The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 10/07/2020

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Pasco County Schools award
Pasco County Schools has been awarded the EVERFI 2020 Champion District Seal, which recognizes districts that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to whole-child education.

Pasco won the award for its support of financial education, mental health, digital safety, substance abuse prevention, STEM and other initiatives that benefit students, according to a Pasco County Schools news release.

“We are honored to earn this recognition because we believe that teaching the whole child has a positive impact on students’ health and well-being, helping them succeed in college, career and life,” Kurt Browning, Pasco County superintendent of schools, said in the release.

“Educators in Pasco County are having a profound impact on students that goes well beyond their time in our school system,” Browning said.

EVERFI is a digital education organization focused on helping educators address the most challenging issues affecting students and society, including financial literacy, social-emotional learning, health and wellness, inclusion, and college and career readiness.

Each year, the organization honors school districts that demonstrate a dedication to equity and the well-being of all students.

To learn more, visit EVERFI.com/k-12/champion-seal/.

New initiative partnership
Fred K. Marchman Technical College is joining forces with the Florida Department of Education for a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs.

“Get There Florida” highlights the benefits of the programs available locally in Pasco County and to all Floridians statewide.

Career and technical education, often referred to as CTE, is a critical component in preparing individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development, especially during this time of economic challenges.

Programs are organized into 17 career paths and are geared toward middle school, high school, district technical school, and Florida College System students.

At Marchman Technical College, students can enroll in an in-demand, high-quality workforce program, move quickly and gain critical skills needed in East Central Florida, Region IV essential and emerging industries.

Programs include, but are not limited to: automotive service technology, cosmetology, electricity, patient care technician, and welding technology.

For more on program offerings, visit FKMTC.edu.

To learn about the CTE and workforce training programs available at state and technical colleges, visit GetThereFL.com.

Student-athlete finalists
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Tampa Bay has named seven Pasco County Schools student-athletes as finalists in its Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship.

The PCA aims to show student-athletes how to use their athletic platform to benefit others.

Selected finalists participate in a year-long program, to gain professional skills by meeting with business leaders and mentors; completing phone, video and personal interviews; promoting their school or club athletic team; and giving back to their communities with volunteer service to parks and recreation centers.

Winners will be selected in the spring as recipients of the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Award, presented by Sagicor Life Insurance Company.

Each of the seven students has the opportunity to earn $2,000 toward college expenses.

The student-athlete finalists are:

  • Taylor Denney, Land O’ Lakes High School
  • Alexa Dusch, Mitchell High
  • Alexis Fernandez, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Kelsey Kadlub, Pasco High
  • Kaylei Koschman, Wesley Chapel High
  • Kayla Mys, Wesley Chapel High
  • Emma Rogers, Mitchell High

Scholarship America
Scholarship America, a nonprofit scholarship and education support organization, is accepting applications through Oct. 15, for the 2021 Scholarship America Dream Award.

The program is open to any college student with financial need, who has overcome barriers and has successfully completed at least one year toward their college education.

The scholarships are inclusive of all types of students, from diverse backgrounds, seeking a two-year or four-year degree.

The scholarships are renewable and increase in amount each year.

Scholarship America has awarded more than $2.3 million to 108 students, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on financial need.

Eligible students can apply online at LearnMore.scholarsapply.org/dreamaward/.

Upon application, students also will be notified about additional scholarship programs that they may be eligible for.

Program options
Upcoming dates for events related to Pasco County Schools’ Pasco Pathways/Innovative Programs and School Choice options available for students:

  • Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Virtual Pasco Pathways Expo (west side)
  • Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Virtual Pasco Pathways Expo (east side)
  • Jan. 7 to Jan. 21: Pasco Pathways Application Window
  • Feb. 19 to Feb. 28: Secondary Notification and Acceptance Window
  • March 12 to March 26: Elementary Notification and Acceptance Window

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice.

TechHire scholarships
CareerSource Tampa Bay and the TechHire program are offering scholarships to students who want to receive entry-level certification for information technology and health care related fields.

The TechHire scholarships will cover 100% tuition for qualified programs.

The classes are accelerated programs for ages 17 to 29 in the Tampa Bay area, to help students discover and learn technology skills that are in demand by local businesses.

Scholarship coverage includes tuition, lab and certification fees, and amounts range from $100 to more than $3,000, depending on the program and funding availability.

