The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 08/07/2019

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Kiwanis food drive
The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is asking for food donations on behalf of the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) East Campus Bobcat Pantry.

The pantry is a donation-based service, free to students who need assistance in having their basic needs met, as it provides supplemental food and various hygiene products to ensure no student goes without.

Students in need or individuals who would like to donate (and get a list of acceptable items) can call (855) 669-7472, or email .

Invention Convention
Student finalists in kindergarten through 12th grade from central and southwest Florida will compete at the Florida Invention Convention on Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center.

The students have participated in other Invention, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and/or STEM education programs.

Winners of the state finals advance to the National Invention Convention at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation next year.

This year’s guest speakers will be Ben Stern, a 2016 Shark Tank winner, and Carmine Denisco, event sponsor and co-found of Inventors Launchpad.

Admission is free.

For information, visit InventFlorida.org.

School supply drive
Hawkins Photography, 24034 State Road 54 in Lutz, will collect school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Learning Gate Community School, also in Lutz. Drop off any school supplies and receive a free mini photo shoot the day of the event.

For information, call (813) 400-0026.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students on Aug. 10 at 10:15 a.m., for teens.

The library will offer assistance to high school students on how to research potential colleges, scholarships, funding sources and preparation to apply to college.

The workshop will be presented in partnership with the Black Scholars Heading to College program.

For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

Student achievement
Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, has graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, earning a Bachelor of Science in community health.

Hofstra is a community of more than 11,000 students who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.

Breakfast program
Pasco County Schools is accepting free and reduced-price household meal applications for the 2019-2020 school year and will serve free breakfasts at 51 schools.

In accordance with the National School Lunch Act, households that are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

Households must complete a new application each school year. Visit PascoSchoolMeals.com for the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.

To see a list of schools where free breakfasts will be available, use the same website and click on the ‘Meal Programs’ link and then ‘National School Breakfast Program.’

Sonic Drive-In rewards teachers
As part of its Limeades for Learning initiative in partnership with the nonprofit, DonorChoose.org, Sonic Drive-In has recognized teachers and their contributions to education.

These local area teachers received monetary awards:

  • Meagan Brinkman, Connerton Elementary School, for the project, “The Microscopic World of Miss Brinkman’s Room” and the project, “Choose Your Learning Environment”
  • Patsy Hicks, Lake Myrtle Elementary, for “Flexible Seating for Learning”
  • Anastacia Kelley, Sanders Memorial Elementary, for “Desire to Inspire: Ron Clark Academy Training” and “Accepted to Hogwarts: Magical Room Transformation”
  • Stacy Haas, Sanders Memorial Elementary, “Learning with Lego Bricks”
  • Karen Nester, Lutz Elementary, “Award Winning Readers Need Award Winning Books”

Sonic supports teachers year-round. Visit LimeadesForLearning.com for updates on contributions, future donation matches, how to get involved and explore public school teacher projects in the community in need of support.

Shop with a Cop
The Dade City Youth Council, the Dade City Police Department and Walmart have teamed up for the annual “Summer Shop with a Cop.”

The activity is designed to build a strong relationship between students, the youth council and the police department, while providing less-fortunate students with back-to-school clothes.

This is the second year for the partnership between the organizations.

A total of 18 students from Pasco and R.B. Cox elementary and Pasco Middle schools were paired with a youth council member at the police department to shop at the Dade City Walmart.

Each student received $100 of new clothing.

For information about the program, call Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez at (352) 523-5050.

 

Growth puts squeeze on schools

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As Pasco County Schools heads into another school year, crowded conditions are expected on several campuses within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

District officials are projecting that Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch High School will operate at 141 percent of its capacity, with an estimated 2,310 students in a school designed for 1,633.

New construction continues to create the need for new schools or campus expansions in Pasco County. (Christine Holtzman)

Connerton Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, meanwhile, is projected to be at 120 percent of its capacity — with an anticipated 918 students at a school built for 762.

Other schools expecting big crowds are:

  • John Long Middle, projected at 123 percent of its capacity, with an expected 1,635 students at school designed for 1,327
  • Thomas Weightman Middle, projected at 116 percent of its capacity, with an expected 1,130 students at a school designed for 975
  • Cypress Creek Middle High, projected at 114 percent of its capacity, with an expected 953 students, in a space designed for 834

Chris Williams, the school district’s director of planning, outlined the district’s projected average daily memberships for 2019-2020 during a workshop with the Pasco County School Board last week.

