Education

Chalk Talk 02/19/2020

February 19, 2020 By Mary Rathman

Strain is added to a bridge to see how sturdy it is, during last year’s bridge-breaking contest. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Bridge-breaking contest
Saint Leo University’s Department of Mathematics and Science will present its annual bridge-breaking competition March 5 at 6 p.m., in Selby Auditorium, Lewis Hall, at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Teams of Saint Leo students constructed model bridges from lightweight wooden sticks and glue, adhering to strict rules on materials and dimensions.

The audience can vote on which bridge is most attractive, and faculty members will test each bridge to see which one can hold the most weight before it breaks.

Admission is free. For information or preferred seating, contact Leo Ondrovic at (352) 588-7408 or .

Special Olympics
More than 1,200 Pasco County athletes will compete in track and field, bocce, cheerleading, cycling and soccer during the Pasco County Special Olympics Summer Games.

The competition will take place at these two schools, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

Feb. 20 at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
Feb . 21 at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road

The event will feature free admission and parking, and a concession stand to purchase lunch and snacks.

For information, call Valerie Lundin at (831) 299-4433.

Car show benefit
Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, will host a car show on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Preregistration is suggested. Car entry is $20, and a dyno pulls entry is $50.

All cars are welcome. There will be custom-made trophies. Music will be provided by DJ Aquaman.

Proceeds will benefit the Wesley Chapel High School Automotive Academy.

Spectator admission is free.

For information, email or .

Students celebrate immigrants
Second-grade students at McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz are learning about citizenship and immigration, and Ellis Island.

In culmination of the studies, each student will take on the persona of an immigrant arriving at Ellis Island in 1900.

Students will relive every aspect of the Ellis Island experience, including packing their belongings, organizing documents and traveling, during this engaged learning program.

More than 200 students and 75 volunteers in period dress will take part in a simulation at the school building, which will be transformed to look like Ellis Island, on Feb. 27.

For information, all Liisa DeTarando at (813) 558-5427.

Luz Prep shoe drive
The Lutz Preparatory School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is collecting shoes now through March 4.

The footwear collected will provide an economic boost by supporting micro-enterprises in developing nations like Haiti, Colombia, India and Tanzania.

The group will accept clean, gently used (no holes in soles and laces intact), or new shoes.

The goal is to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes to raise $1,000 for the school’s NJHS Chapter.

For pickups and information, call Alicia Locascio at (813) 323-5050.

STEAM conference
Saint Leo University will host its second Women in STEAM Conference, to provide information and resources for women and girls considering career options or training in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The conference is scheduled for March 6 and March 7 at the Saint Leo campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For the adults, the program is geared toward women hoping to transition in STEAM careers and add to their professional skill sets.

Workshops and networking opportunities will be on both days.

Adult registration is $100, which includes admission and lunch.

The youth portion will take place only on March 7. Girls ages 8 to 18 can take part in a variety of STEAM activities.

Registration for the day, which includes lunch, is $50. Some scholarships are available.

Each ticket also comes with a discount code for any 2020 Saint Leo University STEAM Summer Camp.

For information, questions, and requests for accommodations or assistance, visit SaintLeo.edu/women-in-steam-conference.

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.

Traveling science show
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the National Theatre for Children (NTC) have collaborated to educate and inspire students on the importance of energy conservation with the interactive “Kilowatt Kitchen” show.

Professional actors from NTC visit elementary schools with live assembly performances, sparking conversations in classrooms on energy efficiency.

The show reaches more than 50,000 students a year in FPL’s service area.

“Live theater is a great way to educate,” said NTC president and founder Ward Eames, in a news release.

“The show goes beyond reading or other more passive methods of engaging students. These children are watching a story unfold right before their very eyes,” Eames added.

The program also includes online student playbooks and teacher guides, as well as digital games and activities that align with the concepts outlined in the show.

For information on Kilowatt Kitchen, visit NationalTheatre.com/programs/.

