Education

Chalk Talk 10/03/2018

October 3, 2018 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Ten students awarded citizen honors
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized 10 students as Citizens of the Month for September. The students were: Ari Kellerman, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Samuel Geist, The Broach School; Laniya Constant, Chester Taylor Elementary School; C.J. Pelto, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Cyhlas Davis-Payden, Heritage Academy; Abbygail Johnson, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Kendra Carter, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Justin Negron, Woodland Elementary School; Nyjohn Moody, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and Sophia Martin, Zephyrhills High School.

Crusader for a day
Tampa Catholic High School, 4630 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa, will offer “Crusader for a Day,” an eighth-grade shadow program, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Oct. 25 and Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program provides a child the opportunity to learn about the Tampa Catholic student experience.

For information, call (813) 870-0860, ext. 232, or visit TampaCatholic.org.

Student achievement
The Tallahassee Community College Foundation has awarded Megan Everett, of Lutz, with the TCC STEM Council Scholarship.

The TCC Foundation will award more than $250,000 in scholarships to students based on merit, need and other factors during the fall 2018 semester.

New administrators
Pasco-Hernando State College recently named the following people to new administrative positions.

• Lisa Richardson succeeds recently retired William Shustowski as executive director, PHSC Foundation.

Richardson began her new role as associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director in August. Most recently, she served as provost at the East Campus in Dade City.

Richardson received a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Argosy University in Phoenix, Arizona; a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from National-Louis University in Evanston, Illinois; and a Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

• Ed Goolsby is now provost of the East Campus. He has served in various capacities at the college since 2007, including associate dean at North Campus; interim dean, arts and sciences, West Campus, and most recently, dean of workforce development.

Goolsby earned a Doctor of Management in organizational leadership, specializing in information systems technology, at the University of Phoenix; and a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in management information systems from the University of South Florida.

• Marcia Austin was selected as the new dean of workforce development, care and technical education.

Previously, Austin was employed with Hernando County Schools for 28 years, serving in a variety of positions. She also was an adjunct professor at PHSC for more than seven years.

Austin earned a Doctorate in education leadership and an Education Specialist in education from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale; a Master of Science in education from Fordham University, Bronx, New York; and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York.

• Gerene Thompson began her new role as dean of arts and sciences. Previously, she was the associate dean of academic affairs at Polk State College in Lakeland.

Thompson earned a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education, graduate certificates in leadership in higher education and college teaching, and Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida; a Master of Arts in history from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas; and a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law/history from Barry University in Miami Shores.

Donations help elementary students
Businesses and citizens in Wesley Chapel came together to donate more than $2,000 worth of food to support local elementary students in need for the 2018-2019 school year.

Full Circle Food Outreach hosted and benefited from a Stock-the-Pantry Food Drive over the summer.

Raffle tickets also were sold and generated another $250 in donations and raffle items.

Food and donations generated from the food drive and after-party at Country Walk Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel will fill weekly food bags for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals, or identified by school staff as food insecure.

Students enrolled in Full Circle’s program receive a bag filled with two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks each Friday during the school year.

For information about Full Circle Food Outreach, call (813) 619-8009 or email .

Pasco Schools enhance event security
Pasco County Schools has installed new safety procedures for all sporting events, as of Sept. 14.

From now on, only clear plastic, clear vinyl and clear Ziploc bags will be permitted.

No other bags of any kind will be permitted, including backpacks, fanny packs, purses and duffle bags. Some exceptions will be made for diaper bags, medically-necessary bags, and school/professional photographers’ camera bags.

Meanwhile, no re-entry will be allowed into games if a patron leaves, and no tickets will be sold after the beginning of the fourth quarter for football and basketball.

Parking lots will be cleared immediately after games, and no loitering or after-parties will be allowed.

The rules were developed in conjunction with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office after violence occurred at two Florida high school football games this season, and after surveying other school districts that are implementing similar procedures.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ybsfgloo.

Be a Bexley sponsor
Bexley Elementary, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is looking for business sponsors for the 2018-2019 school year.

A Silver Paw Partnership sponsor will have its business cards displayed in the front office, and a business recognition on the school’s website and Facebook page, as well as the PTO Facebook page and newsletter. The silver sponsor also will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and a Paw Partner car magnet.

A Gold Paw Partnership sponsor will include everything in the Silver level, plus: a business banner displayed outside the school for the 2018-2019 school year, and a complimentary booth space at the annual Bexley Elementary School Carnival, in the spring.

For information, contact Kathy Hrach at (813) 382-3138 or .

