The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 06/05/2019

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Special scholarship awarded
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced the addition of a special scholarship award, the 2019 Marilyn Wannamaker Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the past president of the club. Wannamaker also served on the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Board.

Woman’s club president Karin D’Amico and award recipient, firefighter Mark Fisher (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Since 2012, the club has awarded two scholarships annually from the Lutz Volunteer Fireman’s Scholarship Endowment Fund. However, the club found it appropriate to expand the awards to include three Lutz resident students, in view of Mark Fisher’s outstanding resume as husband, dad to four teenage sons, a fulltime firefighter with 14-plus years of service, and a student at St. Petersburg College. Fisher is completing his undergraduate studies in public administration/fire administration.

The woman’s club saluted firefighter Mark Fisher with the Marilyn Wannamaker scholarship, in the amount of $5,000.

This year, the club awarded a record-breaking total of $25,000 in scholarship grants.

In addition to recipient Mark Fisher, monetary awards of $5,000 each also were given to Classical Preparatory School senior Zachary Brown and Sunlake High School senior Jillian Gordy, both of Lutz.

Students receiving a $2,500 award from the woman’s club scholarship fund included:

  • Rochelle Brito, of Lutz, Steinbrenner High senior
  • Alexa Scalchunes, of Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake High senior
  • Ian Michael Spurza, of Lutz, Middleton Magnet High School senior
  • Taylor Tarver, of Lutz, Steinbrenner High senior

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is proud of its decades of commitment to and support of education in the community, and congratulates its 2019 scholarship recipients.

Applications being accepted for teaching prizes
The 2019 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence will award cash prizes totaling $1 million to 18 of America’s best public high school skilled trades teachers or teacher teams and their programs.

According to a release, the prize was started in 2017 by Harbor Freight’s founder, Eric Smidt, to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the valuable work of teachers who inspire students to learn a trade that prepares them for life after graduation.

The application process and the prize are designed to give teachers access to ideas and practices through a network of likeminded educators and leaders.

Applicants are asked to review and respond to a series of online expert-led video learning modules.

Deadline to apply for teachers and teacher teams is June 17.

Visit HFTForSchoolsPrize.org.

Turnaround awards
Pasco County Schools recognized 35 middle and high school students with a Turnaround Achievement Award.

These students were honored for “taking control of their learning, and their lives, to get back on-track,” according to Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a statement.

  • Dylan Holland-Wright, Achieve Center of Pasco
  • Nilda Delgado, Anclote High School
  • Zachariah Germann, Bayonet Point Middle
  • Fatima Morales, Centennial Middle
  • Ken Cobbs, Charles S. Rushe Middle
  • Jaheim Ellenwood, Chasco Middle
  • Thomas Fatolitis, Crews Lake Middle
  • Stewart Garcia, Cypress Creek Middle High
  • Gabriella Rios, Cypress Creek Middle High
  • Caleb Poston, Dr. John Long Middle
  • Dakota Hatch, Fivay High
  • Leslie Lara, Gulf High
  • David McDaniel, Gulf Middle
  • Brodie Haith, Harry Schwettman Education Center
  • Heather Seitz, Hudson High
  • Brooke Beck, Hudson Middle
  • Nicole Schroeder, J.W. Mitchell High
  • Stevie McKnight, James Irvin Education Center
  • Jacob Cloutier, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Ezekiel Gross, Pasco eSchool-Middle
  • Matthew Behrle, Pasco eSchool-High
  • Benancio Valdez, Pasco High
  • C’andre Brown, Pasco Middle
  • David Bidigare, Paul R. Smith Middle
  • Sigure Oneal, Pine View Middle
  • David Jaramillo, R. B. Stewart Middle
  • Kaden Winchell, River Ridge High
  • Shelby Lopata, River Ridge Middle
  • Marissa Ellis, Seven Springs Middle
  • Kristian Garza, Sunlake High
  • Javionah Davis, Thomas E. Weightman Middle
  • Dimytri Gassler, Wendell Krinn Technical High
  • Sophie Keller, Wesley Chapel High
  • Jackson Francis, Wiregrass Ranch High
  • Jack Seymour, Zephyrhills High

Best online college
Pasco-Hernando State College is one of 18 schools in the SR Education Group that was selected as a 2019 best online community college in Florida.

