Education

Prepare your kindergartener for success

July 18, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Kindergarten is supposed to be fun and educational, and allow children an opportunity to blossom. It is usually the first time the tykes are away from their parents for a significant amount of time.

While most kindergartens don’t exactly have GPA requirements, for a child to succeed there are a few milestones that should be reached before they toddle through the door, according to Alise McGregor, founder of Little Newtons, an early education center in Minnesota and Illinois.

“New parents especially can have a hard time understanding that there are actually things their child should know prior to kindergarten,” McGregor said, in a news release.

Children should know some basics to make kindergarten a better experience, she said.

McGregor recommends these typical things a child should know before entering kindergarten:

Basic shapes. The child should have learned basic shapes like the square, circle, rectangle and triangle in preschool. If not, parents should teach them. In kindergarten, they will likely be introduced to the hexagon, star, heart and octagon.
The letters of the child’s name. They should at least be able to recognize the letters of their name. In kindergarten, they will learn uppercase letters and begin lowercase letters. They also will begin to learn how to write freehand without tracing.
Numbers 1 to 10. Some children will be able to count to 100 by the time they reach kindergarten, but all should at least be able to count to 10. Numbers will be used starting the first day of school.
Social skills. The child should be able to follow directions, to be able to be separated from the caregiver, and be able to use a restroom independently. Children who scream and cry when separated disrupt the rest of the class. Teachers simply do not have time to supervise individual students who cannot independently use a restroom.

Getting your child off on the right foot early is important, McGregor says.

By teaching basic skills prior to attending kindergarten, success will come easier.

Published July 18, 2018

Chalk Talk 07/18/2018

July 18, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Lighthouse Preschool coming soon
Lighthouse Preschool will open its doors in August, but families with 3- and 4-year-olds are invited to visit now to learn more about its early childhood programs. The school is at 7017 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call (813) 994-8678, or visit LighthousePreK.com or Facebook.com/lighthouseprek.

Hearing screenings
The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation of Florida screened more than 17,000 students at more than 60 schools last year and is looking for volunteers to do the same this year when school begins in August.

No previous training is required. The screening process is simple and a brief demonstration is provided. The average screening time is two hours to three hours.

Volunteers are free to choose which schools they would prefer.

All volunteers must pass a background check.

Prospective volunteers can fill in an application at Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the Volunteer Application at the bottom of the page. Under ‘Preferences,’ choose Sertoma Speech & Hearing.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students July 21 at 10:15 a.m.

Assistance will be provided to help high school students understand resources for researching potential colleges, scholarships and other financial help, as well as how to prepare applications and get ready for the next chapter in life.

For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

Program applications
Pasco-Hernando State College is accepting applications for the Bachelor of Science in nursing online degree program that will start in August.

Those interested must complete an application and submit an essay no later than 7:30 p.m., July 24.

The BSN program prepares currently licensed RNs who have an Associate in Science in nursing, or diploma graduates of nursing programs, with additional skills in management, leadership, theory and research.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Hopefest
The Freedom Center will present Hopefest on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Elementary School, 30243 Wells Road.

There will be free backpacks, school supplies, music, food, carnival games and more.

In order to receive a free backpack, each child must present a ticket.

To register, visit FreedomIsHere.org.

For information, call (813) 414-1664.

Back to School Bash
The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation will host a Back to School Bash, presented by the Standing Strong Outreach Ministry, on July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Centro De La Restaurancion, 6541 Orchid Lake Road in New Port Richey.

There will be music, face painting, bounce houses, school supplies raffles and more.

For information, call (727) 505-0108.

School supply drive
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes and the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco are partnering for a Back to School Supply Drive through July 31.

Items needed include backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, markers, notebooks, paper, pencil cases, pens, scissors and yellow pencils.

Donations will be distributed to students in need in Pasco County elementary schools at the start of the school year.

Shoppers who donate new school supplies will receive a voucher for 25 percent off a single item in the store.

For shop locations, visit GHPPC.org. For information about the drive, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707.

Back to school haircuts
My Salon Suite of New Tampa, 20707 Center Oak Drive, will provide free haircuts, in exchange for school supplies, Aug. 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For every $5 to $10 of donated school supplies, a child will receive a free haircut. The donated supplies will be given to Quail Hollow Elementary and Metropolitan Ministries.

There also will be free food, face painting and more.

For information, call (813) 501-0600.

Donate new supplies
David Weekley Homes will host its fourth School Supplies Drive through Aug. 6.

Donations can be dropped off at the Design Center, 9006 Brittany Way in Tampa, or at any David Weekley model home in the Tampa area.

