The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 02/20/2019

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(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)

Citizens of the Month
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has announced its January Citizens of the Month. The students recognized were: Orihime Morales, Academy at the Lakes; Sarai Guzman, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Aeryn Borges, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Kaylee Coates, Centennial Elementary School; Paola Morales, Lacoochee Elementary School; Aubrey Fraser, Pasco Elementary School; Jesus Garcia, Rodney B. Cox Elementary School; Arisbeth Ramos-Gutierrez, Cox Elementary; Rylee Addison Boucher, Centennial STEM Magnet Middle School; Cody Kramer, Centennial STEM; Ivan Mendoza, Pasco Middle School; and Andrew Martin, James Irvin Education Center.

Head Start interviews
In-person interviews will take place in February for families interested in applying for Head Start/Early Head Start services through the Pasco County Early Childhood Programs for the 2019-2020 school year.

These comprehensive early education programs are for children from at-risk backgrounds, birth to age 5.

The curriculum includes early math and readings skills to help children build the abilities needed to be successful in school and in life.

For information on requirements and locations, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp.

Football fundraiser
Land O’ Lakes High School’s football program will host a breakfast fundraiser Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church (just south of the school), 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The cost is $7 at the door for pancakes and breakfast meats.

To purchase tickets in advance, email .

Academy open house
North Tampa Christian Academy, 5585 E. County Line Road in Wesley Chapel, will host an open house Feb. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The school serves age 2 to 12th grade.

There will be campus tours (starting in Building 1), nature trail exploration, and a meet-and-greet with teachers.

For information, call (813) 991-0801.

Scholarship benefit
The Republican Party of Pasco Scholarship Committee will host its inaugural “5 for 5 Dinner” on Feb. 26 at Benedetto’s Restaurant Italiano in Land O’ Lakes, to benefit its scholarship fund.

The five-course meal aims to raise $5,000 for five $1,000 scholarships for Pasco County seniors graduating in the spring.

To help sponsor this event, contact Sandy Graves at (813) 817-3011 or .

Pack-a-Sack program
One Community Now’s annual Hunger Walk on behalf of the Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids Program is the February featured charity at all five locations of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office.

The Hunger Walk directly funds the Pack-a-Sack program to help food relief efforts for students in danger of not having food to eat over the weekend.

For information on making a donation, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Student achievements

  • Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, earned a spot on the fall Dean’s List at Hofstra University, in Hempstead, New York
  • Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz, was recognized for award-winning work on Tallahassee Community College’s art and literary magazine, Eyrie. The publication was ranked as ‘Excellent’ in the 2018 NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Program.

New opportunities coming to Cypress Creek campus

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Crews have begun work on Cypress Creek Middle School, being built on the site where Cypress Creek Middle High School now operates.

A new Instructional and Performing Arts Center, which will provide educational opportunities and entertainment, will rise on the same site.

This is what the new Instructional Performing Arts Center, to be built on the campus shared by Cypress Creek High School and the new Cypress Creek Middle School, will look like. The campus is at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Both are slated to open in fall of 2020.

Pasco County Schools gave Pasco-Hernando State College the land where the performing arts center, IPAC, will be built. The state college is paying the construction costs for IPAC, and will oversee its use.

But, the new facility will benefit middle school through college students, through the programs it offers.

In a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News, representatives of the state college and the school district provided details relating to IPAC and the new middle school building.

The middle school project — at roughly 190,000 square feet, will take much longer to build than the 35,000-square foot performing arts center.

At the middle school, “they’re working on the site work. The foundation work is ongoing right now. Everything is on schedule for completion in July of 2020 for an August 2020 opening,” said Mike Gude, the school district’s director of construction services.

Cypress Creek Middle will have a capacity of 1,691 students, making it the largest of the district’s middle schools.

Safety and security will be first and foremost, with a single point of entry, controlled access and a fence around the school, Gude said.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, envisions opportunities for education, entertainment and growth for the local economy through the collaborative project involving the school district and state college.

“We designed our middle school to be very much compatible with the IPAC (performing arts center),” added Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools. “We have a black box theater. A beautiful state-of-the-art black box theater. We also have an orchestra room. Dance. Chorus,” Gadd said.

Dr. Stanley Giannet, vice president of academic affairs and faculty development at PHSC, said the performing arts center will serve an important academic role.

