Education

Chalk Talk 05/01/2019

May 1, 2019 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of First National Bank of Pasco)

A ‘fine’ collaboration to help students
The First National Bank of Pasco (FNBP) and the Pasco County School Board distributed the second quarter fine arts classroom grants to six area schools, through the collaboration called ArtsFirst. Grant applications are submitted by Pasco fine arts teachers, and awarded based upon the grant’s likelihood of improving student achievement and opportunity. Schools receiving grants were Double Branch Elementary, Paul R. Smith Middle, Raymond B. Stewart Middle, River Ridge High, Sunlake High, and Wesley Chapel Elementary. Funds can be used to purchase anything from instruments to technology to art supplies. Paul Smith Middle’s band director Kelsey Synnett, left, accepts a check for percussion instruments and accessories from Kathy Balthazard, area sales manager for FNBP.

Honor Society inductees
These local University of South Florida students were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society: Alexander Mercier Sr., of Odessa; Amber Pirson, of Lutz; and, Meena Yaduguru Sundinti, of Lutz.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897, and today there are chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines.

Food waste contest
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched “Ace the Waste!” – a student competition for food waste reduction ideas.

Students ages 11 to 18 can submit proposals on reducing food loss and waste anywhere along the supply chain, from the farm to the dinner table and beyond.

Topic ideas include: Preventing food waste; Recovering wholesome, excess food to feed people; Recycling food scraps to keep them out of landfills; and, Raising awareness.

Students may submit a one- to two-page proposal or a one- to two-minute video.

Submissions will be judged on impact potential; originality and creativity; clarity of expression; and, adherence/appropriateness to theme.

One winner will be selected from each of two categories: ages 11 to 14, and ages 15 to 18.

The deadline for proposals is May 24 at 5 p.m.

For details and to submit ideas, visit tinyurl.com/y4cj6kpr.

Friendship Walk
The Dr. John Long Middle School Best Buddies Chapter will again take part in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 4 at 9 a.m., at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

Best Buddies matches intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) students with peer volunteers to form a ‘buddy pair,’ and to encourage one-to-one friendships between typical students and students with an IDD.

Preschool to offer food program
Simply Kids Preschool, 27300 Dayflower Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, announced its intention to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child Care Food Program, a federally funded program that reimburses child care providers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to enrolled, eligible children.

Meals will be available at no separate cost to all participants enrolled at the center, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Parents/guardians of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals must complete an application.

The policy statement of income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals is on file at the child care center and may be reviewed by any interested party.

For information, contact Nicole Nadeau at (727) 831-8198 or .

Top Dog students
Students from Stewart Middle School were honored at a lunch after being named the school’s Top Dogs. One student is selected by the teachers from each team of 125 students each quarter.

The third quarter Top Dogs were Kristina Harrelson, Logan Merritt, Jaiden Wells, Deme Dooley, Emilio Gutierrez, Zachary Cannon, Chloe Ezzo, Emma Smith, Ayden Jones and Saniyah Wilson.

Each student received a certificate and a gold dog tag.

Saint Anthony school celebrates 135 years
St. Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Hermann Drive in San Antonio, will celebrate its 135th anniversary on May 10. It is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Pasco County and the fourth oldest Catholic school in the state.

There will be Mass at 9 a.m., presided over by the Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, followed by a spring concert at 10:30 a.m., performed by the students in San Antonio Park.

After the concert, guests can take part in a family picnic.

For information about the celebration or the school, call Sister Alice Ottapurackal at (352) 588-3041.

To RSVP, visit StAnthonySchoolFl.org.

Financial aid tip
Veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces may be able to take advantage of numerous student financial aid programs.

The federal government also offers programs for the dependents of veterans and service members.

Federal programs include:

GI Bill benefits, first passed in 1944 for veterans of World War II. There are several versions with benefits that vary according to when you entered the service, when you left the service and other criteria. Visit Benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Federal Tuition Assistance, for active duty members an all branches of the armed forces. For information, contact the college financial aid office or the unit education officer.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, for students who had a parent or guardian die as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 10, 2001. For information, look under ‘Types of Aid’ at StudentAid.ed.gov/sa/.

