Education

Social workers can make transformative change

March 20, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

When it comes to social work, the job responsibility should go beyond addressing baseline issues of clients and patients, according to Dr. Ruth Brandwein, one of the nation’s most accomplished and recognizable social work educators.

Social work should also identify solutions and take action for meaningful and impactful change for all individuals, families and communities, said Brandwein, the keynote speaker of Saint Leo University’s fifth annual social work conference on March 8.

The daylong event drew dozens of social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, human service, criminal justice system professionals and students in Saint Leo’s bachelor and master social work programs.

Dr. Ruth Brandwein was the keynote speaker at Saint Leo University’s fifth annual social work conference. Brandwein was the recipient of the 2018 National Association of Social Work Lifetime Achievement Award. (Courtesy of Jo-Ann Johnston, Saint Leo University)

Those attending the conference participated in workshops that covered topics on school violence, transgender youth, substance abuse and addiction, trauma-informed care and more.

Much of Brandwein’s talk, however, centered on political action through social work.

It’s something Brandwein has vast experience with, as legislative chair for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Sarasota/Manatee and Florida chapter.

In her address to the audience, Brandwein expressed a call for more social workers to run for public office — noting there are not enough elected officials with backgrounds in the field.

The speaker put it like this: “Who better than social workers can advocate for the aging, for veterans, for mental health issues, for opioid issues, for child welfare, for human trafficking, for homelessness, for LGBTQ rights?”

She continued, “We have the skills that are necessary to be elected officials. We also are really good at communicating with people, good at making ideas known, good at listening, and good at interviewing people.”

Now retired at 78, Brandwein still serves as professor and dean emeritus at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare.

Her career in social work is undoubtedly distinguished.

Among other career highlights, Brandwein is former president of the New York State Chapter of the NASW; co-founder and first chair of the Suffolk County Task Force on Family Violence; former member of the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women; and, helped found and serves on the editorial board of Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work.
Brandwein also received the NASW’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

She was selected “for her decades of work advocating for children, the homeless, women and people of color, and for training generations of social workers to be strong and effective community organizers,” according to NASW.

Dozens of students and social work professionals attended Saint Leo University’s fifth annual social work conference March 8.

Her appearance at Saint Leo coincided with student groups from the university’s social work programs participating in Legislative Education and Advocacy Day, in Tallahassee.

The experiential trip—set for April 2 and April 3 — is designed to give students an understanding of lobbying, advocacy and the legislative process.

The speaker recalled a handful of her own experiences in working with legislators.
One of her biggest advocacy wins came years ago working in New York, advocating for free or low-cost childcare for single parents, for children up to 12 years old, she said.

On that subject, Brandwein underscored the importance of persistently reaching out to legislators on various social issues, whether it’s through personal visits, emails or letters, while at the same time understanding policymakers’ points-of-view on decisions.

Brandwein said it’s important to talk to policymakers “as though they’re intelligent human beings, which they are” and that it’s equally, if not more important, to build positive working relationships with elected officials’ legislative aides.

“The aides are the ones who do the research on the bills. They are the ones who make recommendations to the legislator,” Brandwein explained. “The aide — if you’ve talked to that person — then they can become your advocate.”

In her closing remarks, Brandwein stressed that social workers should never stop fighting for important issues, whether for children and families, or equal rights for all.

“Positive social change is never complete — it’s a work in progress,” Brandwein said.

With a grin and chuckle, she added: “I’m almost 79, next month. I’m still working on these things. I won’t finish. I can’t stop.”

Published March 20, 2019

High school fair offers diverse career paths

March 20, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

While parents and students had an opportunity to learn about post-high school options — representatives from colleges, technical schools, military branches and other programs had a chance to make their pitch at the College and Career Fair recently at Wesley Chapel High School.

Those attending the March 11 event could pose questions to representatives from more than 40 organizations, and could take home brochures and other handouts.

Youseff Khalil, left, is supported by his parents, Ereny Youwakim and Bassem Rizk, at Wesley Chapel High School’s College and Career Fair. Here, the 16-year-old is filling out a computerized form at the National Aviation Academy booth on March 11. (Brian Fernandes)

Wesley Chapel High had the program in its gym, but the fair was open to students from other high schools, too.

“They (students) really like that it’s all in one place,” said Kelly Faysash, college and career specialist at Wesley Chapel High. “It’s a good opportunity to come one night with a parent and be able to [hear from] a lot of different colleges and universities.”

Keiser University, a private, nonprofit institution, was among those participating.