“It’s called the Instructional and Performing Arts Center, the IPAC. The reason we have instructional there first is because in addition to a community-type events space and a performing arts space, the primary responsibility is to provide educational opportunities for our students, both dual enrollment students, students who will pipeline from the school district to PHSC, and community students, who wish to partake in the program,” he explained.

The state college will be using space within the performing arts center to provide courses to support a new Associate of Science degree in digital design and multimedia technology.

That new program was based on a needs analysis, and takes advantage of the fact that some programs are already offered in these areas at Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass and Cypress Creek high schools.

“It’s a natural extension,” Giannet said. Plus, there’s a documented need in the community for employees with these skills.

“This is a high-wage target industry,” Giannet said. The skills learned in this program can be applied to the performing arts, but also transferred to jobs in other industries, he said.

In the fall of 2020, Pasco County Schools is scheduled to open Cypress Creek Middle School. It is being designed for 1,600 students, making it the district’s largest middle school. The middle school will join Cypress Creek High and Pasco Hernando State College’s Instructional and Performing Arts Center. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Students also will be able to take courses to support an Associate of Arts degree, which they can transfer to a four-year degree, he said.

Students will be able to take dance, theater and music classes as electives toward their associate’s degree, Giannet said. To get the associate’s, students would need 36 hours of general education, but the remaining 24 could be acquired at IPAC, focused on the performing arts.

Campus could draw regional events
The performing arts center is considered to be an extension of the state college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, which will be under the direction of an administrator who will report to Kevin O’ Farrell, provost of the Porter Campus.

The community also will have access to a new performing arts venue, and the campus could attract national or regional thespian festivals, or other kinds of performing arts events.

The 444-seat performing arts theater, the 150-seat black box theater at the middle school, and the arts classrooms available on campus provide a set of resources that could be attractive for such events, Gadd said. Plus, the site has plenty of parking to support such events, after school hours.

The black box theater might prove particularly popular with local theater groups, Gadd said.

“One of the advantages of the black box in the middle school is that it might be more amenable to some community theater activities, because I think the IPAC center is going to be like an anthill — it’s going to be very busy,” Gadd said.

The combined state college and school district resources on the campus create the potential for increased economic development, additional educational programs, and a new entertainment venue for the community, Gadd said.

Dr. Stanley Giannet, vice president of academic affairs and faculty development at Pasco-Hernando State College, said the new performing arts center on the Cypress Creek campus will offer a broad array of educational opportunities.

Gianett noted that the center will be a source of revenue for the college, too.

“We’ll have professional troupes, professional shows that we can bring in,” he said, and there will be opportunities for groups to rent the facility for events.

The theater also will provide another place for the school district to offer plays and other events.

Working together on this project has helped the district and state college develop a greater level of collaboration, said Gadd, who not only serves as the school district’s deputy superintendent, but also sits on the state college’s board.

The dual role offers a vantage point that allows him to see areas where the district and college can leverage the resources of the individual organizations, through collaboration.

Construction is expected to begin on the performing arts center around June of this year, and the project is expected to be completed by July of 2020, said Tony Rivas, associate vice president facilities management and administrative services for the state college.

O’ Farrell said a request is being made to the Florida Legislature for some additional funding for the project.

“One of the final pushes that we’re making this legislative session is for an additional $2.5 million,” he said.

“We had $15.5 million for the facility,” he explained.

Because of the partnership between the state college and the school district, the site for the arts center has been secured, and it is almost ready for construction, O’ Farrell said.

If additional money can be secured for this project, it would go to enlarge the interior space in the arts center’s foyer to accommodate breakfasts, receptions and community gatherings.

Published February 13, 2019

Chalk Talk 02/13/2019

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Head Start interviews
In-person interviews will take place in February for families interested in applying for Head Start/Early Head Start services through the Pasco County Early Childhood Programs for the 2019-2020 school year.

These comprehensive early education programs are for children from at-risk backgrounds, birth to age 5.

The curriculum includes early math and readings skills to help children build the abilities needed to be successful in school and in life.

For information on requirements and locations, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University will host an Undergraduate Admissions open house Feb. 16, starting at 8 a.m.

Students of all ages are welcome to attend with their families and friends.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the Saint Leo University community.

Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus, learn about the university’s academic offerings, student life, campus involvement, financial aid and more.

