School had planned to host a hurricane relief event Oct. 5 for others impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“It’s not just about coming to work and providing support for kids,” said Monica Ilse, assistant superintendent for high schools at Pasco County Schools. “It’s about taking care of the families and making sure our kids have what they need.”

 

Bell time extended at academy

HUDSON – Pasco County Schools is extending the end bell at West Pasco Education Academy an extra 10 minutes, starting Oct. 7, to make up for missed instructional time. 

The academy wasn’t able to reopen until Oct. 7 due to sustaining significant damage due to Hurricane Helene, according to Superintendent Kurt Browning. 

“We’re in the process of accessing and cleaning that facility,” Browning said Oct. 1. 

 

Achievements

• Pasco County Schools promoted Thomas Viking from program coordinator to supervisor at the Office for Leading and Learning.
• Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s List for the summer 2024 term at University of Maryland Global Campus. Students must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to make the list. 

 

Essay contest lands student at US Open

DADE CITY – Lincoln Powell-Stevenson won an essay contest through The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation that allowed him to go to the US Open in New York.

Lincoln, a fourth-grader at San Antonio Elementary School, got to rub elbows with the likes of tennis legends Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic. 

He also rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. 

The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation partners with 12 schools within Pasco County Schools, according to Kimberly Poe, executive director of elementary schools. 

“It truly is a great partnership not only just exposing our students to opportunities in tennis but beyond,” Poe said. 

 

Assistant principal was a Pasco student

ZEPHYRHILLS – One of the newest faces at Chester W. Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills is extremely knowledgeable about science and Pasco County Schools.

Lesley Kirkley joined the staff at Chester W. Taylor Elementary this fall as assistant principal. Kirkley is not only a 23-year veteran of Pasco County Schools but she’s also a graduate of Pasco High School. 

Kirkley comes to her new role as a senior instructional specialist with the district. She has also worked as a teacher, mentor teacher and curriculum specialist. 

Outside of Pasco County Schools, she has served as president of the Florida Association of Science Supervisors.

 

Anclote gets experience at office level

ELFERS –  Anclote Elementary School has welcomed an experienced educator as Jennifer Candiloro settles into her new role as assistant principal. 

Candiloro previously served as instructional trainer coach at Seven Springs Elementary School in New Port Richey. 

“She brings a wealth of instructional knowledge, skills and leadership after 28 years at Pasco County Schools,” said Kimberly Poe, executive director of elementary schools. 

 

New Hampshire students make dean’s list

MANCHESTER, NH – Four area students were named to the summer 2024 Presidents List at Southern New Hampshire University.

They were Kelsey Gulic of Lutz; Matt Moraca of Odessa; Fidel Johnson of Odessa; and David Hernandez of Lutz. 

Each earned at least a 3.7 grade point average from May to August. 

 

Preacher earns gold stars, dean’s list

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Jackson Preacher, of Lutz, was one of the more than 620 cadets and students recognized for earning gold stars at The Citadel for the spring 2024 semester.

Gold stars are awarded to cadets and students at The Citadel who achieved a 3.7 grade point average or higher. 

Cadets and students who achieve the recognition are also placed on the dean’s list.

ZEPHYRHILLS – Principal Christina Twardosz recognized Kathy Kessler for her contributions in helping turn around the performance at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

Kessler has been teaching at West Zephyrhills Elementary for more than 35 years. But when the school received an F grade from the Florida Department of Education three years ago, Kessler and others on staff rolled up their sleeves and went to work. 

“When the going got tough on our journey, Mrs. Kessler did not leave,” Twardosz told the school board Sept. 10. “Instead, she embraced a growth mindset and stretched her knowledge to become an even more skilled educator. She continues to be a positive role model.”

Twardosz said Kessler has a willingness to go where she is needed most. Over the past three years, she has taught fourth and first grades. She is now serving as the K-5 STEM teacher.

“The work she has done with our before school science sessions for fourth and fifth grade over the past two years will now get to go school-wide,” Twardosz said. “Her experience and love for the animals and our 4H program will also reach a larger audience.”

Kessler plans to expand the school garden in addition to her ongoing efforts to keep the campus clean.

“Science is my favorite,” Kessler told the school board. “It’s wonderful to see the kids and to have them get excited about animals and about science.”

Twardosz explained how Kessler not only helps students reach their highest potential but she also serves as a mentor to her colleagues.

“She epitomizes the dedicated, hardworking compassionate teachers that we have at West Zephyrhills Elementary School,” Twardosz said. “It is easy to see with teachers like Mrs. Kessler how we rose from an F to a C in just a couple of years.”