The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 04/22/2020

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A variety of colorful rainbows are depicted through Primrose School at Collier Parkway to remind everyone of a ‘brighter’ future. (Courtesy of Primrose School at Collier Parkway)

Weathering the ‘storm’ at Primrose
Teachers at Primrose School at Collier Parkway are missing their Primrose Pals during the pandemic, so they worked hard to add joy by displaying rainbows throughout the building, to remind everyone that “The greater the storm, the brighter the rainbow.”

Students can create their own rainbow, too, and send it to the school on Primrose’s Facebook Page (in the comments section of the rainbow post), or by email to .

Submitted creations will be shared with the teachers on their ‘How You Doing?’ bulletin board.

Primrose also offers Online with Og! for at-home interactive learning activities.

Og the Bookworm represents caring and literacy, and is a Primrose Friend that helps to bring the school experience into the home.

Learn more about Online with Og! at Learning.primroseschools.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Leo sticks with online; postpones graduation
Saint Leo University will continue to offer its classes online through the summer.

“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus pandemic and the possible need for continued social distancing measures,” according to a news release from the university.

University officials also have postponed all scheduled commencement ceremonies and activities until later this year.

That decision also was made as a precaution in consideration for “all those who will be participating or might need to travel to attend. Health authorities are uncertain of when large-scale social gatherings can safely resume,” the release says.

This change affects numerous commencement ceremonies scheduled in various states, including the Florida commencement that had been scheduled for June 1.

University events planned on campus in June will be canceled or postponed, including all camps and conferences, the release says.

Virtual events planned online, however, will continue as scheduled.

The shift to online classes will apply to both the Summer 1 and 2 terms for all courses, including all accelerated summer courses taught at education centers and University Campus St. Leo. This also affects all other locations throughout Florida and the United States.

As soon as plans are finalized for commencement, students will be notified of the new date by email. Information also will be posted on the Saint Leo website at SaintLeo.edu/commencement.

School district adapts to distance learning

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While parents suddenly found themselves thrust into the role of being frontline teachers, educators in Pasco and Hillsborough counties also found themselves making a big shift when the state ordered school campuses to be closed.

The order is in effect until April 30, and as press time for The Laker/Lutz News it remained unclear whether that will be extended.

During a virtual Pasco County School Board meeting on April 7, district officials discussed how county schools made the switch to online learning.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told the audience viewing the meeting, “When this thing hit, I remember our first meeting in the superintendent’s conference room. We were all a little shell-shocked by the fact that school was going to be closed for an additional week after Spring Break.”

But, district staff stepped up, and by the time the shift was made, the district was well-poised to make the shift.

He credited Joanne Glenn and her eSchool team for the guidance and encouragement they provided to district teachers.

“Our brick-and-mortars classroom teachers, for a large part, most part, have never done virtual education before,” he said. But, once they received the training that the district’s Office of Leading and Learning and the eSchool staff put together, he said, “a lot of the angst disappeared.”

The district also distributed about 17,000 devices to families needing them, including roughly 9,000 for elementary school students and about 8,000 for secondary school students, said Assistant Superintendent Kevin Shibley. A small number of devices were still in the process of being provided for families.

Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, complimented the district’s handling of the transition of shifting from direct to distance instruction.

“As we work in our second week of distance learning, I want to recognize our district superintendent and staff for having a Plan B in place,” Peace said.

“A special thanks goes out to Joanne Glenn and the wonderful group of eSchool employees who have willingly served as resources to those in need of help, during this transition period,” he said.

“I also want to thank you for how you are handling the thousands of ‘new teachers’ in our district, by that I mean, the parents, grandparents and guardians who have suddenly been thrust into the role of teacher. They are now the first people asked to help with questions or concerns when students struggle.

“I know in my grandson’s case, resources, tutorials and updates are going out constantly to provide information and reassurance in these situations.

“I would urge all of us to be caring and compassionate when dealing with student and parent concerns,” Peace said.

School board chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin expressed gratitude on behalf of the board for the district’s leadership and extra efforts made by teachers and staff.