Scholarship program expands
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is expanding its high school scholarship fund to include recipients from Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Freedom and Wharton high schools.

The chamber has partnered with the career counselors at each campus, where all students have applied by completing a comprehensive application, including a short essay.

Upcoming presentations for the ceremonial checks will take place as follows:

Wiregrass Ranch: May 23 at 6 p.m.
Wesley Chapel: May 28 at 7:30 a.m.
Cypress Creek: May 28 at 9 a.m.

For information regarding the scholarship program, email .

Chalk Talk 04/24/2019

April 24, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Teddy bears aim to help ease trauma
Hillsborough County Public Schools has a new initiative called, The Elementary Teddy Bear Project. The HCPS security and emergency management office, in partnership with The Kiwanis Club, purchased more than 900 teddy bears for elementary school counselors to loan or share with traumatized students throughout the school year. Each elementary campus received four to five bears. The goal is to help children address unresolved emotional issues that could hinder the child’s socialization and learning processes. School security officers use the teddy bears as a way to build relationships with the most vulnerable students.

Info night at Stewart Middle
The Pasco County Schools afterschool enrichment programs department will have a community information night for a Century Community Learning Center grant-funded afterschool program on April 25 at 6 p.m., at Stewart Middle School, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The district is preparing a grant proposal for the afterschool programs for students attending select elementary and middle schools.

Families are encouraged to come out to help develop the vision for the Century Community Learning Center.

The chamber has partnered with the career counselors at each campus, where all students have applied by completing a comprehensive application, including a short essay.

Presentations for the ceremonial checks will take place as follows:

Freedom: April 25 at 6 p.m.
Wharton: April 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch: May 23 at 6 p.m.
Wesley Chapel: May 28 at 7:30 a.m.
Cypress Creek: May 28 at 9 a.m.

For information regarding the scholarship program, email .

Saint Leo commencements
Saint Leo will host its Baccalaureate Mass on April 26 at 4 p.m., in the Marion Bowman Activities Center, at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Following the Mass, “Saint Leo Under the Stars” will take place with campus tours, food, games, photo opportunities and fireworks.

And, on April 27, more than 1,250 students will receive degrees during commencement ceremonies for Saint Leo. The university’s Florida locations will all come together to celebrate at two ceremonies, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa.

The morning ceremony will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the afternoon ceremony will be from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The guest speaker for the morning commencement will be former 6th Judicial Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco will speak at the afternoon ceremony.

For more information, visit SaintLeo.edu.

Mobile dental services
The Department of Health Pasco County is partnering with the Pasco County School Board to provide preventive dental services for students in Title 1 schools in Pasco County.

The dental bus will travel to selected schools to give dental assessments, sealants, fluoride varnish, and education for the students.

The remaining school schedules for the East side of Pasco County are as follows:

April 29 to May 2: West Zephyrhills Elementary
May 6 to May 9: San Antonio Elementary
May 13 to May 16: Quail Hollow Elementary
May 20 to May 23: Lacoochee Elementary

In order for a child to be seen on the bus, the required forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov and click on “Smile Care A Van.”

Steinbrenner gala
Steinbrenner High School’s football and cheerleading program will host a Leadership & Legacy Gala on May 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Cheval Clubhouse, 4312 Cheval Blvd., in Lutz.

This is a casual, family friendly event open to all. The gala will feature a live DJ, a live and a silent auction, a putting contest, hors d’oeuvres, a 50-50 drawing, a cash bar and a raffle.

The keynote speaker will be former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson.

For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit SteinbrennerGalaAndGolf.com.

New tool for science teachers
Middle school science teachers now have a new tool from the University of Florida to teach students about pollinators and the role they play in producing food.

Nicole Pinson and Alicia Lamborn, horticulture agents with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension in Hillsborough and Baker counties, respectively, helped to develop the new curriculum called “Pollinator Power.”

The curriculum contains three lesson plans and a variety of activities to introduce students to pollinators in fun, interactive ways.

It includes a Pollinator Power Safari Kit that contains bug jars, a butterfly net, magnifier, and insect and flower rubbing plates.