Don’t Miss Feb. 14 Deadline for Enrollment Lottery at Union Park Charter Academy

February 14, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The deadline is coming up fast for area families wanting to enroll their students in the 2020-2021 school year lottery for Union Park Charter Academy, an A-rated charter school in Wesley Chapel.

The deadline for online applications is Feb. 14 for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Interested parents should go to UnionParkAcademy.org, and select the enrollment tab.

Union Park Charter Academy opened in 2018 for grades K-6, and last year added a seventh grade. The 2020-2021 school year will see the addition of an eighth grade, completing the school’s elementary enrollment of 765 students.

The school has received exceptionally positive reviews from parents, students and teachers, and, in its first year, received a grade of “A” from the Florida Department of Education.

“We are so proud of our students and teachers who work so hard and are so dedicated to our students’ individual success, and our school’s overall academic excellence,” said Principal Tracy Ware.

The school is conveniently located at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., across from the Union Park subdivision and east of Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

Global Citizens
Union Park Charter Academy is dedicated to preparing its students for the 21st century by teaching them skills they will need to be successful in the future.

“We believe that our students are global citizens who can play a huge part in the world, now and in the future,” explains Ware. “We believe it is critical that we begin to empower our students as future leaders to create a better world.”

The school’s curriculum has several initiatives to achieve this goal.

– Introduce students to different cultures and the impact we have on each other.

– Explore global issues we are currently facing, or will face in the future. This includes problem-solving and thinking critically about how students can make a difference.

– Students have started several charity and community programs on their own. From raising money for displaced animals to collecting pajamas for hospitalized children, every program is 100% student-created and student-driven.

– Empower students by helping them see that they are never too young to begin making a difference, and that this potential is inside each and every one of them.

Balanced Academic and Activities
Union Park Charter Academy offers programs that include a variety of academic, performing arts, and sports programs to help students develop intellectually, emotionally and creatively.

— A curriculum that focuses on core fundamentals and empowers teachers to create motivation learning spaces, utilize research-based instructional strategies and tools, and develop each student’s ability to meet their learning goals.

– A wide range of opportunities for students in performing arts through the school’s theater, chorus and Jr. Thespian clubs.

– Afterschool activities, including soccer, basketball, DIY, art, cheerleading, flag football, track, cross-country, dance, cooking and community service.

– Community programs, such as IdeaLab, and Bricks4Kids, to let students explore their interest in engineering and science with robotics, science labs, drone development and other engineering programs.

Safe and Collaborative Learning
All grade-level teachers and students have the opportunity to work together every day. Students experience instructional styles of all teachers in their grade level, which aids in the development of the whole child.

– Top-of-the-line security cameras, double-locked door entrance, an on-site school guardian and ID check system for all adults entering the building.

– A policy of zero tolerance for bullying.

– Research-based programs to establish a safe and inclusive environment in which students learn healthy behaviors and skills that support engaged citizenship.

– Curriculum nights for parents to learn about standards-based instruction, the school’s grading and home learning philosophies, state assessments, and reading and math activities outside of the classroom.

– School-sponsored events and community-service projects provide parents with multiple ways to connect with students, staff, community members and other parents.

STEAM
A STEAM-focused curriculum provides one-to-one technology for all students in a digital learning environment.

– Students use iPads, laptops and SMART Boards, and are taught skills that include coding, robotics, data analysis, and traditional software knowledge.

– One-to-one technology allows students to explore and create individual works based on computational thinking to prepare them for college and career readiness.

– Technology is placed in the hands of students to support an interactive and motivating learning environment. Classrooms utilize the SMART Learning Suite, and most classrooms are equipped with SMART Interactive Flat Panels, which support teachers in designing more engaging lessons, including the ability to incorporate a gaming approach to instruction.

– Students are immersed in a highly interactive, student-centered learning environment that includes engineering, science labs and state of the art technology.

– Makerspaces for students that promote hands-on learning and everyday problem solving opportunities.