For a complete list of supplies needed, visit tinyurl.com/y7bhpk3w.

Pasco Schools Childcare Department Gets New Name
Pasco County Schools has renamed its Place Department to reflect expanded programming.

The new name is the Office for After School Enrichment Programs.

To learn about the variety of programs the department operates or for enrollment information, parents should contact the school their child attends.

Scholarship fund
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce presented a check for $1,500 to The Pasco County Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Residents Scholarship Fund.

The fund helps families to attend summer camp programs in the county, and were generated from the chamber’s annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

PHSC Foundation names new board member

The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has added a new director to its board. Sharon Hayes, BSN, MBA, has been named to fill a vacant seat for a term that ends in 2019.

Hayes, of Tierra Verde, is the chief executive officer for Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson.

The PHSC Foundation is governed by a volunteer board from Pasco and Hernando counties.

Eighth annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers
United Way of Pasco County is conducting its eighth annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers. The campaign is set for Aug. 3, Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Supplies that are collected will be distributed by Pasco County Schools.

A school bus will be stationed at Walmart shopping centers to collect donations at the following locations:

Walmart-Port Richey, 8701 U.S. 19
Walmart-New Port Richey, 8745 State Road 54
Walmart-Lutz 1575 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Walmart-Wesley Chapel 28500 State Road 54

Volunteers at all locations will hand out shopping lists and collect the donations.

On Aug. 6, volunteers will gather at the The Mike Fasano Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., in Hudson, to sort and pack the supplies.

Volunteers are needed at the donation sites and at the packing sites.

For information, contact Melinda Velez at or (727) 835-2028.

Day school turns 50
Independent Day School/Corbett Prep is turning 50 and looking for alumni who attended the Independent Day School in Tampa for an anniversary celebration scheduled for Aug. 18.

The school is asking for stories and photos from former students who were enrolled anytime between the school’s founding in 1968 to the present day.

To share memories, help with planning or attend the event, email Lisa Herscovici at , or join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/IDS50.

Independent Day School changed its name to Corbett Prep in 2012 and is located at 12015 Orange Grove Drive in Carrollwood.

For information, call (813) 961-3087.

PHSC fall registration underway
Registration is underway for fall sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College. The course schedule is available online at Info.PHSC.EDU/Course-Schedule.

New students should apply online at PHSC.EDU/Admissions.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Help kids succeed, donate school supplies

July 11, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Every year, students are asked to bring supplies from an ever-growing list to school on the first day.

Efforts are underway to help students who need supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.
(File)

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is sponsoring a countywide Back-to-School Supply Drive, throughout the month of July, to help alleviate the burden of the families that may not be able to afford the supplies required.

“Gone are the days when a notebook, a pencil and some book covers, often made out of old shopping bags, were what most kids needed,” Fasano said, in a news release.

“Now in addition to backpacks, earbuds, USB drives and a variety of pens, pencils, tape, crayons and other items, they are expected to buy supplies for the classroom as well.”

Too many families struggle to provide for their own children, let alone provide towels, wipes and items for other students to use, he said.

All five tax collector offices will be collecting donations of school supplies. Cash donations also can be made, at any of the locations.

To mail a check, send to Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Note on the memo line: Back-to-School Backpack Promotion.

Schools in each community will receive the supplies soon after the promotional campaign ends.

For more information about the Pasco Tax Collector’s Back-to-School Supply Drive, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Office locations also can be found at the website.

Published July 11, 2018

Chalk Talk 07/11/2018

July 11, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Taking stock in the future
Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, awarded 44 Pasco County 12th-graders a Take Stock in Children scholarship. These students completed a multi-year commitment to the program by maintaining good grades, attendance, behavior, and remaining drug and crime-free. Each student will receive a tuition-paid scholarship for up to four years of college.

Forty-four Pasco County 12th-graders received a Take Stock in Children scholarship.
(Courtesy of Pasco Education Foundation)

Recipients pictured: Marwa Ali, Alivia Aguilar, Gabrielle Bryant Brown, Ajhani Burgess, Frankkeishia Butler, Adib Butt, Emily Chappell, Kody Condento, Elizabeth Cooper, Karina Deschamps, Kobie Doerr, Brionna DuPree, Dale Dupree, Eden Faison, Christopher Feliciano, Henry Ferreiro, Samorie Floyd, Paola Gines, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Faith Graves, Michael Guastella, Josiah Guzman, Haley Jacobs, Alyssa Laliberte, Arturo Leis-Pretto, Jordan Meath, Ashanti Mitchell, Jordan Nowak, Aviana Poole, Gwendolyn Price, Jamyra Rainey, Samantha Rodriguez, Kimberly Ruiz, Rachel Ryel, Natalie Santos, Darryl Scott, Yaisel Sifuentes Soto, Chelsea Smith, Tichino Smith, Kiersten Spatz, Shelby Stanley, Kayla Stedman, Elizabeth Sutton, Cordelia Truesdale and Katherine Wiggins.