For information and to register, a visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For questions regarding special accommodations, contact the school’s Office of Admissions at (352) 588-8283 or .

Football fundraiser
Land O’ Lakes High School’s football program will host a breakfast fundraiser Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church (just south of the school), 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The cost is $7 at the door for pancakes and breakfast meats.

To purchase tickets in advance, email .

Scholarship benefit
The Republican Party of Pasco Scholarship Committee will host its inaugural “5 for 5 Dinner” on Feb. 26 at Benedetto’s Restaurant Italiano in Land O’ Lakes, to benefit its scholarship fund.

The five-course meal aims to raise $5,000 for five $1,000 scholarships for Pasco County seniors graduating in the spring.

To help sponsor this event, contact Sandy Graves at (813) 817-3011 or .

Student achievements
The following local students have been named to the fall Dean’s List at their respective schools:

  • Kaylynn Butts (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jennifer Clifford (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Ryan Davey (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Michelle Graham (Lutz), Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Emily Leonard (Wesley Chapel), Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
  • Nathan Mansour (Odessa), University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Caroline Amanda Meisner (Lutz), Greensboro College, North Carolina
  • Savannah Melvin (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Chase Memmer (Odessa), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Julianna Mitten (Odessa), Cedarville University, Ohio
  • Jacob Mocny (Odessa), University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Maxim Stepanets (Lutz), Alma College, Alma, Michigan
  • Emily Ymiolek (Lutz), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Also, Olivia Sargent, of Lutz, was named to the fall President’s Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University.

And, Cody Cash, of Lutz, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science from the University of Alabama; while Amanda Pollard, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

Chalk Talk 02/06/2019

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Liz Franzone, a sophomore English major, uses a saw at the Habitat for Humanity build site alongside Krystal Sanchez, assistant director of Greek Life and Community Engagement. (Courtesy of Benjamin Watters, Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo partners with Habitat for Humanity
Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service in 1994.

This year, Saint Leo University partnered with Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County to work on a house being built in Dade City, near University Campus.

The Office of Community Engagement honors the university’s Benedictine core values by working to raise awareness and assist with various social issues, such as animal welfare, environmental concerns, hunger and homelessness.

The site that Saint Leo students, faculty and staff worked on was still in the early stages of construction, so volunteers performed tasks such as paneling windows, nailing the roof and building frames for the home.

Top ‘dogs’ recognized
Stewart Middle School recently honored its second quarter “Top Dogs” at a lunch.

Students who were recognized were Lizandro Alzugaray, Merquray Daughtry, Aljandra Padilla, Adrianna Wilner, Serenity Rommel, Savannah Scheuerman, Jasmilyn Ramos, Edward Wilkes, Destiny Flummer and Jaquaune Harrison.

One student is selected by the teachers from each team for academics and leadership.

Panel discussion
Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host a panel discussion entitled, “What You Want to Know: Differentiating Private, Public, Charter and Independent Schools,” Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Choosing a school can be overwhelming and confusing. Hillel will offer this free panel discussion to clarify and offer perspective on the types of school choices.

Dr. Marlene Bloom, psychologist; academic coach Dr. Norrine Russell; and Erica DuPont, therapist/IEP advocate will delve into the differences and similarities, challenges and benefits of all types of schools.

To RSVP, email .

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University will host an Undergraduate Admissions open house Feb. 16, starting at 8 a.m.

Students of all ages are welcome to attend with their families and friends.

Guests can explore the campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and speak with members of the Saint Leo University community.

Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus, learn about the university’s academic offerings, student life, campus involvement, financial aid and more.

For information and to register, a visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For questions regarding special accommodations, contact the school’s Office of Admissions at (352) 588-8283 or .

Fostering literacy
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) installed three Dreamboxes in the University Area, one of Tampa’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

These book-filled Dreamboxes are in addition to the four other boxes installed last summer, surrounding Harvest Hope Park. Plans are in the works to create and install 12 more by the end of the year.

The mini-libraries were built through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Tampa North, for the purpose of fostering a sense of community and increase access to books for readers of all ages, fostering literacy.

Residents are encouraged to borrow books and donate books to share with others.

With more than 20 years of community service, the University Area CDC provides support for thousands through youth programs, adult education and resource assistance.

To donate books for inclusion in the Dreamboxes, contact Jaree Ervin, director of development, at (813) 558-5212, ext. 210, or .

