The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

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

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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.

Students take a stand on the power of voting

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Wiregrass Ranch High School’s annual Poetry Slam, for Black History Month, focused on the importance of voting.

With the theme “Let Your Voice Be Heard: Vote,” the event also was a tribute to the late Denise Goodridge – the school’s former principal’s secretary.

The members of the Black History Club at Wiregrass Ranch High School took part in the annual Poetry Slam. They shared their poems on the power of voting, during the Feb. 21 event. (Courtesy of The Wiregrass Stampede Newspaper)

Goodridge passed away last year due to health complications.

The Feb. 21 gathering took place in Wiregrass’s gymnasium.

Students packed the bleachers to hear the poetry from members of the Black History Club and from some faculty members.

Gloria Jackson, a reading teacher at Wiregrass, helps to oversee the Poetry Slam.

Before the wordsmiths took the stage, Jackson asked those gathered to reflect on Goodridge’s life.

As a slide show displayed photographs of Goodridge, guest vocalist Fiona Williams sang a rendition of Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

Jackson also had encouraged students to come to school wearing blue — Goodridge’s favorite color.

Sa’Derrica Tate, president of the Black History Club, offered opening remarks before the poetry presentations.

She reminded her classmates about the need to express themselves at the ballot box.

“As you get closer to the age of 18, keep in mind to vote. Don’t sit and complain about our country. Instead, go out and let your voice be heard. Your vote is your voice,” she said.

She brought attention to the fact that 2020 marks 150 years since African-American men were granted the right to vote, by way of the 15th Amendment. And, it’s been exactly one century since women were granted that right, too, through the 19th Amendment, she added.

Wiregrass Ranch High School faculty joins the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Tampa, for Poetry Slam. The dancing group allowed students to take part in West African chants and dancing, on Feb. 21.

In her poem, “A Vote Is,” Tate described the right this way: “The shield for my mother, my sister and my aunt. It is the fight we have finally won!”

Faculty member Yvette Fisher, who stood alongside the students, offered encouraging words through her literary piece, “Silence No More.”

She shared: “I will speak and I will speak loud at the voting polls, always remembering that we all get to speak. We all have a choice because we all have a voice.”

Fisher said voting is a topic that cannot be “overemphasized.”

The teacher said her parents and grandparents were involved in the civil rights movement, and noted that resonates with her because the work for progress continues.

Fisher also reflected on Goodridge, noting the woman’s kind demeanor and the impact she had at Wiregrass.

Student William Cuebas offered a deeper meaning about going to the polls, in his poem, “It’s More Than Just a Vote.”

He said, “And true equality was rearing its bright face. So the next time that you’re taking the bus to go vote, don’t forget who came before us. The right to vote has a bigger message to me. It’s more than just a vote, it’s a symbol of our unity.”

Cuebas also touched on Goodridge’s positive vibe: “She always had this wonderful smile, this passion in her heart.

“I feel like this dedication to her memory, was one of the best things, I feel, we’ve done in this Poetry Slam,” the 17-year-old said.

Besides listening to poetry, students in the crowd had a chance to dance and sing.

The Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Tampa entered the gymnasium, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of drums.

Dr. Kya Conner — the group’s speaker — was joined by various dancers and drummers dressed in African attire.

The purpose of the Kuumba dance is to “strengthen and preserve traditional West African dance and drum culture,” Conner said.

The rhythmic motions are accompanied with songs and chants during West African events, such as baby showers, funerals, weddings and graduations.

Conner instructed students in the crowd how to perform the stylistic clapping, as the drummers joined in unison. She also taught them how to incorporate a unique chant along with the clapping and drums.

Volunteers were invited to come down to learn an energetic dance routine, and several responded to the offer.

At the program’s close, Jackson brought it full circle, by reflecting on the life of Goodridge.

“Her impact has been tremendous,” Jackson said. “Even though she’s gone, she forever lives in our hearts.”