With the supplies, students can scout a garden or landscape for pollinator insects and animals.

Other activities let students “Be the Bee,” by hand-pollinating squash or zucchini flowers, and construct a ‘bee hotel’ to set up in a pollinator-friendly part of the school.

For educators with students who are afraid of bees and wasps, the program can help those students better appreciate the insects and their benefit.

To order the Pollinator Power curriculum, visit the UF/IFAS bookstore website at IFASBooks.com.

Chalk Talk 04/17/2019

April 17, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Believe, and achieve
Anusha Gupta, of Steinbrenner High School, won first place in the Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest, Category 3. In her essay, Gupta discussed the pioneers in science and technology of Hispanic origins, and highlighted female scientists in particular and their achievements in the field. Her essay also discussed the perseverance of both male and female scientists (many of whom were ridiculed for trying), teaching others to believe in themselves and work hard. Gupta was recognized at a brunch at the Columbia Restaurant in March.

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery, on the West Campus in New Port Richey, will exhibit the artwork of PHSC students April 17 through May 15.

The annual exhibition highlights diverse talent achieved without influence from staff or faculty.

The exhibit includes works of photography, drawing and mixed media, from past and present art students.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 .m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Martinez Middle fundraiser
Martinez Middle School will host the Martinez FFA (Future Farmers of America) first annual golf tournament on May 4 at 1 p.m., at Heritage Harbor Gulf Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

There also will be an auction and dinner.

The cost for an individual golfer is $100, which includes green fees, a cart, balls, a goodie bag, dinner and the auction.

Sponsorships are available starting at $100.

All proceeds will go to improving the school’s agricultural farm.

The deadline for golf entries is April 19.

For information, call Sean Hessel at (813) 363-6384.

Sidewalk Stompers
AdventHealth Tampa partnered with Pride Elementary and Benito Elementary schools in Hillsborough County to sponsor Sidewalk Stompers.

Sidewalk Stompers is a school activity that encourages safe walking as an option to car line drop-off for students.

Pride Elementary started the program earlier this year and has a gold sneaker trophy for the class with the most participants each week. Fifth-graders can volunteer to be Student Ambassadors and are responsible for tracking all the children who walk or bike to school.

AdventHealth Tampa delivered yards signs with safety messages for display along the schools’ driveways, and a banner for the program.

Prizes also were given to Sidewalk Stompers participants.

For information, visit Sidewalk Stompers on Facebook.

Student achievements

Summer Breeze, of Land O’ Lakes, made the fall Dean’s List at Columbus State Community College in Ohio.
Riley Garrison, of Lutz, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Florida State University.
Emily Gerber, of Odessa, was selected for the fall Dean’s List at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where she is majoring in conservation biology. Gerber also has been selected for membership into the school’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honorary society.
Ian Gerhard, of Lutz, graduated from Troy University in Alabama with a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology.
Eric Holmes, of Odessa, has been named to the fall Dean’s List at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi.
Clare O’ Keefe, of Lutz, was named to the fall Dean’s List at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where she is majoring in sports management.
Caroline Amanda Meisner, of Lutz, received the Zelda C. Pemberton Education Award from Greensboro College, North Carolina, where she is majoring in theatre education.

Vocational scholarships
Students in east Pasco County who plan to attend vocational schools will have the opportunity for financial assistance through six new scholarships as Wade and Dianna Thomas, of The Thomas Promise Foundation, introduce the Atkins Vocational Scholarship Program.

Funded by the couple and an anonymous donor, the program will provide $1,000 scholarships to three students each in Zephyrhills High School and Pasco High School.

Students must be accepted to a vocational school.

Applications are accessible in the guidance offices of the schools and, in the future, can be found on the Pasco Education Foundation website.

For more information, students should contact Mignon Edwards at Pasco High or April Simons at Zephyrhills High.

This is a casual, family friendly event open to all. The gala will feature a live DJ, a live and a silent auction, a putting contest, hors d’oeuvres, a 50-50 drawing, a cash bar and a raffle.

The keynote speaker will be former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson.