For a list of covered IT and health care training programs, visit tinyurl.com/y2p2vdgf.

Students who qualify will be contacted by a TechHire administrator who will assist in the application process.

Internet & WiFi offer
Charter Communications Inc., has relaunched its Remote Education Offer to provide free Spectrum internet and WiFi access for 60 days to households with kindergarteners through 12th- graders, college students and/or educators.

The promotion is available for customers that live in a Spectrum market and do not currently have Spectrum internet services.

To enroll, call (844) 310-1198, and a free installation kit will be provided.

Chalk Talk 09/30/100

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From left: Tara Perez, Dr. Todd Bodanza, Jennifer Conforti and Bre McLeod, of Champion Wellness Clinic (Courtesy of Pasco Kids First)

Filling a back-to-school need
Pasco Kids First serves more than 1,600 children each year through prevention, assessment and treatment services addressing child abuse and neglect.

Most of these children are school age, and many do not have the resources to purchase the needed school supplies and clothes for the new year.

Local businesses, individuals and groups reached out to help fill this need. Some of these local philanthropists include:

  • Mike Peters Insurance Agency in New Port Richey donated to Pasco Kids First’s Children’s Advocacy Center. The State Farm Good Neigh Bear, Peters and his team visited the center and dropped off boxes of school supplies, headphones, gift cards and more to help the kids get ready for the school year.
  • Dr. Todd Bodanza, of Champion Wellness Clinic, and his Conforti Crossroads Chiropractic team in Trinity had their second annual event to collect backpacks and school supplies, offering new and current patients free exams and adjustments for those who brought in a backpack with supplies.
  • Bonnie and Pat Martucci, of Gulf Side Corvette Club, rallied members and others to pitch in to purchase backpacks and supplies for kids in need.Bonnie and her granddaughter, Kinsley, delivered 38 backpacks filled with supplies to the Pasco Kids First Healthy Families Pasco-Hernando Hudson Office.

Miss Florida Teen
Ashlynn Nicole Diaz, a recent graduate of Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, was crowned the 2020 National American Miss Florida Teen, an organization that provides young girls with academic scholarships and promotes volunteerism through its dedication to encourage character development.

Diaz is a freshman biology student at the University of Florida and one day hopes to become an anesthesiologist.

She will compete in November at the national level to win an additional cash scholarship and an opportunity to travel the United States to spread awareness on the importance of giving back to others.

Diaz also received the Presidential Gold Service Award for volunteering more than 1,000 hours, to make a difference in her community.

Scholarship America
Scholarship America, a nonprofit scholarship and education support organization, is accepting applications through Oct. 15, for the 2021 Scholarship America Dream Award.

The program is open to any college student with financial need who has overcome barriers and has successfully completed at least one year toward their college education.

The scholarships are inclusive of all types of students, from diverse backgrounds, seeking a two-year or four-year degree.

The scholarships are renewable and increase in amount each year.

Scholarship America has awarded more than $2.3 million to 108 students, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on financial need.

Eligible students can apply online at LearnMore.scholarsapply.org/dreamaward/.

Upon application, students also will be notified about additional scholarship programs that they may be eligible for.

Lutz teen competes
Lilly Luttrell, a Freedom High School student, has been selected to represent Lutz at the Miss Florida USA/Miss Florida Teen USA competition, as Miss Lutz Teen USA.

Luttrell’s selection was based on her academic and professional interests, involvement in her community, her passion for the pursuit of excellence, and her interest in empowering other young women to follow in her footsteps.

Girlbossing Inc., will produce and conduct Florida’s oldest and most celebrated competition in April to qualify two young women from Florida to advance to either Miss Teen USA or Miss USA, and ultimately Miss Universe.

Luttrell said, in a Miss Florida USA press release, “When we are young sometimes our voice is not heard but this organization gives me the spotlight to make a change. I am a 15-year-old that wants to shift my story into epic proportions…..I am representing Lutz and all of its classic beauty.”

Young women, ages 14 to 27, who want to represent their hometown at the state event can submit an application at MissFloridaUSA.com.

Saint Leo ranked as a best value
Saint Leo University was ranked as one of the best values in higher education and one of the best regional universities in the South in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, which was released on Sept. 14.

