The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Easing the burden for students, families

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The 2019-2020 school year is fast approaching, and various organizations are hosting Back-to-School School Supply Drives to help those families that may not be able to afford the supplies that students need.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is involved in the effort — with all five offices tax collector offices accepting donations throughout the month of July.

(Christine Holtzman)

Soon after that, select schools in each community will receive backpacks filled with supplies.

And, cash donations will be made to the school’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program to help classroom teachers purchase the supplies necessary to meet the needs of their students.

Monetary donations also can be mailed to: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Please note “Back-to-School Backpack Promotion” on the memo line of the check.

For additional information, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes and the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco also are helping students get ready for school.

All five Gulfside thrift store locations will partner with the Kiwanis Club to collect items through July 27. The donations will be distributed to students in need at Pasco County elementary schools at the beginning of the school year.

Last year, shoppers and community members donated enough supplies to fill more than 300 backpacks, which were dispersed to 11 schools.

The donors will get something back, too: They will receive a coupon for the thrift shop.

To find out more, visit Gulfside.org.

School supplies aren’t the only things on disadvantaged students’ wish lists.

Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices staff again will compete to be the top collectors of new footwear for students during the “Two Good Soles” Shoe & Sock Drive, which kicks off on July 25.

Last year’s drive resulted in donations of more than 2,200 pairs of shoes and 6,600 pairs of socks.

The donated shoes and socks will be presented to Pasco County Schools at an official ceremony later this year. That drive runs through Oct. 25.

Collection boxes can be found at Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices countywide. Visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published July 10, 2019

Chalk Talk 07/10/2019

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

History Day winners
Based on a theme selected by National History Day, students in grades 6 to 12 use primary and secondary resources to research a topic relating to local, national or world history. The 2018-2019 theme was ‘Triumph and Tragedy in History.’ Students could express their findings in a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary or website. From left: Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning; Freddy Bowen, eighth-grader, Rushe Middle School, second place Junior Paper; Mindy Do, 11th-grader, Cypress Creek Middle High, second place Senior Individual Website; Maegan Smarkusky, eighth-grader Seven Springs Middle, first place Junior Individual Website; and Alison Crumbley.

(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Top teachers
Three Pasco County teachers were recognized by the District School Board of Pasco County for receiving the Regional Economic Educator & Leadership (REEL) Award from the USF Stavros Center for Economic Education in partnership with the Florida Council for Economic Education. The award recognizes achievements, leadership, and commitment to economic and financial education. From left: Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning; Judith Fletcher, Wesley Chapel High School; Darcy Cleek, John Long Middle School; Katie Altshuler, Weightman Middle School; and Colleen Beaudoin, vice chairman.

Navy ROTC scholarship
Samantha Miller, a 2019 Gulf High School graduate earned a four-year Navy ROTC Scholarship worth $200,000.

Miller was recognized by the District School Board of Pasco County at a board meeting.

Nearly a dozen seniors in the Pasco County Schools JROTC programs have been offered college scholarships, and many others are entering military service directly from high school.

Local graduates

  • Deja Demene Benjamin, of Land O’ Lakes, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
  • Trey Bradley, of Wesley Chapel, Colorado College, Colorado Springs
  • Hunter Calton, of Lutz, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Lauren Dobles, of Lutz, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Joshua Giroux, of Odessa, Emerson College
  • Jordan Jerome Kelby, of Odessa, University of Alabama
  • Jordan Mark, Lutz, Mercer University, Macon/Atlanta, Georgia
  • Savannah LeeAnn Melvin, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Jacob Mocny, of Odessa, University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Em Ovalle, of Lutz, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
  • Mitchell Pastizzo, of Lutz, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts
  • Mary Patterson, of Lutz, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Quentin Poteralski, of Lutz, Union College, Schenectady, New York
  • Kristine Rios, of Land O’ Lakes, Tagliatela College of Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut
  • Victoria Vee Rogers, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
  • Mariela Deynes Tofani, of Lutz, Emerson College
  • Emma Williams, Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University

Achievements

  • Julia Fresne, of Dade City, Dean’s List at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Emily Gerber, of Odessa, Dean’s List at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York
  • Jessica Howell, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Furman University
  • Jack Losier, of Lutz, Honor Roll at University of Kansas, Lawrence

Award-winning robotics
For the fifth consecutive year, the student robotics team from the University of Alabama won NASA’s grand prize in its 2019 Robotics Mining Competition.

Made up of 60 students, primarily from UA’s College of Engineering, Alabama Astrobotics won the Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence (the grand prize).

This year’s competition was held virtually, rather than on-site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Teams were judged on systems engineering papers and outreach project reports, and with the options of submitting systems engineering plans and slide demonstrations.

Among the student participants was Chase Memmer, of Odessa.

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.

Pine View Elementary becomes Primary Years program

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Pine View Elementary School has received its official authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The school, at 5333 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has been working for three years toward attaining the authorization. It is the first public school in Pasco County to achieve the distinction.