Take Stock in Children is an award-winning program that provides scholarships, mentors and hope for a better future to deserving, yet at-risk, children.

To learn more, visit TakeStockPasco.org.

College workshop
The Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, will host a College Readiness Workshop for high school students July 21 at 10:15 a.m.

For information, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org.

Program applications
Pasco-Hernando State College is accepting applications for the Bachelor of Science in nursing online degree program that will start in August.

Those interested must complete an application and submit an essay no later than 7:30 p.m., July 24.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Scholarships awarded
Hillsborough County officials awarded scholarships to 59 students, to assist them in reaching their goals and recognizing them for their academic achievements.

Hillsborough County Social Services partners annually with the Community Action Board to offer scholarships worth up to $5,000 to eligible students.

Recipients include both high school and college students, and are selected on thorough evaluations of their application materials.

The institutions of higher learning with award recipients include: Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Hillsborough Community College, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Lake Erie College, LIM College, Northwest Missouri State University, Saint Leo University, Southeastern University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of the Ozarks, University of South Florida, University of West Florida and Vanderbilt University.

Student achievements

Dean’s List:

Kelly Barry, of Odessa, Clemson University, South Carolina
Matthew Berube, of Lutz, Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania
Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe, of Odessa, Clemson University
Nathan Mansour, of Odessa, University of Dayton, Ohio
Caroline Amanda Meisner, of Lutz, Greensboro College, North Carolina
Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Institute of Technology
Taylor Trumbetti, of Lutz, University of Delaware

President’s List:

Amanda K. Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Kelly Mcdermott, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Samantha Politano, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida State University
Andrew Jacob Scwitzgebel, of Lutz, University of Alabama

Degrees:

Alexander Botex, of Lutz, Master of Engineering-mechanical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
Russell Ludwig Perciavalle, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science-accounting and business administration from Washington and Lee University, Virginia
Justin Lee Roberts, of Wesley Chapel, Associate of Arts, Rogers State University, Oklahoma
Jasmine Vann, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science-human services from Springfield College, Massachusetts

Training underway for Pasco school safety guards

July 3, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Bang. Bang. Bang.

The echoing sound of simulated rounds of ammunition permeate throughout Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes on a recent late June afternoon.

One by one, school safety guard trainees, with 9mm pistols drawn, carefully and methodically traverse stairwells and hallways, checking classrooms, searching to take out a fake assailant armed with an AR-15.

Safety guard training began in June, with a goal of having the guards prepared for duties by August. (Kevin Weiss)

As each active scenario unfolds, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office instructors, such as Sgt. Christopher Squitieri, bark out directives: “Get going, gotta get going! …Know your terrain, where you’re trying to search! Where that gun goes, you go!”

Brice Hayes, a fit 26-year-old with a security background, was out of breath and sweating heavily after one such drill.

When the drill was over, Squitieri debriefed him on the effectiveness in clearing the school, and in assessing and responding to the threat.

Hayes said he pursued the school safety guard position to offer “a helping hand to kids that need help, whether it’s active shooters or a permanent threat in the schools.”

To him, the active shooter drills felt like the real thing, his mind racing throughout.

“You’ve gotta lot of things going through your head, ‘Where’s this guy at? Where’s this guy at? I gotta get to him and kill this guy,’” Hayes said. “There’s no ifs ands or buts about it, no questions — you’ve gotta take the threat out.”

The Pasco County School Board in May approved Superintendent Kurt Browning’s proposal to hire a director of safety and security, and 53 school safety guards, for the district’s elementary schools.

The school board’s action came in response to a 2018 bill passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott, in the aftermath of the Valentine’s Day shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The guards must go through at least 132 hours of training that includes mastering various active shooter drills, where guards must search and take out a fake assailant, and render first aid to shooting victims.

The law requires all school districts to provide security at all schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. Pasco County Schools has School Resource Officers in its middle and high schools who will continue to be stationed there.

The school safety guards — which are a less expensive option — will be posted at the district’s elementary schools. The guards, who won’t have arrest powers, will make $20 per hour.

Safety guard training began in June, with a goal of having the guards prepared for duties by August.