Published March 11, 2020

Chalk Talk 03/11/2020

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Prom Drive & Shop
Kids Helping Kids Pasco County will host a Prom Drive & Shop on March 14, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Donations will be accepted from noon to 1 p.m. Items needed include formal dresses, suits, dress shirts, ties, women’s and men’s dress shoes, dress socks, jewelry, hair accessories, and gift cards for hair and nail salons.

Items will be collected, and then in-need teens will be able to shop for free from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco/.

Bunco for Backpacks
The ninth annual Marjorie’s Hope Bunco for Backpacks will take place March 14 at 7 p.m., at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in New Port Richey.

There will be a Chinese auction, coffee bar, desserts, a cash bar, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $25.

For information on the charity, visit MarjoriesHope.com. For information on the event, call Debi Shackowsky at (727) 776-5458.

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County recognizes positive contributions by young people through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). Nominations are now being accepted through 5 p.m., March 16.

Nominations can be submitted for both Hillsborough County middle and high school students in these categories: Leadership; Success Despite Difficult Odds; and Volunteer or Community Service.

For details and nomination forms, visit HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Home-school sewing class
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a home-school sewing class on March 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Students can learn the parts and functions of the machine; how to use a sewing machine; try different stitches; and learn about resources to create individual projects.

The class is for ages 9 to 17. A Foundry waiver and safety forms are required.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

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; theatre terminology; theatre etiquette; using humor; and, memorizing and delivering monologues.

The cost is $40 for the course.

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

NOTE: Belle of the Ball has CANCELLED shopping days 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.

For information, visit BelleOfTheProject.com.

Hunger Walk charity
During the month of March, One Community Now’s annual Hunger Walk on behalf of the Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids Program will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s five office locations.

Children who live in danger of not having food on their dining room table are given a backpack full of healthy meals each Friday, to ensure that they have food to eat over the weekend. The students return the empty backpack to their school the following Monday, which is then refilled for the next weekend.

For information, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

For details about the food program, call Patti Templeton at (727) 900-6280, or visit OneCommunityNow.com.

Project Yellow Light
Project Yellow Light is a scholarship competition designed to bring about change.

Applicants are asked to encourage peers to develop and embrace safe driving habits, through a video competition, a radio competition, and a billboard competition (the billboard contest has closed).

In addition to a scholarship, the winning video may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,600 TV stations.

The winning radio spot may be shared on iHeartRadio’s national network and radio stations across the United States.

Students are asked to create a message to motive, persuade and encourage their peers to not drive distracted.

For both high school and college categories, the winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $8,000 (video) and $2,000 (radio). Submissions in both categories are due April 1.

For details and information, visit ProjectYellowLight.com/how-it-works.

Woman’s club scholarship
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is now accepting applications for separate annual scholarship opportunities, with these requirements:

  • Applicants for the Woman’s Club Scholarship must have a Lutz or Land O’ Lakes address, attend a Lutz or Land O’ Lakes high school, or be a member of GFWC Little Women of Lutz.
  • Erwin Technical College, Pasco-Hernando State College or Hillsborough Community College students/applicants may apply regardless of address.
  • Applicants for the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association Scholarship must be residents of Lutz.
  • Scholarship selections are based upon need, personal essay, recommendations, and service hours.
  • Applications are due by April 1 and should be mailed to the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club at the P.O. address on the application.

Forms are available through the local high schools.

For applications or more information, call Patricia Serio at (813) 220-9461.

 

Simulation teaches a real-life history lesson

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Second-graders at McKitrick Elementary School had a chance to gain a greater understanding of what life was like for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island during the early 1900s.

The school, at 5503 Lutz Lake Fern Road, created an event that allowed children the chance to walk through the paces that immigrants faced when they arrived in America.

Volunteer Deanna Okun, left, administers a medical exam inside the Medical Detainment room, to student Jyles Morales. Students were asked such questions as, ‘Have you been sick lately? And, ‘Do you have any allergies?’ The exam and questions asked were the same ones used at Ellis Island in the early 1900s. (Christine Holtzman)

The Feb. 27 simulation involved 180 second-graders and 68 volunteers, many dressed in period clothing.