Teacher broadens her horizons through a fellowship in Korea

September 26, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

It’s fitting Karen Coss teaches AP Human Geography and World Cultural Geography at Land O’ Lakes High School.

After all, she has visited 16 countries on six continents.

“I like to travel,” said Coss, who also teaches psychology at the high school.
Her most recent international stop came this past summer, in South Korea. The trip was part of a teaching fellowship through the Korean War Legacy Foundation.

Land O’ Lakes High School geography teacher Karen Coss was among teachers selected to be a Korean War Legacy Foundation fellow over the summer. She spent the last week in July in the Republic of Korea researching Korean history and culture. She is shown here at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 160-mile border that has divided North and South Korea for more than 60 years since the end of the Korean War. (Courtesy of Karen Coss)

Coss was one of just 30 teachers selected for the fellowship, which took place the last week of July.

According to the foundation, the fellowship “focused on building a deeper understanding of the Korean Peninsula’s rich history, its simultaneous achievements of rapid economic development and democratization, and close friendship with the United States” through visits to key historical sites, museums, and conversations with Korean teachers and students.

The trip marked the teacher’s first visit to Asia, and her first fellowship.

“It was a whirlwind, but absolutely amazing, to be able to go,” she said. “They really did get to show us so much of Korea. To do as much as we did in five days was amazing.”

The trip’s high point, for Coss, was visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 160-mile border that has divided North and South Korea for more than 60 years since the end of the Korean War.

Fellows were allowed special access to the border area and were able to stand feet away from North Korea near where inter-Korean summits take place.

Coss quipped she actually stepped foot in North Korea — for about 10 minutes. Of course, she and other fellows were safely secured by South Korean guards in the zone’s joint security area.

“It certainly didn’t disappoint,” Coss said, of visiting the border.

“The DMZ was amazing,” she said, adding she’s sure her visit there will figure into future lessons she delivers to her students.

As an educator, Coss also valued the opportunity to meet with Korean teachers and gain some insight into the country’s education system. Her group visited Seoul Digitech High School, a school for gifted students known for its technology and graphic design programs.

While there, fellows tested out a virtual reality video game built by students. They were also given a comic book that students made.

Korean War Legacy Foundation fellows pose for a picture outside the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The fellowship for social studies teachers also included visits to other key historical sites and museums. (Courtesy of Korean War Legacy Foundation)

“We knew we were going to meet some teachers in Korea, but we did not know that we were actually going to visit a school, so that was real cool,” Coss said.

During the visit, the Land O’ Lakes teacher discovered school days in South Korea are much longer than in the States, oftentimes from 8 a.m. until as late as 10 p.m., five days a week.

Coss learned that classes in South Korea finish around dinnertime, but most students typically remain at school through the evening to work on various assignments and projects, or get help from teachers.

Fellows, too, were introduced to Korean history and culture across the weeklong trip.

That portion included stops at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul and the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty built in 1395.

They also stayed at a Buddhist temple on Gangwha Island near Incheon — the trip’s “unexpected highlight, by far,” Coss said.

At the temple, fellows learned about a monk’s daily life, practiced meditation and had a special question-and-answer session with the head monk of the monastery.

They dressed in traditional monk garb and made prayer bead bracelets during the stay.

Coss recalled waking at 4 a.m., for morning prayers.

The Buddhist prayers entailed performing prostrations, or bows, 108 consecutive times to show reverence to the Triple Gem (comprising the Buddha, his teachings, and the spiritual community) and other objects of veneration.

Of the prostrations, the teacher proudly noted she “did them all.”

“I did all 108. It was a little rough. I didn’t exactly do them correctly,” she said, with a chuckle.

Another memorable part of the trip: Fellows visited the War Memorial of Korea and were special guests at the United Nations Armistice Day celebration, which was attended by Korean War veterans from several nations and the Prime Minister of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon.

Coss said she found the citizens to be very welcoming to Americans and “anyone who had anything to do with the war.”

“We were like celebrities everywhere we went,” Coss said. “Everything is very pro-U.S. Like, they’re very, ‘Oh, Americans!’ It’s not like going to Europe.”

The entire experience will surely have lasting effects for the high school teacher.

She plans to share what she learned with her students, highlighting some of the cultural differences she observed in South Korea and detailing how the country has developed into the world’s eighth-largest economy since the end of the Korean War.

The fellowship experience also has prompted Coss to help initiate a student club, called ‘Time for Diversity.’

Through some of the teacher’s newfound Korean connections, Land O’ Lakes students in the club will get to Skype and communicate with an all-girls school in southern South Korea every month or so.

Meantime, Coss said she’s going to apply for more teaching fellowships to other countries.