Pine View Elementary Principal Kay Moore is delighted that her Land O’ Lakes school has achieved its official authorization to offer an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Pine View Elementary is only one of 504 schools in the United States authorized to offer the IB PYP, which uses an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. (B.C. Manion)

As of May 1, there were 1,716 schools offering the IB PYP, in 109 different countries worldwide, according to the IB Organization’s website. In the United States, there are 504 public schools offering the IB PYP.

Pine View Middle School already is operating as an IB Middle Years Programme, and Land O’ Lakes High School offers the IB Diploma Programme, as well as a pre-IB programme for ninth-graders.

Pine View Elementary Principal Kay Moore said being a PYP candidate school has been a journey.

“One of the requirements to be authorized is that 100 percent of your staff has to go through International Baccalaureate training. So, we spent a lot of time and resources to train teachers,” Moore said.

Initially, the elementary school was looking for a way to provide a choice option for parents.

“We had declining enrollment over the past few years,” Moore explained, noting that Pine View was losing students to Sanders Memorial Elementary, a STEAM Magnet School, and charter schools, such as Imagine School and Classical Prep.

“We wanted to offer choice, and IB seemed to be a natural fit because of the middle school and the high school,” Moore said. “It completed a feeder pattern.”

While Pine View’s motivation was to be competitive, the experience has been illuminating for everyone involved, Moore said.

“We learned that this is a teaching style that’s good for kids,” Moore said.

It also “was a great growth opportunity for our staff,” she added, noting that as teachers became more familiar with the PYP, they embraced it.

Their attitude was: “This is the kind of teaching and learning we want for children.’

These attributes, painted on wooden boards beneath a covered walkway at Pine View Elementary, are qualities that prepare IB students to make exceptional contributions on campus.

“It was, ‘Wow, this is just good teaching’,” the principal said.

“So our staff buy-in was 100 percent because of that,” the principal said.

Moore credits Erin Greco, the school’s IB coordinator, as playing a pivotal role in the school’s transition to becoming a PYP.

She described Greco as being a catalyst.

“She’s been going through extensive training and studying, and is very self-motivated,” Moore said.

Teachers are pleased to be able to offer this educational approach, she added.

“One of the teachers got up at a parent meeting and said, ‘Just think, we’re going to offer your child IB, without the expense of IB,” Moore said.

Parents are enthused by the program, too.

“The IB team came in and interviewed the parent groups. They said that is our strength. Our parent support is truly our strength.

“I think a lot of them recognize that this is something special, that their children and they get to be involved with,” Moore said.

Besides achieving the PYP designation, Pine View is also a magnet school now.

Students within the school’s normal boundaries are automatically in, but others living outside the boundaries can apply to fill vacant spots. The vacancies are filled through a lottery.

When parents inquire about the program, they often have questions about the curriculum, Moore said.

“The curriculum is not different. We still do the state standards. The difference is we teach in an interdisciplinary fashion, where we integrate reading, writing, science, social studies — with a focus on connecting kids globally,” she said.

“Delivery is different because we try to do it on an inquiry basis, so that kids have choice and voice. When they do have choice and voice, they own it. We encourage them to go beyond the lessons that teachers may give and do their own inquiry,” she said.

There’s also more hands-on learning, Moore added.

The students aren’t the only ones learning in a new way, the principal added.

The teachers also are true IB learners, Moore said. “They’re inquiring, ‘How can I make it better? What can I read, what can I study — to make this experience better for kids?’”

And, they aren’t the only ones who are welcoming opportunities for new growth.

Moore, an educator for 38 years, said she feels invigorated.

“We are definitely not at the end of this journey. Every year, we are going to refine and make things better.

“The world is a lot smaller now, because of all the connections.

“This allows us to have that global perspective and really help children see and accept differences, and tolerate — and yet be discriminators of their own learning. That’s what excites me,” Moore said.

For more information, contact Pine View Elementary at (352) 524-0600.

What is the Primary Years Programme?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework for young learners aged 3–12 designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Founded on a philosophy that recognizes a child’s natural curiosity, creativity and ability to reflect, the PYP generates a stimulating, challenging learning environment to nurture those assets and foster a lifelong love of learning in every child.

The PYP, like all IB programmes, is transdisciplinary, meaning students learn across subject areas, while investigating big ideas.

Does the PYP have a specific set of standards?
In the PYP, students learn about significant concepts through units of inquiry.

The six transdisciplinary themes that guide units of inquiry and compose a year of study are:

  • Who we are
  • Where we are in place and time
  • How we express ourselves
  • How the world works
  • How we organize ourselves
  • Sharing the planet

Units of inquiry interweave subject areas, such as mathematics, language arts, science and social studies.

This approach encourages students to make their own connections between what they learn in core subject areas and how it relates to the world around them.

Source: International Baccalaureate website

Published July 03, 2019

Chalk Talk 07/03/2019

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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.

Beyond the Bell program
Pasco County Schools is adding two Beyond the Bell fee-based afterschool enrichment programs for the 2019-2020 school year, at John Long and Weightman middle schools.

Beyond the Bell offers middle school students academic enrichment, skill building and positive youth development.

Activities include sports skills and drills, scholar’s club, project-based learning, techno time, and enrichment programs that feature special guests on a variety of topics. Friday frolics also include field day, movie time, video game tournaments and other just-for-fun activities.