The school ranked 11th on the list, with an annual tuition of $3,155; accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; two online associate degrees, two online bachelor degrees, and five online certificate programs; and campuses in Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, New Port Richey and Brooksville.

The SR Education Group is a leading education research publisher founded in 2004.

To develop the 2019 rankings, SR only considered states with at least three regionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online associate degree.

Each community college on the list received a score based on factors, including retention rate, graduation rate and percentage of online enrollment data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

The number of online associate degrees offered was collected from school websites and considered in the ranking score as well.

For information, visit SREducationGroup.org.

 

School to get $33 million renovation

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One of Pasco County’s oldest high schools is set to undergo a major makeover.

Across the next two-plus years, Zephyrhills High School will see a number of upgrades to not only give the school a modern aesthetic, but also to enhance campus safety and the overall learning environment.

The total price tag: $33 million, funded through Penny for Pasco.

Rendering of the campus’ renovated front entrance. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Details about the renovation project were shared by Pasco school district officials and contractors during a May 22 parent meeting.

The project is being completed by Tampa-based Peter Hepner Architects and Clearwater-based Creative Contractors.

An initial phase is set to be complete this summer — a new two-story, 17-classroom building, bringing the school’s capacity to accommodate about 1,950 students.

Other phases of the project will address the school’s existing main campus.

Among the highlights are state-of the-art classrooms and laboratories for the school’s career technical education programs.

For instance, the school’s criminal justice program will feature a 911 communications center, while a health occupations classroom will resemble a hospital setting, equipped with multiple beds, sinks and curtains. The school’s science, agriculture and building construction technology programs will see an enlarged space for better hands-on learning, as well.

Meantime, the media center will be remodeled with flat-screen technology, small group conference rooms and circulation desks, made to resemble “a university-type collaborative space,” architect Peter Hepner said.

Other notable additions include an expanded cafeteria and additional restrooms, plus upgrades to the commons area, teacher’s lounge and administration suites.

Rendering of the schools’ common areas. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Buildings will be overhauled with a new air conditioning system, fire sprinkler system and energy-efficient LED lighting, along with new glass windows and tile flooring planned throughout.

The school’s exterior will experience a facelift, too.

The main entry will be incorporated with more brick elements and a larger canopy to allow for more covered area during drop-offs and pickups in inclement weather. And, a courtyard and a gated perimeter with ornamental fencing will be installed.

Elsewhere, as an effort to enhance safety measures, some entrances to the school will be eliminated and become emergency exits only. Classroom doors will be altered with more secure locks, to prevent break-ins. Also, school visitors will be required to enter a new enclosed reception area to get checked in, before gaining access to the commons area.

The entire renovation project is expected to be complete by December 2021. Work will have to take place during school hours, but Hepner said disruption will be minimal with fences and visual and acoustic barriers, separating construction zones from daily school activity.

“There’s a lot that’s going to go into this project,” said Hepner, who’s firm is also working on the $29 million renovation at Land O’ Lakes High School. “It takes a little while to do it, but as each phase gets done, it just gets more and more exciting.”

Zephyrhills principal Angie Stone said the upgrades “bring this 1970s building back to life.”

“We just can’t wait,” Stone said, of the renovations. “The teachers are excited, we’re excited.”

Pasco Schools superintendent Kurt Browning also expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming enhancements.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to get this project going,” he said. “This school district is really committed to Zephyrhills High School and this community. We want the very best for our students, our teachers, our administrators and the Zephyrhills community.”

Published May 29, 2019

Lutz students strive to protect wildlife

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Diminishing waste in local oceans is an important mission for third-grader Lilly Kate Paban.

In fact, she has been motivated to start an afterschool program at her Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, to both educate fellow students and to get them to go outdoors to take action.

She was first inspired when her then-science teacher, Christopher Bell, explained to the class the plight animals face when they mistakenly consume plastic littered in the sea.