Williams said a new Cypress Creek Middle School, expected to open in fall 2020, will provide relief for the area’s middle schools and Wiregrass Ranch High School.

That’s because the current Cypress Creek Middle High School is serving students in grades six through 12, in separate schools on the same campus.

Once the new middle school opens, it will have space for more students and high school space also will be freed to accommodate more students.

Williams said he also expects charter schools in the Wesley Chapel area to help absorb growth occurring there.

Sunlake High School, now operating over capacity, will get a 20-classroom wing, which is expected to be built this year. (File)

Even with boundary shifts, Wiregrass Ranch High’s enrollment will remain high, Superintendent Kurt Browning said.

“Keep in mind, there are more students moving in, right behind them,” Williams said.

“One thing we’re trying to avoid is a 10-period day,” Browning said.

Projects that are on the drawing board, or under construction, are expected to help the district address continued growth, Williams said.

Starkey K-8 is expected to open in two years, and is expected to provide relief to Odessa Elementary, which is expected to operate at 130 percent of its capacity this year.

Bexley Elementary and Sunlake Elementary are both adding classroom wings in the coming year, which will increase capacity at those growing schools.

Bexley, which opened in 2017, is projected to have 912 students at a school built for 906. The new classroom wing will accommodate 200 students.

Sunlake High School is projected at an enrollment of 1,994, at a school with a capacity for 1,698.

Although Connerton is expected to operate over capacity, Williams does not expect additional growth this year. Even so, he noted, “that is certainly something that we’re keeping an eye on because there’s obviously a lot of growth coming around that area.

The district’s high schools in Central Pasco and East Pasco all are expected to operate near or above capacity.

For instance, Zephyrhills High is expected to operate at 105 percent of capacity; Pasco High, at 117 percent of capacity; Cypress Creek Middle High, at 118 percent of capacity; Sunlake at 117 percent of capacity; and Land O’ Lakes High, at 95 percent of capacity.

Deputy superintendent Ray Gadd said the district expects a new magnet school, which will be built on the east side of the county, primarily will attract students from Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Pasco and Zephyrhills high schools.

The school will offer technical training programs and academic rigor. It is set open in 2022.

Major projects 2019-2020
Here is a look at major school construction projects planned in the 2019-2020, within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Zephyrhills High School: Continuing campus-wide renovation
  • Land O’ Lakes High School: Wrapping up campus-wide remodel
  • Cypress Creek Middle School: Construction underway
  • Starkey K: Breaking ground within next couple of months
  • East side technical high school: Property acquired and design phase underway
  • Sunlake High: Adding a wing to increase capacity
  • Bexley Elementary: Adding a wing to increase capacity

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published July 31, 2019

Project needs outpace funding in Pasco County Schools

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As Pasco County Schools heads into a new school year, the district faces a perennial issue: There’s not enough money to cover district construction and maintenance needs.

“Our current debt is about $525 million,” Chris Williams, director of planning told Pasco County School Board members during a workshop last week.

Pasco’s rapid growth continues to create demand for new or expanded schools, and the district’s list of maintenance needs is lengthy.

There are buildings “that aren’t even on the list, that we can’t even get to,” said Alison Crumbley, school board chairwoman.

“There are lots of projects that need to be done that are not being done,” Williams agreed.

The state reduced its Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) fund for Pasco County Schools to zero for next year, Williams said.

“We received $1.2 million in ’18-’19, but are projected to receive zero this year,” he said.

“Of course, as you can tell with the current debt, our capital needs continue to outpace our revenue.”

School Board member Allen Altman said for people who are unfamiliar with the district’s size and scope, it’s hard to fathom its needs.

“We have, as a district, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,400 individual buildings.

“You think about that and you look at the dollars that are here for maintenance and repair.

“We are below the estimated needed cost for the maintenance for our facilities. There is no golden pot of money,” Altman said.

So, as district staff deliberates on priorities, there is generally give-and-take between departments, Altman said.

