The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Pasco school year gets off to a smooth start

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Five-year-old Joshua Cortes was eager to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.

Five-year-old Joshua Cortes is excited to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

The youngster was beaming as his parents took his picture near a welcome sign at the school — the perfect prop for a photo op.

A little while later, as buses rolled into the bus loop, Pine View staff greeted students as they exited the bus.

They saw many familiar faces, and  they offered kind remarks, welcoming students and commenting on such things as a new haircut or new pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, across campus, teachers were ready for another year.

Art teacher Kimber White is enthusiastic about teaching at Pine View Elementary, which has been officially authorized as Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. (B.C. Manion)

Art teacher Kimber White expressed enthusiasm about teaching at Pasco County’s first officially authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The IB PYP highly regards the arts, encouraging creativity and innovation, across the disciplines.

Third-grade teacher Monica Woods aimed to set a positive tone for the children entering in her class. The room was cheerful, with warm touches, including this greeting: “Welcome to third grade, you’re going to love it here.”

Assistant Principal Mary Reynolds, an educator for 30 years, said she never gets over the potential the beginning of a new school year represents. She gets so excited that she can never sleep the night before a first school day.

Principal Kay Moore has a tradition. She holds an assembly and rings in the new year with an old-fashioned bell. It’s a time-honored ritual, signifying the start of something important, she said.

Mary Reynolds, assistant principal at Pine View Elementary, said she can never sleep the night before the first day of school because she’s so eager to begin a new year. (B.C. Manion)

As Pine View settled in for the day, first day scenes were taking place across the district. Parents were busy dropping their kids off, big yellow buses were picking up kids in subdivisions and school staffs were busy getting the 2019-2020 school year started.

At Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel, students streamed on to campus, where they were greeted by staff members, who directed traffic and answered questions.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said he’d heard good reports across the district.

“It has been a good week. It has been an exceptionally good week,” he told members of The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, during a breakfast meeting.

As the sun rises on the first day of school, Cypress Creek Middle High School Assistant Principal Donna Gricoski, right, greets students exiting the buses. (Christine Holtzman)

“As I’ve traveled to schools, I’ve talked to teachers, I’ve talked to parents, I’ve talked to principals, I’ve talked to kids — and almost without exception they’ve said, ‘You know, it seems like one of the smoothest school starts we’ve had.

“There hasn’t been all of the hateful, mean Twitter, Facebook chatter out there — which people are so quick to get out on social media, and start trashing people without the facts,” Browning added.

He also noted that the school district continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The school year began with about 1,300 more students than on the same day last year, he said, noting that’s the equivalent of a large district middle school.

Published August 21, 2019

Note: First day of school student photos can be found in our e-edition!

All kids deserve same academic opportunities, Browning says

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Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was addressing The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and he was on a roll.

“Every child needs to have those same academic opportunities as kids in affluent neighborhoods,” Browning said, during the chamber’s breakfast meeting last week.

“If we intend to educate our kids and really meet up with that whole idea of college, career and life readiness, we have got to look at every child in this district.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said setting high expectations is essential because students will rise to the occasion. (B.C. Manion)

It’s not an easy feat, the superintendent added.

“It takes a lot of effort, it takes a lot of resources, for the teachers in our district to really tailor education for every one of the students they touch,” he noted.

Things aren’t the way they were in the past, he continued.

“It used to be you had 25 kids in a classroom — either you got it or you didn’t get it.

“We’ve shifted from all of that. We are really looking at individual kids, cycling back in, picking those kids up, reteaching things that need to be retaught — because at the end of the day, it’s not just about completing seat time, it’s about making sure that after 180 days our kids can master those standards — that they are college, career and life ready.

“And, I mean life ready. This life will chew them up and spit them out if they’re not ready,” Browning said.

Students must be challenged — and  high expectations lead to better performance by all kids, not just smart kids, Browning added.

“Let kids do the problem solving. Let them do the critical thinking. Let them own their learning,” Browning said.

“The research shows if you put grade-level assignments in front of kids, they will struggle — but guess what — they will learn it,” Browning said.

He talked about the district’s efforts to introduce the Cambridge curriculum into more of its schools. It’s academically challenging, but can yield 100 percent Bright Future scholarships from the state, for students passing seven assessments, Browning said.

He talks about encounters he’s had with parents  when he has been out and about in the community.

“I’ll be in Publix, pushing my cart in the produce section, filling it up.

“They’ll say, ‘Are you Superintendent Browning?’

Browning: “I am.”