Lilly Kate Paban, 9, displays one of the seven laptops donated by the Tribridge tech company for a new club at Learning Gate Community School. The club, conceptualized by Paban and her three schoolmates, will educate other kids on keeping oceans clean for animals, plus going outdoors to take action. (Courtesy of Joelle Paban)

Lilly Kate has always loved animals, especially dolphins. In fact, her dream came true when she got the opportunity to swim alongside one.

Her care for wildlife compelled her to help in some way, and she asked three of her friends at school for support.

“I gathered my friends and was like, ‘we should start a club to help the environment.’

“Our goal is to clean up most of the plastic in the oceans so that none of the animals get extinct,” the 9-year-old explained.

Once the girls devised a plan for an environmental club, they approached their principal with the idea, which was met with approval.

In building support, Lilly Kate recruited her mother, Joelle, as a club volunteer.

Joelle admitted she was shocked at first, unaware of her daughter’s good cause, but willing to help.

“How can I say no to my kid?” Joelle responded with a smile. “I’m going to support any endeavor my child wants to do.”

While the club is in the early stages, plans are already being established.

The girls have decided their target audience to join is second grade to seventh grade students.

They would also like to collect membership fees in order to fund group trips and  further their cause in protecting wildlife.

Lilly Kate attributes her independence and go-getter mindset to her mother, who takes her and her younger sister, Stellie, to school.

Joelle has her own executive assistant business. On their commute, the girls often hear their mother on the phone discussing her company.

That business savvy helped Lilly Kate and her friends form the blueprint for the afterschool program.

“I couldn’t be any more proud,” Joelle stated. “This is something that they want to give back to nature, and do their tiny part in this world.”

However, the girls’ efforts were just beginning. They sent a handwritten letter to the Tampa tech company Tribridge – asking for whatever support it could offer.

The letter reached the company by Friday, May 10 and that following Monday, the girls got quite a surprise while in school.

Pete Loach, IT manager at Tribridge, personally donated seven laptops to help move the club forward.

“Just what a tiny letter can do, can make a big change,” Lilly Kate mentioned.

Joelle and her husband, Mario, also extend gratitude to Bell for helping spark their daughter’s interest in environmental awareness through his class.

Both parents attested to the teacher’s dedication toward his students.

“This guy’s life [is] these children,” Joelle said. “He brought passion.”

Now with new laptops, the group can conduct proper research and track the oceans’ red tide, Lilly Kate said.

She added that there are plans to do summer beach cleanups before the program officially starts next semester.

With the initiative of several third-graders, many kids can learn to carry the mantle for a cleaner and safer tomorrow.

Published May 29, 2019

Chalk Talk 05/29/2019

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(Courtesy of Jodie Ratliff)

Students’ dedication pays off
The students in VPK and Explorers at Primrose School at Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, participated in a Read-A-Thon to purchase gardening benches and a Lil Library for the school’s Primrose Patch.

The school also invested in creating a butterfly garden to help the Monarch butterfly migration from Mexico to Canada, and added milkweed and other butterfly-friendly flowers, a butterfly bath and additional bushes for shelter.

Not long after, the students began spotting caterpillars and butterflies, and even chrysalises.

Due to the students’ hard work and dedication, the Primrose Patch was named a certified wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation.

In addition, the patch is now producing pumpkins, squash, zucchini, green beans, peas, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, spinach and radishes. There also is an herb garden for the school chef, Mr. Burgos.

Primrose Schools hopes to get approved for a mud kitchen and playground scale so students can pot, plant and wash the produce right in the garden.

Haul passes available
The Student Summer Haul Pass, which gives unlimited rides on PCPT buses (Pasco County Public Transportation), is now available for $20, and valid June 1 through Aug. 31.

The pass allows students to go to the beach, swimming pool, shopping, visit with friends, summer employment, and to save money.

Those interested must have a current student ID from a school or university, or a PCPT ID with a green background.

Students can purchase the pass at any county library; at the Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, Dade City or Wesley Chapel campus bookstore; at the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Government Centers; or at the PCPT Administrative Office.