He described how the conversations can go: One employee will say, “‘We can patch up this roof for one more year so you can get this safety thing you need done, over here.”

And, a food and nutrition employee will say: “OK, we’ll give up this serving line, so you all can fix that HVAC over there.”

“I want people to understand these are big dollar numbers we’re looking at, but when you spread over the number of campuses, the number of facilities and the amount of people coming in and out of them every day, just to maintain them — there is no pot of money sitting there,” Altman said.

The district must build new schools, renovate existing schools, fix roofs, paint buildings, provide buses, improve safety, upgrade technology, replace furniture and make myriad repairs, district officials say. The dollars simply don’t stretch far enough, they say.

There is some bright news, Williams said.

“In the tax roll, we’re projecting an 8.67 increase,” he said. This is the second year the county has exceeded the tax roll that was achieved back in 2007-2008.

The Penny for Pasco revenues also are projected to be up.

“Our Penny for Pasco collections continue to be at the highest level of collection since the inception of the Penny (tax).

In 2019-2020, the Penny revenue is projected to be $31.1 million, which Williams characterized as “very good news.”

The planning director also noted that impact fees are expected to come in at $26 million, which is higher than initially anticipated.

Even so, Altman said: “New residential growth never pays for itself. In spite of that impact fee number coming in higher than expected, it still does not cover our cost.”

Published July 31, 2019

Educator offers tips for back to school

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For parents, this can be the most wonderful time of the year – back to school for students.

Baye Ballew, instructor of education for Saint Leo University (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Some children go through a ‘summer slump,’ and need help getting ready for the new school year and to prepare for academic success.

Baye Ballew, instructor of education for Saint Leo University, offers these tips to help parents:

  • Encourage your child to read during summer to maintain forward progression in academics
  • Visit public libraries because they are a good source of activities for children
  • Help children to adjust to a school-year schedule by starting bedtime earlier about two weeks before school (Studies show poor sleep quality and low amounts of sleep can affect student learning)
  • Train students to use planners to build time management skills
  • Take advantage of free websites that offer tutoring and academic games
  • Create a place in the home where students can leave planners and folders brought home from school (This establishes a place where parents to look for school news and information)
  • Plan a specific homework place so students can schedule a time to work and complete homework
  • Help kindergarteners to build strength in hand muscles for motor skills and handwriting development by having them work with molding clay.

Published July 31, 2019

Chalk Talk 07/31/2019

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School FUN Fest
Vine Church, 4743 Allen Road in Zephyrhills, will host a FUN Fest (Faithfully Uniting the Neighborhood) on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be food, music, free kids’ physicals, free haircuts, and book bags for all kids present (while supplies last). Arrive early to receive a book bag ticket.

For information, call (813) 298-3232.

Free school supplies
Operation Unwrap a Smile Inc., will host Back to School 2019 on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be free backpacks and school supplies.

Register at . For information, call Stephanie Roshell at (813) 748-4775.

Art contest winners
In recognition of SAMHSA National Prevention Week (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) sponsored an “Inspiring Change” art contest.

These are the winners from each age group:
Overall winner: Caleigh Brown, Charles Rushe Middle School
Kindergarten: Charles Walker, Moon Lake Elementary
First grade: Jaxson Eggers, Moon Lake Elementary
Second grade: Audrina Lawley, World of Knowledge
Third grade: Giovanni Aviles, World of Knowledge
Fourth grade: Cristalina Soares, Quail Hollow Elementary
Fifth grade: Catalyna Bronk, Moon Lake Elementary
Sixth grade: Mia Kremer, John Long Middle
Seventh grade: Hudson Middle, student’s name not available

Back-to-school physicals
Premier Community HealthCare will offer $15 back-to-school physicals through Sept. 30 at its Zephyrhills, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Lacoochee, Hudson, Dade City and Brooksville locations.

Offices are open Mondays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students can receive a complete physical examination, state-required screenings, and a free backpack with starter supplies.

Same-day appointments will be available.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations:

  • Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St.: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

School supply drive
Hawkins Photography, 24034 State Road 54 in Lutz, will collect school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Learning Gate Community School, also in Lutz. Drop off any school supplies and receive a free mini photo shoot the day of the event.

For information, call (813) 400-0026.