(Parents) ‘I want you to know we had our daughter in Cambridge. She’s not going to be in Cambridge when she comes back from Christmas break.’

Browning: “Why not? Cambridge is a great program.”

(Parents) ‘It’s just too hard.’

Browning: “I’m going, ‘Really. It’s too hard. Life’s hard.

“If everything is easy and simple, then where’s the learning? Where is the learning.

“You struggle in school. You’re supposed to struggle.

“It’s not supposed to be about proms and homecomings and football games on Friday night. “That’s part of the experience.

“What it’s about is making sure you are ready to get out in this very, very tough world and survive,” Browning said.

“If I have kids that can’t survive, then I have let you down. I’ve let this community down, and that is the message we’ve been preaching, over and over and over again.

“If anything is worth having, it’s worth working for,” the superintendent said.

Of course, Browning added, such high expectations requires teachers to think about the way that they’ve been delivering instruction in their classrooms, the superintendent added.

And, that begs the question: “Are our kids worth it, to ensure that they get the very best education?

“I’ll tell you what the answer to that question is, ‘Absolutely, yes, they are worth it,’” Browning said.

At the same time, excellence in teaching should be rewarded, Browning said.

“We’ve got some of the most talented teachers in the state and they work tirelessly. My goal is trying to find more money to pay them a higher salary, so we can keep the very best.

“I keep going to Tallahassee. I keep talking to the legislative delegation. We have got to pay teachers more, in order to keep great teachers here,” he said.

The superintendent updated the crowd regarding ongoing construction projects, plans to introduce more rigorous programs in some West Pasco Schools, efforts to expand mental health services and ongoing work regarding school security.

Published August 21, 2019

Chalk Talk 08/21/2019

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Alvaro Hernandez, newly elected chair (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Leaders elected to Board of Trustees
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) elected a new chair and vice chair for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Trustee Alvaro Hernandez was elected to serve as chair, succeeding Robin Schneider, and Trustee Marilyn Pearson-Adams was elected to serve as vice chair, a post previously held by Alvaro Hernandez.

Marilyn Pearson Adams, newly elected vice chair

Hernandez, of Odessa, is market vice president of Humana, and received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. He has served on the PHSC DBOT since 2017.

Pearson-Adams, of Brooksville, is the president of Century 21 Alliance Realty, a director with The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and previously served as a board member of the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board. She has served on the PHSC DBOT since 2014.

Every July, the board elects new leaders, and reviews meeting and event dates for the upcoming academic year.

College workshop
Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts will offer a free workshop, “College Bound: Figuring It Out, Part 2” on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m., for students interested in musical theater, acting, music and dance programs at the college and university level.

Topics will include tools and knowledge to navigate the various performing arts programs, how to submit a solid application, and how to prepare for prescreen and entrance auditions.

For information, call (813) 222-1040, or visit PatelConservatory.org.

Bank delivers backpacks
First National Bank of Pasco (FNBP) since 2009 has delivered about 2,500 stocked backpacks to area schools for students in need, as identified by school administration.

This year, together with the Thomas Promise Foundation, Ryman Construction, Summit Salon Academy, and Dr. Timothy Muscaro, FNBP delivered 400 backpacks to seven area schools: Chester Taylor Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, Cox Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco Middle and Zephyrhills High.

Telecommunicator course
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer a 911 Telecommunicator Operator course starting Aug. 28 at its West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The 240-hour course is offered as a hybrid course, with on-campus (face-to-face) classes that will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and two Saturdays: Sept. 7 and Nov. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The balance of the course is taken online.

The program will cover all competencies required to perform the role of a telecommunication operator in Florida, and will prepare the student to take the Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Exam.

Students also will earn a CPR certification in the class.

For information on cost and credits, and to register, visit PHSC.edu.

5K for schools
The Hope 5K, “Hope for the Schools,” will take place Aug. 31 at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

Proceeds from the run will benefit Sunlake High School, Charles Rushe Middle School, Oakstead Elementary School, Chamberlain High School, Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School and Sligh Middle School.

The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run.

The Hope 5K will start at 8 a.m. Registration is $40.

The Fun Run will begin at 8:10 a.m., and costs $20.

There also will be an award ceremony and a pancake breakfast after the run.

For information, visit Idlewild.org/Hope5K.

Student debt rankings
WalletHub, the personal finance website, released its report on the 2019 States with the Most and Least Student Debt.

To determine the states that are friendliest toward student-loan debtors, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics, including average student debt, unemployment rate among the population ages 25 to 34, and the share of students with past-due loan balances.