Best online bachelor programs
Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs” edition.

The university ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota and the University of North Texas.

In addition, Saint Leo was named as one of the 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.

Saint Leo recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of offering online education. Launched in December 1998, the school was one of the first institutions to embrace online education with the creation of the Center for Online Learning.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

Literacy book drive
Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program runs through March 15. People are encouraged to donate children’s books in good condition or to make a donation to purchase books for the program.

The BookWorks program promotes literacy by giving books to children from families with low incomes. Goodwill volunteers read to children at Head Start centers and other locations, and then present each child with a personalized book to take home.

Last year, BookWorks presented books to more than 41,000 children.

To donate books, attach a note indicating they are for “BookWorks,” and drop the books off at any Goodwill-Suncoast store or donation site in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Sumter, Marion or Highlands counties.

For locations, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org, or call (888) 279-1988.

Chalk Talk 01/30/2019

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These coyotes are tops
Every semester, Cypress Creek Middle High School recognizes its students who excel, during a Howl-a-bration. The school’s mission is to ‘H.O.W.L.’ — Have a growth mindset, Own your education, Work as a community and Lead responsibly. Seventh-grader Jacob Valdes (left) proudly holds his certificate, while Matthew Vreeland (right), also in seventh grade, accepts his outstanding student award from Jena Ferry, assistant principal HS 216. (Photos courtesy of Eliza Passardi)

Literacy book drive
Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program starts Feb. 1 and runs through March 15. People are encouraged to donate children’s books in good condition or to make a donation to purchase books for the program.

The BookWorks program promotes literacy by giving books to children from families with low incomes. Goodwill volunteers read to children at Head Start centers and other locations, and then present each child with a personalized book to take home.

Last year, BookWorks presented books to more than 41,000 children.

To donate books, attach a note indicating they are for “BookWorks,” and drop the books off at any Goodwill-Suncoast store or donation site in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Sumter, Marion or Highlands counties.

For locations, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org, or call (888) 279-1988.

Science & engineering fair
The Pasco Secondary Regional Science & Engineering Fair will take place Feb. 2 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Judging will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Public viewing will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place a 3 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Students in the regional fair have won their school science and engineering fair competition.

If they place in the regional fair, students are eligible for a variety of prizes, and top winners move on to the state competition.

Guest teacher hiring event
Qualified applicants who want to substitute teach in Pasco County can attend the “Guest Teacher Hiring Event” Feb. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Pasco County Schools district office complex, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco Schools is looking for guest teachers and professional guest teachers.

Qualified applicants can interview on-the-spot.

A high school diploma or GED is required to be a guest teacher. Pay depends on level of education and length of substitute teaching assignment.

All guest teachers must complete a 20-hour training course, work a minimum of 10 days per semester, and be available to work on short notice.

Professional guest teachers must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a certified subject and have a current teaching certificate. The professionals fill in for teachers on leave for 30 days or more.

Anyone interested should preregister at HirePasco.eventbrite.com.

Dean’s List honorees

  • Lauren Dobles, of Lutz: Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • Carson Oakes, of Odessa: Berry College (Rome, Georgia)
  • Sarah Sprague, of Lutz: Berry College (Rome, Georgia)
  • Mariela Deynes Tofani, of Lutz: Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts)

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

All entries must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

Students should submit essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

 

Chalk Talk 01/23/2019

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Fine Arts grants
First National Bank of Pasco (FNBP) is working with Pasco County Schools to award ArtsFirst grants, to give music, art, theater and dance teachers the resources needed to bring out a student’s inner artist.

The grants are intended to support and enhance educational opportunities for fine arts students in Pasco County public schools.

Each quarter, teachers submit grant applications to the district’s art leadership team, which then are reviewed and awarded by an FNBP panel of bank, business and civic leaders.

The applications define how recipients of a grant will use the funds to encourage higher educational standards, as well as challenge and motivate students.

Grant applications are due at the end of each quarter, and will be awarded based upon the grant’s likelihood of improving student achievement and opportunities.