She, too, has several international trips on the docket over the next several years.

She’ll visit the Dominican Republic over winter break and might visit Spain next summer.

She also is organizing student trips in 2020 and 2021, to Ecuador and Japan, respectively.

“There’s so many places to see in the world,” she said.

Published September 26, 2018

Judson was a trailblazer

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco-Hernando State College community is mourning the recent death of Dr. Robert Judson Jr., the college’s second president.

The educator began his career at Pasco-Hernando State College in 1972, when the college was a community college — known as the college without walls — and was in the process of opening its doors to Pasco and Hernando county communities, according to a news release from the state college.

Dr. Robert Judson Jr., was a trailblazer at the college now known as Pasco-Hernando State College. When he was there, it was Pasco-Hernando Community College, and Judson made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System. (Courtesy of PHSC)

Judson was hired as the college’s first instructor and counselor/recruiter, subsequently teaching the first course the college ever offered.

The following year, Judson moved into a role as the college’s first coordinator of financial aid, where he wrote grants for student aid programs and was responsible for veterans’ affairs.

He received his doctoral degree in education in 1976, and in 1977 became dean at East Campus. In 1983, he took on the role of East Campus provost, followed by college vice president and executive vice president, according to the release.

In 1994, Judson succeeded Dr. Milton O. Jones — the man who had hired him — and made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System.

Under Judson’s leadership, the college experienced exponential growth.

“Bob Judson was a remarkable leader,” Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., current PHSC president, said in the release. “He worked his way up the ladder, knew every inch of the college, understood our students, and helped realize the college’s potential. He was admired and respected for his vision and his authenticity.”

Judson opened a three-story health building, housing state-of-the-art equipment on the college’s West Campus. He also helped establish radiography, and drafting and design programs still popular today.

Judson also led the building of a child care center on West Campus.

He opened the Public Service Technology building on East Campus in Dade City, where aviation, law enforcement and corrections, and fire academy programs are currently housed.

He remodeled North Campus in Brooksville.

And, he purchased the land for a permanent Spring Hill Campus, which was erected in 2010.

Judson also facilitated a partnership with the University of South Florida to offer formal four-year degree programs on PHSC campuses.

In an interview for the College’s 30-year anniversary commemorative book, he said: “I want to be known as a president who intelligently expands the college for the good of all concerned.”

He added: “I hope I’m remembered as a president who was sensitive to the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Most of all, I hope I’ve distinguished myself as a president who helped make PHSC a great college, and a wonderful place to learn and work.”

Beard, who now holds the same role as Judson once held, put it like this: “The college community will remember his leadership. He will always have a place in college history, and in the hearts and minds of the many PHSC faculty, staff and students he influenced.”

A funeral service is planned for Judson on Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m., at Hopewell Baptist Church, at 890 N.W. 15th St., in Pompano Beach.

PHSC is planning a memorial service to honor Judson on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center on its West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Published September 26, 2018

Chalk Talk 09/26/2018

September 26, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Services offered help school athletic department
Dr. Michael W. Higgins, board certified in orthopaedic surgery at Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery, was recognized by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School for providing physicals to its students at a reduced rate. The fees collected were donated back to the high school’s athletic department. More than 30 physicals were provided, which raised more than $300. Also participating, from left: Dr. Ross Currier and Mary Cunningham, alongside Dr. Higgins.

Learning center open house
Eye Level Learning Center, 33905 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel, will host an open house Sept. 29 from noon to 2 p.m.

Guests can learn more about the math and English program, “Eye Level,” meet the teachers and let the kids play. Light refreshments will be offered.

A free diagnostic test will be available with a reservation.

For information, call (813) 670-5000.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host an open house Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for students of all ages and their families and friends.

Guests can get acquainted with the academic programs by talking to the faculty, through resource fairs, and a variety of academic presentations and demonstrations.

Visitors also can tour the campus, chat with current students, learn about clubs and organizations, meet with financial aid representatives, talk with admission counselors, and more.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Admission is free.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/open-house.

For help with registration, or for questions, contact the Office of Admissions at or (352) 588-8283.

Performing Arts College Fair
Students interested in pursuing a college degree in dance, theater or music are encouraged to attend the Straz Center’s inaugural Performing Arts College Fair on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa.

There will be morning workshop rotations that include master classes and audition prep taught by Patel Conservatory faculty.