Beyond the Bell currently is offered at Charles S. Rushe and River Ridge middle schools.

Registration began July 2.

To learn more, visit MyASEP.com/btb, or call the Office for After School Enrichment Programs at (813) 794-2298.

Student achievements
Spring Dean’s List:

  • Madalyn Alston, Dade City: Anderson University, South Carolina
  • Calee Ash, Lutz: Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
  • Nicole Leigh Avary, Odessa: Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Summer Breeze, Land O’ Lakes: Columbus State Community College, Ohio
  • Kaylynn Butts, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jennifer Clifford, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Natalie Dambrosio, Lutz: Tallahassee Community College
  • Ryan Davey, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Moriah Davis, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Sydney Freeman, Odessa: Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Samuel Goetz, Odessa: Tallahassee Community College
  • Michelle Graham, Lutz: Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Evan Hayes, Lutz: Tallahassee Community College
  • Eric Holmes, Odessa: Hinds Community College, Raymond, Mississippi
  • Sarina Hunt, Lutz: Tallahassee Community College
  • Emily Leonard, Wesley Chapel: Mercer University
  • Nathan Mansour, Odessa: University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Rachael Martin, Odessa: Tallahassee Community College
  • Kelly McDermott, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jake Thomas Michaelson, Odessa: University of North Georgia, Dahlonega
  • Kevin Nguyen, Lutz: Tallahassee Community College
  • Clare O’ Keefe, Lutz: Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts
  • Samantha Politano, Land O’ Lakes: Florida State University
  • Carolyne Rogers, Odessa: Tallahassee Community College
  • Amy Stanton, Odessa: Georgia College, Milledgeville
  • Ashlyn Stevens, Lutz: Harding University
  • Emma Williams, Land O’ Lakes: Mercer University
  • Alexis Yahre, Lutz: Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Emily Ymiolek, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

President’s List:

  • Amanda Clifford, Lutz: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Peter Politano, Land O’ Lakes: Florida State University

Provost’s List

  • Kelsey Bognar, Lutz: Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York

Poster contest winners
A resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County recognized and commended Pasco County elementary students as the recipients of first prize for their respective grade levels in the 10th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest.

The contest was developed jointly by Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, in cooperation with Pasco County elementary schools, in order to educate young citizens about water-related issues.

The winning students are: Adalina Palermo, kindergarten, Trinity Oaks; Annaliese Hatfield, first grade, Trinity Oaks; Arianna Bailey, second grade, Trinity Oaks; Sydney Williams, third grade, Trinity Oaks; Sienna Gennaro, fourth grade, Deer Park; and Melina Gerig, fifth grade, Fox Hollow.

To see the posters, visit WaterContest.org.

Cooperative education
University of Alabama student Chase Memmer, of Odessa, will participate in the school’s Cooperative Education Program during the summer, and will working at Quincy Compressor.

The program offers work related to the academic major or career interest of each student, and allows more than 280 students to alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time employment.

While in school, students carry regular course schedules. While on co-op, students work with professionals in their fields who supervisor their training and work.

At work, co-op students earn competitive salaries and may receive benefit packages, too.

Participants maintain full-time student status while at work and have priority registration status each semester through graduation.

Florida ranks at the top
U.S. News & World Report has named Florida the top state in the country for higher education.

This is the third year in a row Florida’s higher education system has earned the top ranking.

Metrics considered by U.S. News & World Report include the share of Floridians holding college degrees, the time it takes students to complete both two- and four-year college programs, the cost of in-state tuition and fees, and the burden of debt that college graduates carry.

Florida’s 28 state colleges are the primary point of access to higher education in Florida, with 65 percent of the state’s high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education beginning at a Florida college, and 82 percent of freshman and sophomore minority students in public high education attending one of Florida’s 28 colleges.

To see the higher education rankings, visit USNews.com/education.

Chalk Talk 06/26/2019

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Pace Center’s first Hernando graduates
Three students have become the first high school graduates at the Pace Center for Girls in Hernando County, since its inception in January 2018.

From left: Amy Curran, teacher; Hannah Kennedy, graduate; Kaitlyn Witherill, counselor; Brianna Roden, graduate; Mindi Shaw, teacher; Kayleigh Barton, graduate; and Paula Green, teacher. (Courtesy of Pace Center for Girls)

Hannah Kennedy, Brianna Roden and Kayleigh Barton graduated from the center that was founded to serve struggling middle and high school girls who wanted to make positive changes in their lives.

As a movement, Pace was founded in 1985 to provide an opportunity for young women and girls to create a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

Girls attend Pace during the day and are enrolled in all academic classes taught by teachers who are certified through the State of Florida.

The students also meet with counselors who provide mental health services for the girls and their families.

A typical enrollment is between 18 months and 21 months and, upon exit, follow-up services are provided for at least a year.

The program is free for girls who reside in Hernando County and meet eligibility requirements.

For information about the Pace Center for Girls, call Diane Jerome, community engagement manager, Center for Girls – Pasco and Hernando, at (727) 849-1901, ext. 1908.