For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit SteinbrennerGalaAndGolf.com.

Saint Leo adding four new degree programs

April 10, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Saint Leo University will offer four new degree programs, beginning in the fall.

It also will expand its existing Bachelor of Arts in English to include additional courses and a new specialization in creative writing.

The new bachelor’s degrees will include the following majors:

Software Engineering
Data Science
Medical Humanities
Theater

“They’re wonderful opportunities for students,” said Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president for academic affairs at the university. “They’re cutting-edge programs, meet employer demands, workforce demands, and they really do prepare students.”

The software engineering program is much needed, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spoto said.

Inside the Tapia College of Business building, this classroom has been reconfigured for the new software engineering program, which will begin in the fall. (Courtesy of Saint Leo)

Software developer jobs are projected to grow by 24 percent, in the 10-year period between 2016 to 2026, according to bureau statistics.

The Bachelor of Science program will be available both online and on campus, with courses in software architecture, design and development.

It is also the only new program that will offer a master’s degree.

“The graduate program is a 30-credit program and you can complete it in one year, if you’re going full-time,” the vice president added.

Data science also will be a Bachelor of Science program, but will only be offered on campus.

It will delve into mathematics, statistics, computer science and even psychology, among other fields.

The Bachelor of Arts in medical humanities will branch into two divisions: the pre-medical track, and the health and humanities track.

The pre-medical option will offer courses such as biology and chemistry, and will be geared to students who may aspire to go on to medical school.

Health and humanities, however, will help prepare students looking toward social work, psychology or occupational therapy.

The medical humanities programs will be on campus, only.

The Black Box Theatre, on campus, played a role in inspiring the new Bachelor of Arts in Theater.

“Once we had that, we knew we had a good, bona fide performance space for students and would be able to launch a theater major,” Spoto said.

Besides working on campus theater projects, students will take coursework in acting, directing, production and writing.

While not all the new programs will be available online, campus-bound courses will be flexible, as they’re scheduled at various times on weekdays.

Saint Leo also has education centers in Tampa, Spring Hill and other areas for those unable to make a long commute.

The decision to implement these programs was years in the making.

The university went through a program review process, examining whether existing majors were reaching standards to achieve student success.

It also analyzed research data to see what careers were flourishing in industry, and surveyed students to determine what jobs appealed to them.

Employers from various lines of work were also asked for their feedback.

Based on the collected data, these majors were chosen as a good addition to the university.

It was also determined that courses for these majors should be incorporated with ‘power skills’ learning.

Those skills aim to teach students how to better present themselves for the workforce. That includes enhancing their verbal and writing skills, and helping them to become thoughtful problem solvers.

“Those are the skills that employers are telling universities across the country, ‘We really want these and we’re not sure we’re getting them from graduates,’” Spoto said.

She also noted that “students should pursue what is a genuine interest, because they will perform academically the strongest and have confidence in knowing that all of our programs are preparing [them] for what is to come.”

Published April 10, 2019

Chalk Talk 04/10/2019

April 10, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Lending a hand
Leslie Lewis, of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, helps a student during the annual Lutz Elementary School’s ‘Olden Day 2019.’ Club members helped with various arts and crafts projects for the celebration. For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Chili Cook-off
Charles Rushe Middle School, 18654 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host its sixth annual Chili Cook-off on April 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Samples of chili (mild to red hot) will be served up by teachers and staff, Rushe PTSA and Pasco County school-related officers.

There also will be live music by Safety Third.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Proceeds will help support the Rushe Middle School Fellowship of Christian Students.

For information, call (813) 346-1200.

The dental bus will travel to selected schools to give dental assessments, sealants, fluoride varnish, and education for the students.

School schedules for the East side of Pasco County are as follows:

April 15 to April 18: Woodland Elementary
April 22 to April 25: Centennial Elementary
April 29 to May 2: West Zephyrhills Elementary
May 6 to May 9: San Antonio Elementary
May 13 to May 16: Quail Hollow Elementary
May 20 to May 23: Lacoochee Elementary

In order for a child to be seen on the bus, the required forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov and click on “Smile Care A Van.”