Pauline Hardy, admissions counselor from the New Port Richey Campus, was there to represent the Florida-based university, which offers services internationally, including programs in business, health care, criminal justice and psychology.

Hardy noted that Keiser offers programs that are convenient for students who have children, or full-time jobs.

“Some of the unique points are that you can take classes one at a time, and each class lasts four weeks,” the counselor explained.

Many of the university’s most coveted programs are medical – especially nursing.

Health care is an ever-expanding field, with numerous opportunities, Hardy said.

Across the gym, Michelle Turner was representing another school offering medical programs – Florida Career College.

One common question asked about the school is how it will help transition students into the workforce, Turner said.

The Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium hosted more than 40 representatives from colleges, academies and companies at its annual College and Career Fair. Parents and students from various high schools visited the many booths on March 11.

To that end, the college’s career service department stages mock sessions to help students prepare.

“They start working with them (students) one month in, to start grooming them with interview skills, their resume and how to present [themselves],” she said.

Some schools, however, including the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, focus on the world of arts.

The school is located in both New York and Los Angeles, offering courses in acting, as well as musical and dance theater.

The academy’s faculty attend various high schools across the nation to hold workshops. Students get an idea of what the school is about and have the chance to perform auditions.

Lauren Paha is a faculty member of the academy and will be hosting an audition at Wesley Chapel High in April.

She noted that financial assistance is a common area of concern for students and parents.

“Not only do we give away talent-based scholarships, we also do merit-based scholarships,” Paha stated. The school is also receptive to financial aid coming from outside the academy.

All of the instructors at the academy are still active in the industry – whether on Broadway, directing or singing, Paha remarked.

The bar is also set high for instructors at Full Sail University, requiring at least four years of industry experience.

“What we focus on is entertainment, media, arts and technology,” said Jolie Parris, outreach representative for the school.

The university logo was recognizable as several of its alumni have gone on to do artwork for big-budget projects.

Such projects include the Fortnite video game and films like The Incredibles and the Marvel comic series.

Dylan Miller, left, a Wesley Chapel High School junior, is accompanied by his mother, Danielle, at the school’s College and Career Fair on March 11. At the National Aviation Academy booth, Ayiende Smith explains what programs the school has to offer.

They, too, offer scholarship programs and have workshops at high schools, where student can create music beats and learn about animation.

Rebecca Maher attended the fair with her two daughters – students at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

Tuition was at the top of her mind, when visiting the booths.

She wanted to know: “First and foremost, are we going to be able to afford the school of their choice?”

The Wesley Chapel resident has been helping her daughters find scholarships online, but was also able to pick up information at the various booths.

While one daughter has set her mind on engineering, Maher still encourages both not to limit their options.

“There’s so many majors at all these schools, which is one of the things I try to impart to my kids,” she said.

Other options may be found outside of colleges, such as the Paul Mitchell company, which offers courses.

Those with an interest in hair styling can enroll in its cosmetology or barbering programs.

The programs offer career fairs so students can speak one-on-one with industry experts.

Besides offering financial assistance, Paul Mitchell helps in making a smooth transition into the workforce after completion.

“Job placement is one of the things we focus on,” said Melissa Salazar, marketing associate for the company. “To see someone go through the program and placed in the industry is super important.”

Youseff Khalil, a student from Cypress Creek Middle High School, was busy roaming the booths with his parents.

While he admitted an interest in engineering, he said he was open to other fields – even those outside of academia.

The military is one such alternative to schooling, which was represented by the National Guard and the U.S. Army.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Pelfort, of the National Guard, was ready to explain the benefits of serving this military branch.

“It looks good on a resume,” he said. “You’ll always get priority being in the military.”

Although some may decide to pursue a career in the military, others may use it as a means of getting a higher education, the sergeant said.

In the National Guard, a student can serve one weekend a month and two weeks out of the summer – granting more class and study time.

And, with a three- or six-year commitment, students are eligible for full tuition coverage.

“We’ll pay 100 percent up to a master’s degree,” Pelfort explained.

Also, an additional $380 a month is paid out to use for books and other necessities.

The sergeant echoed a common message conveyed at many booths: “Take advantage of it and do it while you’re young.”

Published March 20, 2019

Chalk Talk 03/20/2019

March 20, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Shopping to provide for others
Three VPK classes of Primrose School at Collier Parkway took field trips to Publix to buy food items for other kids in need. Each class of 15 to 21 students took turns, using $100 and a shopping list. A sign was added to their carts that said, ‘We worked for weeks doing chores for change so we could go shopping for Pasco Kids First.’ The total donation from the school’s Caring and Giving Food Drive was more than $500 in food items.