Examples of what awarded grants may be used to support are:

  • classroom supplies and/or materials
  • clinician, guest speaker, performer or guest artist
  • dance room equipment, supplies and/or costumes
  • fees associated with play production (writes, costumes, props, etc.)
  • field trips to fine arts related events
  • musical instruments, art equipment, sound equipment, etc.
  • supplemental materials that are not adopted or funded by the district or school
  • teacher conference fee if the teacher can show how the information learned will be used in the classroom
  • T-shirts for special events that promote higher achievement
  • special projects

Parents and other community supporters can help fuel the program funding when an account is opened at an FNBP branch.

Pasco County public school fine arts teachers interested in applying, can submit an application at the end of each quarter, by sending the grant application to: Thomas Viking, fine arts program coordinator, .

Countryside open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2019-2020 school year on Jan. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students, first grade through eighth grade, and their families can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSMontessori.com.

Health Stampede
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host its annual Health Stampede on Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the fifth period.

The theme this year is “So Healthy, So Clean, So 2019!”

Students will be able to visit specific vendors and presentations, with their teacher. There also will be raffle prizes.

Vendors and presentations will include: Baycare Behavioral Health; the Positive Coaching Alliance; a Publix dietitian and nutritionist; the WRHS Psychology Club; LA Fitness; Nutrition Smart; Poison Control; Project PUP (Pets Uplifting People); WRHS Medical Academy; MADD; the health department; and, the fire rescue department.

For information, call (813) 346-6000.

Open house
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Jan. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The school is for prekindergarten through 12th grade, has full accreditation, character training, college prep, fine arts, athletics and more.

Prekindergarten is flexible, with a choice of two-, three- or four-day programs.

For information, call (813) 995-9040, or visit LOLCS.org.

Fall student achievements

  • Bryant Beacham, of Odessa: Dean’s List, Carthage College (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
  • Hunter Desena, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Maryville College (Tennessee)
  • MacKenzie Lauren Gaul, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from Baylor University (Waco, Texas) with a Bachelor of Science in biology
  • Jake Thomas Michaelson, of Odessa: Dean’s List, University of North Georgia
  • Amy Stanton, of Odessa: President’s List, Georgia College (Milledgeville)
  • Ashlyn Stevens, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Harding University (Searcy, Arkansas)
  • Darryl Ward, of Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Lincoln University of Missouri (Jefferson City)

World of a Teen
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will present its seventh annual “World of a Teen” program Jan. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the auditorium.

There will be a brief panel introduction, and a question-and-answer session from submitted inquiries.

For information, call (813) 792-5131.

Guest teacher hiring event
Qualified applicants who want to substitute teach in Pasco County can attend the “Guest Teacher Hiring Event” Feb. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Pasco County Schools district office complex, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco Schools is looking for guest teachers and professional guest teachers.

Qualified applicants can interview on-the-spot.

A high school diploma or GED is required to be a guest teacher. Pay depends on level of education and length of substitute teaching assignment.

All guest teachers must complete a 20-hour training course, work a minimum of 10 days per semester, and be available to work on short notice.

Professional guest teachers must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a certified subject and have a current teaching certificate. The professionals fill in for teachers on leave for 30 days or more.

Anyone interested should preregister at HirePasco.eventbrite.com.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

All entries must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

Students should submit essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.

Chalk Talk 01/16/2019

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School Board recognitions of 2018

  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative presented a check to Pasco County Schools for $216,266.57, which represents the remaining monies allocated to each member after operating expenses are paid, based on the amount of energy consumed during the year.
  • Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula S. O’ Neil sponsored the fifth annual Constitutional Essay Contest for fifth-graders. First place was awarded to Carly Bowling from Woodland Elementary School, and second place was given to Priscilla Savill from Lake Myrtle Elementary.
  • The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors distinguished graduating high school seniors. Pasco County Schools selected Estefania Acosta, of Land O’ Lakes High School, for the general scholar award category; and Jaelyn Kirkland, of Wiregrass Ranch High School, for the career and technical education category.
  • The Outstanding Senior 2019 was awarded to Jillian Gordy, of Sunlake High School, based on her representation of the school through her leadership, service and citizenship.
  • Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley recruited the assistance of the teacher and students in Wesley Chapel High’s Television Production class to create a public service announcement video encouraging people to vote.

Elementary school choice
The Pasco Pathways application window for elementary schools is open through Jan. 18.

This will be the only opportunity for 2019-2020 elementary school students to apply.

Parents must have or set up a myStudent account, which will be used to complete school choice applications.