Teacher academy recognized
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce named the River Ridge High School New Teacher Academy (NTA) as the Youth Organization of the Year.

Students in the NTA receive classroom instruction on the fundamentals of becoming an educator and real-world experience working with students at elementary schools.

Students visit classrooms, teach lessons and support teachers’ curriculum.

They also have taught senior citizens about internet usage, social media access, identity theft protection, taking selfies, using mobile calendars, and using speech-to-text software.

In 2018, the New Teacher Academy was named the Florida Future Educators Association Outstanding Program of the Year.

Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

Pasco embarks on new type of high school

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The Pasco County school district is planning a new magnet high school that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

It will combine a rigorous curriculum along with technical skills training — and will seek community partnerships to give students real-world experiences, said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

Coming up with a name for the school is a little bit tricky, Gadd said.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, talks about a new high school the district plans to open in 2022 that will combine opportunities for mastering academics and technical skills. (B.C. Manion)

The idea is to prepare students to have many options when they leave high school — whether, say, they want to work as a welder for someone else; or, they want to have their own welding business.

While the district invites public suggestions to help it come up with a name for the school, it is proceeding with the school’s design.

The magnet school will be built at Curley and Keifer roads, in Wesley Chapel, on the former Kirkland Ranch property. The school is being built to accommodate 900 students, but is designed for expansion, if there’s a larger demand.

Students are expected to come primarily come from Zephyrhills, Wiregrass Ranch, Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Pasco high schools, but also might come from as far away as Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

The planned opening date is fall of 2022, and the school may begin operations with just a freshman class, or perhaps freshman and sophomore classes, Gadd said.

The district wants to give the school some time to develop its own community and to build its brand, he explained.

As time goes on, the school wants to become increasingly involved in the community and for the community to be increasingly involved in the school, the deputy superintendent said.

For instance, the district also has begun having conversations with people who have various types of expertise.

Sometimes those conversations may yield helpful suggestions for refining the curriculum; other times, they may lead to partnerships that support programs, or provide real-world opportunities for students, Gadd said.

The leadership at this school will likely be different, too. Rather than a principal and assistant principal, it’s likely to have leaders who spend part of their time on campus and part of their time out in the community, he said.

The interactions that can result can yield many new opportunities, he explained.

Program plans for the school include academies for business, finance and marketing; digital technology; engineering technology; health science and human services; transportation technology; and, building technology. The school will serve grades nine through 12, and will offer industry certification in high-demand career fields.

There also will be post-secondary education programs offered after-hours, Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent said the new school will be a departure from tradition, but he said he thinks that is what parents want for their children.

“I’m a big advocate in not building the same old high schools, the same old middle schools and the same old elementary schools. I’d like to see that campus someday represent the market, so to speak.

“Parents are asking us for something other than the traditional cookie-cutter school,” he said.

Have an idea for this school’s name?
Pasco County School Board policy encourages community members, educators and students to provide suggestions for school names. The board has the final say. Suggested names should be accompanied by a brief explanation. Email submissions to , with the subject line “school name,” or fax them to (813) 794-2716.

Understanding Gen Z*

  • Have never known a non-digital world
  • Make up 32 percent of the 7.7 billion global population
  • Use Smartphones 15.4 hours a week
  • Respond best to short, visual marketing strategies

Understanding the job market

  • 47 percent of current middle-class jobs in the United States are at risk of being replaced by automation over the next 20 years
  • 85 percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not yet been invented

Sharing the school’s goals

  • Prepare students for success
  • Enhance the high school experience
  • Inspire innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Simulate real-world experiences
  • Foster mentorship and community connections

*Gen Z are those born in 1995 or later

Source: HepnerArchitects/CanonDesign

Published July 24, 2019

Chalk Talk 07/24/2019

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(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Funding helps student-volunteers
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association awarded a $7,000 gift toward the association’s scholarship endowment at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC). The endowment, established in 2012, helps Regional Medical’s volunteers to assist recent high school graduates enrolling at PHSC and who actively volunteer at the hospital. Front row, from left: Donna Owen, director Volunteers and Pastoral Care; John Cardelena, Diane Ricca and Roseann Santore. Back row, from left: Colleen D’ Amario, Donna Holecek, Charlie Matella, MaryEllen Yost, Chery Ferro and Lisa A. Richardson, associate vice president of Alumni and College Relations.