In the afternoon, guests can meet with representatives from schools known for their performing arts programs, including:

Carnegie Mellon School of Music; The American Musical Dramatic Academy; Boston Conservatory; Flagler College; Greensboro College; Stetson University; Florida College; Butler University; University of North Florida; Lynn Conservatory of Music; Florida State University College of Music; Valdosta State University; University of South Florida; Florida Southern College; Savannah College of Art & Design; Manhattan School of Music; The New School; and, the University of Florida.

Admission is free . Lunch will be available for purchase.

Reservations are required at PatelConservatory.asapconnected.com/#EventDetail=177547.

For information, call the Patel Conservatory Student Affairs office at (813) 222-1029.

PHSC names campus building
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a dedication ceremony to name the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center at its Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court.

Community members, faculty, staff and students attended the event recognizing Dr. Musunuru’s service as a dedicated PHSC trustee since 1999, including four terms of service as board chair, as well as his significant contributions to the PHSC Foundation.

The tribute honors the cardiologist’s commitment to the college and support of the Foundation, which includes the establishment of numerous student scholarships and the purchase of state-of-the-art instructional medical equipment for the college’s health care programs.

Be a Bexley sponsor
Bexley Elementary, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is looking for business sponsors for the 2018-2019 school year.

For information, contact Kathy Hrach at (813) 382-3138 or .

Wesley Chapel schools earn national PTA distinction

September 19, 2018 By Brian Fernandes

Wesley Chapel’s Double Branch Elementary School and Dr. John Long Middle School each have been named a 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence.

The National PTA organization has a program with specific criteria, allowing schools around the country to be acknowledged for their service to students.

The year-long process includes choosing one of three areas of focus: education, health and safety, or arts. Once that is selected, a PTA can choose a more specific topic to work on.

Dr. John Long Middle School is one of two Wesley Chapel schools to be recognized with the 2018-2020 National PTA School of Excellence award. (Brian Fernandes)

Local officials were gratified by the recognition for programs and actions taken on their campuses last school year.

“We have a great school,” said Jennifer Kanyok, PTSA member at John Long Middle School. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for what our PTA does. It’s a great honor.”

“It really is about the community coming together to support the needs of the students,” said Vaughnette Chandler, principal of Double Branch Elementary School.

As a middle school, John Long offers a Parent-Teacher-Student Association(PTSA) program.

The association gives students the opportunity to act as liaisons on behalf of the school, by attending PTSA meetings and offering their input. Each grade level has four to five student representatives.

“That’s really the purpose behind PTSA, to bring students’ voice[s] to the forefront,” said John Long’s principal Christine Wolff.

Various speakers have been brought to John Long Middle, as well, to address issues such as bullying, and cyber safety when using the internet and cellphones.

Double Branch Elementary chose to focus on health and safety — zeroing in on the issue of bullying.

The school would set out for the next year identifying what bullying is, addressing it and helping to eliminate it.

As part of its program, Double Branch implemented a “kindness initiative,” which involved different departments, including the student council, said Double Branch’s PTA president Courtney Wine.

The school selected a ‘Rancher of the Quarter’ to acknowledge students who exemplified kindness.

The title was bestowed for exceptional acts in class, in the cafeteria and on the bus.

Over the summer, Double Branch also hosted the Fifth-Grade Leadership Academy, designed to help the older students develop into responsible leaders for the younger ones.

“The message there is, kind acts lead to kinder acts,” Chandler said.

The school used its television show, called The News Show, to recognize student acts of generosity.

Double Branch’s agenda for kindness is not exclusive to just parents, students and administration.

“We welcome community partners to come in,” said Wine, who has witnessed an outpouring of support from outside the school. “The more people we have together, the stronger our voice is for what our kids need.”

Kid-friendly businesses have partnered with the PTA in its efforts. Local dentists and tutoring services, including Mathnasium and Life Skills in Action, have taken part.

The John Long PTSA has also partnered with the community, offering a number of fundraisers throughout the academic year.

In addition to working with Toys for Tots, it had a jeans drive, as well as collecting personal hygiene items to contribute to another community school.

“Those are all positive messages that kids learn,” Wolff said. “If you have the opportunity to give to somebody else, you should do that as well.”

Working with the school’s English department has also been important for the PTSA.

Together, they have hosted a summer reading program to better engage children in literature. Upon completion, students are rewarded with an ice cream party.

Both schools also engage their students in the National PTA Reflections Art Program, which offers singing, dance choreography and literature to name a few options.

Kanyok, a six-year PTSA member, has a daughter with a love for drawing. She motivates her to use Reflections as a way of presenting her art to the public.

Leaders at both schools agree that parents do not need to join the PTA to be effective advocates for their children — they just need to lend their voices to issues that matter to them.

The school encourages not only parents, but other family members and members of the community to volunteer.