Families may enter up to three choices per child, and must be willing to accept any one of the options chosen. The system will offer enrollment only once per child.

To view the Pasco Pathways catalog of programs, visit Pasco.k13.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.

Car wash fundraiser
The Zepyrhills High School Cheer Team will host a car wash fundraiser on the south lot of Thomas and Son Inc., at 4542 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The team’s goal is to raise $2,000 needed for the Bulldog cheerleaders to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championships, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10.

Thomas and Son is donating space at the dealership to help the team earn the remaining expenses for the trip.

Kindergarten countdown
During the month of January, schools across Hillsborough County will be hosting “Kindergarten Countdown.”

If your child will be entering kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year, you will want to attend a Countdown event. These events will offer students and families a firsthand look at kindergarten life, and offer an opportunity to get acquainted with the school’s campus and teachers.

Parents who are able to bring documentation to the event will be able to register at that time.

For a list of items needed for registration and a Countdown schedule, visit SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Stay connected
To receive Pasco County Schools announcements through SMS text messaging to your mobile phone, text “Y” to the number, 67587.

Be sure the school has your mobile phone number on file.

You will receive a confirmation message from the school’s messaging system

You can unsubscribe at any time by texting the word “STOP” TO 67587.

Remember to create a contact in your phone with the name of the school and the phone number, 67587.

Message and data rates may apply.

Scholarships for women
GFWC Florida will award two $3,000 scholarships to women returning to college who need financial assistance for education to achieve their goal to gain employment and become self-sufficient.

Recipients must be a Florida resident and attend an accredited Florida public college, university or technical school as a full-time student.

The recipient’s application, personal statement and two references must be submitted by email to .

The application and recommended forms are available online at GFWCFlorida.org, under Member Resources, Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

The deadline for applications is March 1.

For more information about the program, contact Candi Aubin at (850) 508-3107 or .

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting entries for an essay contest, for Pasco County’s high school students in grades 9 to 12.

Students of Pasco County’s public/charter, private, parochial, non-public and home-schools can enter.

In 500 words or less, students should answer the question, “Should property taxes be raised or lowered? What would be the impact of whichever decision you make?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates the response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

All entries must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.

Students should submit essays to their principal, who will then forward it to the tax collector’s office.

Those in private, parochial, non-public or home-schools can send essays directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also will be accepted by email to .

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Feb. 28.

The winner will be notified by telephone no later than March 22.

Child care center coming to Wiregrass Ranch

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The Wiregrass Ranch community will soon have its own full-fledged child care center.

Kiddie Academy of Wiregrass Ranch is set to open this fall — serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.

The 10,000-square-foot facility is being built at 2900 Hueland Pond Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, right across the street from Wiregrass Ranch High School and Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus on Mansfield Boulevard.

It marks the first child care center in Wiregrass Ranch.

Kiddie Academy of Wiregrass Ranch is set to open in the fall. The 10,000-square-foot facility, being built at 2900 Hueland Pond Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will serve children between as young as 6 weeks up to 12 years old. (Courtesy of Javier Rojas)

Educational day care programming will be offered for preschool, voluntary pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, while aftercare programming will be offered for kids ages 6 to 12 years old; various summer camp programs also will be available.

At build out, Kiddie Academy of Wiregrass Ranch will be able to accommodate 167 students and will have upward of 40 staff members, according to its franchisee and owner Javier Rojas, who was present at a Jan. 3 groundbreaking ceremony for the facility.

Kiddie Academy is a franchise with more than 200 locations nationwide, including a location in Carrollwood and another coming in Westchase. The franchise was founded in 1981.

Rojas, who is chief medical officer at AdventHealth Zephyrhills (formerly Florida Hospital Zephyrhills), said he and his wife, Maggie Delgado, had an interest in opening a franchise in the Wesley Chapel area about two years ago.

Realizing a need for child care in the area, Rojas said the couple set their sights on Kiddie Academy “to give back and be part of this community and extend our roots.”

The Wiregrass Ranch location will utilize the Kiddie Academy Life Essentials curriculum, which promotes each child’s intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Kiddie Academy of Wiregrass Ranch took place on Jan. 3. It will be the first child care center in Wiregrass Ranch. Shown are co-owners Javier Rojas and Maggie Delgado. (Kevin Weiss)

In addition to age-based curriculum, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and music classes will be offered for all ages.