Super Saturday
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host Super Saturday on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for students who have committed to join Saint Leo for the fall term.

Students who are still making a college decision can also attend, and will have the opportunity to experience the school’s academics, community and student services.

The event will include college-specific orientations, class registration, FAFSA filing assistance, housing selection, issuance of parking decals and student ID cards, campus tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Prospective students and their families can also bring transcripts for the final round of fall semester instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit a deposit, and meet faculty and staff.

Local retailers also will be available so families can shop for room furnishings and various services in preparation for college life.

And, University Campus Admissions will be giving away multiple scholarships totaling up to $5,000.

Participants can take part in games, novelties, crafts, listen to music, win radio station prizes, and visit the food trucks, too.

The event is free.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu/super-Saturday.

Chamber scholarships
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce presented scholarships to four Pasco High School graduates at its Business Breakfast at AdventHealth Dade City, in May.

The students awarded scholarships were Paul Leon, Sarah Peterson, Kaleigh Sinka and Megan Simonelli.

Third-graders improve proficiency
Pasco County third-graders improved their overall proficiency (Level 3-5) on the English Language Arts Florida Standards Assessment by 3 percentage points over last year (57/60) and outperformed the state by 2 percentage points (58/60).

These schools saw improvement of 10 percentage points or more:

  • Academy at the Farm, 12 percentage points
  • Chasco Elementary, 14 percentage points
  • Connerton Elementary, 16 percentage points
  • Lake Myrtle Elementary, 11 percentage points
  • Learning Lodge Academy, 27 percentage points
  • Oakstead Elementary, 11 percentage points
  • Richey Elementary, 10 percentage points
  • Sand Pine Elementary, 26 percentage points
  • Seven Springs Elementary, 19 percentage points
  • Veterans Elementary, 11 percentage points

Another 23 schools increased or maintained the percentage of students scoring a Level 3 or higher.

Overall, Pasco County’s third-graders showed the highest proficiency percentage in the Tampa Bay area.

Timothy Beard aces review
Pasco-Hernando State College president Timothy Beard earned near-perfect scores on his annual review, for a second year in a row, by the college’s District Board of Trustees.

The nine-member College Board of Trustees gave him an overall average score of 4.8 out of 5, noting his excellent communications with the District Board of Trustees, community stakeholders, and with  administrators on the college’s administrative leadership team.

Beard earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.72 for community, state and national relations; a 4.78 for fiscal accountability; a 4.82 for leadership; and a 4.81 for accountability.

This review is consistent with last year’s review that showed Beard’s strong marks in all categories. The president’s overall average score of those categories in 2018 was 4.79.

Universities collaborate
Two Catholic universities have come together to make it easier for education, health care, law enforcement and other public-service professionals to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement.

Through a collaborative effort, Saint Leo University will provide prospective students with an easy-to-navigate admissions process, and Notre Dame de Namur University will offer a quality online master’s degree program in public administration that fits the career and lifestyle needs of adult students.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares professionals for administrative and management positions in public, nonprofit and service-related organizations.

The MPA is the preferred degree for many public-sector leaders because it delivers a comprehensive overview of organizations that rely on government budgets, taxes, or grants for funding.

The fall term for the Notre Dame program begins on Aug. 26. Applications will be accepted through mid-August.

To learn more about the master’s program and admissions, visit SaintLeo.edu/ndnu, or call (888) 875-8265.

 

New charter school under construction in Wesley Chapel

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Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel is under construction in the Avalon Park West community, off State Road 54.

Officials for Pinecrest and Avalon Park West invited the community to a groundbreaking ceremony, held mostly indoors at Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel, which is next door.

The new charter school, expected to open in the fall of 2020, will eventually serve kindergarten through eighth grade, and possibly older students.

Fernando Barroso, of Academica, offered some remarks during a groundbreaking ceremony for Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel. Academica is the education services provider for Pinecrest Academy. (B.C. Manion)

The opening will coincide with the completion of the widening of State Road 54, which runs in front of the school.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel will provide all students with a core curriculum of English/language arts, mathematics, social science, science, and electives, such as performing and fine arts, world languages, Project Lead the Way and other offerings, according to the school’s website. Parents who are interested in the school can go to the website (PinecrestWesleyChapel.com) to fill out an interest form.

Melissa Farmer, who attended the groundbreaking with her 5-year-old son, Mason, is one of those people who is interested in learning more about the school.

Even though the charter school won’t open for a year, she’s attracted to the possibility because she believes that charter schools tend to have smaller class sizes and usually offer a higher general quality of education.

So, when the Lake Bernadette resident learned that the new school was coming, she was eager to find out more.

The Pasco County School Board approved Pinecrest’s charter application in 2017. Academica is the education service provider for all of the Pinecrest schools.

Fernando Barroso,  a representative of Academica, expressed gratitude for the support that Pinecrest has received from the Pasco County school district’s staff, and from the school board.

“I’d like to thank our partners in Avalon Park,” Barroso added. “Avalon Park group is a great entity. This isn’t our first school that we’ve built with them and it’s not going to be our last.”

Barroso added: “It’s been a tremendous amount of work, just to get here today. Yet, it’s just the beginning. The tough, heavy lifting, is in front of us.”