Before they are stationed at schools, the guards must receive at least 132 hours of training with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The main objective: respond and neutralize on-campus threats, particularly in the event of an active shooter.

“We pray to God this never happens, but we’re training for worst case,” said Pasco Sheriff’s Capt. Jared Hill, an ex-green beret who leads the agency’s emergency management division and oversees the guard training program.

Besides active shooter scenarios, guards have been instructed on defensive and less lethal tactics, weapon retention, first aid and CPR. They’ve also undergone diversity training, which was handled by the school district.

“Basically, we’re looking for someone’s that cognizant,” said Pasco Sheriff Sgt. Richard Jones, who helps supervise the guard training program. “We’re looking for proficiency on the range, we’re looking for proficiency in defensive tactics, and, the ability to save lives during the medical portion of the training.”

A Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy plays the role of an assailant armed with an AR-15 in an active shooter training scenario at Rushe Middle School. During the drills he fired simulated ammunition rounds, similar to a paintball or BB gun.

Jones said the guards’ biggest strides have come in its 10 days on the firing range.

“We’re shooting nonstop. We’re shooting upwards to 1,600 rounds, and they’ve improved quite a bit,” Jones said.

In addition to guards being stationed at all Pasco elementary schools, private and charter schools in the county have hired their own guards and have taken advantage of the sheriff’s office training.

Jones said 77 guards are undergoing training this summer with the law enforcement agency. Each has passed background checks, physical and psychological exams, and drug screenings.

Many, like Chuck Balderstone, have an extensive background in either military or law enforcement.

A 28-year veteran of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Balderstone retired from the agency in 2013, as a lieutenant and commander of the agency’s vice and narcotics unit.

Becoming a school guard was “a no-brainer” for him.

“When you do something like law enforcement for 28 years, you kind of miss it,” Balderstone said. “I certainly didn’t want to be full (time), right back into being a cop again, but this gives me a chance to go back and work with the most important part of our community — our kids.”

Hiring armed guards in all schools, while unfortunate, is necessary in today’s society, Balderstone said.

Pasco Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Squitieri, left, debriefs school safety guard Chuck Balderstone following an active shooter drill scenario at Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes.
Balderstone, a 28-year law enforcement veteran, is one of 53 armed guards Pasco County Schools has hired to be stationed at the district’s elementary schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

“I think it’s crazy that its come to that point and we need this, but you know what, times are changing and the bottom line is, we do need it,” he said.

“I think the biggest thing is you never want to see your schools turn into some kind of stockade-type situation,” he said.

There needs to be a balance, he said: “Hey, we’ve got to keep this place safe, but we don’t want to scare these kids.”

The former sheriff’s lieutenant is confident the county’s schools will be in good hands when it comes to campus safety.

Balderstone said he knows many of the people he’s in class with and knows they have many years of experience.

“I know that a lot of us have had as much, if not more training, than a lot of these young deputies working out there now,” Balderstone said.

School safety
The Pasco County School Board in May approved Superintendent Kurt Browning’s proposal to hire a director of safety and security, and 53 school safety guards, for the district’s elementary schools, in addition to the School Resource Officers who work in the district’s middle and high schools. The school board’s action was in response to a 2018 bill that the Legislature passed and Gov. Rick Scott signed into law. That law requires all school districts to provide security at all schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

Published July 4, 2018

Chalk Talk 07/04/2018

July 3, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Competition challenges students’ creativity
EnergyWhiz is all about clean energy and creative kids. Every year, hundreds of students converge at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa to participate in renewable energy-themed events.

Jacob Salmon and Tabur Salmon demonstrate their first-place winning entry in the EnergyWhiz Solar Energy Cook-off. The third member of their Sun Food team, Thomas Cui, could not attend due to a conflict in his swimming schedule. (Courtesy of Nick Waters)

Students from Martinez Middle School in Lutz placed in several categories.

Teams of two to six students working in teams designed and built solar cookers for the Solar Energy Cook-Off, using digital or infrared thermometers to help ensure food was safe for testing. The teams created an original dish of food for the competition.

Martinez’s team, Sun Food, won first place for Best Design-Yellow Division, as well as the Wow! Award.

The school’s cook-off team of the Three Amigos earned second place in the Culinary Award category and third place in Best Design-Yellow Division.

And, the California Kings team earned third place in the Junior Solar Sprint-Green Division. Even though the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, the sprint cars were still able to race. Battery backup is now an essential part of a car’s design.

For information on the annual challenge, visit EnergyWhiz.com.

