The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

In Just Six Weeks, A Brand New School Opens

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Few planned communities can boast of a public library AND a tuition-free charter school at the main entrances to their development. But, these bragging rights go to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, the only development in Pasco County to offer both.

First to open is Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, when students will pour through its doors on Aug. 10, the first day of the 2020-2021 school year in Pasco County. And then, a few months later, the New River Library will be re-opening in a completely remodeled building just a few blocks west of the school.

There will be over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade at the new charter school — the first Pinecrest Academy in Tampa Bay. With 16 schools nationwide, Pinecrest Academy offers advanced programs for its students, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum, and a dual English/Spanish language program.

At Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, students in all grades also will be immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and will work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.

“All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. We’ll continuously be monitoring the data so we know what each student needs, and have many different programs available to focus on the needs of the individual student,” says Principal Aimee Mielke.

There are still openings for students, and Mielke encourages interested families to explore the school’s website and complete its application as soon as possible. Information and the application form can be accessed at PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

Mielke has hired most of the school’s 27 teachers, including classroom, art, music, Spanish, and physical education, as well as an instructional coach and office staff.

“We have a nice combination of experienced teachers from both public and charter schools,” said Mielke, who adds that over half of her teaching staff have master’s degrees.

The school, which is located on State Road 54 about three miles east of Interstate 75, will have several sections at every grade level, with kindergarten and the lower grades having the most.

The school also is offering self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth.

Everything designed and purchased for the classrooms was chosen for student engagement, Mielke explains, and technology is an essential component of the new school. Laptops are being provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

Blue and green colors brilliantly burst along the hallways of the modern building that has 49 large classrooms, oversized art and music rooms, and high-tech science labs. The school is visually notable with unusual windows in the shape of half-moons, circles and squares that give students and faculty stunning lake and conservation views.

The New River Library and Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, along with New River Elementary, are all important elements of the goal to build a brand-new town, says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group, the developer behind the community.

“We are ecstatic to have both a brand new library and charter school in our community to give our residents the best opportunities for themselves and their children,” said Lerret.

New school year offers three options

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Students will have three options when classes resume this fall in Pasco Schools.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning announced his ReOpening Pasco Schools plan in a news release issued June 18.

“Parents sent us a message loud and clear: they wanted options,” Browning said, in the news release. “Many are eager to have their student return to school and see their teachers and classmates. But, many aren’t ready for that yet. There’s an option here for everyone.”

Here are the choices outlined in the district’s 2020-2021 reopening plan:

  • Traditional– A return to campus and classroom with the standard school schedule and bell times.

This option includes a heavy emphasis on health and safety precautions. Students will practice safe social distancing to the greatest extent possible. Schools will use signage and consistent communication to discourage the gathering of large groups of students. Students will be expected to wear masks or cloth face coverings on the school bus, but masks will not be required in classrooms.

  • mySchool Online– Virtual learning with a connection to the student’s enrolled school.

This option requires that students follow the standard school schedule and bell times. It features lessons and virtual interaction with teachers during each class period – all conducted online.

  • Virtual School– Online learning through Pasco’s nationally recognized Pasco eSchool.

This model offers flexible scheduling and is taught by Pasco County teachers. Students work at their own pace and can do schoolwork during non-traditional hours.

Before announcing its reopening plan, the district sought input from families and staff in recent weeks to gauge their comfort level and priorities for the start of the new school year.

This was the first yellow bus to arrive last year at Pineview Elementary School. This coming year, the expectation for bus riders will be for them to wear a mask. (File)

The district also conducted focus groups and gathered ideas, thoughts, and concerns via a tool called ThoughtExchange.

Thousands of people weighed in, with clear themes emerging.

Among the primary concerns were a need for options and the cleanliness at school, according to the news release.

In addition to announcing the news to the media, the district used telephone calls and emails to announce the plan to staff and families.

Families will be asked to choose an option for their student or students by July 1, to enable the district to make staffing decisions.

The school year begins Aug. 10.

Browning also appears in an introductory video on the district’s website, which includes a more detailed description of the three options, as well as a set of frequently asked questions.

To view that, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/reopening.