Judith Marty, founding board chair for Pinecrest charter schools, said ‘once we commit to a community, we’re not going to let you down.’

Pastor Dave Huff, of Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel, said he’s pleased that a new school is being built in the community.

“For the longest time, there was nothing but trees. The school coming in, is awesome,” Huff said.

Judith Marty, founding board chair of Pinecrest, is enthusiastic about bringing Pinecrest’s brand of education to a new locale.

“Thank you for being here and thank you for believing in us,” Marty told those gathered. Then, she offered a brief recap of Pinecrest’s history.

When Pinecrest began its first school, the construction was delayed, she said.

“So, we opened in a banquet hall with a hundred students.”

As the school’s operations went on, parents of fourth- and fifth-graders asked for a middle school, and then they wanted a high school, Marty said.

Now, Pinecrest has 16 schools and is opening more. Most of its schools operate in South Florida, but it also has four charter schools in Nevada and will be opening another one in August.

All of the schools are high performing, Marty said.

For instance, “Pinecrest Prep High School is graduating 99 percent, with a population that is predominantly Hispanic. We also are placing 97 percent of those students in college,” she said.

“Once we commit to a community, we’re not going to let you down,” Marty promised.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group, told the gathering that in the mid-1980s he invited two dozen real estate agents in Orlando to ask them for recommendations of what would be good to offer the people of east Orlando, at what would become Avalon Park East.

Kahli suspected they would tell him to build golf courses, or a waterpark.

Instead, they told him: “We want good schools.”

From that, he learned, “If you have a good school, everything else follows.”

Now, Kahli is involved in creating Avalon Park West, which, when completed, is expected to have 4,400 residential units, 560,000 square feet of commercial space and 120,000 square feet of office space.

Avalon Park West kicked off the development of its downtown with a ribbon cutting last fall.

When the project is completed, Kahli said, it “will be a town, where you never have to leave if you don’t want because you will be able to satisfy all of your needs.”

“It’s great to be here in Wesley Chapel,” he said. “Let’s build this downtown. Let’s start with the most important — the school.”

Published June 19, 2019

Chalk Talk 06/19/2019

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(Courtesy of Jill Evans)

Scholarship winners
For the past 12 years, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has awarded two of their high school seniors with a $2,500 scholarship. Patty Sarne, executive vice president of  SACFCU, presented Megan Partain and Megan Simonelli as this year’s winners at Pasco High School’s award ceremony. Seniors from five different high schools in Pasco County applied for the scholarships.

 

 

(Courtesy of Sandra Graves)

Outstanding students
The Republican Party of Pasco recognized the recipients of its executive committee’s scholarship program at a barbecue hosted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. Each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship at their respective school’s award ceremony. From left: Brendan Jarrell, Genesis Preparatory; Daniel Sterben, Fivay High School; RaeAnna Castler, home-schooled; Congressman Gus Bilirakis; Megan Simonelli, Pasco High; Josie Wedge, Zephyrhills High; and Representative Amber Mariano.

Babysitter camp
Pasco County Schools will offer a summer camp for boys and girls in grades 6 to 12 who want to learn to babysit and have an interest in early childhood education.

The camp will be hosted at Land O’ Lakes High School, 20235 Gator Lane, June 24 to July 5 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Campers can learn how to care for, interact with, and plan activities for toddlers and preschool-age children.

All participants can earn a certification in babysitting, first aid, CPR and AED, and will receive a drawstring backpack full of resources, a pocket first aid kit, flashlight and DVD.

For fee information and to register, call the Office for After School Enrichment Programs at (813) 794-2298.

Stuff the Backpack
The First National Bank of Pasco and the Thomas Promise Foundation have partnered for a “Stuff the Backpack” Drive, through July 26.

Collected items will be distributed to participating Pasco County Schools.

Donations needed include: pencils, pens, scissors, index cards, notebooks, folders, paper, glue sticks, colored pencils, liquid soap, Ziploc bags, crayons, Kleenex, highlighters, erasers, pencil boxes, rulers and hand sanitizers.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies.

Items can be dropped off at any of the four First National Bank of Pasco branches.

Grad writes mathematical formula
 A 2015 graduate of the International Baccalaureate program at Land O’ Lakes High School has earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University with multiple distinctions, and has accepted a position with Amgen Inc., a biotechnology corporation.

Amanda Luce was one of only 22 members of the Class of 2019 at Saint Leo to complete the rigorous Honors Program.

Luce majored in mathematics and was jointly awarded by the Honors Program and the Department of Mathematics and Science a departmental distinction for her work in the math major.

She conducted a numerical analysis of the opioid epidemic for her senior research project. Luce minored in economics.

She also was honored by the College of Arts and Sciences with its annual Excellence in Academic Leadership Award, recognizing her part-time work on campus as a tutor for mathematics classes, her initiative to spend a semester abroad at the National University of Ireland in Galway, and her grades.

Transfer-student scholarships
Saint Leo University is offering a new scholarship to ease the transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year bachelor degree.