Course fee meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees will meet April 16 at 6 p.m., to consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees, at the West Campus, 20130 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Many adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

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

Robotics team qualifies
The River Ridge High School’s robotics team, Royal Robotics, won the Greater Pittsburgh Regional and, with the win, once again qualifies for the championship round in Houston, Texas on April 17 through April 20.

This is the third time in four years the team has qualified through regional wins, including earning the Rookie All Star Award in 2016.

Students will compete against and learn from teams from all over the world, as well as network and speak with representatives from countless colleges and tech companies.

There also will be an auction and dinner.

The cost for an individual golfer is $100, which includes green fees, a cart, balls, a goodie bag, dinner and the auction.

Sponsorships are available starting at $100.

All proceeds will go to improving the school’s agricultural farm.

The deadline for golf entries is April 19.

For information, call Sean Hessel at (813) 363-6384.

Class reunion
Hillsborough High School’s 65th Class of 1954 Reunion will take place April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, indoors.

The cost is $5 at the door, and includes a catered chicken and pork barbecue lunch.

For information and to RSVP by April 15, email Bob Carpenter at , or call Maxine Smith Law at (813) 996-4860.

National Scholars Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications through April 30 for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.

The program aims to increase the number of minority students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences and other agriculture-related disciplines.

The program is available to high school seniors entering their freshmen year of college, and rising college sophomores and juniors.

The scholarship is renewable each year and contingent on satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree.

For information and applications, visit tinyurl.com/yxa8g3ln.

Educator Appreciation weekends
Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass will offer prekindergarten to 12th-grade educators 25 percent off most books, toys, games, movies, music and more, every Saturday and Sunday in April.

Participants can also use their educator card and get a free tall Starbucks fresh-brewed hot or iced coffee; and, receive a free tote when you signup in store, while supplies last.

Chalk Talk 04/03/2019

April 3, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Officers make a big, and ‘little,’ difference
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay would like to thank the Dade City Police Department for dedicating its time and effort to the ‘Littles’ at Rodney B. Cox Elementary in Dade City. The officers embody the mission of BBBS perfectly, which is to provide children facing adversity with professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that will change their lives for the better. Their devotion to serving the community and enthusiasm for their ‘Littles’ has not gone unnoticed.

Financial Literacy Expos
Pasco County Schools, along with various partners, will present a Financial Literacy Expo on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road.

Participants can learn about creating a financial plan, college funding/financial aid, planning for retirement, legal documents to protect your family, and more.

Magnet applications
Pasco County Schools will accept magnet applications during the second Pasco Pathways open enrollment period through April 5.

Seats are still available at specific grade levels for the following schools and programs:

Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Pasco High School Cambridge International
Pasco Middle School Cambridge International
San Antonio Elementary Cambridge International

For information or to apply, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice.

The dental bus will travel to selected schools to give dental assessments, sealants, fluoride varnish, and education for the students.

School schedules for the East side of Pasco County are as follows:

April 8 to April 11: Chester Taylor Elementary
April 15 to April 18: Woodland Elementary
April 22 to April 25: Centennial Elementary
April 29 to May 2: West Zephyrhills Elementary
May 6 to May 9: San Antonio Elementary
May 13 to May 16: Quail Hollow Elementary
May 20 to May 23: Lacoochee Elementary

In order for a child to be seen on the bus, the required forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov and click on “Smile Care A Van.”

The cost is $5 at the door, and includes a catered chicken and pork barbecue lunch.

For information and to RSVP by April 15, email Bob Carpenter at , or call Maxine Smith Law at (813) 996-4860.

College scholarships
Hillsborough County Social Services, in partnership with the Community Action Board, is accepting applications for its annual Community Action Board Scholarship program that assists with post-secondary education tuition.

The scholarships, worth up to $5,000, are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden college tuition creates.

Candidates must be between 16 and 24 years old, and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (16-year-olds can apply if they are a graduating senior); must have a minimum GPA of 2.5; must reside in Hillsborough County; and, must have a household income that falls within 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The deadline to apply is April 15.

For more information, call (813) 301-7341.