Pasco County Schools ReOpening Plan
Pasco County Schools has issued a reopening plan. Here are some of the details:

Public health actions on campuses

  • Practice safe social distancing to the greatest extent possible
  • Post signage and provide lessons to strongly encourage frequent hand-washing and hygiene practices
  • Ensure hand sanitizer is available throughout the campus
  • Increase cleaning protocols throughout each campus, including replacing air filters more frequently
  • Limit group gatherings
  • Encourage face coverings on campus
  • Conduct symptom screenings

School bus safety

  • Expect students to wear face coverings on the bus
  • Clean high-touch areas between runs
  • Ensure hand sanitizer is available on each bus
  • Disinfect each bus thoroughly at the end of each day

Extra steps at elementary level

  • District will use a cohort isolation model, where students will spend time on campus with the group of students in their class, including in the classroom, the cafeteria, media center and the playground. The goal is to limit Interaction with students from other classes to the greatest extent possible. By doing that, if a student displays symptoms of illness, it likely will impact their cohort classmates, and not the entire school — in terms of quarantine or other interventions.

Extra steps at the secondary level
Each secondary school will have a customized plan to discourage large gatherings of students in hallways and common areas. Clear communications and signage will be used to reinforce that message. The number of students allowed in the cafeteria, media center and gymnasiums will be significantly reduced. Extracurricular activities will resume, and will adhere to recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the state.

Source: Pasco County Schools

SOME COMMON Q&As

Distance learning

  1. If I choose the Virtual or mySchool operation, do I have to have a computer?
  2. A device and an Internet connection will be necessary for distance learning. When choosing your option, indicate whether you have a device and access to the Internet. The district will provide devices and arrange Internet hotspots and hubs, when necessary.

Recess

  1. Under the traditional model, will elementary children have recess?
  2. Yes, recess will be organized to emphasize social distancing; playground equipment will be cleaned between uses.

Head Start options
The traditional model is the only option available for Head Start participants.

Will mySchool Online be identical to the end-of-the year distance learning?
No, there will be more frequent real-time interaction between students and teachers. Also, the mySchool Online model will incorporate standard school schedules and bell times, leading to a learning experience more connected to teachers.

Will mySchool Online or Virtual students be able to participate in athletics?
Yes, students will have the same opportunities to participate in athletics.

Will students wear masks in school?
Masks will not be required, but will be allowed.

How will you keep surfaces clean?
Maintenance workers and school custodians will clean frequently touched surfaces throughout the day and conduct overall cleanings at the conclusion of every day. Other non-custodial staff members will be expected to do their part keeping surfaces clean, and will be provided spray bottles and microfiber cloths for additional cleaning. Teachers will have access to cleaning supplies for their classroom.

What other steps are being taken to ensure a healthy environment?
Pasco Schools will partner with parents in educating students on the importance of hand-washing, hygiene and social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be made available in classrooms and workplaces. The schedule for changing air conditioning filters has been accelerated.

 What will my student’s school do if a classmate or staff member is infected with COVID-19?
We will send a clear message to parents and staff that if they are exhibiting any symptoms, they should not come to school or report to work. Any student exhibiting symptoms at school will be taken to a location at the school clinic set aside for possible COVID-19 cases, and their parent will be notified to take them home or to visit a medical professional.

What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
The Pasco County Health Department will notify the district if a student or staff member tests positive. We will notify parents, while not specifically identifying the student or staff member. We will cooperate with the Health Department as they conduct the appropriate notifications of individuals who have been in contact with the person infected. Our ReOpening Plan is designed to limit the chances of infection and to limit the disruption to a school or workplace in the event of an infection.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/reopening/faq.

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published June 24, 2020

Local schools join civics and debate initiative

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Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School are among 60 schools across Florida selected to take part in the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI).

The selections were announced during the Pasco County School Board meeting on June 16.

The initiative is supported through a $5 million grant from The Marcus Foundation.

“The mission of the FCDI is to create access and opportunities for all students to have the best civics education, including curriculum, debate programs, and high-quality teachers that are catalysts for students becoming great citizens who can preserve our constitutional republic for future generations,” according to a posting on the FloridaEducationFoundation.org website.

The idea is to increase access for all students to participate in speech and debate programs, regardless of school district, socioeconomic status, or background, according to the website.

The FCDI will develop and host the first of its kind National Civics and Debate Competition (NCDC), which will allow a broader range of students to explore, understand, and express important constitutional, legal and societal issues, the posting says.

Teachers and debate coaches also will be provided opportunities for professional development throughout the year, to enable them to learn techniques and best practices for teaching civics, speech and debate.