The university moved up to fourth place from last year’s fifth place among Best Value Schools in the South. And, among the Best Regional Universities in the South, Saint Leo ranked 26th.

Once again, the school was named a Best for Veterans School among southern regional universities, ranking 14th, the same as last year.

Saint Leo’s diversity was noted by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, as it ranked sixth, up from last year’s seventh-place rank, for campus ethnic diversity among regional universities in the south.

The university was ranked 14th in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category.

And, the school ranks in the top five for most international students.

Spanish language degrees
Saint Leo University is collaborating with global education services partner AVENU Learning to offer fully online degree programs in Spanish, starting in March.

In the first year, eight Saint Leo online degree programs will be available to students.

The programs will include bachelor degrees in business administration, accounting, human resource management, liberal studies, psychology, computer information systems, cybersecurity, and health care administration.

In fall 2021, the partnership will expand to include three master degrees: business administration, accountancy and cybersecurity.

TechHire scholarships
CareerSource Tampa Bay and the TechHire program are offering scholarships to students who want to receive entry-level certification for information technology and health care related fields.

The TechHire scholarships will cover 100% tuition for qualified programs.

The classes are accelerated programs for ages 17 to 29 in the Tampa Bay area, to help students discover and learn technology skills that are in demand by local businesses.

Scholarship coverage includes tuition, lab and certification fees, and amounts range from $100 to more than $3,000, depending on the program and funding availability.

For a list of covered IT and health care training programs, visit tinyurl.com/y2p2vdgf.

Students who qualify will be contacted by a TechHire administrator who will assist in the application process.

Internet & WiFi offer
Charter Communications Inc., has relaunched its Remote Education Offer to provide free Spectrum internet and WiFi access for 60 days to households with kindergarteners through 12th- graders, college students and/or educators.

The promotion is available for customers that live in a Spectrum market and do not currently have Spectrum internet services.

To enroll, call (844) 310-1198, and a free installation kit will be provided.

WREC 2021 scholarships
The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) every year offers scholarships to high school students. The students are selected by local guidance counselors and WREC personnel.

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available after Dec. 1, and must be postmarked no later than March 26, 2021.

To apply, students must:

  • be a high school senior and maintain a 2.0 GPA
  • be a dependent of a WREC member
  • be a bona-fide resident within the service area of WREC for at least one year prior to Dec. 31.
  • plan to attend an in-state college, university or technical school full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
  • keep a 2.0 GPA each semester (or higher if mandated by the institution) to maintain eligibility

Applications can be found at any local WREC office, high school guidance office or online at WREC.net.

Successful candidates will receive $1,375 per semester ($11,000 maximum) for undergraduate studies.

New schools coming to Pasco County

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A groundbreaking was held Sept. 9 to begin work on a new career and technical school off Curley Road, in East Pasco County, across from a sizable development called Epperson.

Then, at the Sept. 15 Pasco County School Board meeting, a contract was approved for preconstruction work on a new 6-12 School in the emerging Angeline community in Land O’ Lakes.

Dignitaries gather to fling shovels of dirt during the ceremonial groundbreaking for Kirkland Academy of Innovation, which is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Meanwhile, work continues on the construction of the new Starkey Ranch K-8 in the Starkey Ranch development, a growing Pasco County community.

During the groundbreaking ceremony and at the board meeting, Pasco School Board members and school district officials expressed enthusiasm about expanding educational opportunities for district students.

The 184,000-square-foot Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, being built at 9100 Curley Road, is expected to serve 1,000 students and is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school will prepare students for high-salary, high-skill careers in high-demand areas such as digital multimedia, engineering and robotics, biomedical sciences, building construction, and cyber security, according to district officials.

School board member Allen Altman is delighted with the new school, as he has been pushing for years to expand educational opportunities in East Pasco.

“That just warms my heart,” Altman said, at the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“I can’t tell you how many years that I’ve tried for that. The Recession kind of put us behind,” he said, then it was one thing after another.

The new facility, he said, is “just a tremendous thing for the entire county, but especially that community.”

After pushing for years to expand opportunities for East Pasco students, school board member Allen Altman is delighted about the construction of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, a new high school being built off Curley Road.

In a video of the groundbreaking, posted on Twitter, Altman put it like this: “Things came together, I believe, in almost divine intervention, with the right property, at the right time, with the right people in place to make this a success.”