Vocational scholarshipsStudents in east Pasco County who plan to attend vocational schools will have the opportunity for financial assistance through six new scholarships as Wade and Dianna Thomas, of The Thomas Promise Foundation, introduce the Atkins Vocational Scholarship Program.

Funded by the couple and an anonymous donor, the program will provide $1,000 scholarships to three students each in Zephyrhills High School and Pasco High School.

Students must be accepted to a vocational school.

Applications are accessible in the guidance offices of the schools and, in the future, can be found on the Pasco Education Foundation website.

For more information, students should contact Mignon Edwards at Pasco High or April Simons at Zephyrhills High.

Free prom dresses
Belle of the Ball will once again offer free prom dresses and accessories April 6 and April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to in-need high school girls. The ‘boutique’ shop is at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater.

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls. No referral letter is necessary and no appointment is needed.

A $1 to $5 donation will be accepted, but is not required.

For information, visit BelleOfTheBallProject.com, or visit Tampa Bay Area Belle of the Ball on Facebook.

Saint Leo offers new scholarship program

April 3, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Saint Leo University has launched a new scholarship program to make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida.

Available for students beginning in the fall, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will award Florida students, who have attended four years at a Catholic high school, with an annual scholarship of $14,000 toward their tuition at Saint Leo’s University Campus.

The scholarship will be renewable each year, for up to four years — amounting to a cumulative total of up to $56,000 in financial aid by the time the student graduates.

When combined with the Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant of $3,500 per year and an annual $5,500 to $7,500 in Stafford Loans, Saint Leo University’s annual tuition will be significantly reduced for recipients of the Catholic Promise Scholarship every year.

“As the first of its kind in Saint Leo history, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will effectively bring the cost of a high-quality, private, liberal arts education within the reach of many Catholic high school students across the state of Florida,” said Dr. Senthil Kumar, Saint Leo University vice president for University Campus Admissions & Center for Global Engagement, in a release.

Students must meet the following requirements:

Complete four years at a Catholic high school
Have an unweighted 3.0 GPA
Be a U.S. Citizen and Florida resident
Attend Saint Leo at University Campus
Live on campus all four years
Maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time status while earning a degree

This commitment to promoting accessibility and affordability of Catholic higher education demonstrates Saint Leo’s Benedictine core values, both as an institution and pillar of the Catholic community, according to university officials.

Saint Leo University will host a Catholic Promise Scholarship Open House on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on its main campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo. Prospective students and their families, school counselors, and the public can attend, at no cost. Mass will be celebrated as part of the open house events at the Saint Leo Abbey Church at 10 a.m.

To register for the open house, call (352) 588-8283.

Published April 3, 2019

Workshops aim to boost your financial literacy

March 27, 2019 By B.C. Manion

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your knowledge when it comes to money, a financial literacy expo being offered by Pasco County Schools may help get you started.

The school district has assembled a number of financial experts to provide the free information sessions.

Two upcoming free financial seminars being offered by Pasco County Schools can help you to make the most of your money. (Christine Holtzman)

The first one is scheduled for April 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey.

The second one will be on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Parents, guardians, employees, community members and students are welcome to attend either, or both sessions, to learn about financial planning.

There will be an expo-style event in the dining room, featuring various financial experts. And, there will brief informational sessions, which those attending can sign up for in advance.

Topics that will be covered include information on college scholarships, college funding, retirement planning, careers in personal financial planning, applications for federal student aid, estate planning for business owners, budgeting, financial planning 101 and more.

Presenters include:

The University of South Florida Stavros Center
Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay
State Farm Insurance
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
Jacksonville Federal Treasury
Everfi
Tampa Electric Co.
Pasco-Hernando State College

Anyone can attend, and it’s not necessary to preregister, but those wishing to attend specific sessions should preregister. Once you have decided on which sessions you wish to attend, print out a copy of the schedule and bring it with you because schedules won’t be available on campus during the events.

To register for the Marchman event, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoWestsi2019.sched.com/.

For Wesley Chapel High, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoEastsi2019.sched.com/.

If you’re having any trouble signing on or making your schedule, call (813) 794-2027.