Bilingual volunteers spoke to the students in Turkish, Russian, Greek and Arabic, to show students how it would feel to arrive in a new country without knowing its language.

Students prepared for the experience by taking virtual trips to Ellis Island, where they listened to audio recordings of interviews from people who actually came through Ellis Island.

They also had a chance to video chat with a museum curator, via Skype.

To prepare for their trip, students were asked to construct a cardboard suitcase and use it to hold five prized possessions, such as family photos, a favorite book or other treasured items.

Each student remained in character as they completed the activity, which took two hours to three hours to complete. They carried out the steps that were taken by actual immigrants: They waited in long lines for customs, upon departure and arrival. They were crammed into a boat. They were sprayed with ocean mist and doused with water, to simulate delousing measures taken when immigrants arrived.

They provided fingerprints at the registry, were subjected to searches at baggage claim, and forced to undergo medical and psychological exams.

After arriving by boat, students are seen standing in the long line at the customs area of McKitrick Elementary School’s Ellis Island. The students had the chance to find out what it may have felt like for immigrants who experienced long waits just to gain entry into Ellis Island. From left: Wyatt Montgomery, Zion Karp, Eric Vargas and Ben Friedman.

They also participated in interviews and had to pass a citizenship test.

And, they faced real dilemmas, such as being separated from family members or having to pawn their possessions for money.

After each group finished, they were sworn in as American citizens — by a judge, portrayed by McKitrick Principal Allison Cline.

The event, now in its third year, is the brainchild of former second grade teacher Liisa DiTarando, who is now the school’s Social & Emotional Learning Resource teacher.

It takes about three months to organize the annual production.

In addition to great content, the activity teaches kids critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which allows them to rise to the occasion, DiTarando said.

Every year, she said, she receives emails from parents that tell her how their child could relate a connection in their own lives to the content that was taught in this program. Parents also share that it has given their child the ability to empathize with what their relatives may have gone through.

Published March 4, 2020

Volunteer Carine Pyree, left, administers a simulated medical exam to student Olivia Ebel. Using actual examples from Ellis Island, Pyree asked Ebel to walk in a circle with her eyes closed.
After waiting in a long line, second-grade students Gabriel Gonzalez, left, and Rosie Vona, arrive to the customs area, at McKitrick Elementary School’s simulated Ellis Island. The pair, along with all the other arrivals, had to present proper documents before being permitted inside the registry office.
Second-grade student Giulia Longo, left, comes to collect the baby (a doll) that is under her care, that was found unattended inside the Citizenship and Testing room, by Gary Camacho, the McKitrick Elementary School’s security officer. Longo played a young girl whose uncle forced her to come to America, so she could care for his child, because his wife died. The woman behind this event, Liisa DiTarando, is on the right.

Chalk Talk 03/04/2020

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(Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

Student citizens honored
Ten students from across the community where honored as The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. These students received recognition: Caleb Lare, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Alexander Vaughn, The Broach School; Jasen White, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Julian Martinez, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Grace Murphy, Heritage Academy; Angel Wansor, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Ansh Patel, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Mackenzie Selvaggio, Woodland Elementary School; Tayler Stanley, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and, Austin Linville, Zephyrhills High School.

Cyber crime & safety
The Rushe Middle School PTSA will host a Cyber Crime/Cyber Safety parent information night on March 5 at 6:30 p.m., in the cafeteria, 18654 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The guest speaker will be Deputy Bryan Banner, from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, presenting tips and apps to keep kids safe. Pizza and drink will be served.

For information and to RSVP, call (813) 346-1200.

EpiPens now in schools
Pasco County Schools has partnered with the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County to implement an EpiPen in Schools Program.

Effective Feb. 14, two-dose regular and junior EpiPens were placed in each Pasco County public school to provide emergency anaphylaxis response during the school day.