“We welcome all families interested in our unique approach to education to go to our website and enroll for the 2020-2021 enrollment lottery,” said Principal Ware. “Because we are a charter school approved by the Pasco County School Board, there is no tuition to attend our school, and we welcome families of all backgrounds to apply.”

School Enrollment Coordinator: (813) 358-7306, ext. 1008

To enroll in the 2020-2021 Lottery: csusa.schoolmint.net/welcome.

Chalk Talk 02/12/2020

February 12, 2020 By Mary Rathman

Students recognized as ‘top dogs’
The Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School were recognized for their academics and leadership roles. Each student received a certificate and special tag. Those honored were: Mathew Bettis, Savanah Cummings, Nevaeh Diaz, Destiny Flummer, Sean Manriquez, Miranda Myers, Daja Phillips, Aiden Russell and Kianny Vasquez. Not all the students were present at a luncheon in their honor.

Sewing class
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a home-school sewing class on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 9 to 17.

Participants can learn how to use a sewing machine, the parts and functions of the machine, where to find resources to create their own project, and different stitches.

Foundry waiver and safety forms are required.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Sneak Peek Open House
Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a Sneak Peek Open House on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Prospective students can tour the campus and explore Marchman’s programs, such as cybersecurity, automotive service technology, commercial art, cosmetology, digital cinema production, early childhood education, electricity, welding and more.

Instructors will be on-site to answer questions, along with representatives from admissions, financial aid and career placement.

Students who are interested in applying for fall classes can begin the application process, too.

For information, call Kim Dunn at (727) 774-1703.

Students celebrate immigrants
Second-grade students at McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz are learning about citizenship and immigration, and Ellis Island.

In culmination of the studies, each student will take on the persona of an immigrant arriving at Ellis Island in 1900.

Students will relive every aspect of the Ellis Island experience, including packing their belongings, organizing documents and traveling, during this engaged learning program.

More than 200 students and 75 volunteers in period dress will take part in a simulation at the school building, which will be transformed to look like Ellis Island, on Feb. 27.

For information, all Liisa DeTarando at (813) 558-5427.

9/11 survivor to speak
Saint Leo University’s College of Arts and Sciences will host guest lecturer Michael Hingson on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52, Kirk Hall, Rooms 123 and 124, in St. Leo.

Hingson, a 9/11 survivor and accessibility advocate, will talk on “Speaking with Vision.”

Blind since birth, Hingson changed careers after surviving the destruction of World Trade Center Tower One, with the help of his guide dog.

His book, “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero” will be available for purchase and signing, after his talk, at 8:30 p.m.

Hingson also will speak to students during selected class sessions, lead workshops on campus, and meet with groups of faculty and staff, as Saint Leo’s Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow of 2020.

Admission is free. For information and special seating requests, contact Megan Case at (352) 588-8401 or .

Graduation rates
The Pasco County Schools graduation rate improved by 1.6 percentage points in 2019, rising to 88.3%, according to a news release.

Pasco’s graduation rate was well above the state rate of 86.9%, and it marks an increase of nearly 10 percentage points since 2015.

A goal of 85% graduation rate by 2019-2020 was set, and that goal has been exceeded, two years early.

Several schools experienced dramatic improvement, and the first graduating class from Cypress Creek Middle High School posted a 96% graduation rate.

High schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showing improvement include:

Land O’ Lakes: from 94% to 94.4%
Pasco eSchool: 88.9% to 97.6%
Sunlake: 93.7% to 94.9%
Wesley Chapel: 93.1% to 93.4%
Wiregrass Ranch: 94.9% to 95.3%

Special Olympics
More than 1,200 Pasco County athletes will compete in track and field, bocce, cheerleading, cycling and soccer during the Pasco County Special Olympics Summer Games.

The competition will take place at these two schools, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

Feb. 20 at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
Feb . 21 at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road

The event will feature free admission and parking, and a concession stand to purchase lunch and snacks.

For information, call Valerie Lundin at (831) 299-4433.