Paint workshop benefit
Two Sisters DIY, 2020 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 4, in Lutz, will host an Open Paint walk-in sign-painting workshop March 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., to benefit the Rushe Middle School Theatre Department program.

There will be projects available for all ages.

There also will be a raffle during the event.

Free prom dresses
Belle of the Ball will once again offer free prom dresses and accessories March 23, 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.

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.

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 .

Fire Rescue program
Pasco County Fire Rescue has partnered with Pasco County Schools to offer pathway education to students interested in entering the fire service.

For information and how to enroll a student, visit tinyurl.com/yxmb9lc6.

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.

Longleaf earns arts designation
Longleaf Elementary School has earned the Arts Achieve! School designation from the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, after winning the Florida Arts Model School distinction in all three scoring categories.

The school has been a Florida Arts Model School for music and visual arts since 2016, and this year added theater to its recognition.

Longleaf received 230 out of 235 total possible points in music; 219 out of 235 in theater; and, 203 out of 235 in visual arts.

Points are earned based on video of performances, lesson plans, teaching video, school culture, and other criteria.

A school administrator and representatives from each content area will accept the award at the 2019 FAAE Summit in Ft. Lauderdale, in June.

Community outreach
Chasco Elementary School in Port Richey attended a Community Outreach event based on the Trauma-Informed Care tenets and what has been learned by the Chasco staff members.

There are five primary principles for trauma-informed care.

Safety: Includes creating spaces where people feel culturally, emotionally and physically safe, as well as an awareness of an individual’s discomfort or unease.
Transparency and Trustworthiness
Choice
Collaboration and Mutuality
Empowerment

Students rotated between activities that included mindfulness to stress-reducing strategies, yoga, and physical engagement.

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

Supervisor of Elections scholarship
The Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship Student Eligibility is now underway.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will review all applications received and select one finalist to be sent to the FSASE Scholarship Committee, along with a written opinion of the applicant. Letters of recommendation must accompany the application.

The committee will select three winners ($1,200 each) from the finalists submitted from all county supervisors.

The deadline to apply is March 29 and applications should be mailed to the Honorable Brian E. Corley, Supervisor of Elections, Pasco County, 14236 Sixth St., Suite 200, P.O. Box 300, Dade City, FL 33526-0300.

For complete details and information, visit PascoVotes.com.

School board eyes 104-acre site near Connected City

March 13, 2019 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board has approved the acquisition of a 104-acre site near the Connected City area of Wesley Chapel.

The school district anticipates there will a need for future schools as more residents move into Connected City, which includes Epperson Ranch and other future developments.

Pasco County Schools is proceeding with steps to purchase a 104-acre site at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads. The school district said that more schools will be needed in the area, as more residents move into the Connected City, which is just across the street. (Christine Holtzman)

The site is at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads, directly across the street from future phases of Epperson Ranch and just south of the future Mirada development.

The board’s unanimous vote allows district staff to proceed with the necessary steps to acquire the property from the owners of Kirkland Ranch.

This acreage would potentially house a future high school and/or future kindergarten through eighth grade school, according to a school board document prepared by Chris Williams, director of planning services for the school district.

The owners have agreed to sell the property to the school district for $20,000 per acre, with the full sales price expected to be slightly more than $2 million.

The purchase is contingent on the completion of two independent appraisals, due diligence and some additional conditions.

Part of the agreement includes that the entire campus to be constructed at the site shall be named the Kirkland Ranch Campus, subject to applicable school board policy.

The campus may include one or more of the following types of schools: elementary, middle, high, vocational training or magnet.

The agreement also stipulates that once the campus is named, the name cannot be changed for a minimum of 50 years subsequent to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or completion.

The proposed sale is also subject to other requirements, which include allowing the seller to use the land for livestock grazing purposes at no rental until such time the school district commences construction of the campus.

The school district also agrees to build a barbed wire fence to separate the property from the seller’s remaining land to the south.

Published March 13, 2019

Chalk Talk 03/13/2019

March 13, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Aiming to protect animal species
Pine View Elementary School is the first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Candidate School in the district. A focus of the Primary Years Program (PYP) is to empower and encourage students to take action with their learning.

Ella Allen, left, and Aubrie Badalament stand in front of one of the signs indicating the presence of gopher tortoises near the school grounds. (Courtesy of Erin Greco)

Fourth-graders Ella Allen and Aubrie Badalament did just that.