Back to School events
Vine Church, 4743 Allen Road in Zephyrhills, will host a FUN Fest (Faithfully Uniting the Neighborhood) on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be food, music, free kids’ physicals, free haircuts, and book bags for all kids present (while supplies last). Arrive early to receive a book bag ticket. For information, call (813) 298-3232.

Also on Aug. 3, Operation Unwrap a Smile Inc., will host Back to School 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be free backpacks and school supplies. Register at . For information, call Stephanie Roshell at (813) 748-4775.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations:

  • Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

School supply drive
Hawkins Photography, 24034 State Road 54 in Lutz, will collect school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Learning Gate Community School, also in Lutz. Drop off any school supplies and receive a free mini photo shoot the day of the event.

For information, call (813) 400-0026.

Student achievements

  • Tracy De Grace, of Lutz: Bachelor of Science in nursing, Western Governors University (online)
  • Michael Giannulis, of Odessa: Master of Business Administration, Western Governors University
  • Crystal Lopez, of Trinity: Master of Science in nursing/nursing informatics, Western Governors University
  • Karla Marone, of Trinity: Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies K-8, Western Governors University
  • Steven Ramos, of Lutz: Master of Science-Physician Assistant studies, Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee
  • Maxim Stepanets, of Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in finance, Alma College, Michigan
  • Jordan Wheeler, of Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Riley Wood, of Land O’ Lakes: Honor Roll, Bethel University College of Arts & Sciences and College of Health Sciences, McKenzie, Tennessee

Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

Chalk Talk 07/17/2019

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Students win book challenge
The second-grade class at Trinity Elementary School and local educator Renee Blynt were the first-place winners in the 2018-2019 National Book Challenge hosted by Studentreasures Publishing.

Renee Blynt, left, and her second-grade class at Trinity Elementary show off their certificates of recognition for their award-winning book. (Courtesy of Adam Wolin)

The class will receive a $5,000 grant for their school as the grand prize.

Each of the 19 second-grade authors were recognized for their contributions to their book, “Trailblazers and World Changers,” which was published earlier this year through the Studentreasures’ free publishing program.

Blynt’s class came up with the book idea when thinking about different people from history that have changed the world.

The second-graders researched, wrote about and illustrated their topics, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to Mia Hamm’s soccer career.

Their completed book was awarded first place based on its originality, creative storyline and colorful illustrations.

More than 800,000 books were submitted to the nationwide contest sponsored by Studentreasures.

Mentor training
The Pasco Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship program is looking for mentors for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

Mentors are needed throughout Pasco County high schools to meet with students at their schools on a weekly basis, usually during a lunch break or a free period.

Mentors offer friendship and guidance as the students work toward earning their scholarship.

Complete training will be offered, including a Mentor Toolkit to keep and use during sessions.

Training will be at the Pasco County Schools District complex, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Building 2.

Those interested must register in advance by contacting Gina Granger, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .

The next one-hour sessions are at 10 a.m., noon or 3 p.m., on July 22.

For more about the program, visit TakeStockPasco.org.

Working student scholarship
Hancock Injury Lawyers is encouraging students who want to strive to improve themselves by going to college and educating themselves to figure out how they will make their communities, and beyond, a better place.

In support of students who have worked hard not only in school but also in a part-time job, Hancock will award a $1,000 scholarship annually.

The application for the scholarship must include a cover letter, official transcript and a one- to two-page essay (500 words to 800 words).

Submission deadline is Aug. 4. The winner will be contacted Aug. 23.

For complete information on how to apply, visit LawHancock.com/scholarships/.

Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.

The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.

Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.

For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.

Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.

There will be no early release days in August or May.

The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.

Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.

Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.

Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.

Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.

School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations, for the upcoming school year:

  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road: July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (727) 861-5260.
  • Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.

Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.

Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.

The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.

Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.

The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.

 

Public input sought on naming new Pasco high school

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Pasco County Schools is seeking the public’s help in suggesting names for a new high school that will be focused on technology and business programs, and is set to open in August of 2022 in East Pasco.

The school will be located at Curley Road and Keifer Road in Wesley Chapel on the former Kirkland Ranch property, according to a news release from the Pasco school district.