“The last several weeks, everyone has been thrust into new ways of teaching and learning, and doing the work that supports that learning,” she said.

“On behalf of the board, we are very grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make sure our students will continue to have learning opportunities and to have food in their homes.

“Thank you to the district staff who worked through the entire Spring Break getting things put into place.

“Thank you to Mrs. Glenn and the eSchool staff who have been supporting the teachers across the district, 24/7, answering questions and troubleshooting.

“Thank you to our communications team for pushing out all of the information, in multiple formats.

“Thank you to the teachers who have had to make this difficult transition to distance learning in such a short time. I have seen you collaborating and problem-solving at all hours to help our students and families.

“Thank you to the students for doing your work, even when it can be difficult to log on and while you are experiencing stressful life circumstances.

“Thank you to the parents for extending grace. We appreciate your patience as we work through some bumps in the road.

“I am confident that this district and our community will get through this and our students will continue to make academic progress,” Beaudoin said.

Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn also expressed appreciation to district staff for pulling together to ensure that meals could be delivered to students who depend on school meals as their only reliable source of food.

The district delivered food to 27 sites and 16 bus stops.

“This was our second week of doing the once-a-week on Tuesdays, where we give out 10 meals to each child who comes through the line,” Kuhn said.

“The unofficial number for today is that served over 121,000. That does not include our bus stops. Those are still being calculated.

“What that means is that we served over 12,000 children in our community. That is up 8,000 served last week. And, the first week we served, March 23, we served about 5,500 students per day.

“This would not be possible without the support and very hard work of FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) and transportation, after school enrichment programs and maintenance,” Kuhn said. Kuhn also gave kudos to human resources for helping to coordinate and schedule 200 volunteers that stepped up to help.

Browning said he’s incredibly proud of district employees.

“We could not be where we are today without everyone in this district pulling together and doing what’s right for our kids,” the superintendent said.

Published April 15, 2020

Library services still available, in a different way

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Hillsborough County libraries have a number of online services and resources available to support and enhance student eLearning.

With schools closed at least through April and teachers doing lessons remotely, online traffic to the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s website has surged.

These are some of the offerings available to help students learn from home:

  • Tutor.com: Take the guesswork out of homework with a live tutor. One-to-one help is available daily from 2 p.m. to midnight.
  • Call the library: Got a question? Call (813) 273-3652, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Ask a librarian: Chat with a librarian from your computer or mobile device about homework or educational needs. The service is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To access more educational online resources to support student success at home, visit the public library website at HCPLC.org.

Published April 15, 2020

Shift to online learning poses challenges

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When the state of Florida decided to shift to distance learning in March — parents, teachers and students found themselves facing a steep learning curve.

Julia O’Connor says the Pledge of Allegiance before beginning her lessons in her grandparents’ dining room. Her grandfather, George O’ Connor, is overseeing her online learning. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

“This thing came on pretty quick. We’re all learning on the fly,” said George O’Connor, who is supervising his 7-year-old granddaughter Julia’s instruction, in his Wesley Chapel home.

Normally, Julia attends Sand Pine Elementary. Now, she’s beginning her school day by reciting The Pledge of Allegiance in her grandparents’ dining room.

“The first week was a challenge, getting all of the programs and things like that,” O’Connor said. “We started the second week off yesterday, and it seems to be going a lot better.”

“It’s a least four hours of scheduled work.

“The teachers are holding something on Zoom, like a teleconference with the students. They’re also offering tutoring over the phones, as to how to work the programs,” O’Connor said.

Their granddaughter is staying with her grandparents because her mom, Kim, is an officer with the Tampa Police Department.

Kim O’ Connor, an officer with the Tampa Police Department, waves to her daughter Julia, who is staying with her grandparents while school campuses are closed because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

Normally, Kim is assigned as a School Resource Officer at Benito Middle School, but while school campuses are closed because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, she’s assisting the department’s patrol officers.

George said Kim is practicing social distancing, to avoid any potential spread of the virus.

Kim said she and Julia are communicating through texts, FaceTime and games they can play together on their devices.