Published June 24, 2020

Chalk Talk 06/24/2020

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(Courtesy of Jodi Ratliff)

Hip hip, hooray!
Primrose Schools at Collier Parkway hosted a drive-by graduation for its 57 VPK graduates and their families on May 29. From left: Laura Brennen and Robin Adams, VPK teachers, and parent Jamie Hart celebrate the students with bright, painted signs along the parade route.

 

 

Fine Arts award

Meagan Stringer (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The Heritage Arts Center Association awarded the Nereim Fine Arts Award to Meagan Alexis Stringer, a Class of 2020 Zephyrhills High School graduate.

Heritage Arts is a local nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the performing and visual arts in the community.

The award honors the late founding board members Gordon and Jean Nereim.

Stringer was inspired to draw by her father and by her elementary school art teacher. She continued working on her artistic talent throughout her childhood, and plans to enter the field of illustration at the Academy of Art University.

Stringer will be invited to display her art at next year’s “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and art shows at the women’s club in Dade City.

For information, visit HeritageArts.org, and click on the Visual Arts link.

Camp Wow is open
Pasco County Schools’ summer camp program is now open at 14 school sites around the county. The popular program is available Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with several health and safety modifications in place, including:

  • Reduced staff-to-student ratios
  • Enhanced sanitizing procedures
  • Curbside drop-off and pick-up
  • Daily health screenings

To register for summer camp, to see a list of sites, or to learn more about the program, visit Camp Wow! web page at MyASEP.com/campwow/.

SONIC thanks teachers
SONIC Drive-In matched all donations to DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day in May.

To recognize the entrepreneurial spirit that drives teachers to meet students’ distance learning needs, these two Lutz teachers received funding for their individual projects:

  • Victoria Wilson, Learning Gate Community School (K-6 Campus): “A MacBook Pro for Educational Success”
  • Ingrid Osborne, Maniscalco Elementary School: “Circle Time Fun”

Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC donated $1 million to public school teacher requests across the country on Teacher Appreciation Day, supporting their endeavors to provide students with essential education resources.

Students ready for college careers
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club awarded its annual club scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each, to these four students: Steinbrenner High School graduates Brianna Sandner (Florida Gulf Coast University), Joseph Pereira (University of South Florida), and Maggie O’Shea (Florida State University), and Sunlake High graduate Morghan Copeland (University of Florida).

Joseph Pereira
Maggie O’Shea
Brianna Sandner
Morghan Copeland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation schedules
Traditional graduations for Pasco County seniors have been rescheduled to August.

The listed ceremonies are contingent on developments regarding COVID-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements.

  • Aug. 5: Marchman Technical College at River Ridge High School (time to be determined)
  • Aug. 6: Pasco High School at Pasco High Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
  • Aug. 10: Pasco eSchool at River Ridge High School, 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 11: Wendell Krinn Technical High School at Wendell Krinn, 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 12: Cypress Creek High School at Yuengling Center, 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 13: Zephyrhills High School (3 p.m.) and Wiregrass High (7 p.m.), at Yuengling Center
  • Aug. 14: Land O’ Lakes High (3 p.m.) and Wesley Chapel High (7 p.m.), at Yuengling Center
  • Aug. 15 Sunlake High at Yuengling Center, 1 p.m.

 

Back to school will be different this fall

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Efforts are in high gear, as Pasco County Schools prepares for the coming 2020-2021 school year.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has said the district will announce its comprehensive plan for the upcoming school year on or before July 1.

In light of continuing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the district must take precautions it hasn’t had to take in previous years.

In preparation for developing its plan, it has hosted focus groups, conducted a survey and used a tool called Thought Exchange, which drew participation from thousands of people.

“You let us know what you thought and we listened,” Browning said, in a video posted on the school district’s website.

“Several themes came through, loud and clear,” Browning said.

“Many parents and staff expect and welcome a return to a traditional school setting in the fall.

“You want a safe and healthy learning environment.

“You want us to provide options because not everyone feels comfortable, returning to the school campus or to the workplace.

“You want online learning to include more opportunities for students to interact directly with their teachers.

“You want us to ensure that there are clear rules and procedures for when a child becomes sick and that those rules are enforced. You want more mental health resources for students and staff. And, you want to have opportunities to experience all of the things that make for a rewarding school experience, including all of the extracurricular activities that make school fun.”

Browning said the district remains focused on “providing a world-class education and closing the achievement gap.”