The Study Florida Transfer Scholarship, which awards students who have earned an associate degree a 50-percent tuition discount, is available for students transferring to Saint Leo for the fall 2019 semester.

Classes begin Aug. 20.

Transfer students and their families can learn more about the scholarship, complete an on-the-spot transfer credit evaluation, receive instant admission, and register for fall courses.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu/transfer-students-admissions.

Area schools among the top
Twelve Tampa Bay area schools were ranked among the top 100 public high schools in Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best High Schools rankings.

The highest-ranked area school was Plant High, which finished 36th in the state and 582nd in the nation.

In addition to Plant High, the other Hillsborough County schools in the top 100 were: Steinbrenner (43), Newsome (46), Sickles (53) Brooks Debartolo Collegiate (59), Robinson (68) and Tampa Bay Tech (95).

Pasco County’s Land O’ Lakes High School was ranked 54th.

Four high schools in Pinellas County also made the cut: East Lake (76), St. Petersburg (97), Palm Harbor University High (98) and Osceola Fundamental High (100).

Certification pass rates
Pasco County Schools Professional Development Certification Program teachers had the highest pass rate on teacher certification exams in more program areas than any other Florida school district.

Pasco’s pass rate led the state on the following exams:

  • Elementary Ed K-6 Subtest 2: Social Science (100 percent pass rate)
  • Elementary Ed K-6 Subtest 3: Science (100 percent pass rate)
  • English 6-12 Multiple Choice Section (80 percent pass rate)
  • English 6-12 Written Performance Section (90 percent pass rate)

Pasco teachers made the list of Top Performers in a total of seven of 20 reported sections of Florida teacher certification exams.

Pasco ranked third and was one of five districts achieving a 100 percent pass rate on Exceptional Student Education K-12; ranked second on the Elementary Ed K-6 Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading (80 percent pass rate); and, ranked sixth on Elementary Ed K-6 Subtest 4: Mathematics certification exams (70 percent pass rate).

The Professional Development Certification Programs (PDCP) provide educator training for public school instructional staff who are non-education baccalaureate or higher degree holders.

Those who complete the PDCP program are awarded a Florida Professional Educator Certificate.

 

Pasco County honors its 2019 graduates

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As graduates stepped across the stage at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center to accept their diplomas — the crowd erupted with cheers and applause.

That’s not an atypical reaction at graduation ceremonies, but this one was particularly special.

The Class of 2019 at Cypress Creek Middle High School made history on June 5, by becoming the first crop of graduates from the Wesley Chapel high school.

Lucas Budd, class valedictorian, addresses his peers, during the Graduate-to-Graduate Message portion of the program. (Christine Holtzman)

They were among thousands of seniors marking the traditional rite of passage, in graduation ceremonies large and small across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Many of those graduation ceremonies took place at USF’s Yuengling Center, but some were held in smaller, more intimate settings.

The Cypress Creek seniors wore gowns donned with green and yellow — representing their school colors.

These graduates have been leaders at the school since it opened in the Fall of 2017, without a senior class.

“Every graduating class is special, but these guys and girls are incredibly near and dear to our hearts,” said Cypress Creek Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles. “They’ve literally built the foundation for this school.”

The graduating class is comprised of 225 students, included six pairs of twins.

Many Cypress Creek graduates have been accepted already to colleges, such as  Saint Leo University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and scores of others.

“I’ve been accepted into USF since September (2018),” said Cypress Creek graduate Hayley McManus.

She’s considering a major in engineering or psychology.

Graduation marks an end, and a beginning
Thousands of students across the region are leaving a familiar place — whether it was a sprawling college campus, a small private school, or a large high school — to start a new journey in life.

The thought of receiving her diploma was a lot to take in, for McManus, an 18-year-old from Cypress Creek.

Lisa McMahon, a speech therapist at Cypress Creek High School, straightens the cap of graduate Matthew Montesant, before festivities begin.

“It’s kind of surreal,” she said. “I had hopes that I would graduate, but I never thought about how being the inaugural class would feel. I feel kind of special that I’m setting the precedent.”

Sam Mazzeo had a similar feeling of pride about being Cypress Creek’s first graduating class, and also about helping to set an example for the school’s younger students.

He wants to return to Cypress Creek to help coach football.

Jason Stahlgren, a Florida transplant from Ohio, didn’t arrive at Cypress Creek until his senior year.

But, the warm welcome he received made it a good experience, he said.

“Moving my senior year was tough, but everybody here made it really easy,” said Stahlgren.

When Karisma Brooks initially arrived at Cypress Creek, her only desire was to return to her former high school in Tampa, she recalled.

Over time, though, she adjusted to her new environment and was able to create some memorable moments – especially as a member of the school’s first step team.

“It was a really big impact on us to bring African-American culture to the school,” Brooks said, with a smile.

The 17-year-old is now ready to serve her country as part of the U.S. Air Force, and then plans to seek a degree in health sciences.

Graduates earn diplomas, accolades
Lucas Budd, the Cypress Creek valedictorian, was one of more than 60 Pasco seniors from various high schools to receive an associate’s degree from Pasco-Hernando State College.