Meanwhile, George’s other daughter, Meg Lewandowski teaches 10th grade Honors English at Freedom High School and her 6-year-old daughter, Margaret, attends Chiles Elementary in Tampa.

So, Lewandowski is experiencing online both as a teacher, and a parent of an online learner.

“I’ve been an educator for 15 years and this is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Lewandowski said.

“Trying to reach students through a computer screen and keep them engaged has proven to be a new challenge,” she said.

Margaret Lewandowski and her mother, Meg, get ready for their first day of online education due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Margaret is in kindergarten at Chiles Elementary. Meg teaches 10th grade Honors English at Freedom High School. Both are getting used to a new routine. (Courtesy of Meg Lewandowski)

But, she added: “I’m finding that my students generally want to succeed, and they want to complete their work and continue with their learning.”

She said her daughter, who is kindergarten, is adjusting.

“We’ve kind of fallen into our routine,” she said. “Her teacher has been great about updating all of her assignments.”

But, she said her daughter misses going to school, and seeing her teachers and friends.

Lewandowski can empathize.

“I miss my routine of going to work and doing my job, a job that I really love,” she said.

On the other hand, she said, “it’s been a great opportunity to just kind of slow down a little bit. We tend to miss out on a lot of things when we’re in our normal rush of going to work and coming home, and doing activities.”

Being able to slow down some, she said, also provides more time to play with Margaret and learn some new games, she said.

Online learning has some advantages
Rowena Mendoza said that social distancing put a damper on Spring Break because her children are accustomed to being able to go somewhere during the break, but they couldn’t this year.

So, when online learning started, Mendoza said it helped her and husband, who are both working at home in IT.

Colin Mendoza, a freshman at Wiregrass Ranch High School, enjoys online instruction because he can get his work done faster, says Rowena, his mom. (Courtesy of Rowena Mendoza)

“It’s very relieving for me, as a mom. I know my kids have things to do during the day, and they’re very focused,” she said.

Plus, 12-year-old Kayla who attends John Long Middle School and 15-year-old Colin, who attends Wiregrass Ranch High, have enjoyed virtual learning because they can work at their own pace.

“My kids like to finish their work ahead of time, so the rest of the week they can do anything,” she said.

But, they do miss their friends and classmates, she said.

Kayla Mendoza, who attends John Long Middle School, enjoys online learning, but says sometime the system can’t keep up with her typing, says Rowena, her mom. (Courtesy of Rowena Mendoza)

Also, there have been some technical glitches. And, with so many users on the system, it is sometimes overwhelmed, she said.

Overall, she thinks the school system has done a good job — but it may need to upgrade its system, she said.

Things haven’t gone so smoothly for some other families.

Angel Shannon’s daughter, Shaylee, is a third-grader at Lutz Elementary.

Trying to help her daughter, while she’s doing her job at home, has been very challenging, Shannon said.

She doesn’t blame the school.

“It’s a fabulous school. We love the school, and I know they are trying very hard.

“The teachers are available, but the problem is, I have a 9-year-old and they’ve never taken instructions off a computer screen for every subject,” she said.

Besides that, they have to log in to different softwares, she said. “I have to sit, not only read the instructions, go over it with her — and it’s like six hours of me, sitting there with her, doing it with her,” said Shannon, a Medicare Advantage sales agent.

“I’m trying to talk on the phone. She’s trying to ask me questions. It’s causing a lot of stress. It’s not going well,” Shannon said.

Plus, she said, she can’t help Shaylee with her Common Core math work.

“This math, I don’t even understand what they’re asking, let alone how to help her.

“To me, it’s so ridiculous — and, I was an honors student. Between my husband and I, we read it, I get so frustrated I have to take a break.

“And then I think, I’ve only got one child. I couldn’t even imagine if there were more than one child in the home — trying to get their schooling done,” said Shannon, noting her husband works as a truck driver and when he gets home from work, she’s still trying to help Shaylee with her schoolwork.

It’s frustrating for both of them, she said.

“This is just for the birds,” Shannon said.