It also needs “to ensure that our classrooms and workspaces are regularly cleaned and have a plan in place to replenish soap and cleaning supplies.

“Our plan has to be flexible to meet the varying needs of students and staff. It also needs to be consistent and predictable at all grade levels and worksites.

“As they say, the devil is in the details,” so the district has several work groups focused on working out those details, he said.

At a Pasco School Board meeting on June 2, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, expressed appreciation for being invited to take part in district focus groups to brainstorm about concerns and offer suggestions.

As the district moves toward the goal of returning to brick-and-mortar sites, Peace asked district officials to continue welcoming input from the union.

“Please allow us to continue in conversations that will help evolve how this plays out.”

The union leader also noted that he’s heard from parents and employees who are concerned about returning to school campuses.

“Whether real or imagined, the fear some people have will drive decisions regarding school and work attendance,” Peace said.

Published June 17, 2020

Pasco Schools to launch District Equity Team

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Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has issued a statement in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, and announced the creation of a new District Equity Team.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, according to a video that went viral and national news reports.

“In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, it is clear that our nation is in turmoil and our communities are hurting. And yet, I find reason to be hopeful. We are in an important moment in our nation’s history when people of all races and ethnicities are standing together hand-in-hand demanding change. I am hopeful that we have at last embraced the concept that we are all responsible for each other,” Browning’s statement says.

“In this environment of pain, anger and confusion, I want to send a clear message to our employees, students and their families, and our entire community. I am proud to call Pasco County my home, and I will continue to stand up for our community every chance I get. I am proud to lead our school district. Yet, I know that our community and our school district can and must do better. My words – our words – must be backed up by action.

“As the superintendent of schools and the largest employer in Pasco County, I feel I have a responsibility to address the issues that have left our nation in chaos and to propose solutions. “As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

“Making a difference is never an easy task and the path ahead is fraught with complexity. I believe that educators have a moral imperative to lead by example. We must make it clear that we will not tolerate any child or employee being ridiculed or mistreated because of the color of their skin, ethnicity, the sound of their name, or their unique qualities and differences.

“That’s why I am creating a District Equity Team to examine the factors that contribute to inequitable outcomes, and to propose solutions. I will direct this Team to take the following actions:

  1. Identify biases and behaviors that prevent consistent equitable, fair and respectful practices;
  2. Leverage relationships with national external partners to engage in improvement methods for equity;
  3. Set goals for achieving improved outcomes within our District Success Plan to address our equity challenges and measure the impact of our work;
  4. Provide equity-focused professional learning to all stakeholders focused on deepening trust, developing diverse leaders, and building capacity for change.

“Fulfilling these commitments and finding solutions will be a challenge. I cannot accomplish this task alone. I ask all of you to work with me to make a difference in our community – Pasco County,” Browning said.

Published June 17, 2020

Finding new ways to celebrate, amid COVID-19

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It may not have been the graduation ceremony he envisioned, but 17-year-old Carl Scavino seems to be enjoying himself, as he took advantage of the sunroof to wave to the crowd. His mother, Judy Scavino, appeared to be having a good time, too. (Randy Underhill)

COVID-19 may have delayed graduations for the Class 2020, but it couldn’t curb the enthusiasm of graduates, and their loved ones, to celebrate their achievements.

Drive-by celebrations were held at The Grove in Wesley Chapel for members of the Class of 2020 from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Cypress Creek high schools. Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore read the list of graduates’ names. Family and friends applauded and cheered, as vehicles drove by with the graduates.

There also was a celebration at Idlewild Baptist Church, in Lutz, for graduates from the church, as well as for graduates of various Pasco and Hillsborough County schools.

Kristen Engasser, 17, of Lutz, waits patiently for the 2020 Land O’ Lakes High School senior graduation parade to begin at The Grove shopping complex, Wesley Grove Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. The parade is a celebration of Land O’ Lakes seniors unable to have a formal graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 school closures.
Minister Kelly Knouse, of Idlewild Baptist Church, greets Travis Shelby, a member of the Sunlake High Class of 2020.
Katheryn Munger, a member of Wesley Chapel High’s Class of 2020, gets ready to take part in the June 1 drive-by celebration for graduating seniors held at The Grove in Wesley Chapel. She plans to attend the University of South Florida.
Graduate Ashley Bischof is in the driver’s seat, as she takes part in the celebratory parade. She plans to attend Pasco-Hernando State College.
This group helped graduating seniors from Cypress Creek Middle High, during festivities at The Grove. From left, Jennifer Yingling, Mark Gold, DJ Night Mixer Makayla Gulash, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Troy Stevenson, Cypress Creek Middle/High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles, Jennifer Welling, and Tami Baker, along with the school’s Coyote mascot. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Schools end unusual year on high note

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Normal end-of-the-school year traditions were out this year, due to COVID-19, so schools put on their thinking caps to find new ways to honor and celebrate the students.