“We encourage grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Kanyok. “The more parent involvement we have, the better we run, the better our school runs.”

While being grateful for the recognition, leaders at both schools said the focus remains on serving students.

“The purpose wasn’t to get the award,” said Wolff. “The purpose was to do what was behind the purpose of the award, which was to make sure there were good processes in place for kids.”

Published September 19, 2018

Chalk Talk 09/19/2018

September 19, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Peace Week celebration
Pasco-Hernando State College will host speakers, guest lecturers, exhibits, presentations, interactive workshops, and peace festivals for its 11th annual Peace Week, Sept. 24 to Sept. 28.

Buddhist monks work on a sand mandala creation during last year’s PHSC Peace Week. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

The theme of “Unity” will run through the college’s East Campus in Dade City, North Campus in Brooksville, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel, the Spring Hill Campus, and the West Campus in New Port Richey.

There will be presentations and lectures entitled “Stand Together,” “Coffee with a Cop,” “Wellness Techniques and Chair Yoga,” and more.

Unity festivals, with drum circles, exhibits and displays, will take place on each campus. Crafts, such as tie-dye T-shirts, also will be available.

At the Spring Hill Campus, Buddhist monks will create a sand mandala, which will be displayed for a short period of time before a dissolution ceremony takes place.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Fee adjustment meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Sept. 25 meeting, at 6 p.m., at the Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court.

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

For details, visit Policies.PHSC.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Questions and concerns can be directed to the appropriate dean listed on the webpage.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host an open house Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for students of all ages, and their families and friends.

Guests can get acquainted with the academic programs by talking to the faculty, through resource fairs, and a variety of academic presentations and demonstrations.

Visitors also can tour the campus, chat with current students, learn about clubs and organizations, meet with financial aid representatives, talk with admission counselors, and more.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Admission is free.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/open-house.

For help with registration, or for questions, contact the Office of Admissions at or (352) 588-8283.

There will be morning workshop rotations that include master classes and audition prep taught by Patel Conservatory faculty.

In the afternoon, guests can meet with representatives from schools known for their performing arts programs, including: Carnegie Mellon School of Music; The American Musical Dramatic Academy; Boston Conservatory; Flagler College; Greensboro College; Stetson University; Florida College; Butler University; University of North Florida; Lynn Conservatory of Music; Florida State University College of Music; Valdosta State University; University of South Florida; Florida Southern College; Savannah College of Art & Design; Manhattan School of Music; The New School; and, the University of Florida.

Admission is free. Lunch will be available for purchase.

Reservations are required at PatelConservatory.asapconnected.com/#EventDetail=177547.

For information, call the Patel Conservatory Student Affairs office at (813) 222-1029.

Free homecoming dresses and accessories
The Belle of the Ball Project will once again provide free homecoming dresses and accessories, to in-need high school girls, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater. Upcoming dates include Oct. 6 and Oct. 20.

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls.

No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed.

A small donation of $1 to $5 can be made, but is not required.

The project also will accept donations of dresses and accessories.

For information, call (877) 772-3553.

Chalk Talk 09/12/2018

September 12, 2018 By Mary Rathman

This team cares about students
David Weekley Homes hosted its annual companywide CA⁺RE School Supplies Drive in 17 cities across the country. Locally, supplies were collected for the Hillsborough Education Foundation, which is dedicated to more than 200,000 students in Hillsborough County Public Schools by providing educational resources and financial assistance. Approximately $900 in supplies came from homeowners and business partners, providing more than 1,100 pieces needed for the school year. In addition, the Weekley Family Foundation donated $5,000 to use toward classroom technology. David Weekley team members are shown with bags of supplies for the Foundation.

Looking for sponsors
Bexley Elementary’s PTO (parent-teacher organization) is planning to host a Movie Night on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m., for all students and their families, and is looking for a local business to help sponsor the event.

A donation of $500 will cover the cost of the blow-up screen and projector.

The movie will be free, including popcorn, and will be in the school’s cafeteria.

Families who would like to eat dinner, can buy pizza, a cookie and soda for $3.

Bexley also is open to ideas on sponsorship benefits. Some of these ideas include: the business/logo mentioned as a sponsor in all promotions leading up to movie night; a Thank You message with logo displayed on the screen prior to the movie; a table on-site with information about the business; and, the business could provide branded popcorn bags or could provide stickers to put on the bags.

For information, email Kathy Hrach at ">.

SAT/ACT boot camp
More than 50 local students can now get help with free SAT/ACT prep.

Scholarships are available to students from low-income families.