Shaylee Shannon and her mom, Angel, are learning how to try to balance the new situation they’re in now: Shaylee trying to do her schoolwork, and her mom trying to do her job. (Courtesy of Angel Shannon)

She said the principal understands the parents’ frustration and sent home a note, suggesting they not do more than three hours a day, but she worries about her daughter falling behind.

Annaliese Reese, who has a child in middle school and one in high school, understands Shannon’s frustration.

Reese’s 18-year-old son, Dante, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High School does his work, no problem, Reese said.

But, it’s a different story for her 12-year-old daughter, Gabriella, who attends Pine View Middle.

“I think she feels like because she’s not in school, she doesn’t have to do it,” Reese said.

The fact that she and her husband are working makes it tougher, she said.

She also feels for her son, who is missing out on the traditions of senior year.

Clara Reynolds, the president and CEO of The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said the shift to online learning has added to the stress and anxieties many are facing during this time of COVID-19.

She offered this guidance.

“I think it’s important for parents to remember, you need to set up routines, but you don’t have to try to recreate a classroom environment, where kids are in class for 6 hours a day, in front of a computer,” she said.

“I think you can build it into little bite-sized chunks. Make sure you’ve got some time for enjoyable activities and things like that, because otherwise everybody is going to be very frustrated and anxious,” Reynolds said.

Published April 15, 2020

Chalk Talk 04/15/2020

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From left: Heather Fiorentino, Katherine Johnson, Madeline Pumariega, PHSC president Timothy L. Beard, Carol Morsani, Tonjua Williams and South Campus Hillsborough Community College president Jennifer Wells China. Not pictured: Susan Duval. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Women in education
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) honored six women with Trailblazer awards at the Empowered! PHSC Women in Education Conference.

The awards recognize women who have made a different in education within the community or their profession.

The honorees were:

  • Susan Duval, board chair of the Hernando County School Board
  • Heather Fiorentino, former superintendent of Pasco County Schools
  • Katherine Johnson, Ed.D., president emerita of PHSC
  • Carol Morsani, director of the Frank and Carol Morsani Foundation, and a philanthropist and community leader in the Tampa Bay area
  • Madeline Pumariega, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College, and former chancellor of the Florida College System
  • Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., president of St. Petersburg College

Paying it forward
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce presented a combined $14,250 in donations to local youth groups, civic clubs and scholarships at the annual Pigz Pay it Forward Dinner. The event takes place every year to recognize volunteers and sponsors involved in the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest.

The chamber will give out $5,000 in scholarships to Zephyrhills High School graduating seniors, which will include a $1,000 performing arts scholarship, a $1,000 Turn Around scholarship, and six academic scholarships.

Classroom grants awarded
ArtsFirst, the public-private collaboration between the First National Bank of Pasco and the Pasco County School Board, has distributed the first and second quarter fine arts classroom grants to 13 area schools.

The first-quarter grants were given to Dr. John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills High School, Rodney B. Cox Elementary School in Dade City, Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel High School, and Pasco Elementary and Pasco Middle schools in Dade City.

The second-quarter grants were awarded to Veterans Elementary School in Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes High School, Schraeder Elementary in Bayonet Point, the Harry Schwettman Education Center in New Port Richey, Calusa Elementary School in New Port Richey, and Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes.

Grant funds were used to purchase a wide variety of fine arts tools, supplies, technology, and even costumes.

Student achievements

  • Kaylyn Burroughs, of Odessa, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Tampa
  • Emily Gerber, of Odessa, was selected for inclusion on St. Lawrence University’s Dean’s List for academic achievement. Gerber is a member of the Class of 2020 and is majoring in conservation biology. St. Lawrence University is in Canton, New York.
  • Kayla Whittyngham, of Lutz, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Tampa

Saint Leo reschedules commencement

NOTE: Commencements have since been canceled for June 1.
As a result of stronger guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding large group gatherings, Saint Leo University’s commencement ceremonies, originally scheduled for May 2 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, have been rescheduled for June 1.

The Saint Leo Under the Stars graduation celebration and Baccalaureate Mass have been rescheduled for May 31.