Chalk Talk 02/05/2020

February 5, 2020 By Mary Rathman

Students shine for their schools
Ten students were recognized as The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month for January. The honorees are chosen by teachers and administration of the individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The students receiving the honor are: Darla Cant, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Jaxon Lindsey-De’Ath, The Broach School; Austin Walters, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Richelle Barriffe, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Caleb Jackson, Heritage Academy; Savanna Best, Stewart Middle School; Bellamy Miricle, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Audney Lapoint, Woodland Elementary School; Jocelyn Knowell, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and, Woodson Stuckey, Zephyrhills High School.

Get K-ready
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a new series to ready preschool children to excel in kindergarten, on Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The program uses creative play, cooperative learning and activities to stimulate the imagination.

Concepts and skills will be introduced that align with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.

The class is for ages 3 to 5.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

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 Feb. 12.

On-foot field trip
The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will offer “On Foot Explorations” on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m., for grades four to seven.

This is a short walking field trip to a spot in Downtown Dade City.

A waiver is required and can be picked up at the library.

For information, call (352) 567-3576.

Sneak Peek Open House
Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a Sneak Peek Open House on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Instructors will be on-site to answer questions, along with representatives from admissions, financial aid and career placement.

Students who are interested in applying for fall classes can begin the application process, too.

For information, call Kim Dunn at (727) 774-1703.

Hingson, a 9/11 survivor and accessibility advocate, will talk on “Speaking with Vision.”

Blind since birth, Hingson changed careers after surviving the destruction of World Trade Center Tower One, with the help of his guide dog.

His book, “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero” will be available for purchase and signing, after his talk, at 8:30 p.m.

Hingson also will speak to students during selected class sessions, lead workshops on campus, and meet with groups of faculty and staff, as Saint Leo’s Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow of 2020.

Admission is free. For information and special seating requests, contact Megan Case at (352) 588-8401 or .

Student achievements

Madalyn Alston, Dade City: Dean’s List at Anderson University, Anderson, South Carolina
Roland Anthony Chacon, Lutz: Dean’s List at Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina
Tommy Campbell, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts from Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola
Sydney Fleeman, Odessa: Dean’s List at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia
Jacob Goetz, Odessa: President’s List at Tallahassee Community College
Guido Guerra, Lutz: Dean’s List at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
Ayaz Hemani, Odessa: Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Allie Hendron, Odessa: Dean’s List at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
Madeleine Hendron, Odessa: President’s List at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, Mississippi
Jene Henry, Lutz: Dean’s List at the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky
Mira Hermina, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan
Julianna Mitten, Odessa: Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio
Kevin Nguyen, Lutz: Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
Vishwa Shah, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Tyler Shaske, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Sport & Recreation Management from James Madison University at Harrisonburg, Virginia
Amy Stanton, Odessa: President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia

Middle school essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in an essay contest. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., March 2.

Middle school students, grades six to eight, in Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools can participate.

In 300 words or less, students should answer the questions, “If you could spend tax dollars to fund any program, what would it be and why?”

Entries will be judged on how well the student communicates his or her response, overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools should send their entries directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also may be emailed to .

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

The winner will be announced no later than March 27.

For information and questions, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

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.

Seven Oaks PTA supports student achievement

January 29, 2020 By Brian Fernandes

Seven Oaks Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, has been named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

The accolade recognizes schools across the country which have strived to make advancements for student education in their schools.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, left, stands alongside Principal Shauntte Butcher, of Seven Oaks Elementary; Denise Nicholas, Heather Buboltz and School Board member Alison Crumbley. Butcher displays the certificate her school received after being named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence. (Courtesy of Seven Oaks Elementary School)

Three Pasco County schools achieved the honor, announced over the summer. Besides Seven Oaks, the others who received recognition are Wiregrass Ranch High School and River Ridge Middle School.

Heather Buboltz, former president of Seven Oaks PTA board, was instrumental in garnering the recognition.

“Everything is focused on the kids, and how we can improve things for them and their schooling,” Buboltz said.

The PTA board, which consists of parents and school staff, routinely holds meetings.