Program plans for the school include academies for business, finance and marketing; digital technology; engineering technology; health science and human services; transportation technology; and building technology.

The school will serve grades nine through 12, and will offer industry certification in high-demand career fields.

School Board policy encourages community members, educators and students to provide suggestions for school names.

The board will have the final say on the school’s name, and once adopted, the name will be considered permanent unless the facility or its use changes, the news release adds.

Suggested names should be accompanied by a brief explanation. Submit individual name options by email to , with the subject line “school name.” Submissions also can be faxed to (813) 794-2716.

Published July 10, 2019

Creating safe and compassionate schools

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When you ask an open-ended question, there’s no telling what the responses will be.

But that’s the point, actually, in a process that Pasco County Schools used to gather different perspectives, regarding the emotional and physical safety of district students and staff.

District officials conducted a ThoughtExchange that allows participants to use technology to share their thoughts and ideas, which are then rated by participants on a five-star scale.

Assistant superintendents Betsy Kuhn and David Scanga led the efforts for the district, and they shared results of the exchange with the Pasco County School Board at a workshop in June.

Steve LaVare, an armed school safety guard, monitors the parking lot area at Sanders Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes, as parents drop off kids on the second day of school last fall. In a ThoughtExchange on school safety, Pasco County parents said they like to see armed guards in visible spots on campus. (File)

The ThoughtExchange attracted 3,416 participants who shared 2,290 thoughts.

Because of the nature of an open-ended question, participants touched on a wide range of topics, said Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services.

“Some people viewed it very much on the building hardening topic, that I work mostly with —  and then a lot of other folks took it as the mental health type of approach,” Kuhn said.

One of the top thoughts overall was this: “Do not arm teachers. We cannot expect teachers to make the ‘right decision’ in the heat of the  moment.”

But that thought wasn’t universally shared, according to the ThoughtExchange. Another comment from community was this: “Allow the teachers to carry a gun. Not all teachers are cut out for it, but some are. Require training and qualifications, but it should be allowed, if the teacher wants it.”

A thought that resonated with parents was this one: “We need to take more action when bullying is reported. We need to listen to students and teachers. Bullying is at the core of many issues of mental health and violence.”

Another top thought in the parents’ category: “Keep the resource officer in a high visibility spot.”

Among students, improved bandwidth and longer lunch periods were among the most highly rated comments.

Staff comments gaining traction dealt with providing more support for teachers dealing with disruptive, disrespectful or potentially dangerous students.

And, this staff comment was rated highly, too: “The pay scales for staff need a major overhaul.”

Besides being broken down by stakeholder category, the ThoughtExchange was analyzed by region.

In West Pasco, for instance, a key concern related to traffic safety at River Ridge High School.

In East Pasco, concerns were raised about securing open campuses.

And, in Central Pasco, there were calls to increase the ways to report concerns anonymously, and for greater support of teachers.

When it comes to student safety, the district was encouraged to include bus drivers in those discussions.

“Bus drivers many times are the first people students see in the morning. Include them in all discussions regarding student safety, as well,” says a comment in the exchange.

The ThoughtExchange is intended to help inform the district’s work, provide feedback from the community and gather information to help the district advocate for additional support from the state legislature for safety improvements.

Kuhn told board members that the district is continuing to take action aimed at creating safer and more secure campuses.

On the facilities side, work on front office hardening continues. The district also is installing additional security cameras and is doing safety projects at strategic locations across the county, Kuhn said.

The work on door locks at all schools is expected to be completed before school starts in August, Kuhn said. The district also continues to collaborate with the sheriff’s office and municipal police departments.

On the mental health side, a theme that emerged in the ThoughtExchange was the request “for more people, more psychologists, more social workers, more assistance,” said Scanga, who is assistant superintendent for elementary schools.

“We know that’s something we need to explore and talk about. We know where that’s coming from, but it also runs up against our budget and what we can afford,” Scanga said.

Still, he added, “there’s room for us to consider how we utilize the people we already have in the system. What gap or what void can they fill to make sure we’re addressing student needs and family needs?”

The school board will explore that topic in deeper detail, when it has its workshop on mental health on July 23.

Published July 10, 2019