Due to the ever-changing dynamics of the pandemic and its ramifications, visit SaintLeo.edu/coronavirus for updated information.

Virtual MOSI
As Virtual MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) enters its third week, The Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes has started using the program as part of engagement curriculum for the second grade.

JoAnn Slay, second-grade math and science teacher at the school, said, in a release, “MOSI in Motion has been a great addition to our online science experience. By adding the MOSI in Motion link to my Google Classroom page and encouraging the kids to view the daily experience, my kids have started exploring other science topics on their own. They are becoming more curious and more involved in their own learning.”

The children leave comments about the videos, and the first experiment about gravity aligned with the unit the class was starting on forces and motion, Slay said.

MOSI will continue to produce content for its Virtual MOSI program as long as needed during these unusual times.

Content plans also included a Forensics Week and a Chemistry Week.

For information, visit Facebook.com/MOSIinMotionTampa.

Chalk Talk 04/08/2020

By

Seth Mann
Ron May

New leadership
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation has elected new leaders for the Board of Directors for 2020.

Officers serve a voluntary two-year term, while new members are appointed to annual terms.

Ronald May, of Trinity, was nominated chair, and R. Seth Mann, of Dade City, was elected as vice chair.

The PHSC Foundation Board also welcomed two new directors, including Morris Porton, of Spring Hill, and Ashley Policastri, of Tampa.

Tips for learning disabled students
With schools now shuttering for extended periods due to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, public and private schools are using distance learning as “Plan B” for educating kindergarten through 12th grade students.

For the students receiving special education services for specific learning disabilities, the change can prove particularly jarring, according to a news release from Beacon College in Leesburg.

“Learning how to learn in a new way is often more difficult for them than the material they are trying to master,” said Dr. Nicki Nance, a licensed mental health counselor and associate professor of human services and psychology at Beacon College.

Nance, along with Dr. Oksana Hagerty, an educational and developmental psychologist at Beacon’s Center for Student Success, developed a list of 10 tips to help students adjust to this new reality.

  • Maintain a healthy balance between consistency and flexibility. Establish times for schoolwork, but give the child some freedom regarding what, in what order, or how to do the work.
  • Be specific. Avoid directives, such as “Start on Page 5 and finish in the evening,” which can add anxiety. Draft a straightforward to-do list and ask the child to check or cross off each completed item.
  • Press replay. Be prepared to repeat information, as well as skills, several times if necessary.
  • Expect evaporation. Be prepared to see information or skills fade after a few days. Just remember to press replay.
  • Take time for adventures. Stage a waste basket 3-point shootout, play a game of “Name That Tune,” or plan a treasure hunt, and then provide a special treat.
  • Establish rewards at short intervals. Parents can give praise, offer a treat or a break, or take a selfie when a certain task has been completed.
  • Provide reassurance. Assure the child that most, or all, of the struggles are less related to the learning difference and more related to the fast change everyone is facing.
  • Be transparent about your own struggles. If you are working from home, tell the student about your struggles. Children learn from watching you.
  • Listen. Ask your student for ideas about what might make the work easier.
  • Take breaks. A child needs breaks in order to focus, and you will need breaks in order to be there and be present for the child.

Cambridge cancels exams
Cambridge International has announced that the May/June examinations for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma and Cambridge Pre-U will not take place this year due to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.

Cambridge will be working with schools to assess students’ achievements using the best available evidence.

Students will receive a grade and a certificate from Cambridge International, given the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their programs of study. This will ensure students do not face disadvantage as a result of these extraordinary circumstances.

Also, Cambridge will provide guidance to schools on how students will receive the grades. It is talking to universities worldwide and is factoring these unprecedented circumstances into admission decisions, so students can continue with their education journeys as soon as possible.

Pasco leadership and Cambridge teachers are in communication with Cambridge, regarding specific details on Florida Bright Futures and college credit.

Private school honor
Academy at the Lakes, an independent and nondenominational private school in Land O’ Lakes, was voted the Most Loved Private School in the Wesley Chapel-Lutz area for 2020 by Hulafrog, a local website for parents.