Sand Pine Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, held its Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony, in the school’s parking lot.

Names of fifth-graders from Sand Pine Elementary were written in chalk in the school’s parking lot, to treat the children like royalty during the school’s Fifth Grade Moving Up ceremony. (Courtesy of Sand Pine Elementary)

After a parade through the school’s parking loop, each fifth-grader’s name was written in chalk on a parking spot.

Then, their belongings were loaded into the trunk of their car, along with a balloon and a middle school T-shirt, according to Sue Urban, the principal’s secretary.

“Everyone had a great time, even while social distancing,” she said, via email.

At Academy at the Lakes, an independent school in Land O’ Lakes, students drove by in a parade — and picked up their yearbooks, locker stuff, art projects and science projects — all packed in an Academy tote bag with personalized notes from their teachers.

Voluntary prekindergarten graduates from Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church were honored, too.

To bring a special ending to the year, staff from the school did an individual “graduation” ceremony at each child’s house, according to Corrine Ertl, center director.

From left, members of the Stoppa family: Anne (mom), Jeeho (Mary’s House graduate), Jackson and Michael (dad). (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)

“First, we gathered all their addresses, divided by subdivision, and mapped out all the addresses, Ertl said, via email.

“Well, we started on Monday and after four days and 489 miles we finished.

“Every child was full of joy. Most of the children had dressed up in their cap and gown, we placed their sign in the yard, played pomp and circumstance through our mobile Bluetooth speaker,” she wrote.

Every child and his or her siblings received cupcakes, and the graduates received their candy class ring, just like they would at graduation, Ertl wrote.

Meanwhile, Pasco and Hillsborough county high schools had to push off their traditional ceremonies because of COVID-19, so other ways were found to honor the seniors until those formal commencement exercises can be held.

In Pasco County, the school district had virtual ceremonies, complete with pomp and circumstance, performed remotely, by students from several bands from across Pasco County.

Drive-by celebrations were held for the Class of 2020 at The Grove in Wesley Chapel and at SunWest Park in Hudson. The city of Zephyrhills had a parade for seniors, too.

Published June 10, 2020

Academy at the Lakes seniors Jordan Whit, left, and Kate Erin McCormick (in car) swing by to pick up their stuff. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)
From left, members of the Sievert family: Carmen, Kimberley (mom), Tony (dad), Alicia (Mary’s House graduate) and Dominic. (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)
All four children of the Iglesias family attended Mary’s House, and Rosie, the youngest of those children, was the last one to graduate from the VPK program. From left, Isabella, Dennis (dad), Cecilia, Nicholas, Jaclyn (mom) and Rosalia. (Courtesy of Mary’s House at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church)

Performing arts center takes the stage in Wesley Chapel

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Construction crews are down to the last details on the new Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC).

Some of those details, including sound locks to reduce noise inside the music studio, are awaiting shipments from California, New York and Michigan.

All of those states have been hit hard by COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is what has caused so much delay in production,” explained Kevin O’Farrell, provost at Pasco-Hernando State College. But, the performing arts center anticipates a grand opening in the fall, likely in September or October.

Meanwhile, certain areas of the center will open in phases.

The Instructional Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel will have its grand opening in early fall. (File)

A certificate of occupancy for administrative offices is expected in July or August, O’Farrell said.

The IPAC is the culmination of years of planning that brought together the state college and Pasco County’s school district in what O’Farrell characterizes as a unique educational partnership.

“There’s nothing like this,” the college official said.

Pasco County Schools donated the center’s site. The state college paid construction costs and will manage the center’s use.

The nearly 36,000-square-foot performing arts center is at 8657 Old Pasco Road, next to the campus of Cypress Creek High School, and the soon-to-open Cypress Creek Middle School.

The performing arts center has a 444-seat auditorium and stage, a large lobby, a general-purpose classroom, computer laboratories, a video production studio, faculty and staff offices, and a conference room.