The class was learning how the human experience is dependent on relationships within the environment. The fourth-graders started to wonder about the relationship between the students at school and the school environment. They noticed that Pine View had a lot of gopher tortoise burrows. One, in particular, was right by the recess field, where students travel and often leave lunchboxes.

The girls researched gopher tortoises to find out about their habitat. They shared with the class how these tortoises are extremely important as a keystone species because it digs burrows that shelter at least 360 other animal species.

The girls were encouraged to think of what they could do with this new information, and designed a sign that they wanted to hang near the burrow to educate the other students.

After presenting their idea to Pine View Principal Kathryn Moore, Ella and Aubrie asked if the school would be able to provide funding to have the signs produced. The proposal was approved and three signs were made for the burrows around campus.

The fourth-graders take pride in having educated the students of Pine View, and having helped more than 360 species of animals stay protected.

Friendship Ball
Dr. John Long Middle School Best Buddies Chapter took part in its third annual Best Buddies Friendship Ball on Feb. 24 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Airport – Westshore.

The event celebrated one-to-one friendships between students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and typical students.

Twenty-three typical students accompanied seven IDD students.

For more information, visit BestBuddies.org.

Life Station Campaign
During the month of March, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s “Stop the Bleed – Life Station Campaign” will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Offices.

The campaign is an effort to install Life Stations in every school, providing needed lifesaving materials in the event of school-related violence.

For information on “Stop the Bleed,” visit PascoSheriffCharities.org.

For information on how to donate, visit PascoTaxes.com.

Strength Team appearance
The Strength Team will be at Zephyrhills Christian Academy, 34927 Eiland Blvd., March 15 to March 17 at 7 p.m., each day, in the gym.

The team assembles former professional athletes to combing amazing demonstrations of strength and motivational speaking.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 782-7115.

Local student achievements
The following area students were named to the Dean’s List at their respective schools:

Madalyn Alston, of Dade City, Anderson University, South Carolina
Gerry Chambers-Skinner, of Lutz, Springfield College, Massachusetts
Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Emily M. Gerber, of Odessa, St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York
Samuel Goetz, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Kenneth Leikam, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Em Ovalle, of Lutz, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
Amber Pedregal, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
Jack Schluchter, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Christopher Smart, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Zane Thomas Tarrance, of Odessa, Newberry College, South Carolina

These students were recognized on the President’s List at Tallahassee Community College:

Cristina Filippone, of Odessa
Zafer Jesri, of Lutz
Rachael Martin, of Odessa
Kevin Nguyen, of Lutz

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi initiated Paige Napolitano, of Odessa. Napolitano is working toward a degree in exercise science at Nova Southeastern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Pasco organization assists youths on road to success

March 6, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

When high school student Sherman Milton entered the Pasco County’s Take Stock in Children program, he had no idea the impact it would have on his life.

Through the program, he gained access to academic resources, and a mentorship, which helped him to graduate from high school — which then led to college and, now, a career in real estate in East Pasco County.

He recently shared his experience at a Take Stock in Children fundraiser.

Take Stock in Children has been mentoring at-risk students for more than two decades to help them become successful academically.

Gina Granger, left, Rosanne Heyser, Kayla Conologue and Nikii Lewis of Take Stock in Children of Pasco County, showcase their Luminary Award. The organization was recognized for its exceptional work in aiding Pasco County students for the 2017-2018 school year. (Courtesy of Take Stock in Children Pasco County)

Established in 1995, the statewide organization serves all 67 counties and is funded by the Department of Education.

“What our program does is incentivize our students to continue reaching their goals,” said Rosanne Heyser, executive director of the Pasco County branch. “We are there to provide their motivation – a road map to their success.”

To help make this happen, Take Stock has partnered with various institutions, such as educational foundations and businesses.

While there is one umbrella organization, each county has a branch in conjunction with its school district, which may operate by different guidelines.

Selecting a child
Pasco County’s program focuses on preparing eighth-graders, as they’re on the verge of high school years.

The program invites guidance counselors from both public and charter schools to train them on how to identify eighth-graders who have academic or economic hardships.

In some cases, students come from homes where parents work multiple jobs and are unable to dedicate sufficient time to their children, Heyser said.

Counselors recommend these students to Take Stock in Children.

Students, along with their parents, can sign a contract to remain in the program throughout high school – providing they meet program criteria.