Denise Nicholas, who is first vice president of Seven Oaks PTA and president of the Pasco County Council PTA, said principals also sit on the board and have a voice in board decisions.

Parents also get to offer input during general assembly meetings held throughout the school year. And, online polling gives parents another opportunity to offer their thoughts, too.

For instance, based on feedback calling for an increased focus on technology and communication, Seven Oaks concentrated its efforts on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) program.

The school previously welcomed representatives from Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), which helped bring science to life through the use of telescopes and activities.

Seven Oaks also had an Omegaman presentation, as part of its effort to combat bullying.

At the assembly, a live superhero offered lessons on the importance of kindness.

“It’s a really great program,” said Maria Balestriere, current president of Seven Oaks PTA. “The kids really related and had a great time with him.”

The PTA also has implemented All Pro Dads, a program in which dads accompany their kids on campus, engaging in activities and breakfast, too.

And, students stay fit while being chaperoned outdoors for Walk and Bike to School days.

Children also get a chance to learn to be more independent through the PTA’s holiday shopping on campus, which gives kids a chance to select gifts for family members.

That program, Balestriere said, gives children a chance to learn about budgeting. And, on top of that, it teaches them how to be thoughtful about other people.

“Reading Under the Stars” gives kids the chance to appreciate literature in a fun way.

During the last evening event, both the principal and vice principal of Seven Oaks read to students who were dressed in pajamas and eating s’mores.

“Programs that we find that are successful, we try and continue,” Buboltz said.

However, new ones have received positive reception as well.

The most recent Ketchup Club gets adult volunteers to sit with kindergarteners and first-graders, and help them prepare for lunch.

The Seven Oaks PTA also has partnered with other PTAs to see how each school can assist one another.

“Seven Oaks has done a phenomenal job bringing their programs, and bringing the help and support to other elementary schools here in the area,” Nicholas said.

Buboltz said that the progress Seven Oaks has made is due to everyone working cohesively and sharing ideas.

Last year, the school’s PTA board attended the Florida PTA Legislative Conference in Tallahassee.

There, they met with Pasco County officials to once again advocate for students’ best interests.

“We’re dedicated to making a difference for all these kids,” Nicholas said.

Published January 29, 2020

Chalk Talk 01/29/2020

January 29, 2020 By Mary Rathman

Heather R. Parker (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Historian named to dean post
Heather R. Parker, Ph.D., was named dean of The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University, a post she has had on an interim basis since November 2018. Parker also is a full professor of history and joined Saint Leo in 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in history from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Cursive contest
According to the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, the annual Cursive is Cool® contests kicked off on National Handwriting Day, celebrated around the world on Jan. 23, 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 .

Classic car show
The Cypress Creek Middle High School PTSA will host its second annual Coyote Classic Car Show on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Streetside Classics, 4610 Pet Lane, Suite 104, in Lutz.

There will be exhibits, food trucks, live music, silent auctions, and classic cars.

For information, visit CoyotePTSA.com.

Math competition
Saint Leo University will offer high school students the chance to take part in the American Mathematics Competition 10 or 12, at no cost.

Both contests are scheduled for Feb. 5 at the Saint Leo campus, 33701 State Road 52, Lewis Hall, Room 119, in St. Leo.

Students and parents need to arrive by 5:45 p.m., as the contest starts at 6 p.m.

Parents must register their students in advance by emailing Dr. Kevin Murphy, of the Saint Leo mathematics faculty, at , and including “AMC 10/12” in the subject line. And, in the email text, list each student entrant’s name, age and school grade.

Students are given 75 minutes to get through the questions.

The AMC 10 is for students in grade 10 and lower, and younger than 17 ½ years of age on the day of the exam. The questions cover high school math up to that grade level.

The AMC 12 is for students in grade 12 or lower, and who are younger than 19 ½ years of age on the day of the exam. The questions cover the high school math curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra and advanced geometry. There is no calculus.

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 Feb. 12.