State-of-the-art technology, with Apple and Microsoft products for computers, are intended to support first-class learning and performance opportunities.

“The technology there is going to be phenomenal,” said O’ Farrell. “We can envision some great performances there. We know this is such a big desire of our community.”

The state college anticipates hosting regional and national festivals, workshops and performances. Many will be open to the community, as well as students.

Pasco school officials designed the middle school – set to open in August – to complement IPAC. Among the middle school’s amenities is a 150-seat black box theater, which school officials anticipate could be a venue for local theater groups. The middle school also will offer dance, orchestra and chorus instruction.

The state college will offer four Associate of Arts degrees for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college for a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance, theater or music. Dual enrollment and community students also will participate in classes.

The center provides more than an arts curriculum, O’Farrell said.

There are programs for students interested in digital media and multimedia technology. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum can prepare students for many careers, including video engineer, lighting technician, and web designer and developer.

O’Farrell perhaps is most excited by the synergy created by a holistic design that brings the theater and faculty offices in proximity — for engaging and interactive learning experiences.

“You see the whole collaborative enterprise coming together before your very eyes,” he said. “I think we have a really bright future ahead of us.”

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Published June 10, 2020

Chalk Talk 06/10/2020

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Maddison Rametta

Students ready for college careers
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced $5,000 scholarships awarded to each of these students: Steinbrenner High School graduates Maddison Rametta (University of Central Florida), Noah Morrow (University of Florida) and Crystal Nwokoye (Florida A&M University). The scholarships came from the (decommissioned) Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Endowment Fund, administered by the woman’s club.

 

 

 

Noah Morrow
Crystal Nwokoye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee adjustment review
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its June 16 board meeting, at 6 p.m., at the school’s North Campus in Brooksville.

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.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding the proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit tinyurl.com/y8u7wxzy.

Student achievements

  • Abigail Akers and Jacob Goetz, both of Odessa: spring President’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Madalyn Alston, of Dade City: spring Dean’s List at Anderson University in South Carolina
  • Roland Anthony Chacon, of Lutz: spring Dean’s List at Mars Hill University, North Carolina
  • Madeleine Hendron, of Odessa: spring President’s List at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi
  • Andrews James, of Lutz: spring Dean’s List at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia
  • John Martinez, of Wesley Chapel: spring Dean’s List at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee
  • Mary Moran, of Lutz: fall Dean’s List at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia
  • Diana Perez, of Lutz, and Joseph Johnston, of Odessa: spring Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Amy Stanton, of Odessa: President’s List at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia

Degrees awarded

  • Jordan Kendall, of Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas
  • Emily Lange, of Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berry College in Rome, Georgia
  • Renee A. La Sala, of Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Jacob Leuthold, of Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta
  • Joseph McCandrew, of Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies from Clarion University in Pennsylvania
  • Kartheeka Pothumarthi, of Odessa: Master of Science in Information Systems Security from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky

Saint Leo wins grant
Saint Leo University has received a $1.2 million grant to prepare high school math and science teachers for area districts.

The school will award scholarships to help as many as 18 undergraduates prepare to become biology or mathematics teachers in Pasco and Hernando county schools over the next several years.

The new scholarship program was made possible by the grant money received from the National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

Noyce (1927-1990) helped to change industry and technology worldwide with his inventions and discoveries, and co-founded Intel Corp., a major supplier of computer processors.

The Noyce program will help biology or mathematics majors with financial need earn the credentials required to become secondary teachers in their subject areas.

The scholarships will average more than $18,000 a year, and will be applicable to the students’ junior and senior years at Saint Leo.

Saint Leo offers a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics.

Graduation schedules
Traditional graduations for Pasco County seniors have been rescheduled to August.

The listed ceremonies are contingent on developments regarding COVID-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements.

  • Aug. 5: Marchman Technical College at River Ridge High School (time to be determined)
  • Aug. 6: Pasco High School at Pasco High Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
  • Aug. 10: Pasco eSchool at River Ridge High School, 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 11: Wendell Krinn Technical High School at Wendell Krinn, 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 12: Cypress Creek High School at Yuengling Center, 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 13: Zephyrhills High School (3 p.m.) and Wiregrass High (7 p.m.), at Yuengling Center
  • Aug. 14: Land O’ Lakes High (3 p.m.) and Wesley Chapel High (7 p.m.), at Yuengling Center
  • Aug. 15 Sunlake High at Yuengling Center, 1 p.m.