Summer food service program
The Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to kids and teens during the summer. Meals will be served at sites across the county from June 5 through July 31.

There are no income requirements or registration necessary, and anyone age 18 and younger can participate.

The Lakeview Café, adjacent to Land O’ Lakes High School, will be open all summer to serve free lunch to kids and teens. Adults can purchase a meal, too.

In addition to the school cafeterias that will provide meal service, six mobile feeding buses will make lunch stops at locations throughout Dade City/Lacoochee, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Hudson and Port Richey.

For a list of addresses and times, or to view the summer menu, visit SummerFoodPasco.net.

Student achievements

  • Emily Altier, of Wesley Chapel, graduated from Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, with a Master of Education, Athletic Administration.
  • Cole Dean Cooper, of Odessa, and Caroline Amanda Meisner, of Lutz, were named to the spring Dean’s List at Greensboro College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Meisner also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre.
  • Thais Jacomassi, of Lutz, made the spring Dean’s List at Emerson College, in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Julianna Mitten, of Odessa, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Cedarville University, Ohio.
  • Amber Morgan Orosco, of Tampa, received the Art History senior year prize at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Orosco is an art history and visual arts major.
  • Summer Solovitch, of Dade City, made the spring Dean’s List at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. Solovitch also graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science.
  • Sarah Sprague, of Lutz, graduated from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. Sprague also was named to the spring Dean’s List.
  • Shareeq Syed, of Lutz, graduated from the University of the Cumberlands, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, with a Master of Science in information systems and security.
  • Zane Thomas Tarrance, of Odessa, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina.
  • Mariela Deynes Tofani, of Lutz, made the Emerson College spring Dean’s List. Emerson is in Boston, Massachusetts.

Local student participates in UN Model
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) student Samuel Goetz, of Odessa, attended the National Model United Nations in New York City.

About 6,000 students from nearly 50 countries participated in the simulation, which included discussions of issues facing the international community, aiming to overcome the obstacles diplomats face when addressing them.

The TCC students, representing the UN delegation from Libya, won three awards, earning a Distinguished Delegation Award for the overall team effort, and two Position Paper Awards, which are based on the quality of research and written positions submitted prior to the conference.

Students interested in participating in the TCC Model United Nations starting in the fall semester should email or .

Use a first job as framework for success
A recent survey by PayScale has found that only about 50 percent of managers felt that recent graduates were ready for full-time work.

The skills that managers often found lacking in graduates included critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and leadership.

In a release, Matt Stewart, co-founder of College Works Painting, gives these tips for that first job that can also be applied to a career path.

Start small, think big. Young people tend to look for a job at a prestigious big-name company, so don’t overlook small companies that would allow more freedom to take on a variety of different roles, which would add to your growth.

Find a mentor. Find a respected leader and reach out for advice. Pay attention to what they did to get where they are.

Do more than the job description. Move up or redefine your position by taking on more than the minimum expectations of the job. Volunteer for new projects, committees, training others, etc. Don’t be afraid to fail.

Find comfort in discomfort. The greatest self-growth is achieved when you challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Keep yourself in a state of constant growth and train yourself to handle stress while you are young.

In your first job, Stewart said to “be prepared to embrace and learn from things that may seem suboptimal on the surface, and even from some of your mistakes.”

Chalk Talk 05/22/2019

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Alumna of the Year
Pasco-Hernando State College recognized Heather Fiorentino, former Pasco County superintendent of schools, with the 2019 Distinguished Alumna Award during the Student Life and Leadership Program.

Heather Fiorentino

Heather Rose-Fiorentino (’78) was among the first students who attended the West Campus in New Port Richey, in 1976, the year the campus was established.

She co-founded the Pasco Deaf Education Center and taught sign language at the college starting in 1984, the same year she received a degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida.

Fiorentino taught at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School and was awarded Pasco County’s Teacher of the Year in 1994.

She has served on the New Port Richey City Council, served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, and was elected Pasco’s first female superintendent of schools in 2004, a post she had through 2012.

In retirement, Fiorentino serves on volunteer boards and remains involved in civic organizations and events.