Mark your calendar
Pasco County Schools will host its first Pasco Sports Fair on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane in Zephyrhills, for the entire family.

The free, family friendly event will feature a meet-and-greet with professional athletes, plus an introduction to various sport and game offerings in Zephyrhills and Pasco County, including tennis, soccer, football, basketball, skating, skydiving, boxing, mini-golf and more. Some noted pros scheduled to be in attendance include former English Premier forward Gary Blissett, former NFL defensive end Melvin Williams, former NBA shooting guard/small forward Anthony Parker, and former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell.

All event proceeds will benefit The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation.

Middle school essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in an essay contest. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., March 2.

Middle school students, grades six to eight, in Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools can participate.

In 300 words or less, students should answer the questions, “If you could spend tax dollars to fund any program, what would it be and why?”

Entries will be judged on how well the student communicates his or her response, overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Entries also may be emailed to .

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

The winner will be announced no later than March 27.

For information and questions, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Scholarship program
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board have partnered to offer scholarships for up to $5,000 to eligible students who want to continue their education by attending an accredited institution of higher learning. This includes first-time students and students returning to school.

Applications will be accepted online only, at tinyurl.com/qnm32x2, through March 13.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements (which can be found on the same website), to be awarded a scholarship.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

For information and questions, call Juan Fradera at (813) 272-5074.

Charter school coming to Connected City’s Epperson

January 22, 2020 By B.C. Manion

A K-8 charter school could open as early as this fall in Epperson, if all goes according to plan.

The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with Metro Apple LLC and Red Apple Development LLC — known collectively as the developer — for a charter school that is planned on the east side of Curley Road.

Details regarding the school are spelled out in the agreement.

Plans call for a two-story school of approximately 55,000 square feet, that will be built on a site of about 8 acres to 10 acres.

The charter school will have a capacity of 765 students.

The proposed concept for the school is based on the acronym of W.I.S.H., which stands for Wellness, Innovation, Science and Health.

The aim is to open the school for the 2020 school year.

The charter school will be built to the state standards, certified by a third-party architect. It will not include any hurricane shelter requirements.

Once construction is completed and students are enrolled, the entity that paid for the design, permitting and construction of the school shall be entitled to school impact fee credits, for the land and facility portion of the impact fee only.

The maximum amount of any fee credits and the cash reimbursement for all design, construction and land costs shall be $18.2 million. Land value for fee credits or cash reimbursements shall be based on a fair market value appraisal obtained by the developer.

Published January 22, 2020

Pasco teachers expected to vote on contract soon

January 22, 2020 By B.C. Manion

A ratification vote on a negotiated contract between Pasco County Schools and the United School Employees of Pasco County has been scheduled for Jan. 29.

The school board and union settled contract negotiations just before Winter Break and now, the union is aiming to complete the ratification process in time to have salary increases to employees before Spring Break.

Jeff Larsen, of the United School Employees of Pasco County, conveyed that schedule to school board members at their Jan. 14 meeting.

The proposed contract calls for a 3.25% raise for teachers, as well as a number of contract language provisions.

A major sticking point in this year’s negotiations was a proposal by Superintendent Kurt Browning that called for secondary school teachers to take on an additional period of work, so the district could save money to fund salary increases for all employees.

The union fought that idea and ultimately the district dropped it.

As the new year begins, Larsen told board members, “we look forward to continuing to work together to try to do what’s best for the kids, as well as for the employees.”

Published January 22, 2020

Cypress Creek schools get new names

January 22, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County School Board members have changed the name of the school on the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel to reflect the fact that two schools will be operating on the campus beginning this fall.

The school was named Cypress Creek Middle High when it opened in 2017, because it served both middle and high school students.

But, two separate schools will be operating on the campus this fall.

Cypress Creek Middle School will serve students in grades six through eight.

Cypress Creek High School will serve students in grades nine through 12.

The district had intended to have a separate middle school and high school on the campus, but when it couldn’t afford to do so, it used the buildings that were intended for the high school to house middle and high school students. The programs were separated, but operated out of the high school buildings.