The academy, too, will feature family-style dining, whereby kids will all share in eating nutritious meals together at the same table.

Rojas said at Kiddie Academy, students “learn without knowing they’re learning.”

Rojas added: “Our developmentally appropriate curriculum gives your child a full day of learning no matter what he or she is doing. Some of the best learning happens without your child knowing it.

“Respect, friendship, sharing, compassion and manners — those are the life essentials that Kiddie Academy would like to proliferate,” he said.

The aftercare center, meanwhile, will have playrooms with computers for kids to use for homework, and for fun.

Kiddie Academy also will feature a large outdoor recreation area, equipped with a soccer field, splash pad, playground, race track, and a harvesting garden and other amenities.

Also noteworthy: Instead of a drop-off and pickup line, Kiddie Academy parents will be required to sign in and sign out their children each day, via a check-in system requiring a fingerprint ID.

For more information, call (813) 702-5656, or visit KiddieAcademy.com/academies/wiregrass-ranch/.

Published January 9, 2019

Chalk Talk 01/09/2019

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(Courtesy of Benjamin Watters, Saint Leo University)

Puppies help curb exam stress
Saint Leo University’s Counseling Services offers ‘Puppies and Pizza’ twice a semester to offer stress-reducing effects to students during midterms and finals. Pet therapy can help lower blood pressure, releasing endorphins, which have a calming effect and can diminish physical pain. The event also lets the students know about the free and confidential counseling services should they need further assistance. At a recent event, Saint Leo student Michael Aldridge grabbed a slice a pizza and petted Lou (a Shih Tzu-Chihuahua mix), owned by Mary Eversmann.

Elementary school choice
The Pasco Pathways application window for elementary schools opened Jan. 8, and parents can apply through Jan. 18.

This will be the only opportunity for 2019-2020 elementary school students to apply.

  • Parents must have or set up a myStudent account, which will be used to complete school choice applications.
  • Families may enter up to three choices per child, and must be willing to accept any one of the options chosen. The system will offer enrollment only once per child.
  • To view the Pasco Pathways catalog of programs, visit Pasco.k13.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.

School-related personnel of the year
Katie Jeffcott, resource management associate at R.B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, was named Pasco County Schools SRP of the Year.

Jeffcott started her career with Pasco County Schools nine years ago as a food and nutrition assistant at John Long Middle School.

She has been at Stewart Middle for the last six years. Her primary responsibilities include all the inventory, distribution, maintenance and repair of the school’s technology.

Jeffcott also coaches cheerleading, boys and girls soccer, and track.

She volunteers at Stewart Middle, outside her coaching responsibilities, with the National Junior Honor Society, dances, and fundraising for school and community projects.

Jeffcott serves on several school committees, and has created and coordinated several programs, including alternative field day, intensive math rewards, carnivals, spirit week, pep rallies and book fairs.

The school district will nominate her for the Florida SRP of the Year.

Academy’s culture of kindness
The Hillel Academy staff and students created a Culture of Chesed (Kindness), through a strategic plan and curriculum created by a team of educators.

Throughout the school, value words like ‘Truthfulness’ adorn the doors and hallways as reminders to students about the virtue of the week. Teachers and students discuss virtues in class.

As part of the ‘kindness’ culture each month, students and staff collect goods for charities or groups in need, as part of its Tzedakah (Charity) Project. The year started off by collecting for Joshua House.

Last October, hundreds of pacifiers were collected for infants at St. Joseph Hospital, via Emmi Grace’s Angels; and in November, Panama City’s Holy Nativity Episcopal School, devastated by the impact of Hurricane Michael, received donations.

Students have been very receptive to the idea, said Allison Oakes, head of school, in a release.

Oakes explained that the students are there for one another and are understanding that doing good for others is what’s right.

“Learning this life lesson is an important part of our school culture as a whole,” Oakes said.

Hillel Academy is at 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, and can be reached at (813) 963-2242.

Step Up program benefits from donation
Globe Life made a $25,000 contribution to the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program for the 2018-2019 school year.

This is the first time Globe Life has supported the program.

The company’s donation funded three K-12 scholarships to help lower-income children attend schools that best meet their learning needs.

Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that helps manage the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Grant funds summer institute
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay approved $40,000 in grant funds for Pasco County Schools, for a project that seeks to improve teacher and leader professional learning with the goal of greater student outcomes.