Find Your Future
Hope Services will host “Finding Your Future,” a game plan for life after high school, July 9 to July 13 and July 16; and, July 23 to July 26 and July 30, at St. James United Methodist Church, 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa.

This camp, for students with IEPs or 504 plans, will have classroom modules and community experiences to topics such as confidence building, communication, decision-making, goal setting and problem solving.

For information and registration, visit HopeServicesOnline.com.

Scholarships awarded
The Columbiettes of Our Lady of the Rosary Auxiliary 8104, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes, announced the recipients of its 2018 scholarships.

The students receiving the awards are Bianca Alejandro, Emily Bendert, Kelly Hutson, Haylee Martinez, Reney Santos and Rebecca Urbanas.

Holly Brown wins fine arts award
Holly Peyton Brown, a 2018 graduate at The Broach School in Zephyrhills, was awarded the Nereim Fine Arts Award from the Heritage Arts Center Association.

Heritage Arts is a local nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the performing and visual arts in the community.

Brown is an artist and writer who has studied art privately for more than six years. Her paintings have been featured for the past four years at the annual “Moonlight and Ivory” concert and art show at the Dade City Women’s Club.

Brown also is a past recipient of the Pasco Library Arts Award. She is currently working on her second children’s book, which combines the Anime illustrative style with history.

In addition to a certificate, Brown received a $1,000 check at The Broach School’s graduation ceremony.

Local graduates
These students from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have graduated from their respective schools this spring.

Gianna Basulto (Land O’ Lakes), earned an Associate of Science in pre-health pro from Andrew College, Cuthbert, Georgia.

Students from Lutz receiving degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) were: Emily Harriott, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Jalisa White, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Madeline Quinn, Bachelor of Arts, College of Education; Montana Knight, Bachelor of Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Gregory Zielinski, Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering; and, Andrew McNutt, Bachelor of Science, Lutgert College of Business.

Florida Gulf Coast also handed out degrees to these Odessa students: Calvin Daily, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; David Geagan, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; Samantha Yarish, Bachelor of Arts, College of Education; Sebastian Shindel, Bachelor of Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Wyatt Baggett, Bachelor of Science, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering; and, Carter Hargreaves, Master of Science, Marieb College of Health & Human Services.

Also graduating from FGCU were Trinity students Annalese Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, College of Arts and Sciences; and, Bernadette Petika, Bachelor of Science, Lutgert College of Business.

Other Lutz graduates:
Jessica Chung earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice from Samford University, Ida Moffett School of Nursing.

Stuart Hernandez received a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Victor Alexander Monteith received his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas.

Casey Muse received a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Katie Quintana earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia.

Emily Schwitzgebel graduated from The College of Wooster, in Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She also was a member of the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and the COWBelles, a female a capella group.

Madison Stevens graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

Wesley Chapel students:
Davon Henry earned a Bachelor of Science in Management at Missouri Valley College.

Krista Widler received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration-Management from Peru State College in Nebraska.

Odessa students:
Phebe Albert received a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University.

Kelly R. Barry earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Clemson University in South Carolina.

Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe also graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Brianna Honeywell received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Raises unlikely this year in Pasco County Schools

June 27, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County School Board members have expressed a desire to give teachers a raise, but according to Superintendent Kurt Browning, there’s no money available to make that happen.

Browning’s remarks came during a budget workshop last week in the board room at the district’s headquarters in Land O’ Lakes.

Olga Swinson, the district’s chief financial officer, provided a run-through of budget numbers for board members — noting that these numbers will change before the board’s next budget workshop, which is set for July 24.

However, based on what the district knows now, there’s a projected deficit of about $1.2 million, she said.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning
(Randy Underhill)

Based on that, the district will have to find cuts to balance the budget before the board takes its first vote on the budget July 31, Browning said.

“I think what we’re all looking for here is where we can find money for teacher raises because we all said that was a priority for us,” said board member Colleen Beaudoin.

Swinson responded: “Obviously, we didn’t get enough money for salary raises.”

Beaudoin noted: “I’m concerned that we’re losing good people.”

The district needs to look at such issues as how much it costs to hire, onboard, train and support new staff when it loses current employees, Beaudoin said.

“What’s our risk/reward? What’s our return on investment?” the school board member asked.

The district also needs to consider issues such as “the time it takes to get someone to their peak performance,” Beaudoin continued. “Not increasing salaries is hurting us in other ways.”

Board vice chairwoman Alison Crumbley agreed: “It has a snowball effect.”

Browning said: “I would love to find money for salary increases for instructional, SRPs, administrators, everybody.”

But, the superintendent said the state did not provide enough money to make that happen.