“We are excited to be voted the ‘Most Loved Private School’ by Hulafrog,” said Mark Heller, the head of school, in a release.

“Our parents’ support is everything to us and we want to thank everyone who voted for us. We always strive to give our kids the best,” Heller added.

The goal of Academy at the Lakes’ curriculum is to help students develop their skills in six key areas that are necessary for success in academics, the workplace and the global market. These areas are: citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and character.

Hulafrog is a nationwide network of local websites for parents and covers the best local events and kid-friendly activities for parents and students.

To learn more, visit Hulafrog.com.

Veterans breakfast hosted
Saint Leo University recently hosted the Empowering Pasco’s Veterans breakfast and fundraiser.

The school serves close to 5,000 student-veterans and military affiliated students, said Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, in a news release.

More than 50 veterans, as well as multiple Pasco County leaders and businesspeople attended the event.

Saint Leo was ranked No. 1 in the United States for educating veterans in Military Rimes Best for Vets: Colleges 2020.

Superintendent honored
Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins received the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s 2020 Community Impact Award, for his dedication and positive impact on Tampa Bay residents.

Previous recipients included U.S. Rep Kathy Castor, Jeff and Penny Vinik, Doretha Edgecomb, Richard Gonzmart, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioners Ken Hagan and Sandra Murman, former Florida CFO Alex Sink, former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and former Hillsborough County Superintendent MaryEllen Ella.

Pasco schools add feeding sites for students

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Pasco County Schools planned to expand its number of student feeding sites from its initial seven locations up to 25 school sites, effective March 31, according to a school district news release.

While wearing an N95 mask for her safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda McCabe, of Dade City, confirms the amount of food bags needed for one of the cars that showed up for the Pasco County school district’s free lunch program, at the Pasco High School site on March 26. McCabe is the school’s registrar and volunteered for this program that is handing out hundreds of free food bags daily. The school district since has expanded the number of food distribution sites and changed its delivery strategy. (Christine Holtzman)

Pasco also will add feeding sites at 16 bus stops throughout the county.

There are other significant changes in the way Pasco County Schools is getting food to students. The drive-thru sites and the bus deliveries will take place on Tuesday only, and the food provided will include food for five days for each student, the release adds.

A family with two children would receive 10 lunches and 10 breakfasts on Tuesday.

The student, or students, must be present to receive food.

Here is the list of Pasco sites, in and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, where meals will be delivered:

School bus deliveries, on Tuesdays only:

  • 11 a.m.: Wilson Street grass lot, 13800 Wilson St., Dade City
  • 11 a.m.: Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • 11:20 a.m.: Hilltop Landings 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • 11:25 a.m.: Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills
  • 11:45 a.m.: Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City

Drive-thru student food distribution sites

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
  • Chester W. Taylor Elementary School, 3618 Morris Bridge Road, Zephyrhills
  • Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
  • New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City
  • Pasco Middle School, 13925 14th St., Dade City
  • Quail Hollow Elementary School, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • San Antonio Elementary School, 32416 Darby Road, Dade City
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary, 37900 14th Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills

Published April 1, 2020

Pinecrest Academy Sends Out Student Acceptance Notices

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School acceptance emails went out earlier this month to families who had applied to Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, the new K-6 charter school being built at the entrance to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Aerial photo of Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel

“We are excited to be providing our high-performing school for all of our families. Thank you for applying for Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel and creating our inaugural Panther family,” said Principal Aimee Mielke, on the school’s Facebook page.

Mielke also announced that the school’s official website is now up at PinecrestWesleyChapel.com. “We’re LIVE and it is beautiful with lots of information,” she said.

The principal has been receiving lots of inquiries from parents — and these are some of the most asked questions:

What are Pinecrest’s school hours?
8:15 a.m. – student drop-off and breakfast
8:30 a.m. – classes begin
2:50 p.m. – dismissal begins

Are students required to wear uniforms?
Yes. We will be partnering with All Uniform Wear. All items, including jackets/sweaters, must be purchased through our uniform shop. Students also are required to wear black, closed-toe shoes.