Andrea Catsicas, of Mindworks Prep, is offering the scholarships for eligible students to attend one of her Tampa area boot camps.

Local students currently on free or reduced lunch can apply.

There will be a one-day boot camp at the University of South Florida Alumni Center on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information and to apply, visit MindworksPrep.com.

Early learning enrichment
Tinkergarten, an early learning enrichment program that focuses on nature and community, will host a free trial class Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m., at the Meadow Pointe III Community Clubhouse, 1500 Meadow Pointe Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Tinkergarten’s mission is to elevate childhood and bring families together in a natural place in the community for classes, where kids learn through play.

Each class will have expert-designed, outdoor play-based activities, and will include capabilities such as empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem-solving.

The classes are for ages 18 months to 8 years.

For information, email Charity Henesy-Brooks at .

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls.

No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed.

A small donation of $1 to $5 can be made, but is not required.

The project also will accept donations of dresses and accessories.

For information, call (877) 772-3553.

Civic literacy requirement
Pasco-Hernando State College has implemented the new Civic Literacy requirement for students seeking an Associate in Arts or bachelor degree.

First-time-in-college students must satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate.

The new requirement, Florida Rule 6A-10.04213, was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott in 2017.

The requirement can be met by successfully completing one of the following courses or tests:

POS 2041: a college-level survey course on American government
AMH 2020: U.S. American History (II), since 1865, or
Successfully pass Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government & Politics test, with a passing score of 3; the AP U.S. History test, with a passing score of 4; or the College-Level Examination Program American Government test, with a passing score of 50.

To learn more about PHSC graduation requirements, students must contact a PHSC advisor.

For information on PHSC programs and services, visit PHSC.edu.

Best & Worst School Systems
WalletHub, a personal-finance website, released its report on 2018’s States with the Best & Worst School Systems, as well as videos.

In order to determine the best school systems in the United States, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 key measures of quality and safety.

The date set ranges from pupil-teacher ratio to dropout rate to median standardized test scores.

The quality and safety of schools in Florida were ranked this way (1=Best, 25=Average):

3rd: Bullying Incidence Rate
9th: Reading Test Scores
17th: Math Test Scores
30th: Pupil-Teacher Scores
37th: Dropout Rate
39th: Percentage of threatened/injured high school students
39th: Median ACT Score
46th: Media SAT Score
49th: Percentage of licensed/certified public K-12 teachers

Massachusetts is listed as the top-ranked state overall for its school systems. Florida ranked 26th and New Mexico is listed in 51st place.

For a full report, visit Wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-schools/5335.

Chalk Talk 09/05/2018

September 5, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Staff members from the Wesley Chapel office of the Pasco County Tax Collector delivered backpacks, along with a check for teachers, to Chester Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Tax Collector)

Staff provides for students in need
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s offices accepted donations from the public to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students in need.

A majority of the funds, $20,395.65 in total, was used to purchase back-to-school supplies. A smaller portion was used to assist in buying classroom supplies for teachers.

Each school received 75 completely filled backpacks and a check for $1,750 for the teachers to purchase supplies.

Pasco County Tax Collector’s Dade City staff members delivered backpacks and a check to Rodney Cox Elementary School in Dade City.

And, each school determined which students would benefit from the donated items.

Staff members from each office delivered the backpacks and school supplies to the principals and teachers at Rodney Cox Elementary, Chester Taylor Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Richey Elementary and Hudson Elementary schools.

Pine View Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, received backpacks and a check from staff members at the Land O’ Lakes office of the Pasco County Tax Collector.

This is the second year the tax collector’s offices have had its own charitable promotion for the sole purpose of assisting students who live and go to school near each office.

For information about the charitable programs, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179.

Free homecoming dresses
The Belle of the Ball Project will once again provide free homecoming dresses and accessories, to in-need high school girls, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its boutique at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater. Upcoming dates include Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20.

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls.

No referral letter is necessary. No appointment is needed.

A small donation of $1 to $5 can be made, but is not required.

The project also will accept donations of dresses and accessories.

For information, call (877) 772-3553.

Early learning enrichment
Tinkergarten, an early learning enrichment program that focuses on nature and community, will host a free trial class Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m., at the Meadow Pointe III Community Clubhouse, 1500 Meadow Pointe Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Tinkergarten’s mission is to elevate childhood and bring families together in a natural place in the community for classes, where kids learn through play.

Each class will have expert-designed, outdoor play-based activities, and will include capabilities such as empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem-solving.

The classes are for ages 18 months to 8 years.

For information, email Charity Henesy-Brooks at .