Student debt in Florida ranked as follows (1=Most; 25=Average):

  • 15th in availability of student jobs
  • 26th in the unemployment rate of population ages 25 to 34
  • 29th in student debt as percent of income (adjusted for cost of living)
  • 34th in grant growth
  • 40th in proportion of students with debt
  • 43rd in average student debt
  • 45th in percentage of student-loan borrowers ages 50 and older

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com.

Technology partnership
Campus Management and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) have formed a technology partnership to transform the institution with a modern, cloud-based student platform to help enable students to achieve academic and career success in today’s global society.

To elevate the higher education learning experience for students and faculty at PHSC’s five campuses, the school selected the Campus Management full suite of CampusNexus solutions.

The suite includes CampusNexus Engage, CampusNexus Student, CampusNexus Finance, HR & Payroll, and CampusNexus Occupation Insight, all implemented and deployed in the CampusNexus Cloud.

The solutions have a variety of benefits to students and faculty that enhance operational efficiency and academic delivery.

For instance, through the student portal, embedded analytics, financial aid automation and interactive web forms, the CampusNexus solutions will allow students to experience a more comprehensive view of their campus and the resources available to them.

Chalk Talk 08/14/2019

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Pitching in to stock classrooms
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club’s Education Committee had its annual ‘Back-to-School Supplies’ fundraiser luncheon and used the proceeds to shop for supplies for local schools. Members filled several SUVs with the supplies, which were delivered to several area schools that had the greatest need. The committee will continue to collect items to stock teachers’ cabinets with necessary items, as well. Gail Howard and Carol Montgomery stand beside an SUV filled with backpacks and supplies.

Shopping for school supplies were Marcy Edmondson, Carol Montgomery, Gail Howard, Devyn Espy and Pat Wagner.

 

 

 

 

 

PBS workshops
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a PBS representative for two workshops on free educational resources available through the PBS website.

  • Aug. 19 at 11 a.m.: For prekindergarten and kindergarten
  • Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.: grades one to five

Parents, teachers, families and home-schoolers can attend.

Registration is required by calling (813) 929-1214.

College workshop
Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts will offer a free workshop, “College Bound: Figuring It Out, Part 2” on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m., for students interested in musical theater, acting, music and dance programs at the college and university level.

Topics will include tools and knowledge to navigate the various performing arts programs, how to submit a solid application, and how to prepare for prescreen and entrance auditions.

For information, call (813) 222-1040, or visit PatelConservatory.org.

5K for schools
The Hope 5K, “Hope for the Schools,” will take place Aug. 31 at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

Proceeds from the run will benefit Sunlake High School, Charles Rushe Middle School, Oakstead Elementary School, Chamberlain High School, Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School and Sligh Middle School.

The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run.

The Hope 5K will start at 8 a.m. Registration through Aug. 16 is $35; Aug. 16 to Aug. 31 is $40.

The Fun Run will begin at 8:10 a.m., and costs $20.

There also will be an award ceremony and a pancake breakfast after the run.

For information, visit Idlewild.org/Hope5K.

Student record
As the academic year kicks off, Saint Leo University is expecting 815 new freshmen and 186 transfer students when classes begin on Aug. 20.

University officials believe this is the largest incoming group of students (1,001) in the school’s 130-year history. Last year’s incoming class totaled 689.

Saint Leo also will see an increase in international students, from 86 last year to 181 this year.

Notable characteristic of the incoming Fall 2019 class include:

  • 50 percent from Florida
  • 31 percent from out of state
  • 19 percent from international countries
  • 24 percent first-generation students
  • SAT scores increased from 1070 to 1182
  • Unweighted average GPA is 3.26

Students began arriving on Aug. 9 and can move in until 1 p.m., on Aug. 15.

Parents and families can join students for the first two days of orientation, starting Aug. 15 with a Welcome to the Pride at 3 p.m.

Most of the new student orientation activities on Aug. 16 will center on academics.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit SaintLeo.edu, or call (855) 300-8566.

School grades increase
Pasco County Schools saw school grade improvements with increases in the number of A and B schools, and decreases in the number of schools under state review.

These improvements reflect the dedication of Pasco County students and teachers, as the district’s grade remains a B.

Fifteen schools improved by one letter grade: Bexley, Lake Myrtle and Wiregrass elementary schools improved from a B to an A; Deer Park, Gulf Trace, Marlowe, Pine View and San Antonio elementary schools improved from a C to a B; and, Anclote, Calusa, Chasco and Richey elementary schools improved from a D to a C.