When will we be notified if our child has been accepted?
The first acceptance emails were sent out Monday, March 9.

The new school will open this fall with 650 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and plans to expand to serve up to eighth grade. It is the first Pinecrest Academy in Tampa Bay.

With 16 schools nationwide, Pinecrest Academy Inc., has made a name for itself in the education community. As Principal Mielke would say, “When you walk into a Pinecrest school, you know you’re in a Pinecrest school.”

Mielke is excited about the advanced programs Pinecrest will offer its students, including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum, and a dual English/Spanish language program. With the STEM program, Pinecrest students will learn about new technologies, such as robotics, and will have fully functioning STEM labs in all grades — something most schools do not offer.

Pinecrest also will have self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth, to allow gifted students to flourish in their education.

“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 Mielke.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel is one of the most important elements of the goal to build a brand-new town in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. Lerret noted that the developer’s goal is to have the very best school in the entire state.

“Our residents are ecstatic to have the option of sending their children to one of the top charter school operators in Florida,” said Lerret.

Published March 25, 2020

Public schools to go back in session — remotely

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Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades will remain off school campuses until at least April 15 because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

While students will remain off campus, they will receive some type of online or remote instruction beginning at the end of March, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Superintendent Kurt Browning provided a March 22 update on the situation in Pasco County Schools, in via a video posted on the district’s website (Pasco.k12.fl.us).

“At this time, our campuses are closed until Wednesday, April 15. However, starting on Tuesday March 31, learning will resume — even through the time our schools are closed. That’s when we’ll transition to distance learning.“

Browning then explained the chain of events that will occur.

The district already has sent a newsletter to parents, providing how-to instructions to help them and their children navigate distance learning, Browning said.

On March 27, the district’s instructional staff will return to school, virtually, to receive a four-hour training, relating to distance learning.

Then, on March 30, the district will distribute devices to parents who do not have a computer at home.

“This will take place at the school your student attends,” Browning said. “We don’t have enough devices to provide a computer to every student in our district, but we will do everything we can to provide appropriate devices to families who don’t have them. We want all of our students to have the ability to go online and continue learning.”

On March 31, the district will transition to distance learning.

“That means school is in session on March 31. Not in our physical classrooms, but online,” the superintendent said.

“Our distance learning plan is designed to keep students on track, so that learning continues, even though our schools are closed.

“This is not optional. We expect our students to be engaged and learning,” Browning said.

Hillsborough County is having its Set Up for Success week, March 23 to March 27, which will give teachers and parents a chance to get comfortable with eLearning, finalize lesson plans and get access to devices and computers, according to the district’s website.

Classwork during Set Up for Success week will not be graded. Graded work and full eLearning will begin on March 30.

For more details on Hillsborough’s plan, visit the district’s website at SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Where to find meals for children:
These school feeding sites in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are providing meals for children under 18 years old. The children must be present to receive a meal.

Pasco sites, operating 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., through March 27, include:

  • New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52in Dade City
  • Zephyrhills High School, at 6335 12th St., in Zephyrhills

Hillsborough sites, which operate 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., opened on March 23. They include:

  • Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Mort Elementary School, 1806 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa
  • Paul R. Smith Middle School, 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive in Tampa

More area school news:

  • All Florida public and private K-12, and career and technical center campuses are closed through April 15.
  • All remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten and K-12 assessments are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year.
  • Requirements for graduation and promotion, and final course grades will be evaluated as though those assessments that were canceled did not exist.
  • K-12 school grades will not be calculated for 2019-2020 and schools in turnaround may continue their current status for 2020-2021 to avoid disruption to school leadership and operations.
  • Eligibility for Florida Bright Futures scholarships shall be based on available data and results. Tests that were not available to be taken shall not be counted.
  • All Florida College System institutions are providing virtual or other remote learning to students for the remainder of the 2020 spring semester.