In the same video, Superintendent Kurt Browning said “you know, technical education is so important. We’re excited for what it means for our students and our community.”

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd, who also made an appearance in the video, said: “The school will sit right here, on top of this big hill, overlooking the ponds below and the oak trees. And then, behind us, on the back side of the property will have a K-8 STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Academy, at some point, opening probably in ’24. This school will open in ’22.

“We’re literally going to put a technical school right in the middle of what will be a future suburbia for Pasco County,” Gadd said.

While the district proceeds on construction of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, it also is embarking on another project for a school known on as School LLL, which is planned for Central Pasco County.

At its Sept. 15 meeting, the board approved a $235,000 contract with Ajax Building Company for pre-construction work relating to a new 6-12 school planned for the Angeline community of Land O’Lakes.

The school will be designed for 1,694 student stations, which at 90% capacity translates to about 1,530 students.

The school will be designed on an 18-acre site within Angeline.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with substantial completion expected in July 2023.

Meanwhile, the district has begun the boundary process for the new Starkey Ranch K-8.

A parent-night workshop is planned for Oct. 6  from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Odessa Elementary School, 12810 Interlaken Road in New Port Richey. New boundaries must be drawn to assign students to the school.

A public hearing for the boundaries proposal is planned for Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., with final school board action on Dec. 1.

Published September 23, 2020

COVID cases in Pasco schools ‘manageable’

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning gave the Pasco School Board a briefing on the district’s response to COVID-19 during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“I want to commend the vast majority of our students and staff who are doing the right thing,” he said. “From what I’ve seen and heard, our students and staff are wearing masks and social distancing when possible. People recognize that rules are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy, and the vast majority are being careful and respectful of those rules we put in place.

“The end result is this: Three weeks into the school year and we have certainly had some cases. We’ve been very transparent about that. Hop on our website and you can see all of the numbers, right there on our website.

“There has been an impact at several schools throughout the district. But, it has been manageable and our planning has paid off.

“Most students and staff are being conscientious and are being very disciplined about the quarantine requirements,” the superintendent said.

But, Browning added that he did not want to be dismissive of the impacts that COVID-19 has had on district schools.

Sixty-three students had tested positive and 1,475 had been told to quarantine for 14 days, as of Sept. 18. Also, 26 employees had tested positive and 153 employees had been told to quarantine.

During the school board meeting, Browning noted: “We’ve had some unusual cases where one student tested positive that resulted in dozens of students and staff being required to quarantine. In one school, one positive case resulted in 119 students and 10 staff members having to be quarantined.

“Those cases are unusual. On average for every positive case, 20 people are required to quarantine. That’s like sending a small classroom home, when a student tests positive.

“I know it’s inconvenient. I know it’s disappointing to be the students or the staff that want to be at school, or at work, but it’s also manageable,” the superintendent added.

As of Sept. 15, Browning said, 46 schools or departments had a positive case of a student or employee.

To help prevent the spread, Browning asked students and staff to continue to be conscientious, not only in school, but  after school, as well.

“That would go a long way to help us rid the spread of the virus in our schools and in our community,” Browning said.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), also talked about COVID-19’S impacts.

“As a district, we’re holding our own in this fight against COVID in our workplaces. USEP is pleased with the many protocols we have in place in this district to ensure student and employee safety — and has been outspoken toward that end,” Peace said.

“I would caution though that no amount of negotiation or precautions put in place serve as a guarantee against this illness,” Peace said, adding, “we all need to err on the side of caution, as we navigate this school year.”

Browning also talked about the district’s COVID Command Center, where county health department staff and school district nurses are working together to respond to COVID-19 concerns.

“They’ve offered tremendous support and guidance to our principals, as they have experienced cases at their schools,” Browning said.

“They have been busy. They have been put to the test, every day,” and in the superintendent’s opinion, they have passed, with flying colors.

“We have done a good job, with the management of COVID. The fight is not over yet.

“Masks need to be worn. We need to set the example,” Browning said.

He also talked about the district’s three testing sites, which are for students and district personnel, and are intended to provide quick testing and results. The sites are at Pasco Elementary School, the district office complex and Gulf Middle School. The tests will be given by appointment only.

School board members also offered some observations about the school year so far.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she’s been out and about, and has had conversations with parents who have been pleased with what their schools are doing.