Wendell Krinn Technical High School scored an A in its opening school year.

Best LPN program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) was recently ranked first among Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Florida by NursingProcess.org, according to a press release.

There are more than 160 LPN programs in the state that are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, of which NursingProcess.org ranked the top 15 programs, with PHSC coming in first.

Each program on the rankings list received a score based on several factors including NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates, graduation rate, academic quality, and affordability.

For information about the school’s LPN program, visit PHSC.edu.

‘Engage’ kids: Improve attendance

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Students typically don’t decide to drop out of school overnight.

And, there’s typically more to the story, when a student starts missing school on a regular basis.

At least those were a couple points of discussion last week during a Pasco County School Board workshop on the topic of school attendance.

Pasco County School Board vice chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said students may be able to make up the work or tests they missed when they are out, but they also miss out on valuable learning opportunities and interactions with their peers. (File)

“Attendance is really a symptom of something else that is happening with our students,” said Angel Hernandez, senior supervisor of student support programs and services for the district.

Pasco County has been working to define what on-track, at-risk and off-track means, in terms of attendance, behavior, academic performance and discipline. In high school, the measures include GPA and progress of meeting graduation requirements.

The reasons students miss school can vary from being ill, to being on vacation, to choosing not to be there because they are disengaged, Hernandez told school board members.

“Disengagement is preceded by other things,” he said, which can range from poor academic performance, to mental health or other issues.

Some kids don’t want to be at school, Hernandez said. They say things like, “I don’t feel welcome at my school. I’m not being treated nicely.”

Not being at school has consequences, he added.

“We know the reality is that when our students are not in school, they are not engaged in school, and when they’re disengaged, they fall short of meeting that goal and graduating, and achieving success once they leave our system,” he said.

The district can track attendance through data, which allows it to make a closer analysis.

It can break down the data by grade level, demographic group and day, week or month.

Overall, 38,500 Pasco students were on track for the year in attendance, while 24,200 were at risk and 12,400 were off-track, Hernandez said.

The data reveals that there are no demographic groups that appear to be at greater risk than others, Hernandez said. “They’re all within the 90s,” he said.

He also noted that sixth grade has the highest attendance rating.

When the district looks at its attendance rates, it’s not just looking at unexcused absences, but excused absences, too.

School Board member Cynthia Armstrong, a former teacher, voiced concerns about the growing number of children missing school for family vacations.

“Parents would never think, in the past, about taking their kids out for a cruise just because they could get the cruise cheaper during the school year. That seems to be just a growing trend,” Armstrong said.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she’s noticed of a trend in recent years of more parents taking their children out of school for family vacations.

She asked: “How are we stressing to parents that attendance is important?”

A change to the district’s code of conduct allows students to make up any and all assignments, tests or related work of any excused or unexcused absence at full credit.

But, even when students can make up the credit, they’re still losing out, said School Board vice chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin.

“Even if they can show up later and make up the test, they’re missing learning opportunities. They’re missing the chance to interact with their peers, and they’re missing the group work, the projects,” Beaudoin said.

School Board chairwoman Alison Crumbley wondered what the district does to address the kids who are there, but are just not understanding the content.

Hernandez said efforts are being made to give students quizzes to help check how they’re doing, so extra help can be offered to help them catch up before the end of the course, when it’s too late.

Hernandez also noted that some schools have dances or other celebrations to encourage good attendance.

Along those lines, School Board member Megan Harding said it’s important for schools to be consistent.

She recalled students being excited about the prospect of attending a quarterly dance party.

“They didn’t make it the first quarter, but the second quarter came and there was no dance party; the third quarter came, and there was no dance party.

“There was no consistency,” Harding said.

“Is there going to be some consistency or accountability within our schools?” Harding asked. “Those little ones they really do want that dance party.”

Hernandez said it takes a team effort to tackle the issue.

“It used to be that this work happened through the lens of social work,” he said. “We’re trying to break away from that, as we build a compassionate schools frame for our sites, we want all of our other members to engage.”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said parents need to hear from the district level — not just the school level — about the importance of attendance.

He said he expects increased efforts to reach out to parents, through newsletters and periodic phone calls to emphasize how important it is for children to be in school.

The district has an obligation to make school engaging and to set high standards, and to help students to understand there’s a connection between being in school and being successful in life, Browning said.