Carrollwood Day appointment
Carrollwood Day School’s Head of School Ryan Kelly announced the appointment of Sara Rubinstein as the school’s first assistant head of school for academics, beginning July 1. Rubinstein also will continue to serve as upper school head.

Sara Rubinstein

As assistant head of school for academics, she will oversee all aspects of curriculum, teaching and learning as set forth by the head of school and rooted in the school’s mission.

Rubinstein will be the school’s chief academic officer and will collaborate with other division heads to ensure Carrollwood Day is delivering academic excellence to all students.

Together with the division heads, department chairs and grade-level leads, IB coordinators and other administrators, she will have strategic oversight of the review, revision and delivery of mission-aligned curricular content; design and implementation of academic policies and practices; and evaluation of programs and activities.

Rubinstein also will be charged with oversight in collaboration with division heads of teaching practices, professional development opportunities and evaluation of faculty.

Students place in national competition
The high school students at Land O’ Lakes Christian School took part in the 42nd annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition in Greenville, South Carolina.

Approximately 2,100 students and sponsors from 29 states participated in the competition, after capturing top honors in their state contests.

The students, representing 200 Christian high schools, competed in 76 categories in the five basic areas of Bible, music, speech, art and academics.

The winners from Land O’ Lakes Christian were:

  • Brianna Campbell, 12th grade: first place, original persuasive oratory
  • Allison Woodson, 10th grade: second place, creative writing essay
  • Orchestra/Band: third place, director, Sarah Peterson
  • Handbell Choir: third place, director, Mares Shelburne

Humanitarian efforts recognized
The Anne Frank Humanitarian Award was established in 2001 and honors outstanding humanitarian efforts by high school juniors in public and private schools throughout the bay area.

Students are recommended for the award for making a conscious decision to better the lives of other individuals or groups, both inside and outside of school activities.

These students were honored in May at the Florida Holocaust Museum:

  • Anthony Adrian Jr., Sunlake High School
  • Bayli Baker, Wesley Chapel High
  • Elijah Ferreira, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Karina Frey, J.W. Mitchell High
  • Paige Gray, Wendell Krinn Technical
  • Christina Johnson, River Ridge High
  • Madison Kachurak, Fivay High
  • Raghan Pickett, Pasco High
  • Kaitlyn Steward, Hudson High
  • Jorlyanys Suarez-Ayala, Zephyrhills High
  • Lori Tang, Anclote High
  • Tenee Taylor, Gulf High
  • Joseph Vreeland, Cypress Creek Middle High
  • Kara Weihman, Wiregrass Ranch

Science & engineering fair
Congratulations to the students who represented Pasco County Schools at the 2019 State Science & Engineering Fair.

  • Frederic Boylen, Charles S. Rushe Middle School: honorable mention, biomedical & health sciences
  • Kaori Martin, Charles S. Rushe Middle: honorable mention, biomedical & health sciences
  • Chase Olivanti, Wiregrass Ranch: Society for InVitro Biology award, plant sciences
  • Shurti Patel, J.W. Mitchell High: fourth place, plant sciences
  • Manahil Wajid, Cypress Creek Middle High: Michael J. Hansinger cash award, microbiology
  • Myka Wilks, Centennial Middle: Osceola Regional cash award, engineering

For more about the fair participants and winners, visit Smore.com/dem26t.

Saint Anthony Catholic School celebrates 135 years

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Saint Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, had a special celebration last week to mark its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, blesses the Eucharist at the morning Mass, during Saint Anthony Catholic School’s 135th anniversary event. (Christine Holtzman)

The day began with the Most. Rev. Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, presiding over a celebration of the Holy Mass.

The Rev. Garry Welsh, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church offered welcoming remarks at the Mass and, throughout the service, the bishop reminded those gathered of the many reasons to feel a sense of gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.

“As you can see, there are a lot of things to love about being a student at Saint Anthony Catholic School,” Parkes said, during the May 10 event. “Most importantly, you learn about a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. That is a special gift that you receive while here.”