Under that criteria, a student must be on free or reduced school lunch, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, must demonstrate exceptional attendance and behavior in school, and must participate in Take Stock events.

Once they enroll in high school, students who participate in the program have access to a wide range of resources.

Program staff frequently interact with students, hold educational workshops, monitor grades and stay in contact with parents.

Because of the collaboration with district schools, the program is aware of students who are experiencing declining grades, and the program can intervene to create a success plan for students to improve their performance.

College readiness coaches also help students prepare for collegiate life.

“By doing that combination, we really get to know these kids quite well,” Heyser said.

A constant, friendly face
Mentors also help.

These volunteers are trained to effectively communicate with students, find common interests and help them with schoolwork.

Mentors play an important role, Heyser said.

“It can create a huge impact on a student by just having somebody that is [an] adult role model to talk to,” she added.

Mentors meet with their proteges on school grounds, typically during lunch or a study hour.

They are asked to identify a student’s talents or interests and to encourage them to think about how to turn their niche into a practical career.

Team projects include helping students create mock resumes and cover letters – practice that will come in handy when they enter the workforce.

The teaching goes both ways between mentors and students.

In April, students who are now in college will be reuniting with the mentors they had in high school during a Take Stock in Children event in Pasco.

As part of a panel, they will provide insights to mentors who are helping current teens prepare for college life.

Higher learning
When Take Stock in Children began in Florida, its sole purpose was to increase the high school graduation rate, Heyser said. And, over the years, it has been highly successful — increasing the graduation rate for students in its program to 96 percent.

However, Take Stock has shifted its focus to helping students in its program to enroll in college and have the skills necessary to graduate from college.

“Our newest goal that was created this year is to have a 96-percent college graduation rate,” Heyser mentioned of the program’s intentions.

Right now the graduation rate for Take Stock college students is at 67 percent.

She admitted that it’s a challenge but one that can be achieved – considering what has been accomplished this far.

At the collegiate level, students are assigned a college completion coach who helps find resources addressing any academic or financial needs.

And, while away at school, students must still stay in contact with the program – submitting their grades every year for review.

Although the willingness may be there, the cost of college is a major obstacle for many students, which can prevent them from continuing their studies.

The program partners with many organizations, which provide scholarships.

The Pasco program receives donations and has mentor volunteers from the Zephyrhills Rotary Club, the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and others.

The organization also has an agreement with the Florida Pre-Paid College Foundation, which matches dollar-for-dollar the amount that donors contribute.

“That’s how we can afford to have so many students partake of this,” Heyser said.

Light at the tunnel’s end
After college graduation, Take Stock in Children alumni often stay in touch with the organization.

Many speak at events, offering their personal testimonies.

It gives staff and mentors an opportunity to see firsthand the kind of impact the program can have.

That’s where people like Milton come in.

He recently spoke at a fundraiser, encouraging donors to help students who are in the kind of situation he was in.

He’s just one of the alumni who has used the opportunities the program offers to prosper.
Another former alumni is now a Pasco County lawyer, with prospects of making partner at a law firm.

During her 15 years with Take Stock in Children, Heyser said she has witnessed the incredible perseverance youths possess, despite the odds against them.

“We literally see miracles happen,” Heyser said. “We have kids who are in wheelchairs and have physical disabilities in addition to the economic challenges they face.”

Outside Heyser’s office there’s a bulletin board with photographs of students who have come through the program.

She can point to a face, recall the name, and talk about the individual’s journey.

As she recounts their achievements, her eyes fill with tears.

In a nutshell, supporting such transformations is what Take Stock in Children is all about.
To become a mentor, or learn more about the program, visit TakeStockInChildren.org.

Published March 06, 2019

Celebrating diversity through literature

March 6, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

As Kaila McAlpine spoke, her passionate tone filled the gymnasium, captivating the audience.

She was among a host of students and faculty members taking part in the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s Poetry Slam on Feb. 22.

With “Diversity Rules” as the theme, participants could share a poet’s work, or deliver their own literary creation, on stage.

The Poetry Slam on Feb.22 offered both students and faculty of Wiregrass Ranch High School a platform for reading literary work – and, in some instances, works they created. (Brian Fernandes)

The school’s Black History Club conceptualized the theme and coordinated the second annual event, which was timed to coincide with Black History Month.

“I think diversity was the best way to bring everyone together,” said Averi Willins, vice president of the club. “Black history shouldn’t just be for black people. I feel like it’s an awareness for everyone.”

Willins, along with club president Sa’Derrica Tate, welcomed the audience before Fiona Williams, of Saint Leo University, performed the national anthem.