Attendance by grade level
Pre-kindergarten: 88.1 percent

First grade : 93.7 percent

Second grade: 94.6 percent

Third grade: 94.8 percent

Fourth grade: 94.7 percent

Fifth grade:  94.8 percent

Sixth grade: 95.4 percent

Seventh grade: 94.9 percent

Eighth grade:  94.4 percent

Ninth grade:  94.8 percent

10th grade:  93.9 percent

11th grade:  93.3 percent

12th grade:  91.2 percent

Source: Pasco County Schools

Ways to combat school absenteeism

  • Recognize good and improved attendance
  • Engage parents and students
  • Provide personalized early outreach
  • Monitor attendance data and practice
  • Develop programmatic responses to barriers

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published August 07, 2019

Send us your First Day of School photos

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This photo, submitted by George O’ Connor at the beginning of last school year, shows Julia O’ Connor on the first day of school, when she was a first-grader at Sand Pine Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

Schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are ringing in a new academic year — and along with that comes traditional First Day of School photos.

The photos that parents, grandparents, friends and other relatives take on that first day are a fun way to mark a new year of learning.

Plus, they’re like tiny time capsules, capturing a moment and recording changes in height, hair styles and fashion over time.

We’d love to share your First Day of School photos with our readers.

Please email your .jpegs, along with a brief description of where the photo was taken, who is in in it (from left to right) and the community where you live. Please also share the grade level and age of the student, and a number where you can be reached, if we have any questions.

Send in your photos by Aug. 16 to .

Published August 07, 2019

Wiregrass Ranch High uses online orientation

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Virtual orientation was back by popular demand at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

The online amenity, offered Aug. 1 to Aug. 6, provided an alternative to help Wiregrass Ranch students get situated for the coming school year, which begins for students on Aug. 12.

The option allowed students who are returning to Wiregrass Ranch, and their parents, to view class schedules without being present on campus.

“Now parents and students can access the same information from the convenience of their mobile device or computer from home,” explained Rebecca Jarke, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch. “It’s more convenient for families who have multiple children in the school system and may not be able to get to each school during the various orientations.”

The high school, located in Wesley Chapel, introduced virtual orientation last year, alongside its traditional on-campus orientation day.

The online version was so well-received, Wiregrass Ranch decided to make it the primary means for orientation for returning students. The options allows students to avoid long lines and wait times.

First-time freshmen had their own on-campus orientation on Aug. 1.

“It gives them an opportunity to make connections with current students and staff – to make the first day of high school a little easier,” Jarke said. “Also, with only ninth-grade students being here, the campus is not as crowded.”

Re-entering students, and their parents, were still accommodated at Wiregrass Ranch — receiving online assistance on Aug. 6.

In a computer lab, students could access their myPascoConnect accounts, while parents were able to log in to or create their own parent portal accounts.

Both private platforms allowed student schedules to be viewed, as well as the ability to purchase items like lockers or gym gear.

Parents can access the accounts year-round to stay up-to-date with their child’s academics. Viewable information includes grades, attendance records and test scores.

Users of the virtual orientation are encouraged to offer feedback on their experience and possible ways to improve it, Jarke said.

Wiregrass Ranch is one of several Pasco County schools that use virtual orientations.

Published August 07, 2019

Police officers help kids start school year in style

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Eleven-year-old Jayden Boykin made his way from one aisle to the next, as he went shopping for school clothes with his new buddy – Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department.

The police officer and fifth-grader were on a mission, to make sure Jayden will look fashionable for his first day back at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.

Fourteen-year-old James Walker was offered tips for new school clothes from Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno of the Dade City Police Department during the Summer Shop with a Cop event. The Aug. 2 program allowed the new freshman to pick his own gear at the Dade City Walmart before starting his first year at Pasco High School. (Brian Fernandes)

The pair was among those taking part in the second annual Summer Shop with a Cop event that brought 18 local kids and Dade City police officers together to select new school gear, on Aug. 2.

At the Dade City Walmart on U.S. 301, the police officers pushed shopping carts — following the lead of eager children ready to select clothing, to their liking, off the shelves.

Members of the Dade City Youth Council and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Explorers also teamed up with the officers in helping the students shop.

Victoria Conn is part of the Youth Council and helped kids comb through the clothing.

“I think it really helps – being able to show the kids, ‘Yeah, you’re being partnered with a cop,’” the 17-year-old said. “It really breaks a lot of boundaries, and I think it’s good to be able to have that interaction.”

The off-duty officers volunteered to help out at the shopping extravaganza.