During the ceremony, Budd told his fellow students: “Today marks the end of a significant and memorable chapter in our lives. Be proud of this accomplishment, but leave some praise for the people who helped us graduate. We should be thankful for our families who have supported us.”

Lori Vogel was in the crowd to support Ashley Nickisher, a graduate and Vogel’s niece.

“This is a very special moment, and I’m very excited for her,” Vogel said.

A group of Cypress Creek High School graduates pose for a picture with the school’s mascot, Carmine the Coyote, before the graduation ceremony. From left: Derek Attwood, Michae’la Davis, Christian Wilmore (dressed as the mascot), Rebecca Bobik and Jonathan Blake.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Cypress Creek Principal Hetzler-Nettles told the Class of 2019: “You’ve made me so very proud. As you move into life on your own personal journey and to new territory, exploring new things, remember what you’ve accomplished. You’re an integral part of something larger than yourself.”

While Cypress Creek graduates were making history, members of the Class of 2019 across Pasco County had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Land O’ Lakes High School, with more than 400 graduates, received more than $12 million in scholarship offers.

Zephyrhills High, with an estimated 360 graduates, pulled in more than $750,000 in scholarship offers.

Pasco High School, which issued diplomas to more than 300 students, received more than $1 million in scholarship money.

And, that’s just to mention a few of the accomplishments, among the region’s public schools.

Private schools and area colleges also had plenty of reasons to be proud.

Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes had its graduation ceremony on May 18.

“We had 42 graduates – 100 percent of them going on to college,” said Mark Heller, head of the private school.

Among the schools accepting Academy students are Yale University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, University of Washington and the Pratt Institute art school.

“At a school like Academy at the Lakes, relationships are everything,” Heller stated. “Relationships between the teachers and students really are the key to preparing these young adults to be the best they can be.”

Even at the collegiate level, there was much to be celebrated.

Pasco-Hernando State College had two commencement ceremonies at its West Campus in New Port Richey.

Graduate Stephanie Bostick received an associate of arts and associate of science degree in legal assisting. Tracy Meshey persevered with a brain injury to earn her associate of science degree, and Maria Madeiros received her associate of arts degree after relocating from her native Brazil and learning to speak English.

Saint Leo University awarded more than 1,250 degrees.

The university’s valedictorian was Angela Lazzaro, a psychology major. Its salutatorian was Jennifer Fields, a criminal justice major.

Published June 12, 2019

Chalk Talk 06/12/2019

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Students immerse themselves in Jewish culture
Hillel Academy’s eighth-grade students arrived at their ultimate destination — Israel — in May, after studying Israel, Hebrew and Judaism for years.

Eighth-graders from Hillel Academy stop for a group photo at the Syrian Border, on a recent class trip to Israel. (Courtesy of Leslie Farrell)

From an early age, the students learn the geographic location of Israel, cities and important facts about the country, including Jewish beliefs, traditions, history, prayers and rituals.

While in Israel, the students were able to ride camels, watch the sun set over a crater, swim in the Dead Sea, volunteer at Leket Nahalal, hike the Arbel mountain, and attend evening celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) on Ben Yehuda Street, and more.

They also walked the streets of Tel Aviv, spoke Hebrew with the residents, visited the Nachalat Binyamin (arts & crafts market) and the Rabin Museum.

While in Jerusalem, the students prayed and left notes from other Hillel students, teachers and parents at the Western Wall.

New academy owners
All Aboard Christian Academy, 36233 Clinton Ave., in Dade City, has new owners who are lifetime residents of the community, and who have extensive experience in education and child care, according to a release.

The academy’s mission is to provide a loving, supportive, safe and educational environment for families who need infant, toddler, preschool, school-age care and education for their children.

For more information, call (352) 567-0032, or visit AllAboardChristianAcademy.com.

Teacher appreciation
As part of its Summer of Appreciation, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is offering kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers free admission with one full-price, single-day paid admission, through Aug. 31.

Proof of employment must be presented at the ticket window to receive offer.

For information, visit ZooTampa.org.

Teen academics
Saint Leo University will offer two new academic summer camps — a social justice camp for high school juniors and seniors, and an environmental science and sustainability camp for ages 14 to 18.

The social justice program is an overnight camp for students to work with community partners on projects related to freedom, justice, equality, sustainability, peace and fairness.

The camp will be from June 23 to June 29.

For information, call (352) 588-7324.

The environmental camp is planned for June 24 to June 28. Students can experience the field and the laboratory in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, along with instruction in collecting, analyzing and interpreting samples, and identifying organisms.

For information, call (352) 588-8365.

For details on both camps, visit SaintLeoCamps.com.

Stuff the Backpack
The First National Bank of Pasco and the Thomas Promise Foundation have partnered for a “Stuff the Backpack” Drive, through July 26.

Collected items will be distributed to participating Pasco County Schools.

Donations needed include: pencils, pens, scissors, index cards, notebooks, folders, paper, glue sticks, colored pencils, liquid soap, Ziploc bags, crayons, Kleenex, highlighters, erasers, pencil boxes, rulers and hand sanitizers.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies.

Items can be dropped off at any of the four First National Bank of Pasco branches.