“Their kids are glad to be back in school. They’re just glad that we offered the brick-and-mortar opportunity because they really felt that’s what their students needed, what their kids needed,” Armstrong said.

Board chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said in addition to the district’s good planning, the positive attitude by students and staff have played an important role in responding to challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Overall, I think things have gone more smoothly than we anticipated,” Beaudoin said.

Pasco County Schools COVID cases
63 student cases (1,475 students impacted)
26 employee cases (153 employees impacted)*

* As of 11:30 p.m., Sept. 18

Published September 23, 2020

Pasco County School Board approves $1.5 billion budget

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The Pasco County School Board has adopted a budget of more than $1.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

That’s an increase of more than $122 million over last year’s budget, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Browning outlined some key points about the budget.

It includes:

  • $704.3 million in the general operating budget
  • $401.4 million in the capital budget

The total tax millage is 5.922 mills, a decrease of .179 mills. Under the proposed rate, a homeowner of a $175,000 house, after the deduction of the $25,000 homestead, would pay $26.85 less per year than last year.

The general operating budget increased from $666.6 million to $704.3 million. The district received additional funds totaling $24.1 million in state funding.

Out of the $24.1 million:

  • $10.1 million is set aside for School Choice, that is charter schools and scholarships
  • $4.9 million for retirement increases
  • $1.3 million for insurance increases
  • $3.4 million for 68.91 personnel allocations for schools and 5.17 personnel allocations for the district
  • $1.2 million for the continuation of costs related to Project Rise, general paper and dual enrollment
  • $500,000 for property insurance, utilities and school resource officer contract increases

The operating budget includes costs for allocations and operating costs for Cypress Creek Middle School and the midyear opening of Starkey Ranch K-8.

The budget also includes $4.7 million to implement the teacher salary increase allocation. The district will use that allocation, along with funds from fiscal year 2019-2020, of $7.3 million for the Best and Brightest program, to increase the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers to approximately $45,000 per year.

The budget also includes raises of approximately 1.5% for all remaining staff.

The proposed capital budget of $401.4 million includes:

  • Construction of Starkey Ranch K-8 and Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
  • Major renovations to Northwest Elementary and James M. Marlowe Elementary
  • Construction of a new bus loop at San Antonio Elementary School
  • Cafeteria renovations, replacement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and infrastructure upgrades at various schools
  • Lease-purchase computers and school buses
  • Completion of the remodeling of Zephyrhills High School

The budget does not reflect the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security, CARES funds, totaling more than $14.4 million, which is being used to pay for expenses related to COVID-19.

There was no public comment or board discussion about the budget, which was approved unanimously by the board.

Published September 23, 2020

Chalk Talk 09/23/2020

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Student achievements
• Kelly McDermott, of Lutz, was recognized on the President’s List at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
• Chase Memmer, of Odessa, was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
• Rachael Williams, of Odessa, received a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Faculty recital
Saint Leo University recorded its annual Fall Faculty Music Recital to share with the public.

The recital is about an hour long and features 12 pieces from a wide range of styles, including Western classical selections and others.

Those interested can watch the video for free on the Saint Leo University Music YouTube Channel.

Career workshop
University of South Florida Career Services will offer a virtual career development workshop, “How to Select Your College Major,” on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m., through Microsoft Teams for teens, grades eight to 12 only.

Registration is required.

For information, email .

Scholarship America
Scholarship America, a nonprofit scholarship and education support organization, is accepting applications through Oct. 15, for the 2021 Scholarship America Dream Award.

The program is open to any college student with financial need, who has overcome barriers and has successfully completed at least one year toward their college education.

The scholarships are inclusive of all types of students, from diverse backgrounds, seeking a two-year or four-year degree.

The scholarships are renewable and increase in amount each year.

Scholarship America has awarded more than $2.3 million to 108 students, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on financial need.

Eligible students can apply online at LearnMore.scholarsapply.org/dreamaward/.

Upon application, students also will be notified about additional scholarship programs that they may be eligible for.

Social justice series
Saint Leo University will present a “Courageous Conversations” series, examining social justice issues, through Zoom. These free, virtual discussions will look at topics included in Bryan Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” from different perspectives across multiple disciplines.

The next session is set for Oct. 15, and will focus on social work/social justice. Upcoming conversations include:
• Nov. 19: criminal justice/ethics
• Jan. 21: business/nonprofit organizations
• Feb. 18: religion/spirituality
• March 18: education

All sessions are from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at SaintLeo.zoom.us/j/94551952591.