Jayden Boykin stocked up on a new wardrobe of clothes with the help of Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department. The Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2 helped the 11-year-old pick his own fashion style before returning to Rodney B. Cox Elementary School this fall.

Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno said he was happy to be there. It gave him the chance to make friends with James Walker, 14, a Pasco High freshman.

“He’s the boss,” the sergeant said, with a smile. “Wherever he wants to go, whatever he wants to get – I’m here for him.”

The shopping experience initially was suggested by the Youth Council, after they found out about it being done in other Florida towns.

Since last year, the Youth Council and the Explorers have been working with the police department to help Dade City students.

Kids are recommended for assistance by teachers who may notice their unmet needs.

Each event sees a new round of kids being helped with shopping.

Lt. Brian Uppercue of the Dade City Police Department said the experience helps to build a good relationship between students and law enforcement.

Because the program gives youths a chance to meet officers in a different environment, it’s also believed that it helps them feel more at ease to approach officers in various situations.

Three Shop with a Cop events are held each year, supported by funds from the Youth Council and the police department.

In the spring, kids get to shop for school supplies. During the holidays, they can buy gifts for family members, and in the fall, they get to pick out new school clothes.

Timothy Rayford was excited to pick out his superhero attire with the help of Kayla Contreras, a Dade City Youth Council member. The first-grader was one of 18 youths chosen for the Summer Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2.

“We want them to feel positive about what they’re wearing and build that self-esteem on their first day of school,” Uppercue said.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez helps to oversee the Youth Council and to organize the Shop with a Cop events.

Besides helping the students, it also helps their parents, Hernandez said, noting that it reduces the financial pressures they face.

“Parents love that we do this,” the mayor said. “The word has spread and it’s been a very positive reception.”

Another opportunity to engage with kids will be the upcoming ‘Cop-sicle’ event, Hernandez mentioned. The Youth Council and the police department plan to hand out popsicles within the Dade City community.

Meanwhile, it won’t be long now until the students get to show off their new school fashions. The new school year starts in Pasco County on Aug. 12.

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco Schools budget nearly $1.4 billion

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The Pasco County School Board has approved a tentative budget approaching $1.4 billion for the coming fiscal year.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning covered high points of the proposed budget at last week’s Pasco County School Board meeting, before the board approved the tentative budget and tentative tax rate.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning outlines highlights from the proposed 2019-2020 budget. (File)

The new fiscal budget of $1,392,942,266 is an increase of $131.7 million over last year, Browning said. It includes a general operating budget of $664.5 million and a capital budget of $339.1 million, according to district figures.

The proposed tax millage rate for 2019-2020 fiscal year is 6.101 mills, which is a decrease of 0.178 mills.

Under the proposed rate, a homeowner of a $175,000 home, after the deduction of the $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $26.70 less than they did last year, Browning said.

The district received additional funds totaling more than $27.8 million, to accommodate projected growth of 1,294 students and recurring expenses, the superintendent said.

Highlights of the proposed budget include a 3 percent increase for district employees and a 5 percent increase in costs for insurance benefits, as the district continues to cover 100 percent of the cost of employee insurance premiums.

The district also plans to increase its staff by 35.4 positions at the school level and 5.6 positions at the district level.

The largest appropriations in its capital budget include the remodeling and renovation of Zephyrhills High School; the construction of Cypress Creek Middle School; the construction of Starkey K-8; new classroom wings at Sunlake High and Bexley Elementary; and design work for a new magnet technical high school on the east side of the county.

The budget also includes a long list of maintenance projects and purchases, including the lease/purchase of computers and buses. And, includes the completion of the renovation/remodeling of Land O’ Lakes High School, which is almost finished.

No one spoke during the public comment portion of the public hearing, which was the first of two required public hearings. The second has been scheduled for Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., in the school board room at the district’s administrative complex, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco aims for safe students, campuses

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The Pasco County School Board passed a resolution last week supporting the Student Crime Watch Program and emphasizing the board’s encouragement to use available tools to help keep students and campuses safe.

The resolution notes that the Student Crime Watch Program gives students and the community the ability to make anonymous reports of “unsafe and potentially harmful, dangerous, violent or criminal activity or the threat of these activities to appropriate public safety agencies and school officials.”

Other avenues of reporting, according to the resolution, include FortifyFL, which is a mobile suspicious activity reporting tool, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay and the CrisisGo (CrisisGo.com) safety application, which is a comprehensive emergency response, safety drill, communication and incident management system app that enhances response activities in the event of an emergency.

Published August 07, 2019