He noted that Hillsborough County’s school district is providing large salary increases, but it is cutting hundreds of jobs to cover the costs.

“I, as a superintendent, am not ready to make a recommendation to this board that we start cutting positions, critical positions in the schools, to give raises to remaining staff,” Browning said.

“We’re not cutting positions this year. Everybody, and I’ll just say it, ought to be thankful they have a job, based on the funding we received from the state.

“It’s unfortunate that they did not provide the dollars that we needed in order to continue to improve salaries,” the superintendent said.

State lawmakers claim that they provided record funding for school districts, Browning said, “what they stop short of saying is they’re also telling you how to spend it.

“If you look at that, almost $4 million is going to the safe school allocation and the mental health,” he said.

Plus, about $5.3 million of the state funding is going to charter schools.

Browning said the district’s salaries have improved in recent years, but the funding is not there to improve them again this year.

But, he acknowledged Beaudoin’s and Crumbley’s concerns.

“We know we’ve got to get our salaries competitive. I know that,” Browning said.

Published June 27, 2018

Military academy appointments include soccer standout

June 20, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Growing up, Victoria Mitchell always knew she wanted to serve her country with a career in the military.

She’ll soon get the chance, when she’s officially inducted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on June 28.

The 17-year-old recent Wesley Chapel High School graduate received her official appointment to the Navy in late March — about 10 months after she verbally committed to play soccer there last May and five months after she was nominated for appointment from the 12th Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Wesley Chapel High graduate Victoria Mitchell will be inducted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland on June 28. She was nominated for appointment in November from the 12th Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. (Courtesy of Victoria Mitchell)

Mitchell is one of six Tampa Bay area students who were nominated and subsequently received appointments to a United States service academy through Bilirakis’ office.

The others are: River Ridge High School’s Connor Beckman, United States Military Academy; Mitchell High School’s Austin Jerome, United States Merchant Marine Academy; Clearwater Central Catholic High School’s Annalise Klopfer, United States Naval Academy; Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School’s Dennis Teicher, United States Military Academy; and, Wiregrass Ranch High School’s Payton Wilson, United States Air Force Academy.

Mitchell, for one, vividly remembers when her acceptance letter arrived in an email.

“I was pretty much overwhelmed with excitement,” Mitchell recalled. “I actually read the email several times and couldn’t believe that, like, I actually got in. I remember showing the email to my dad and being like, ‘Is this for real? This means I’m going straight there?’ I thought I was going to a prep school at this point, so I was kind of down; I didn’t think I was going to get in immediately. I had almost given up hope and then I got that email when I least expected it. I was just overwhelmed, excited — like, it was one of the best days ever.”

Each year, members of Congress nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five academies: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York.

The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Applications far exceed open slots
Appointments by service academies are usually made between January and April, and sometimes as late as May. Congressional service academy nominations don’t always guarantee acceptance.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis held an annual reception last month to honor local students who received his nomination and subsequent appointment to a United States service academy.
Appointees, pictured from left, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School’s Dennis Teicher, United States Military Academy; Wesley Chapel High School’s Victoria Mitchell, United States Naval Academy; Wiregrass Ranch High School’s Payton Wilson, United States Air Force Academy; and, River Ridge High School’s Connor Beckman, United States Military Academy. Other Bilirakis’ nominated appointees not pictured are Mitchell High School’s Austin Jerome, United States Merchant Marine Academy; and, Clearwater Central Catholic High School’s Annalise Klopfer, United States Naval Academy.

Approximately 1,200 candidates are selected each year for the Naval Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer. Last year the Academy received more than 16,000 applications for the Class of 2022.

A 2018 study by the U.S. News and World Report found the U.S. Naval Academy to have an 8 percent acceptance rate — the 12th most selective among all colleges and universities in the United States.

Attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Each student receives a full scholarship.

The application process alone is arduous, Mitchell said, from filling out hundreds of pages of paperwork to undergoing a background check and a physical fitness test.

It also requires a series of interviews before a group of retired and active duty service members, which she labeled “probably the most complex part of the application.”

Mitchell’s passion for the military traces back to her grandfather, Patrick Mitchell, who served in the Air Force for 24 years.

As a young girl, her family would take her to Air Force bases throughout Florida, where she was in awe of “seeing our soldiers in uniform and just everything they stand for.”

Mitchell, too, has always considered herself “a patriot at heart.”

Said Mitchell, “I love my country, and I’ve always known I wanted to serve my country and protect our land — especially like nowadays with all the controversy going on, there’s a lot of disrespect towards our nation and it kind of motivates me to stand up (and) encourages me to go join our military…”

Immediately after induction, Mitchell will report for Plebe Summer, which is designed to help freshman prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy.