Published March 27, 2019

Chalk Talk 03/27/2019

March 27, 2019 By Mary Rathman

The Republican Party of Pasco recently hosted its Inaugural Five for Five Dinner to benefit its $5,000 scholarship fund. The five-course meal was hosted by Chef Ben Pumo of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano in Land O’ Lakes, and celebrity sous chefs, from left, included: Pasco County Commissioners Mike Wells and Mike Moore, State Rep. Ardian Zika, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Rep. Amber Mariano. The fund will provide five $1,000 scholarships to Pasco High School graduates.(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

Essay scholarship
The Republican Party of Pasco will accept scholarship applications until April 15 from graduating seniors from any Pasco County high school.

To be eligible, applicants must be a registered Republican; have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and be a graduate of a Pasco County high school; complete a 650-word minimum essay on the topic of “What is the importance of conservative values for young people in today’s world?”; and must attend an accredited community college/university or accredited vocational school in Florida.

Applicants can receive extra points for club and school activities, volunteer hours and campaign participation.

The application is available online at PascoGOP.org, or at the high school career counselor’s office.

Email applications and essays to , or mail to RPOP, 12043 Cobblestone Drive, Hudson, FL 34667, Attn: Sandy Graves, scholarship chair.

Scholarships will be awarded in May.

Bingo fundraiser
Maniscalco Elementary School, 939 Debuel Road in Lutz, will host a family bingo night March 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the cafeteria.

Bingo cards will be $1 each, with package deals available.

There also will be food, drinks and raffle tickets for purchase.

All proceeds will benefit the Maniscalco PTSA.

For information, call (813) 949-0337.

Earth celebration
Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host “Shmirat HaAdamah: Popsicles on the Playground” on March 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This Jewish holiday signifies ‘caring for the earth.’

Families can create crafts, take part in a scavenger hunt in the butterfly garden, listen to an outdoor story time, and tour Hillel Academy.

Popsicles will be plenty and the playground will be available.

The event is for families with children ages 6 months old to 8 years old.

For information, call (813) 963-2242.

Open house
Pasco-Hernando State College will host an open house at each of its campuses:

Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, April 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
East Campus in Dade City, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Spring Hill Campus, April 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
North Campus in Brooksville, April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
West Campus in New Port Richey, April 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participants can learn about certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs, as well as financial aid, scholarships, and more than 50 student clubs and organizations.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/open-house.

Financial Literacy Expos
Pasco County Schools, along with various partners, will present two Financial Literacy Expos:

April 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey
April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road

Participants can learn about creating a financial plan, college funding/financial aid, planning for retirement, legal documents to protect your family, and more.

The dental bus will travel to selected schools to give dental assessments, sealants, fluoride varnish, and education for the students.

School schedules for the East side of Pasco County are as follows:

April 1 to April 4: Pasco Elementary School
April 8 to April 11: Chester Taylor Elementary
April 15 to April 18: Woodland Elementary
April 22 to April 25: Centennial Elementary
April 29 to May 2: West Zephyrhills Elementary
May 6 to May 9: San Antonio Elementary
May 13 to May 16: Quail Hollow Elementary
May 20 to May 23: Lacoochee Elementary

In order for a child to be seen on the bus, the required forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov and click on “Smile Care A Van.”

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls. No referral letter is necessary and no appointment is needed.

A $1 to $5 donation will be accepted, but is not required.

For information, visit BelleOfTheBallProject.com, or visit Tampa Bay Area Belle of the Ball on Facebook.

Rotary scholarship
The Rotary Club of Trinity is accepting applications for the organization’s 2019 Al Arzu Scholarship.

Applicants must be a high school senior, and reside in and attend school in Pasco County to be eligible to apply.

Applications must be postmarked by April 15.

For information, or for a scholarship application, email Candace Glewen at .

Both students and parents also learned about prevention and coping strategies.

Browning talks school safety, other issues

March 20, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

More than a year since the Parkland school shooting claimed the lives of 17 students and faculty members, ensuring school safety remains a forefront priority for Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning.