The district used that approach so it could relieve crowding at both the middle and high school levels.

Now, new boundaries have been adopted to fill in the extra seats that will result when the middle school students shift out of the high school facilities into the new middle school.

Both the high school and middle school boundaries were changed because there will be added capacity at both levels.

Besides the new middle school, the campus also will house a new performing arts center, called the Instructional and Performing Arts Center, or IPAC for short. That is being built on land donated by Pasco County Schools to Pasco-Hernando State College.

The new center, also intended to open in the fall, will serve college and students from Pasco County schools, and will provide entertainment for the community.

Published January 22, 2020

Chalk Talk 01/22/2020

January 22, 2020 By Mary Rathman

Alongside members of the band, Wiregrass Ranch Marching Bulls band director, Josh Hobbs, center, accepts a framed resolution from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, in recognition of the band’s win at the Florida Marching Band 2019 Class 4A State Championship. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor)

Marching band honored
The Pasco County Commission recently congratulated the Wiregrass Ranch High School Marching Bulls for winning the Florida Marching Band 2019 Class 4A State Championship. The band was the first in Pasco County to bring home that honor.

County commissioners were joined by Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin, in congratulating the band for its accomplishment. County commissioners also adopted a resolution to mark the achievement and gave one to each of those attending the Jan. 7 session.

“We want to obviously congratulate each and every one of you,” said Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added: “I appreciate the hard work that you put in, lots of hours practicing.

Superintendent Browning said: “This program is to be commended for their tenacity and their hard work that got them here.”

Josh Hobbs, the school’s band director, told commissioners: “We’re all very, very excited to be part of this.”

Name it and win it
Pasco County Schools’ After School Enrichment Programs will expand its offerings this summer, and is “looking for a summer camp name that reflects the diverse special interest camp topics that will be offered,” according to the Pasco County Schools website.

Summer camps immerse students in career explorations, volunteer opportunities and workshops that build direct life skills, offer field trips, and more.

Each camp is designed to provide experiences that foster individual strengths and interests.

Enrollment in each camp is limited to 20 students, in order to provide the best possible camp experience.

Camps include Early Educators Camp (Babysitting Camp), Aerospace Camp, Culinary Camp, and AMP it up! Camp.

Visit tinyurl.com/thr6p6x for information and to submit your camp name suggestion. If yours is chosen, your child can attend camp for free.

Choice application opens
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window opened on Jan. 21 for elementary students. The window will close at 4:30 p.m., on Jan. 31.

The application is available through the myStudent parent portal.

Parents who do not already have an account may establish one by going to the district website at PascoSchools.org, and click on the myStudent link (in the circle above the large photo).

This will be the only application window for elementary schools and it will be for all school choice options, including STEAM magnet schools, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

Mural art contest
Pasco County and the Autism Society of Florida are inviting student artists, including those in the special needs community, to help paint the “Food for All” mural at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, on Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m.

The painting activity is a chance for students to beautify the community, while communicating and collaborating on ideas to promote sustainable, healthy food for everyone, in a quiet, calm and safe environment.

This event is the second part of Pasco County’s “Food For All” Mural Art Contest.

A local artist will be transposing the winning artwork from last month’s contest to the mural wall at the park.

The final mural will be unveiled during a special ceremony on Feb. 15.

To register, visit bit.ly/35QGbkJ.

Free home instruction
The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco Hernando offers HippyUSA (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), a free program children ages 3 years old and 4 years old.

Home instructors provide encouragement and support.

Parents can work with instructors to review educational materials.

All materials and books are included.

For information, call (727) 569-1004.

Middle school essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries in an essay contest, which begins Feb. 1. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., March 2.

Middle school students, grades six to eight, in Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools can participate.

In 300 words or less, students should answer the questions, “If you could spend tax dollars to fund any program, what would it be and why?”

Entries will be judged on how well the student communicates his or her response, overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Entries also may be emailed to .

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

The winner will be announced no later than March 27.

For information and questions, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.