College nights
Pasco-Hernando State College will host its annual College and Career Night on Sept. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Dade City campus, 36727 Blanton Road; and on Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road.

Representatives from PHSC, public and private colleges, universities, other educational institutions and the military will participate.

Prospective students can get information about admissions, financial aid and programs for post-secondary study.

Admission is free.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

A donation of $500 will cover the cost of the blow-up screen and projector.

The movie will be free, including popcorn, and will be in the school’s cafeteria.

Families who would like to eat dinner, can buy pizza, a cookie and soda for $3.

For information, email Kathy Hrach at .

SAT/ACT boot camp
More than 50 local students can now get help with free SAT/ACT prep.

Scholarships are available to students from low-income families.

Andrea Catsicas, of Mindworks Prep, is offering the scholarships for eligible students to attend one of her Tampa area boot camps.

Local students currently on free or reduced lunch can apply.

There will be a one-day boot camp at the University of South Florida Alumni Center on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information and to apply, visit MindworksPrep.com.

First female pilot earns private license in PHSC program

August 29, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

The first time she steered a plane, Vanessa Baker was hooked.

It was that moment, on an introductory discovery flight, that she knew piloting was the career for her.

“The second you do it, you fall in love,” Baker said. “It was kind of like an addiction after, like you do it and once you’re like, ‘This is awesome! I want to do this again!’”

Baker, 24, is the first — and currently the only— female pilot student at Pasco-Hernando State College to have earned a private pilot’s license, through the school’s professional pilot technology program.

Vanessa Baker is the first, and currently the only, female piloting student from Pasco-Hernando State College to have earned a private pilot’s license through the school’s professional pilot technology program. She began taking classes in January and earned her first wings in July. She has about another year-and-a-half in the associates of science aviation degree program. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Baker’s interest in flying piqued after her father showed her a magazine about the PHSC’s new aviation department at the East Campus in Dade City.

A self-proclaimed “wild child,” Baker figured she’d give it a shot. She’s had fun ever since.

“Literally, every day I’m there, I have the best time,” she said of learning to fly.

Baker began taking classes in January and earned her first wings in July.

“I do feel a sense of accomplishment, like, ‘Hey, I was the first female to do this. If I can do it, you can definitely do it,’” she said.

Along with the designation at PHSC, Baker joins rare company nationwide.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports about 7 percent of all pilots are females, equating to about 42,000 total.

Even fewer are commercial pilots, which Baker wants to become someday.

Said Baker: “I definitely do think it’s interesting that it’s mostly a male-dominated field. I think that’s very weird. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all, and I think it would be really cool if that changed.”

Mark Aragon, PHSC professional pilot director, said other female students are enrolled in the PHSC aviation program, but have yet to get their private pilot’s license.

He also noted just 10 percent of all pilot students across each state college end up earning their wings, making Baker part of an “elite group.”

Aragon taught Baker her aviation ground school classes.

The instructor admits Baker struggled early on, but her effort and dedication has won out in a pilot technology program, which he said “is like drinking from a fire hose.”

“She’s going to be very successful,” Aragon said. “She has that stick-to-itiveness, that drive and desire that like, ‘This is what I want to do. This is what I want to be. I’m not going to let anything slow me down.’”

Private pilot license in hand, Baker is still seeking her instrument pilot rating, multi-engine pilot rating and commercial pilot license — all through the two-year professional pilot technology associates of science degree program.

She’s racked up more than 100 flying hours at the American Aviation Flight Academy at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport. She needed about 40 hours to earn her private license.

At the academy, Baker trains in a Cessna 172, a four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft that cruises at 140 mph and reaches more than 180 mph.

She’s flown throughout Florida, passing over Naples, St. Augustine, Crystal River, Gainesville, Ocala and Crystal River, and even going as far north as Valdosta, Georgia.

The thrill of flying still hasn’t worn off, Baker said.

“You definitely feel alive,” she said. “I still look out the window when I’m flying, and I’m just like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to do this!’”

In between her busy class and flight schedule, Baker works as a phlebotomist at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, not leaving much room for free time.

“It’s a lot of work, but totally worth it,” Baker said. “I think this is probably the best decision I’ve ever made — definitely the hardest decision I’ve ever made.”

The state college launched its aviation department last August.

It began offering two Associate of Science degrees in professional pilot technology and aviation administration. This fall, it began offering A.S. degrees in aviation maintenance administration and unmanned vehicles systems operations.

The two–year programs are designed for students interested in becoming private and commercial pilots or airport managers.

Other possible career opportunities include flight dispatchers, transportation security officers, various Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) occupations, aviation safety and aircraft manufacturing.