During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the Internet or music, and restricted access to cellphones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of Plebe Summer.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen learn basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing, and handling yard patrol craft.

Plebes also learn infantry drills and how to shoot 9-mm pistols and M-16 rifles.

Other daily training sessions involve moral, mental, physical or professional development and team-building skills. Activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses.

Forty hours are devoted to the instruction of infantry drill and five formal parades.

Mitchell is looking forward to all of it.

“I know the summer’s going to be very difficult, very busy,” she said, “but overall, I’m excited for the structure of the academy.

“I’m really excited to gear up, do PT (physical training) with the brigades, I’m excited to basically learn to be a soldier, and I’m going to be living that life for the next four years, and they’re grooming me to be the best officer I can for our country, so I’m excited to learn everything over the next couple of years.”

Juggling academy life and soccer
Besides handling responsibilities of the service academy life, she’ll also be a member of the Navy women’s soccer team, a Division I program.

Mitchell, a forward, opted to strictly play club soccer her senior year after playing varsity soccer at Wesley Chapel High the past three seasons.

Her junior year, she posted a team-leading 34 goals in just 16 games played, earning second-team All-Sunshine Athletic Conference honors.

Also throughout high school, Mitchell was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She volunteered for Special Olympics and Relay for Life, and was a youth soccer coach for a local development academy.

The Naval Academy was the only school she applied to, after vetting other service academies and what they offered.

“It’s a pretty good fit for me,” she said, “because I get to play Division I soccer, go to school and then I also graduate as an officer.”

She plans to serve for at least 10 years, noting she also has an interest in entering the aviation field at some point.

“I’m going to see where it takes me,” she said of the Naval Academy. ”I know there’s a certain point in the Academy where you can sign on for more years in the service, which I’ll probably do,” she said.

Published June 20, 2018

Creativity rules at Lutz Preparatory summer camp

June 20, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Camp Invention isn’t your typical summer camp.

It’s a camp where kids are encouraged to strap on their creative thinking caps and let their imaginations run wild.

And, that’s exactly what was going on at Lutz Preparatory School last week.

This year’s curriculum tested a variety of the young students’ skills.

Caitlyn Commedor sits near her Mod My Mini Mansion. (B.C. Manion)

In one challenge, campers designed their own Optibot, a small driving robot that senses changes in light.

In another, campers dreamed up their own futuristic smart home — complete with high-tech innovations.

Another group got involved with cupcake catapults, while another worked on nursing a sick robotic puppy back to good health.

This is the fourth summer that Lutz Preparatory has hosted Camp Invention — a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The national program serves more than 140,000 students each year, partnering with nearly 1,700 schools and districts across the nation, according to program materials.

It’s a summer camp that challenges kindergarten through sixth-graders to find their inner inventor — and that’s exactly what it was doing in the classrooms at Lutz Preparatory.

Liam Loper, 6, is eager to answer a question at the Camp Invention summer camp, held at Lutz Preparatory School.

Kids were buzzing with excitement, chattering with each other on projects they were doing.

Six-year-old Liam Loper was working on his Mod My Mini Mansion, which featured, among other things, a windmill made of clothespins to help generate energy.

The young boy said he was having fun at the camp and it seemed like everyone else was, too.

Meanwhile, in another classroom, 9-year-old Audrey Wehling, was talking about the Optibot she designed.

“We had to design a car with sensors,” she said. Her car, she said would fly and would go under water.

She also gave it name: Bob 2.0.

“I’ve always liked the name Bob,” she said. “I thought adding 2.0 was cool.”

Kids weren’t the only ones enjoying themselves at the camp.

Greg Robbibaro, who led the group of fifth- and sixth-graders, said the camp encourages kids to go on mental explorations.

“The kids get to expand their imagination. They get to have a little bit of freedom with all kinds of things that would otherwise be thought of as junk, but they get to make these creations that they’re extremely proud of,” Robbibaro said.

Andrea Ball, who was leading a younger group, said the camp gives kids a great way to learn how to work with others and to think.

Audrey Wehling, 9, gave her Optibot a name: Bob 2.0. She says she has always liked the name Bob and thought it would be cool to add 2.0 to it.

“I think it’s good that they work with people they don’t know. They’re so used to working with their friends or their classmates,” she said.

“They have to do unstructured activities, which can be hard. They have to think outside the box,” she said.

“I’m not going to tell them how to do it. They have to brainstorm,” she said.

It’s good for the children, she said. “We need more of that.”