Within days of the program’s launch, the student health team at Land O’ Lakes High School used the lifesaving device on a student with a peanut allergy.

At least three staff members on each campus will receive a 30-minute training from the school nurse, to prepare them to respond if a student or adult has an anaphylactic reaction.

The program is optional for charter schools.

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 7, 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.

For information, visit BelleOfTheProject.com.

Early release day
Pasco County Schools has implemented a monthly, two-hour-early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.

Early release days will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of January and May.

The next early release day is March 11.

Prom Drive & Shop
Kids Helping Kids Pasco County will host a Prom Drive & Shop on March 14, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Donations will be accepted from noon to 1 p.m. Items needed include formal dresses, suits, dress shirts, ties, women’s and men’s dress shoes, dress socks, jewelry, hair accessories, and gift cards for hair and nail salons.

Items will be collected and then in-need teens will be able to shop for free from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco/.

YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County recognizes positive contributions by young people through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). Nominations are now being accepted through 5 p.m., March 16.

Nominations can be submitted for both Hillsborough County middle and high school students in these categories: Leadership; Success Despite Difficult Odds; and Volunteer or Community Service.

For details and nomination forms, visit HCFLGov.net/YEA.

Hunger Walk charity
During the month of March, One Community Now’s annual Hunger Walk on behalf of the Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids Program will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s five office locations.

Children who live in danger of not having food on their dining room table are given a backpack full of healthy meals each Friday, to ensure that they have food to eat over the weekend. The students return the empty backpack to their school the following Monday, which is then refilled for the next weekend.

For information, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

For details about the food program, call Patti Templeton at (727) 900-6280, or visit OneCommunityNow.com.

History Day winners
These students from Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes will represent #RusheNation at the state National History Day competition.

  • Arman Kumaraswamy: Individual Documentary
  • Rohil Agarwal: Individual Documentary
  • Liam Infanger: Historical Paper
  • Maggie Clohessy, Wade Clohessy and Lauren Hallauer: Group Exhibit
  • Reese Van Brocklin: Individual Exhibit

Scholarship dinner/dance
The African-American Club of Pasco County will host its seventh annual Scholarship Dinner Dance on March 21 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity.

The event will help to raise funds for $20,000 in scholarships in 2020.

Tickets are $65 per person. Reservations must be made by March 14.

For information and tickets, visit AACPascoFL.org, or call Trish Stevenson at (727) 495-3207.

Cursive contest
According to the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, the annual Cursive is Cool® contests kicked off on National Handwriting Day, in honor of John Hancock’s birthday.

Campaign for Cursive® offers three contests: one in the United States and two in Canada (one for English writers and one for French writers).

Students in grades one to six have a chance to test their cursive skills and their creativity in answering one of the questions presented.

The deadline for the U.S. contest is March 15.

For information, visit CursiveIsCool.com or Facebook.com/CampaignForCursive/.

For questions, email Lauren Mooney Bear, contest organizer, at .

Great Outdoors contest
The TurfMutt Foundation announced The (Really) Great Outdoors Contest 2020, focused on encouraging kids to use their imaginations around the many uses and benefits of green space and the outdoors.

The contest is open to students in grades six to eight.

Created in partnership with Scholastic, the contest asks students to write about and/or draw a nature space their community could use.

Students are asked to include text to describe the space, discuss what elements are needed, and how the space will be used to benefit the community. Each entry can be no more than three pages.

The grand prize for a student is $2,500, with teachers and the school each receiving a $750 prize.

The first place student will receive $2,000, and teachers and the school will get $500 each.

Second place will garner the student $1,500, and teachers and the school will receive $250 each.

The third place student will get $750, and the teachers and the school will each get $125.

Teachers can download lesson plans and contest entry information at Scholastic.com/turfmutt.

Entries can be accepted online and uploaded by teachers, or mailed in by teachers and students alike.

The deadline for entries is March 16.