A special tribute was given to Jimmy DuBose, a former assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch, who also made an appearance at the event.

Posters displaying the faces of prominent African-American writers, such as Langston Hughes, Tupac Shakur, Alice Walker and James Baldwin, among others, flanked both sides of the stage.

Rose Daniels recited “My People” by Langston Hughes – conveying the value of humanity through the wonders of astronomy.

“The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people,” the sophomore recited. “The stars are beautiful, so the eyes of my people. Beautiful also, is the sun. Beautiful also, are the souls of my people.”

In another piece, Juanita Lamprea Garcia also spoke on the constellation of stars as they relate to people. The writing expressed that while each star is different, they all work together to brighten the dark sky.

One literary work used the analogy of a seed to emphasize the importance of human growth – breaking free from its shell in order to flourish.

Another drew a comparison between people and crayons: a diversity of colors, opposed to just one, combine to make a picture complete.

Even Wiregrass Ranch’s Principal Robyn White offered words of inspiration.

In the poem “You Stand Out,” she spoke of a world where unity outshines individual differences.

“What really stood out in that poem, was the commonalities that we all have – things that we enjoy.

Between poetry readings, the Wiregrass Ranch High step team displayed their unique marching style.

“No matter who we are or what we stand for, these are all beautiful things in our lives,” the principal said.

During an intermission, the school’s step team, led by McAlpine, put on a lively presentation.

The gym echoed with rhythmic hand claps and foot stomps as the team performed their march with precision.

With an energized crowd, the presenters kept the momentum going as they continued to speak with emotion.

William Cuebas presented another literary piece that told the story of a person’s introspective journey in life – peacefully interacting with different ethnicities.

The 16-year-old said he found this reading compelling because it exemplifies how society should coexist.

“We should be treating ourselves not only as equal, but we should celebrate our differences,” Cuebas stated.

After reading a quote, Wanda Diehm took the time to commend Wiregrass Ranch High.

“We do diversity here so well,” the social studies teacher said. “I see it in my classroom, in the hallways, in the cafeteria, and I love it.”

Writer Charles Bennafield’s words were eloquently recited as Willins read “I Am Diversity.”

“My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall,” the senior quoted. “Recognize me and keep me in the mix. Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.”

Willins stated that the poem was moving because it gave her the opportunity to look at diversity not only as a concept, but as a person.

McAlpine admitted that poetry helped her discover a newfound appreciation for literature.

“When I write poems, I draw from my emotions and my perspective,” the 16-year-old explained.

That was evident as she presented her own literary work “Blend” at the Poetry Slam.

In the poem, McAlpine expresses her views as a young African-American lady while encouraging everyone to “blend” as one people.

Cuebas also acknowledged “Blend” stating that it “really took the crowd by storm.”

He added that, “Art is a way of presenting concern, our creativity, opening our imagination, and I feel like that’s what we’re doing with this.”

Published March 06, 2019

Lutz Elementary prepares to add seventh grade

March 6, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Lutz Elementary launched a middle school program at the beginning of the school year and, now, it is gearing up to add seventh grade in the fall.

Lori Branham, principal at Lutz Elementary, is trying to get the word out about the school’s middle school program, which began with sixth grade this year and will add seventh next year. (B.C. Manion)

The school, at 202 Fifth Ave., S.E., in Lutz, began by adding sixth grade in the fall of 2018, and will add seventh grade in the fall of 2019. It will add eighth grade in 2020.

Each class has space for 110 students.

Its inaugural sixth-grade class had 67 students, meaning there are slots available in the seventh-grade class and will likely have some spots available in the incoming sixth-grade class, as well.

Parents who are interested in learning more about the program are invited to a parent information night on March 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., said Principal Lori Branham. The session will be in the school’s multipurpose room.

Branham said she believes that many people were not aware of the middle school program when it was time to decide where their children would attend middle school.

Noah Song, Georgia Crim and Gage Holeman participate in Ancient Olympic games.

“It was very quick. We started this process in February of last year. A lot of people had already made their choice as to where they were going to go,” she said.

She expects to have more students in the coming year’s sixth-grade class.

“I have 104 fifth-graders. Not all of them will come. Some of them are in Pasco County and they’ll go to middle school in their neighborhood.

“For the most part, most of our kids are coming back. So, we’ll have a much larger population next year, for our sixth grade,” she said.