For information, email Nikki Heister, special programs manager, Department of Public Safety Administration, at .

Reaccreditation issued
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has received official notice regarding the reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the southern states.

The reaccreditation committee, comprised of educators from throughout the association’s region of 11 states, visited PHSC in October 2019. The committee placed special emphasis on evaluating PHSC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

During the next five years, PHSC’s QEP, Bridge to Success: The College Readiness Experience, will improve student success by providing engaging, meaningful, and relevant learning experiences in four specific areas of college readiness: problem solving, intellectual openness, time management, and persistence.

Out of 79 standards, PHSC received no recommendations – a rare accomplishment with accreditation outcomes. The college received two recommendations on its QEP based on learning outcomes, which were addressed in the Response Report and accepted by SACSCOC. PHSC’s next reaffirmation of its accreditation will take place in 2030, unless otherwise notified.

Shoe & Sock Drive underway
The fifth annual Two Good Soles Shoe and Sock Drive is underway, as the Pasco County government and constitutional offices work together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County schools, through Oct. 23.

Donations can be dropped off to the collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations, and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices countywide.

Last year’s record-setting drive resulted in 3,057 pairs of shoes and 13,285 pairs of socks.

Items collected will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October, directly benefiting local students.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net/civicalerts.

WREC 2021 scholarships
The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) every year offers scholarships to high school students. The students are selected by local guidance counselors and WREC personnel.

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available after Dec. 1, and must be postmarked no later than March 26, 2021.

To apply, students must:

  • be a high school senior and maintain a 2.0 GPA
  • be a dependent of a WREC member
  • be a bona-fide resident within the service area of WREC for at least one year prior to Dec. 31.
  • plan to attend an in-state college, university or technical school full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
  • keep a 2.0 GPA each semester (or higher if mandated by the institution) to maintain eligibility

Applications can be found at any local WREC office, high school guidance office or online at WREC.net.

Successful candidates will receive $1,375 per semester ($11,000 maximum) for undergraduate studies.

Chalk Talk 09/16/2020

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Lunch program changes
Due to changes in the rules governing the federal school lunch program, Pasco County Schools will make it easier for students, and children age 18 and younger, to receive free meals.

As of Sept. 14, students who attend class on campus still will be able to get meals in the school cafeteria, and now those meals will be free.

And, students who attend school remotely also can continue to receive free school meals on a drive-thru basis.

For students learning through mySchool Online or Pasco eSchool:

  • Sept. 14 through Sept. 17: Daily drive-thru meal distribution will continue at the designated locations and times listed online at tinyurl.com/yxn8ynzv.
  • Sept. 18: The school district will serve a week’s worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) curbside to mySchool Online students, quarantined students, and children in the community age 18 and younger, including Pasco eSchool students. The district will keep the same times already established for curbside feeding. This meal distribution will continue once a week, on Fridays.

Families that want to participate curbside must complete a Meal Reservation Form online at tinyurl.com/y452fbr8.

Parents/guardians no longer have to go to their child’s school; they can pick up meals from the site that is most convenient.

For more information on Pasco’s school meal programs, visit the Food and Nutrition Services  at ConnectPlus.pasco.k12.fl.us/do/fns/.

Grant writing webinar
Saint Leo University will host a free webinar entitled “Grants and COVID-19” on Sept. 18 at noon, through Zoom, for professionals working for human and social service agencies/nonprofits.

The guest speaker will be Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro, Ph.D., an instructor at the Saint Leo University Center for Alternative Pathway Programs.

Valentino-Bottaro will share strategies that can help grant seekers navigate the process in the current climate and locate pertinent information available now.

To register and receive a link for the webinar, visit tinyurl.com/y4olsgor.

Scholarship semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The named high school seniors now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for about 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered in the spring.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2021 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and ending in July.