Louise Traeger Clift, the oldest alumnus of Saint Anthony Catholic School, was honored during the day’s program. The 97-year-old graduated from the school in 1935, and was one of the three students who graduated in that year.

Parkes also offered a blessing for the school’s future.

And, the bishop encouraged the school’s students to “look to the past with gratitude, look at the present with joy, and look to the future with hope.”

He reminded them that as they move forward in life, their time at the school will always be part of them.

After the Mass, a program was held under a large tent on the grounds of San Antonio City Park.

Mark Anderson, the mayor of San Antonio; and, Allen Altman, a member of the Pasco County School Board, provided proclamations.

Jessica Werckman, who has two young children at the school, introduced the speakers and also read a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wasn’t able to attend the event.

John T. Vogel II, a 2002 alumnus of the school, presented the Saint Anthony Catholic School Alumni Scholarship to two students, first-place winner Adeline Shiver and second-place winner, Carys Ragsdale.  Shiver also was the second-place winner in the Catholic Foundation Essay Winner at the Diocesan level.

Lourdes Milan’s Kindergarten class is seen performing an upbeat song called, ‘Smile, Smile, Smile.’

The event also featured a ‘Reflection of History’ presented by Lynn McCaughey.

A special moment during the program came when 97-year-old Louise Traeger Clift was honored. She is the oldest-living alumnus. She graduated in 1935, and was one of the three graduates from the school that year.

During her closing remarks, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty. She also announced that after nine years at the school she is moving to a new assignment in New Jersey.

Following the program, children from each grade performed songs in a spring concert, conducted by Angela Kempe. To get things started, Werckman performed a heartfelt rendition of “How Beautiful.”

The festivities concluded with a picnic lunch provided in the park and an open house tour of the school.

Published May 15, 2019

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, arrives by golf cart to the outdoor program. The cart was driven by the Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Rev. Garry Welsh. The Rev. Allan Tupa, of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, is seen on left.
The Rev. Andrew Siasa, front, and the Rev. Kyle Smith walk down the sidewalk carrying the Eucharist, on their way to return it to the church. The Rev. Siasa is originally from Tanzania and the Rev. Smith also serves as the Chaplain of Saint Leo University.
Clutching her plush Pluto doll, 3-year-old Talya Makowiecki claps after watching Fracnesca Blocher’s first-grade students perform a cheerful song called ‘Positive.’ Her mom, Kymberly, is on her left.

 

Pasco has no plans to allow employees to carry firearms

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a measure passed by the Florida Legislature that clears the way for classroom teachers to serve as armed school guardians, but Pasco County Schools has no intention of pursuing that option, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt S. Browning

The new law implements legislative recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

Despite the measure’s approval, Superintendent Kurt Browning has made it clear that “there are no plans under consideration to allow any Pasco County Schools employees to carry firearms on school board property, unless they are employed for the specific purpose of protecting the security of students and staff.”

Browning issued that statement before DeSantis signed the new law, but in the statement, Browning noted that he expected the measure to become law.

Browning’s statement also noted that “no school board member has requested that the superintendent pursue allowing teachers or other non-security employees to carry firearms.

“School safety guards and the district’s director of safety and security are the only school board employees authorized to carry firearms on school board property. School resource officers, who are employees of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office or local police agencies, also are authorized to carry firearms on school board property in their official capacity,” according to the news release.

Published May 15, 2019

Saint Leo University receives grant to help students

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Saint Leo University’s Career Center has receive a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings to help provide career-related advice to students.

Stephanie Seymour, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings, and Felyce Starr, the company’s talent acquisition manager for the region, presented an oversized check to the university, representing the grant. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The grant was presented by Enterprise Holdings Foundation on May 6, according to a university news release, and is a part of the Enterprise partnership with the university.

“Enterprise recruits [employees] heavily at Saint Leo,” said Nancy Cheek, associate director of Career Services for Saint Leo. “And, Enterprise is always willing to send representatives to share career-related advice at both campus workshops and in webinar sessions for our Saint Leo WorldWide population.

“The company is global, and the local recruiting team does a great job of providing contacts in other parts of the country to our students who are interested in a career with Enterprise but are not in this area,” Cheek noted.