Parker Jones said he enjoys being a sixth-grader at Lutz Elementary. Besides liking his classes, he also has enjoyed the school’s intramural program and not having to start over making friends at a new school.

Teacher Jennifer Shaffer, who has taught at the school for 17 years, is glad Lutz Elementary has added a middle school.

“I was all for it,” she said. “My three children went here. They would have continued through eighth, if we had it.

“The community has always wanted a middle school. They’re a close-knit community. They wanted to have their children stay in the community,” she said.

Shaffer said the school’s middle school program features small classes.

“We know them (students) really well. We can help them meet their goals,” she said.

Students also have opportunities to do hands-on learning, she said. They switch classes and they have the chance to operate more independently than elementary students.

Plus, the middle-schoolers can serve as mentors to younger students, she added.

Jennifer Shaffer enjoys teaching middle school students at Lutz Elementary. She says the teachers and students know each other well, and they are able to do many hands-on activities.

“We’ve done things with other classes throughout the school,” she said.

For example, “I just sent a student — she did an oral interpretation of a story — so, I just sent her down to a first-grade class to do it,” she said.

“For the students, it was an easy transition, moving up to sixth grade,” Shaffer said. “One of our biggest challenges was having them feel like sixth-graders.”

The students switch classes and are allowed more freedom on campus, such as not having to walk in line to lunch, she said.

They also are involved in community service projects.

The day before Christmas break, we split our sixth grade, and half went to the senior center and half went to Feeding America, Shaffer said.

Eleven-year-old Parker Jones is glad that Lutz Elementary added a middle school program.

For one thing, he didn’t have to get to know a new group of friends, and he already knows teachers, there, too.

He enjoys school.

“I feel like the teachers really make what you do in class fun,” he said.

Katie Holeman, the president of the Lutz Elementary School PTA, is thrilled that the school added a middle school program that began this year. She thinks it’s great for family life, for families with multiple children. Plus, she said, the classes are small, and the teachers and students know each other well.

That’s even true in Spanish, which he didn’t think would be fun, he said.

He also enjoys the school’s intramural program, noting that he played flag football and volleyball, and plans to play basketball.

The sixth-grader also is president of the school’s Junior Civitan club.

Katie Holeman, president of Lutz PTA, has three children at the school — one in sixth grade, one in fourth grade and one in first grade.

“We’ve been here for seven years,” she said. “We were so excited when we found out last year that we were transitioning to K-8 (kindergarten through eighth grade).

“It’s great for family life, for people with multiple children,” she said.

Lutz Elementary offers a sense of community and a neighborhood feel, she said.

“All of the teachers know the kids. The kids know the teachers,” she said.

Branham observed: “The Lutz community, to me, is different from any other community in this county.”

It’s a tightknit place, with a strong sense of tradition, she said.

When the school did a fundraiser with engraved bricks, there was one brick representing the sixth generation of a family with Lutz roots, she said.

Parent Information Night
What: Parents can learn about the middle school program at Lutz Elementary School
Where: In the multipurpose room at Lutz Elementary School, 202 Fifth Ave., S.E.
When: March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Info: (813) 949-1452

Published March 06, 2019

Chalk Talk 03/06/2019

March 6, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Students of the Month
The Greater Zephyrhills Students of the Month are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Receiving recognition for February were: Pablo Martinez, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Ava Mazurkiewicz, The Broach School; Aiden Hill, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Nicole John, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Sierra Pittenger, Heritage Academy; Ava Stephens, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Jaxon Smith, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Sammy Adams, Woodland Elementary School; and, Serenity Wolf, Zephyrhills High School.

STEAM Night
Lutz Elementary School, 202 Fifth Ave., S.E., will host a STEAM Night on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The event will include an art show; performances by the K-8 student rock band and a DJ; interactive math, science and technology exhibits; robotics; coding; a Book Fair and more.

For information, visit Lutz.hysdhc.org.

Spring job fair
Pasco County Schools will host a job fair for teachers, maintenance technicians, bus drivers and other positions on March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and prizes for participating.

Positions available at the elementary, middle and high school levels include:

Food and Nutrition Services
Plant manager
Intermediate elementary teacher
Child care assistants
Registrars
Sports coaches
Licensed practical nurse
Custodian
Bus drivers

For information and to register, visit PascoHires2019.eventbrite.com.

Social work conference
Saint Leo University’s social work programs will sponsor a one-day conference March 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, human service and criminal justice system professionals can attend.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Ruth A. Brandwein, winner of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers.