These students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are semifinalists:

  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School: Faith Quinn and Grace Quinn
  • Freedom High School: Alisha Bhatia and Jack Gardner
  • Land O’ Lakes High School: Ziad El-Rady, Jason Jiang, Naomi John, Prayuj Tuli and Shreyas Varude
  • Mitchell High School: Tatiana Maher
  • Odessa Christian School: Yanni Mazza
  • Steinbrenner High School: Robert Cooper, Devin Deluna, Samuel Glickman, Haarika Gurivireddygari, James Harbour, Advika Jayanti, Elizabeth Kennedy and Emily Rogers
  • Wesley Chapel High School: Allen Felipe
  • Wharton High School: Andrea Molina-Dejesus
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School: Timothy Kovacs and Sara Olson

 

Pasco Announces Major Changes to School Meal Program

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Due to changes in the rules governing the federal school lunch program, Pasco Schools is making it easier than ever for students – and children 18 and under – to receive free meals.

Starting on Monday, September 14, students who attend class on campus will still be able to get meals in the school cafeteria, and now those meals will be free. Also starting on Monday, September 14, students who attend school remotely will still be able to receive school meals on a drive-through basis. Those meals also will be free.

Here’s how the program will work for students who are learning remotely through mySchool Online or Pasco eSchool:

    • Monday, September 14 through Thursday, September 17, the daily drive-through meal distribution will continue at the designated site time – and meals will now be free. Designated locations and times are listed here.
    • On Friday, September 18, the school district will serve a week’s worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) curbside to mySchool Online students, quarantined students, and children in the community 18 years and under. That includes Pasco e-School students. Pasco Schools will keep the same times already established for curbside feeding. Curbside meal distribution will continue once a week on Fridays.
    • Pasco Schools encourages families intending to participate curbside to complete the Meal Reservation Form so they can be best prepared for curbside participation. Parent/guardians no longer have to go to their child’s school; they can pick up meals from the site that is most convenient.

For more information on Pasco’s school meal programs, visit the Food and Nutrition Services web page at: https://connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/do/fns/

Boundary process beginning soon for Starkey K-8

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Construction of the new Starkey K-8 school is well underway, and Pasco County Schools has begun notifying families that may be affected by the boundary changes that will be required to assign students to the school.

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

Significant progress has been made on the construction.

“I drove by Starkey K-8 the other day and it is just incredible how that building has come up out of the ground,” Superintendent Kurt Browning told Pasco County School Board members at their Sept. 1 meeting.

“It is a phenomenal facility,” Browning said. “It’ll be a huge addition to the Starkey Ranch development, so we’re excited about that.”

But, whenever a new school opens, the district must draw new boundaries — a process that can sometimes become controversial.

Browning told board members that the district is preparing to begin the boundary process for Starkey K-8.

“We’ll be communicating with potentially impacted families currently attending Odessa Elementary School, Longleaf Elementary School and River Ridge Middle School, regarding the timeline and the process,” Browning said.

“Our plan is to open the K-8, as a K-7, its first year, and then become a K-8, in its second year,” Browning said, noting that district staff would be sending out communications in the afternoon. following the board meeting.

“I wanted the board to know about it, first,” he said.

Watergrass and Wesley Chapel elementary schools also may see some boundary shifts, Browning said, but he added there are no students currently in the areas that would be affected.

“Proposed maps will be developed this month and a parent night workshop is planned for Oct. 6, at Odessa Elementary School,” Browning said. “The public hearing for the boundaries proposal is planned for Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., with final school board action on Dec. 1.

“We’ll continue to communicate with potentially affected families throughout this process and provide opportunities for feedback. And, this time, we’ll be relying heavily on our ‘Let’s Talk.’”

In other news, Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd shared information regarding the district’s inventory of surplus sites that are available for future construction of schools, as the district grows.

There was a time when the district didn’t have any land for future schools, Gadd said, describing how he would drive around the county in his pickup truck searching for acreages with for sale signs.

When he found one, he’d have Chris Williams, the district’s director of planning, check it out.

Over time, the district has acquired a number of sites, through purchases and as part of development orders that require sites to be dedicated for schools, as part of development approvals.

“We now have very tight procedures for receiving land from developers,” Gadd explained to board members.

“We are well-positioned for the future, in terms of building schools and preparing for future growth in this county.”

School board member Alison Crumbley applauded Gadd and other district staffers who have addressed this issue, noting she remembers when the district faced significant challenges in securing affordable land.

Meanwhile, the Pasco County Planning Commission recently took an action that relates to a planned district school site.

Planning commissioners voted on Aug. 27 to recommend the school district’s proposed site for the Kirkland Academy of Innovation, on a 104.4-acre site, southeast of the intersection of Curley Road and Kiefer Road.