Free HART rides for students
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) again will offer its Summer Blast Pass through Aug. 31 for Hillsborough County students ages 5 to 18. Proof of age is required.

The Blast Pass provides unlimited rides on HART Local, Limited Express, MetroRapid and HARTFlex services.

The pass can be picked up at any of HART’s three Tampa locations.

For office locations and information, visit GoHART.org.

Dual enrollment graduates
Pasco County students from 14 high schools graduated from Pasco-Hernando State College before their 2019 high school graduation, through dual enrollment courses and collegiate high school.

Dual enrollment and collegiate classes are offered at no cost while a student is in high school, which can save families thousands of dollars in college tuition and textbook costs.

The schools and number of students who earned AA degrees are: Anclote High School, 1; Dayspring Academy, 9; Fivay High, 7; Gulf High, 1; Hudson High, 4; Land O’ Lakes High, 6; Mitchell High, 4; Pasco eSchool, 1; Pasco High, 8; River Ridge High, 4; Sunlake High, 2; Wesley Chapel High, 3; Wiregrass Ranch High, 8; and Zephyrhills High, 3.

CNA Program
The United Way of Pasco County, Life Church and CNA Training & Testing Center will offer a Work Ready CNA Program.

Candidates will receive a CNA course and manual; CPR 2-year certification; electronic fingerprinting; state exam; and scrubs and a stethoscope.

Candidates must be able to attend all program dates, expectations and processes.

Preference will be given to those living in Pasco County, attend Life Church and Life Community Center events.

Applications are online and must be submitted no later than June 17 at midnight.

For information, call (813) 994-0985.

To apply, visit form.jotform.com/Granger_Robin/CNA-Work-Ready.

Sunlake High turns in soaring performances

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Sunlake High School knows how to keep the energy level up — both on and off campus, with the help of its color guard, marching band and choir groups.

Whether twirling flags, playing instruments or singing — students from Sunlake have performed well regionally and even nationally.

Draped in school colors, the Land O’ Lakes Sunlake High marching band has taken its musical performances throughout Florida, and nationwide. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Band’s Twitter page)

“We’re a very comprehensive program,” explained Brandon Slaughter, Sunlake’s band director. “Most of the time we perform at local high schools, in either their gyms [or] concert halls.”

The school has a marching band, a concert band, a choir, instrumental groups and a color guard.

And, while each group has independent rehearsals, they often come together to perform in shows, such as the Winter Showcase Concert.

The showcase typically is at the end of each year and lasts for about two hours – offering anywhere from 35 to 40 different acts.

The ensemble’s recognition has allowed them to entertain at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and out of state at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, just to mention two.

In uniforms bearing the school’s colors — black, white, teal and gold — the marching band has made its mark, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The program recruits students with an interest in music and dance through word of mouth, and through directors speaking with local middle school students who are preparing to enter high school.

Parents help with recruitment, too, said Paul Champion, Sunlake’s choir director, noting they pass on the word to other parents.

When talking to parents about the program, Champion said he tells them that students who take part develop strong time management skills.

The emphasis on recruitment has resulted in an increase in participation, Champion said.

“The chorus here has grown greatly in numbers since two years ago,” Champion said, more than doubling in size.

The young women of Sunlake High School’s color guard recently won the silver medal at the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio.

Jonathan Bearint didn’t need to be persuaded to join the marching band.

His interest was first sparked back in fifth grade, as he watched his older sister perform shows at her school.

“As soon as I saw their first marching show on the football field, I decided I [wanted] to be a part of that,” the 11th-grader recalled.

As a French horn player, Bearint has helped set a precedent for his school’s band. His percussion class is a four-time champion for the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit competition.

“It set the record for winning the most consecutive championships for the state of Florida, which is absolutely incredible,” band director Slaughter noted. “Those kids work so hard competing.”

While Bearint is happy with the accolades of the percussion class, he said he is equally impressed by the cohesive nature of all the groups performing as one.

“I like how everyone comes together,” he said. “Everyone in their individual part just comes together and makes a bigger picture that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunlake junior, Nicole Boisson, also has seen the rewards of hard work and persistence.

As color guard captain, she has taken her team to the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio to become the silver medalist winners.

The 16-year-old was initially a part of the school band, but soon traded her marching uniform for another physical activity.

“I decided to try something new – spinning flags, spinning rifle(s) – and I just fell in love with it,” Boisson explained.

Although she often competes with other school teams, she said that it feels like they all belong in one family unit.

As this school semester comes to a close, the Sunlake ensemble already is preparing for the next.

They’ve started summer training, which includes a mini camp, and have their eyes set on the Bands of America Regional Championship in October.

Even in the midst of rehearsing, the ensemble remains open to new recruits.

“We welcome everybody,” Slaughter said. “Every time we start a new season, the most advanced student to the beginner all start with the same training. If we’re all starting in the same place, we’ll progress a little bit better going forward.”

The directors enjoy seeing their students succeed, but they also emphasize to them the importance of appreciating the art of what they do.

“I always say that I get to teach the best kids in the world,” Champion said. “It’s about developing and fostering a lifelong love for music.”

Published June 05, 2019