This year’s camp drew 111 participants primarily from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Odessa, said Christina Mitchelson, the camp director.

The camp was led by five instructors and 15 leadership interns.

The leadership interns are area high school students who are earning community service hours needed for scholarship requirements, she said.

“Our leadership interns have been fantastic,” Mitchelson said.

They help the instructors and help the students, as well.

For instance, when a young student is having trouble with a particular task, the leadership intern can step in.

Leadership interns also direct games during the lunch break, once the children finish eating.

The level of engagement was obvious, as kids keyed into the activities going on in the classrooms.

They were chattering, quiet, or eager to answer questions — depending on what was happening in the room.

Mitchelson said the camp is popular every year.

“They love this camp. They wish it went on longer,” she said.

To find out more, visit CampInvention.org.

Published June 20, 2018

Institute aims to equip students for success in college and life

June 20, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The National Hispanic Institute led the International Collegiate World Series at Saint Leo University last week for the second year in a row.

The event is the capstone of a series of three programs designed by NHI to help high school students to develop the skills needed to become the next generation of community leaders, said Zachary Gonzalez, associate vice president of the institute.

The National Hispanic Institute seeks to build community leaders that aren’t reliant on external forces to guide them, according to Zachary Gonzalez, associate vice president of the organization, a graduate of NHI programs. (B.C. Manion)

The conference is held annually for high school students from across the United States and from global Latino communities, Gonzalez said. This year, it attracted more than 110 students — traveling from different countries and from across the United States.

Saint Leo University picked up the students at the airport, housed them, fed them and provided them a chance to get a taste of life on a college campus.

“We are proud to again partner with the National Hispanic Institute for the Collegiate World Series,” Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese, Saint Leo University president, said in a prepared statement. “NHI holds the same values as Saint Leo University—both instill the drive for excellence and encourage respect for all. Saint Leo welcomes learners of all backgrounds. We are excited to welcome these young people to our campus, and help them learn about college life and all that it offers.”

The program uses a self-directed, student-centered learning method that encourages critical thinking.

“Every high school program that we have focuses on a different angle of leadership development,” Gonzalez said. “NHI’s mission is to build more community leaders that don’t rely on external forces to guide them. We talk a lot about thought leadership.”

Connor Caldwell came from San Antonio, Texas, last week to take part in the National Hispanic Institute’s International Collegiate World Series. The idea is to prepare college-bound students for the college application process and for independent living. (B.C. Manion)

During the week, the students work on filling out college application forms, writing essays and making other preparations for college life and beyond. They have a chance to collaborate with other students and to gain insights from mentors who have already experienced college life.

“A lot of times a college freshman comes on campus, they don’t necessarily know how to plug in. They don’t necessarily know how to lead. Sometimes they don’t have any prior experiences in working with students of different nationalities, different backgrounds, confronting different cultures, confronting different social environments,” Gonzalez said.

“We’re not here to tell them there’s a right or wrong answer. It’s about how do we get them to see that their talents can be applied to the community, and begin to build those tools,” he added.

Danielle Castro, who works in admissions at Saint Leo University, was one of the coaches during the week.

She thinks the experience is helpful, as college-bound students look ahead to apply for admission.

“They’re getting prepped and ready, so now they’re going to feel that much more confident in applying to all the schools that they really want to go to. It helps them mentally,” Castro said.

Connor Caldwell, 16, from San Antonio, Texas, knows exactly what she wants to do.

Participants in the National Hispanic Institute’s International Collegiate World Series at Saint Leo University work on their Common App college application form. (Courtesy of Benjamin Watters/Saint Leo University)

“I want to major in computer science and electrical engineering, and I want to become a computer scientist or an electrical engineer for the FBI,” she said.

“I also want to have a dance minor. I’ve been dancing since I was 2.”

Participating in the week at Saint Leo is helpful, she said.

“My school is really good about college applications and starting early, but this is an additional resource that I have that my peers don’t.”

It’s an advantage, “especially going in as a rising senior, knowing what to expect and having my essay looked at and having my application looked at,” she said.

“I’ve visited colleges before, and I’ve talked to admissions counselors before, but now that it’s actually my turn to do this — (it helps) knowing what questions to ask, and what to get from my admissions counselors, and knowing how I can implement that with my applications and essays, and such,” she said.

Gonzalez said the experience can be quite eye-opening for many of the students.

“For a lot of them, it’s the first time they’ve flown to another state or country,” he said.

For more information about NHI, its programs, and its new path for developing leaders, visit NationalHispanicInstitute.org.

Published June 20, 2018