The grant will be used to plan and develop training materials for the 2019 Pasco Standards Summer Institute.

The institute will take place while schools are closed, so teachers can attend and begin to embed their deeper learning into their planning for the 2019-2020 school year.

Addressing each student’s unique needs is her calling

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Drop by Holly Mickler’s classroom at Pasco Middle School in Dade City, and ask her students a few questions about their teacher, and you’ll hear some interesting answers.

Does she truly deserve to be Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year?

Yes!

The class emphatically responds.

How would you describe her to someone who doesn’t know her?

First, they offer succinct responses: Wonderful. Amazing. Funny. Hardworking.

Then, they begin to elaborate.

“She wants the best for her students,” one says.

“She’s like your school mom,” says another.

Holly Mickler, Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year, helps her students prepare for college and life. (B.C. Manion)

“She’s not only there for her students, but she’s there for her students’ families. My dad was sick, and she and the tutors brought over food for us,” still another responds.

“I had a problem with a different teacher, and she was the first one that I went to about it,” another student says, with appreciation.

“When I was in the hospital, she actually took the time to get my work from my other teachers and give it to me,” another shares.

It sounds like Mickler may have some of the very characteristics she admired in the woman who inspired her to become a teacher.

That woman was her kindergarten teacher, Dawn Brown, in Statesville, North Carolina.

Mickler was just 5 years old when she decided to become a teacher.

Her kindergarten teacher took a personal interest in her students, Mickler explained.

“I would see that love that she had for us,” Mickler said.

She cared beyond the classroom walls.

“She invited me to her house and I would play with her daughters, who were high schoolers at the time. We would sit down and play school,” she added.

It was a different time, and place, Mickler wrote, in an essay contained in her teacher of the year packet.

But, just like then, Mickler said, every student is unique and has individual needs.

“I like the challenge of trying to figure out where they need the assistance, and the best way to get it for them. Sometimes you have to get creative.

“I had a kid the other day who walked in and said, ‘I just need a hug,’ ” she said.

She said one of the main things she tells her students is: “Keep your opportunities open. Don’t start closing doors by the choices you are making now.”

Mickler, who has been at Pasco Middle School in Dade City for 14 years, is the teacher and coordinator in the school’s AVID program. The acronym stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

She built that program at her middle school from the ground up.

It’s an elective college prep and life skills course aimed at students who typically find themselves in the middle, with some slightly above average and others slightly below, she said.

“They have what it takes to go to college,” she said, but they may need a little extra support in some areas.

The course is about helping students advance through individual determination — and that means knowing more than just how to analyze a piece of writing or solve a mathematics problem, Mickler said.

It also requires knowing how to advocate for yourself, how to resolve conflicts and how to prioritize the importance — and order of tasks — that need to be done, she said.

Mickler calls that mastering the soft skills needed to navigate the “hidden curriculum” of school.

The teacher said she’s lucky because her job gives her the luxury of flexibility not found in typical classrooms.

Most classrooms are tightly regulated by the amount of material that must be covered and the emphasis on performance.

Performance is important, she said, but so is flexibility.

Her program is an elective, and she has a greater opportunity to really get to know her students and identify their needs.

AVID, she said, has made her a better educator.

“Intentionally planned flexibility is what turns good teachers into great teachers,” Mickler believes.

Early on, AVID emphasizes team-building with the goal of creating a family atmosphere in the class.

“It is never ‘my classroom.’ It is ‘our classroom,’ ” Mickler said.

Mickler never expected to be selected as Pasco’s teacher of the year.

She was helping to judge science projects in the school’s media center, when a contingent of district officials showed up to let her know.

“I was in shock. It was so completely unexpected.

“It made me feel incredibly special,” Mickler said.

And, she wasn’t just happy for herself.

She thinks the honor will help boost morale at a school which contends with a poor image — that Mickler said is inaccurate and unfair.

“People think it’s a rough school, a rough clientele, and it’s not. We have amazing kids. We have an incredible staff of teachers.

“It’s not without its problems. Every place has problems,” she said.

But, she’s a big believer in Pasco Middle — so much so that she commutes daily from Wesley Chapel.

“It’s about a 35-minute drive, but it’s worth it.”

“I cannot picture myself anywhere else. I’m a pirate,” Mickler said.

Published January 2, 2019