Saint Leo not only educates students at its main campus north of Tampa, but also online and at its more than 30 education centers in seven states.

Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, said Career Services may use the grant to fund an Enterprise-sponsored office dedicated to helping students and employers conduct interviews by Skype and using other technology. This would allow far-away employers to interview local students, and also let Saint Leo students located anywhere to interview with local business recruiters who might come to the new office, the release said.

Published May 15, 2019

Chalk Talk 05/15/2019

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Literary support for elementary kids
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has supported local schools for years and, in particular, those with special needs. The club recently delivered a large number of children’s books for individual classroom libraries, as well as shoes and clothing, to Shady Hills Elementary and Miles Elementary schools. Two staff members at Shady Hills accept donations from Pat Wagner (right), the woman’s club education chair.

 

 

 

 

Charity helps hungry children
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and staff raised $11,100 to benefit One Community Now’s 2019 Hunger Walk. The walk is an annual event that raises money to fund the Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids program, which distributes backpacks of food to students who need food over the weekend.

For information on Pack-a-Sack, call Patti Templeton at (727) 900-6280.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools’ kindergarten preregistration is May 20, at all public elementary schools. Contact individual schools for orientation activities and times.

Requirements include:
• Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2019
• Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birthdate
• Health examination – HRS Form 3040
• Three proofs of residency such as current utility bill; lease agreement, or deed or property tax assessment; and additional documents supporting stated address, such as auto registrations, driver’s license or voter registration

For kindergarten information, call Danielle Varcardipone at (813) 794-2404, (727) 774-2404 or (352) 524-2404.

Head Start/Early Head Start applications may be submitted for infants, toddlers and children through age 5 that meet income eligibility requirements.

For information on Head Start, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (813) 794-2730, (727) 774-2730 or (352) 524-2730.

College funding seminar
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “College Funding Strategies” with financial specialist Erin Mollura on May 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Mollura will discuss the means to provide funds to pay for an education; and tax benefits, financial benefits and planning benefits.

She also will talk about planning ideas, such as using personal savings and investment for education funding, through the use of techniques that can help you identify and try to manage risks, which can prevent you from achieving your overall savings goal.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Course-related fees
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its May 21 board meeting at 6 p.m., at the Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for board consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

For details regarding the proposed fees adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu.

Local student showcases research
The University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences and the STEMCats Living Learning Program congratulated Samuel Herrington, of Odessa, for presenting research at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in the Spring 2019 semester.

As part of the STEMCats BIO 199 research lab, Herrington conducted scientific research alongside a faculty mentor. He presented findings in the form of a scientific poster titled, “AGO1 Protein Influence on Arabidopsis Susceptibility to Cucumber Mosaic Virus.”

Home to 19 academic departments that offer major degrees in 27 disciplines and 36 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences provides education in fundamentals to every undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky and builds foundations for advanced study in every field.
Its faculty integrates innovative research with exceptional teaching and outreach, providing paths to understanding the past, solving the problems of today, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.

Awards of excellence
Pasco-Hernando State College announced its recipients of the annual National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards.

The 2019 honorees include: Connie LaMarca-Frankel, professor, humanities; Jacqueline May, associate professor, English; David Sullivan, Ph.D., professor, emergency medical services; Jennifer Wiatrowski, professor, biological science; and Glynis Williams, instructor, information technology.

These NISOD awards recognize professionals each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

The PHSC NISOD Excellence Award recipients are invited to attend the 2019 International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, May 25 to May 28, in Austin, Texas.

Mike Fasano honored
Pasco-Hernando State College’s spring commencement included honoring Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

Fasano was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management and inducted into PHSC’s Legislative Hall of Fame.

Fasano began his public service career in the Florida House of Representatives in 1994, representing parts of both Pasco and Hernando Counties, where he eventually rose to the position of House majority leader.

Following an eight-year term in the House, he served in the Florida Senate for 10 years, representing Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Pinellas counties, and achieved the position of president pro-tempore of the Senate.