Published March 25, 2020

Chalk Talk 03/18/2020

By

NOTE TO READERS: Due to continuing developments regarding coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), readers are encouraged to use the contact information provided for individual events, to determine cancellations, prior to attending. The Laker/Lutz News does not necessarily receive cancellation notifications from the various organizations.

Classes move to online
Saint Leo University will make adjustments to university operations and move to online classes, to avoid the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

The school is following guidance issued to the state universities in Florida.

University officials have suspended classes for University Campus students during the week of March 16 to March 20, in order to allow faculty to prepare to deliver all classes online starting March 23.

All residential students are asked to return to their permanent residence following spring break, rather than returning to campus (and to remain at home during this period of online instruction). Housing will be available on a limited basis for student-athletes who participate in spring sports, and those students who are unable to return home to their permanent residence.

In addition, all fall and winter sports activities are suspended indefinitely. In addition, no fans will be permitted at the Acrobatics & Tumbling home events.

For information on other locations, visit SaintLeo.edu/coronavirus.

New Fine Arts webpage
Pasco County Schools Fine Arts has launched a new webpage that will showcase a wide variety of fine arts offered throughout the district, including dance, music, theater/drama, and visual arts.

To learn more, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/finearts, or access the webpage by visiting the Pasco County Schools website, click on the Departments tab at the top, and scroll to find Fine Arts.

Intro to Acting
The Live Oak Theatre Company will offer an Introduction to Acting program through four one-hour classes, for ages 7 to 13.

Classes will take place at 5 p.m., on March 23, March 30, April 6 and April 13, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.

Topics will include basic acting skills and principles of acting; theater terminology; theater etiquette; using humor; and, memorizing and delivering monologues.

The cost is $40 for the course.

To register, email , or call (352) 593-0027.

Career Exploration
Pasco County Schools will host a Career Exploration Night on March 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

Meet Pasco and Tampa Bay business leaders, and learn about career options and their educational requirements; industry certification career options; current high demand career options; earning potential in various career pathways, and more.

For information, call (727) 774-7142.

NOTE: BELLE OF THE BALL HAS CANCELLED SHOPPING ON MARCH 28 AND APRIL 4.
Belle of the Ball
The Belle of the Ball Project will provide free prom dresses and accessories to in-need high school girls on March 28, April 4 and April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique, at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater.

Dresses are available to all in-need high school girls for their high school dances, such as prom, homecoming and military balls. No appointment is needed.

Spring recruitment
Pasco County Schools will host its Spring Recruitment & Hiring Event on March 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

The district is looking for certified teachers, substitutes, bus drivers, school-related personnel and more.

Schools and departments throughout the county will be in attendance to recruit, interview and offer positions for the 2020-2021 school year.

Preregister at EventBrite.com or tinyurl.com/v5eajzt, for a chance to win a door prize.

Pasco Middle is demo center
Cambridge International Education has authorized Pasco Middle School as one of the first two middle school Cambridge International School Demonstration Centers in the United States.

The school has offered the Cambridge International program since 2014.

As a School Demonstration Center, the school will host two showcase events annually, at which administrators, teachers and students will promote and explain to newly authorized Cambridge schools and districts how they implemented the Cambridge Pathway and curriculum.

Pasco Middle received authorization based on five key areas:

  • Mission and educational values
  • Management and leadership
  • Teaching and learning
  • Physical environment
  • Data

The designation is valid through September 2023.

Pasco County currently has one elementary, two middle and two high school Cambridge programs, and is adding Cambridge at an elementary, middle and high school in the 2020-2021 school year.

In 2018, Cambridge International Education named Pasco County Schools the District of the Year among U.S. large districts.

Student achievements
• Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, is on the Academic High Honor and Dean’s List at Minnesota State University (Mankato), for the fall semester.
• Jack Losier, of Lutz, earned honor roll distinction for the fall semester at the University of Kansas (Lawrence), School of Engineering
• Nikhil Nagabandi, of Lutz, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Nova Southeastern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Gabriel P. Pinson, of Land O’ Lakes, is on the fall semester academic Dean’s List and Dean’s Freshman Honor Roll at the University of Wyoming.