Brandwein and faculty experts from Saint Leo and the broader community will give presentations throughout the day, based on the theme “Transformative Social Work: Solutions, Action, Hope.”

For information, and how to access the program and registration form, contact Jilliam Gartner, academic coordinator, at (352) 588-7732 or .

Hillel Academy gala
Hillel Academy’s 46th Annual Gift of Gold Gala will take place March 9 at 7:30 p.m., at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

The event will honor long-time Hillel supporters, the Fisch family, in recognition of their donation of the new Torah.

There will be a Havdalah experience, including a dinner, silent auction with mobile bidding, and music and dancing.

Cocktail attire and Kosher dietary laws will be observed.

For tickets, visit HillelAcademyTampa.ejoinme.org.

For information, call (813) 963-2242.

College & career fair
Wesley Chapel High School will host its annual College and Career Fair on March 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the gymnasium, for students and parents in the surrounding areas.

Guests can meet with representatives from more than 40 colleges, universities, technical schools and military branches.

Representatives will be on-hand to offer current information about diverse programs, scholarships and financial aid, and career opportunities available through each institution.

Admission is free.

For information, contact Kelly Faysash at (813) 794-8717 or .

Merit scholar finalist
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School senior Hannah Holliday has been selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and is the only student in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school to be named a finalist.

To become a finalist, a semifinalist must submit a detailed scholarship application, which provides information on the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, a demonstration of leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the group of finalists.

Three types of scholarships will be offered in the spring.

YEA! Award nominations
All students who live in Hillsborough County are eligible for the YEA! Awards, whether they attend private or public schools, or are home-schooled. Anyone can nominate a student.

Each year, six winners, three from high school and three from middle school, are chosen in one of three categories: Leadership, Success Despite Difficult Odds and Volunteer or Community Service.

The deadline to nominate a student is March 11 at 5 p.m.

Winners will be notified in April, and the award ceremony will take place May 1 at 9 a.m., in the second-floor board room at the County Center in Tampa.

Applications are now open at tinyurl.com/y6bjjg73.

Chalk Talk 02/27/2019

February 27, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Union Park celebrates its school
In the few months that Union Park Charter Academy (UPCA) in Wesley Chapel has been open, there have been many exciting events and accomplishments.

Bethany JeanCharles, Madeline Arthur and Lucas LaMarche march through the halls to celebrate 100 Days of School. (Courtesy of Deborah D. Lynch)

The Kinder Community at Union Park celebrated 100 Days of School with crafts, individually decorated T-shirts, and a parade through the corridors met with cheers from the upper grades and staff.

The school’s soccer team led by Coach Frank Richardson had its first win against Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science.

Fifth- and sixth-graders received a visit by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a federally chartered nonprofit youth organization for youth ages 10 to 17.

The UPCA’s Jr. Thespians team, under the direction of Myndee Washington, received five medals in competition in Orlando.

And, gifted students are exploring and researching ways to help provide clean water, preparing lessons about electricity for younger students, and investigating their own curiosities.

The school serves kindergarten through sixth grade for the current school year, but will be adding seventh and eighth grades in the upcoming two academic years.

For information, call Danielle Rosario at (813) 358-7306, ext. 1008.

Become a crossing guard
School crossing guards are trained by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The mission of a crossing guard is to oversee elementary school children as they cross busy streets upon arriving at and departing from school.

If interested, call Ken Mizerek, crossing guard supervisor, at (727) 277-7200, or visit PascoSheriff.com/careers.

Bridge-breaking contest
Saint Leo University’s Department of Mathematics and Science will present its annual bridge-breaking competition March 4 at 6 p.m., in Selby Auditorium, Lewis Hall, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Teams of Saint Leo students constructed model bridges from lightweight wooden sticks and glue, adhering to strict rules on materials and dimensions.

The audience can vote on which bridge is most attractive, and faculty members will test each bridge to see which one can hold the most weight before it breaks.

Admission is free.

For information or preferred seating, contact Leo Ondrovic at (352) 588-7408 or .

STEAM Night
Lutz Elementary School, 202 Fifth Ave., S.E., will host a STEAM Night on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The event will include an art show; performances by the K-8 student rock band and a DJ; interactive math, science and technology exhibits; robotics; coding; a Book Fair and more.

For information, visit Lutz.hysdhc.org.

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and prizes for participating.

Positions available at the elementary, middle and high school levels include:

Food and Nutrition Services
Plant manager
Intermediate elementary teacher
Child care assistants
Registrars
Sports coaches
Licensed practical nurse
Custodian
Bus drivers