He returned to the Florida House in 2012 and remained there until he was appointed by then Gov. Rick Scott to the open seat of Pasco County tax collector in 2013. Fasano continues to serve in that capacity to this day.

The leadership and support Fasano provided to PHSC during his tenure in the Florida Legislature greatly benefitted the college.

The school was able to acquire nearly $116 million to construct two of PHSC’s campuses, the Spring Hill Campus, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Additionally, Fasano was instrumental as the appropriations chair in acquiring the funding to construct the conference center and classroom building S on the West Campus.

Fasano joins prior PHSC Legislative Hall of Inductees Sen. Wilton Simpson, Sen. Jack Latvala, and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford.

During the two spring commencement ceremonies, approximately 433 degrees and certificates were conferred. An estimated 998 spring graduates were eligible to participate.

For more information about PHSC, visit PHSC.edu.

Cutting college costs
Taking more classes each semester may help you cut the cost of college, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). And, that’s important if you will need student loans to help pay for your education.

A full-time load for undergraduate students is usually 12 credit hours per semester. Associate’s degrees usually require 60 credit hours to finish, bachelor’s degrees, 120 hours. At 12 hours each semester, you’ll need five semesters to finish an associate’s degree and 10 semesters to finish a bachelor’s degree.

But, if you take 15 hours per semester, you’ll finish an associate’s degree in four semesters and a bachelor’s degree in eight semesters.

Most colleges won’t charge you any more for 15 hours than they do for 12 hours. That might save you thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.

When you’re planning your schedule, think about taking that extra class each semester. The sooner you earn your degree, the sooner you can start job hunting.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135 years old

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The grounds of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio are expected to be buzzing with excitement on May 10, when the school celebrates its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will preside over a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by speeches by dignitaries, a spring concert and lunch.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal said everyone is invited to attend May 10 festivities to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. (B.C. Manion)

It promises to be a festive occasion for the oldest elementary school in Pasco County and the sixth oldest Catholic school in Florida.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal, school principal, said parents, community members, faculty, staff, students and an advisory board have all played a role preparing for the occasion.

The school, at 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, has 210 students, in kindergarten through eighth grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and faith formation, the principal said.

To gear up for the anniversary celebration, each class researched a 15-year period and fashioned posters sharing facts about events in the Catholic Church, and in the world at large.

The community celebration of the school’s anniversary is fitting, in a place that shows such strong support for the school and appreciates its history, Sister Ottapurackal said.

It’s also an expression of gratitude.

“We’re so grateful for this many years of blessings that God has given us.

“We are celebrating the joy and the gratitude of the opportunity to serve the people for 135 years,” the school principal said.

In addition to blessings from God, the school has enjoyed the support of  the community, families with children at the school, the staff, the Franciscan Sisters, the Benedictine Sisters and Monks, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, she said.

A massive crowd turned out to dedicate the new school building. (File)

“We all just come together,” she said.

“People have a special love toward this school,” she said. “Whenever we ask for help to improve this school, people are ready to help.”

The school initially opened in 1884, in a 12-foot by 24-foot schoolhouse. That was followed by a two-story frame building.

Next, came a three-story brick building, constructed in 1922, which served thousands of students over decades.

A new building was constructed in 2015, designed architecturally to match the 1922 structure. The St. Petersburg Diocese’ Forward in Faith Capital Campaign made the new structure possible. The 1922 structure was renovated in 2016, through the support of the parish community.

One of the special guests invited to the May 10 event is Mary Louise Clift, of San Antonio.

Her family, originally from Germany, came to the area in 1920, and her father helped to build the 1922 brick structure, the principal said.

Anyone who would like to attend the festivities is welcome, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“The people here are so into history and tradition. They value it. We want to celebrate with them,” she said.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135
Where: 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, San Antonio
When: May 10: 9 a.m., Mass; 10:30 a.m., concert, and other festivities
Cost: Free
Details: The Most. Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg will preside over the Mass. There will be a spring concert following the Mass. Dignitaries will speak and then there will be a family lunch, with everyone treated to lunch.
Info: Call Saint Anthony Catholic School at (352) 588-3041.

Revised May 13, 2019

Published May 08, 2019