Browning discussed that, and a number of other school issues, as the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce March breakfast meeting at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

“Parkland kind of rocked our world,” Browning said, during the breakfast meeting. “It really shook everybody’s core about the magnitude of what our responsibility is about making sure that our kids are safe in our schools.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce March breakfast meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

Browning said Pasco Schools have made a number of sweeping changes to enhance school safety, in the wake of the February 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida.

Among the most noteworthy, Browning said, was the district hiring around 60 armed school safety guards to place in elementary schools — in addition to school resource officers at all middle and high schools — to comply with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, also known as Senate Bill 7026. The district’s safety guards are required to have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the military or law enforcement.

Browning explained the safety guards have quickly made a positive impact on school campuses, by taking on a mentoring relationship with students, which, in turn, has led to fewer discipline referrals districtwide.

“These men and women are kicking it,” Browning said. “Just having that presence on the campus has been significant, has been incredible for this district, and also provides a sense of security, and, it does provide security.

“We’re much more tight about who’s on campus. If you don’t have a (identification) badge on, they’re going to ask you where you are from or what you’re doing on campus.”

As another safety measure, Browning said district schools are getting upgraded door locks, thanks in part to a security grant from the Florida Department of Education, whereby classroom doors can lock from the inside when they are closed.

“There’s no getting back in that room unless you have a key,” said Browning. “Whether teachers or principals like it or not, those doors are going to lock, and you better have a key on your body if you want to get back in a classroom, because your kids need to be safe and they need to be protected.”

The school district is also “installing a lot more (security) cameras,” Browning said.

Browning also mentioned there’s a districtwide policy requiring gates and classroom doors to be locked and secured during school hours.

Browning said the policy — put into effect a week after the Parkland shooting — received pushback from some teachers and administrators, who called it “inconvenient” at the time.

“I don’t want to hear about how inconvenient it is that you’ve got to wear a key on your lanyard to get back into your door,” Browning said of those complaints. “It would be inconvenient for me to have to stand before a bank of national TV cameras explaining how someone got onto our campus, and worse yet, got into your classroom. That’s what’s inconvenient to me.”

He continued, “Kids needs to be safe in our schools. Parents need to have the expectation when you drop your child off at our school that they’re going to be safe.”

Besides addressing school safety, the superintendent offered an update to some new school projects in East Pasco, including the new Cypress Creek Middle School being built next to Cypress Creek Middle High School, which opened in 2017.

“We have broken ground. We are tearing ground open. We are putting walls down at Cypress Creek Middle School,” Browning said.

The new middle school is set to open in 2020.

Once complete, the approximately 185,000-square-foot to 195,000-square-foot middle school will become Pasco’s largest middle school. It will serve more than 1,600 students in grades six through eight.

Related to that, Browning said the school district is set to undergo another redistricting either later this year or early next year, whereby students from Seven Oaks Elementary will likely be zoned to the Cypress Creek schools — a measure to reduce overcrowding at John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High schools, respectively.

Browning also said moves are being made to bring a technical high school to East Pasco.

“We’re getting ready to break ground. We’re in the design stage now,” Browning said.

The superintendent explained that district officials are leaning toward having the unnamed technical school built on the recently purchased 104-acre Kirkland Ranch property, situated at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads.

The district has also considered the technical school for a 125-acre tract along Handcart and Fairview Heights roads.

Browning, however, said the Kirkland Ranch property may present a more desirable location once the new Interstate 75 interchange at Overpass Road is completed.

“It’s a good shot from Zephyrhills, a great shot from Wesley Chapel, and a great shot from Dade City,” Browning said.

Either way, Browning said a technical school would help relieve overcrowding concerns at Pasco, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

“It will lower the numbers again in those schools, but also give kids in this area a technical education if that’s what they want to do,” he said.

Elsewhere, the superintendent touched on teacher salaries — and finding ways to boost them.

Browning said he’s having ongoing discussions with district staff about the possibility of holding a millage election “solely for the purpose of paying our teachers more money.”

“The mission we have in Pasco is paying teachers,” Browning said. “We’ve got to make an investment in our teachers.”

Published March 20, 2019