The planned project will consist of two buildings, totaling 228,458 square feet.

No one spoke in opposition to the request at the planning commission’s meeting.

Published September 09, 2020

Chalk Talk 09/09/2020

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Student achievements
• Emily Gerber, of Odessa, was selected to the spring Dean’s List at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Gerber is majoring in conservation biology.
• Andrew Oquendo, of Odessa, has been named to the spring Dean’s List at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. Oquendo is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy.
• Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was named to the summer President’s List at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

MOSI in a Box
MOSI is offering live, virtual hands-on, inquiry-based, STEAM activities and interactive Q&As, available until Dec. 31, for kindergarten through eighth-grade students and their families.

There are three programs offered through Zoom:

  • Planetary Explorers: Choose a mission, design spacecraft and follow in the footsteps of astronauts, engineers and scientists.
  • Mission Health: A Look at the Human Body: Explore the mechanics of bones, muscles, lungs and the heart
  • Forensic Investigators: Gather clues, analyze evidence and make observations to solve a crime

Each program is one hour.

For cost and registration, call (813) 987-6000, or visit MOSI.org.

Gift card drive
United Way of Pasco is hosting a Stuff the Bus Gift Card Drive for Teachers.

Those interested can donate a preloaded gift card from a favorite school supplies retailer, to be delivered to Pasco County school teachers.

Mail gift cards to the United Way of Pasco, 17230 Camelot Court, Land O’ Lakes FL 34638.

Donations also can be made online at UnitedWayPasco.org/stuff-the-bus-2020.

Saint Leo keeps test scores optional
As many high school students are scrambling because of the cancellation of SAT and ACT college admissions testing, Saint Leo University leaders are reassuring them that they still will be able earn a college degree, according to a school news release.

Since 2018, Saint Leo has made the SAT/ACT scores fully optional as part of the admissions process for prospective students. The university adopted a holistic approach to admissions and looks at the whole student experience, rather than just their test scores.

“With universities across the state of Florida still requiring students to submit standardized test scores for admissions or scholarship purposes, we want to reassure students that they do not need to submit these scores for Saint Leo University,” said Dr. Senthil Kumar, vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management.

“We pride ourselves on making a Catholic, private University experience affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds,” Kumar continued. “During this pandemic, students should not need to be worrying about the potential impact that these tests have on their future.”

Instead of test scores, Saint Leo looks at a high school student’s unweighted GPA; courses taken, including AP, IB, CLEP, and dual-enrollment subjects; and more, when admitting a student. The rigor of a student’s coursework is taken into consideration for additional scholarships.

The university focuses on each student’s experience. “We prefer to consider the whole student, not just the numbers,” Kumar said.

Many high school students are worried that if they do not take the tests and submit scores, they will not be eligible for scholarships.

Kumar said, “If you are delaying sending in your application because you are worried about this, go ahead and send it now, as test scores are not necessary for your application to be reviewed as complete.”

Test anxiety plagues many students, while for those with special needs, testing can be especially difficult. Some high school-age students may not be able to afford tutoring sessions, special classes and workbooks, and the tests themselves.

Making college admissions testing optional helps Saint Leo welcome a more diverse student body.

While many institutions of higher learning are just now dropping the test score requirement, Saint Leo University implemented this approach in order to look at each student as an individual.

Applications are being accepted, and scholarships are available for the fall 2021 semester.

For information, email , or call (877) 588-622-2009.

Fee adjustment meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m., at the Spring Hill campus. If the meeting is switched to virtual viewing, details will be available online 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.

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

Questions or concerns about the proposed fees should be directed to the appropriate dean listed on the webpage.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants. All fees charged by vendors are negotiated by the college, with additional fee increases and decreases expected in the coming academic year.

Grant writing webinar
Saint Leo University will host a free webinar entitled “Grants and COVID-19” on Sept. 18 at noon, through Zoom, for professionals working for human and social service agencies/nonprofits.

The guest speaker will be Jenenne Valentino-Bottaro, Ph.D., and instructor at the Saint Leo University Center for Alternative Pathway Programs.

Valentino-Bottaro will share strategies that can help grant seekers navigate the process in the current climate and locate pertinent information available now.

To register and receive a link for the webinar, visit tinyurl.com/y4olsgor.