Pilot students, who receive more than 200 flying hours during the entire degree program, also train on the FAA-approved Advanced Flight Simulator Laboratory, located at PHSC’s East Campus. The simulators can be reconfigured to emulate all types of aircraft in any environment or weather condition, providing a realistic experience.

Besides flight training, other classroom topics cover meteorology, flight safety and security, flight theory, and aviation regulations, among others.

Baker and other PHSC aviation students seem to be entering the aviation industry at an ideal time.

A 2017 report by Boeing estimates airlines in North America are going to need 117,000 new pilots and more than 200,000 aviation mechanics in the next 20 years, as passenger and cargo airlines worldwide are expected to buy 41,000 new airliners through 2036.

And, retirements at U.S. airlines will start to rise precipitously starting in 2021 as the current crop of pilots turn 65, the mandated age of retirement. More than 42 percent of active U.S. airline pilots at the biggest carriers will retire over the next 20 years, according to a 2017 report by Cowen & Company.

In Florida, meanwhile, employment as a professional pilot is expected to grow by about 13.5 percent between 2016 and 2024, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO).

Pilots in Pasco and Hernando counties typically earn entry level salaries of about $30,000 for a private pilot, and up to $104,000 for a commercial pilot, the FDEO says.

“The risk is worth the reward,” Baker said. “I think it’s a great thing to get into, and I don’t know why more people don’t do it.”

Published August 29, 2018

Educator’s vision helps expand children’s horizons

August 29, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Regla Sanchez has always been a fan of the performing arts.

And, on one occasion, while attending a show with her daughters, she thought to herself: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone in the theater could bring a less advantaged child to a future show?

The typical audience at a performing arts center is made up of people who have grown up going to the theater, Sanchez explained.

“Spending hundreds of dollars for one performance is nothing for some of these families,” the educator said.

Regla Sanchez is one of four educators across the nation to receive the 2018 League Educator Apple Award from the Broadway League. (B.C. Manion)

By contrast, many of the families she works with are struggling to get by.

So, Sanchez decided to try to expand the opportunities for the families she serves.

The result is a partnership she inspired between Pasco County Schools and the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa.

Since the partnership began two years ago, it has made it possible for 500 people — children and chaperones — to attend performances at the Straz. Shows they’ve seen include “Wicked,” “Cinderella” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The educator’s initiative also has yielded a national award for Sanchez, presented by the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. Only four educators nationwide received the distinction.

The partnership between the Straz and Pasco County Schools began shortly after Sanchez became the school district’s Parent Engagement Coach for Parents of English Language Learners.

Sanchez wanted the families she works with to have exposure to the theater because she believes the experience can help broaden one’s view of the world and expand one’s aspirations.

Many children her department serves come from families with parents who work as migrant laborers, so they don’t know any different kind of career, Sanchez said.

And, some of them have never left their community or had a chance to see downtown Tampa, she said.

Sanchez came up with a bold approach: She’d make a cold call at the Straz to pitch her idea.

“The security guard literally said, ‘Do you have an appointment?’

“I said, ‘I do not. I just need to speak to someone about my vision to see if they would partner with me and support my idea.’

“That’s how it all started,” she said.

Sanchez wound up talking to Alice Santana, community programs manager for Patel Conservatory at the Straz.

Santana described what happened, via email.

She said Sanchez explained the need, and the Straz decided to respond.

“Regla was so passionate about exposing her students to more that we quickly jumped at the opportunity to bring her vision to life,” Santana said.

Next, Sanchez reached out to her supervisor, Katty Chois, to see if funding could be obtained to pay for buses.

That happened, too.

Under the partnership, the Straz provides tickets, which are distributed to different schools serving students learning English, Sanchez said. Typically, a group of students will go, accompanied by chaperones. Sometimes the performances are on the weekend, so parents take their children.

Sanchez is thrilled that the partnership came together and is continuing.

“I’ve loved this from (the) get-go. I love to see the children engage. Their faces glow in the theater when they look around,” she said.

The Straz has the opportunity to nominate an educator each year for a Broadway League’s Educator Apple Award.

“This year, across the department, it was a unanimous decision to submit Regla for this honor,” Santana said.

“Regla is a true advocate for her students and their families, and a champion for theater,” Santana explained. The educator was determined to find out-of-the box opportunities.

The structure of the partnership between Pasco schools and the Straz will serve as a template for replicating the program with other counties, Santana added.

For Sanchez, the national recognition is icing on the cake.

“I was already rewarded. This is like a dream come true. God had blessed me with this opportunity. I’ve had doors open,” Sanchez said.

Published August 29, 2018