Education

Chalk Talk 06/26/2024

June 25, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Environmental champions honored
Learning Gate Community School in Lutz announced the recipients of this year’s SIEGE Award, an honor given to an individual on each campus who embodies the spirit of the school mascot, the heron.

Kara Windish, left, and OJ Beane are the recipients of the 2024 Environmental Champions award. (Courtesy of Learning Gate School)

As a premier charter school, Learning Gate prioritizes academic excellence, community service and environmental responsibility through the ethos of “Nature is our Best Teacher.”

The SIEGE award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to education, reflecting on the core values: Striving for excellence, Inspiring others, Engaging in learning, Giving respect and Establishing purpose.

This year’s recipient for the Hanna Campus is Kara Windish for her dedication to students and love for teaching. She uses methods like Socratic Seminars, Shark Tank Pitches, Mystery Historic Crime Scenes, Debates, Escape Room and skits, making lessons come alive. She also plays a key role in The Amazing Shake program, teaching students vital communication skills and accompanying them to national competitions.

Windish supports new teachers, organizes sixth-grade challenges, contributes to the National Junior Honor Society, and supports both school campuses through training sessions and teaching sessions at the University of South Florida.

OJ Beane is this year’s recipient for the Lutz Lake Fern Campus, recognized for his positive attitude and team spirit.

He is dedicated to self-improvement and professional growth, and his humility and kindness make him approachable and easy to work with. Beane proactively addresses needs before they become issues and connects with students on a personal level, supporting their academic, emotional and social growth.

Learning Gate Community School is a tuition-free, A-rated public charter school.

Curbside meals offered
Pasco County Schools has four sites offering curbside meal pickup every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Connerton Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, San Antonio Elementary and Watergrass Elementary.

These sites provided meals to over 1,300 children this week, which is 30% more than anticipated. Pasco Schools has implemented changes and improved its process with the hope of meeting the demand for summer curbside meals.

To better serve the community, families are encouraged to fill out the Curbside Intent to Participate Form each week so the district has an estimated number of meals to prepare.

The Curbside Intent to Participate form opens at 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday and closes at 5:30 p.m. every Sunday.

Filling out the form does not guarantee meals at the time of pick up, as meals are distributed on a first-come, first served basis.

For more information, visit https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/fns/mform/view.php?id=285537

Goal exceeded in reading campaign
Pasco County Schools has announced that students, parents and staff exceeded a reading goal by more than 15 million minutes during the 2023-2024 Race to Read campaign. The Pasco Schools community read 30,468,440 minutes in the district-wide initiative aimed to foster a love of reading by engaging students, parents and staff in a collective effort.

“We are immensely proud of our students, parents and staff for overwhelming participation and dedication to this initiative,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a news release.

“Reading is the foundation of all learning, and the incredible number of minutes read this year demonstrates our community’s commitment to education and literacy,” said Browning.

Moon Lake Elementary School, Pine View Middle and Pasco High were the champions in their respective categories. These schools each receive a celebratory banner and 500 paperback books to distribute to students next year. Several schools achieved significant milestones and have been awarded digital badges created by Beanstack.

These schools were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals based on their reading achievements:
Gold: Moon Lake Elementary, Pasco Elementary, New River Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary
Silver: Odessa Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Double Branch Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Cypress Elementary, Trinity Elementary, Mary Giella Elementary, Shady Hills Elementary, Anclote Elementary, Wiregrass Elementary, Pine View Middle, Centennial Middle, Sanders Memorial Elementary, James M. Marlowe Elementary, Veterans Elementary, Charles S. Rushe Middle
Bronze: Wesley Chapel Elementary, Chester W. Taylor Elementary, Bexley Elementary

For more information about the Race to Read campaign and other initiatives, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

{Courtesy of USDA Food and Nutrition Service}

Nutrition training funding
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced funding for Behind the Tray-Food Science for School Meals, and is committed to providing safe school meals and supporting those who prepare and serve them every day.

FNS seeks to award a two-year $600,000 cooperative agreement to develop, implement and evaluate a new weeklong, in-person, science-based food safety education training program for school nutrition professionals. Behind the Tray will enhance the food science and food processing literacy of school nutrition professionals with special emphasis on food safety and food microbiology.

Public, state and private universities and colleges are eligible to apply. The opportunity closes on July 12.

For information and to apply, visit https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/354169.

New Horizons program
Saint Leo University is now offering its Next-Level Grad Award, a scholarship available to graduate program students who study online or at one of the university’s education centers.

This graduate program scholarship is for students newly enrolled in Saint Leo’s Master of Business (MBA) or Master of Science in criminal justice degree programs. It covers the tuition costs for the final nine credit hours of the program (all specializations).

Technology, book and assessment fees are not waived for those who receive the award, and up to six transfer credits will be accepted for those enrolling.

Eligibility requirements include that the recipients must be Saint Leo WorldWide students, fully admitted to the MBA or master’s in criminal justice programs that are now enrolling.

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must meet all academic performance requirements and maintain good standing in their program from an attendance, student conduct, and GPA requirement standard (3.0 cumulative average or better).

For more information about the Next-Level Grad Award, email , or call 855-523-2472 or 800-707-8846.

Five high school students received scholarships from local woman’s club. (Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced the 2024 scholarship winners and recognized each of the following high school students:

Siena Pena, Sunlake High School: $2,000 – University of South Florida (nursing)
Tyler Montgomery Tyson, Jesuit High: $5,000 – University of Florida Honors Program (computer science)
Aelexys Carley, Land O’ Lakes High: $2,000 – St. Thomas University (biology/biochemistry)
Rohil Agarwal, Land O’ Lakes High: $2,000 – University of California-Berkeley (computer science)
Caitlin Conrad, Steinbrenner High: $5,000 – University of South Florida

For more information and/or club membership opportunities, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Governor announces $1.25B teacher pay hike

June 18, 2024 By Andrew Powell

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Hialeah on June 10 to announce $1.25 billion for teacher salary increases.

DeSantis said the funds for teacher salary hikes are earmarked in the budget over the next five years and pointed out that Florida has ranked tops overall in education by U.S. News and World Report for the past two years.

Since 2019, Florida lawmakers have appropriated $4 billion in teacher pay raises, which has increased starting teacher pay by nearly $10,000.

DeSantis noted that this was likely because of Florida’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw other states completely shut down in-person teaching for up to a year and a half. DeSantis pointed out that they approached the situation rationally rather than following the “direction of partisan school unions.”

“In Florida, we said, you know what? Kids need to be back in school,” DeSantis said. “I think we had the highest percentage, 99% to 100% in-person education in the 2020-2021 school year. And yet, some other states that had half the kids, had no access to in-person education.”

DeSantis said that the decision to keep Florida schools open during the pandemic was met with much opposition. Florida’s school union sued, according to DeSantis, and also took part in demonstrations against keeping schools open.

“I know there were demonstrations here in Miami, with the school union here trying to say all the kids were gonna die,” DeSantis said. “That was wrong what they were doing; that was politics and putting ideology and their own interests ahead of the interests of students.”

DeSantis added that if the school unions had gotten their way, the Sunshine State would not be the top state in the U.S. for education and further noted that it was the unions, not the teachers, who wanted schools to remain closed.

“We’ve worked really hard to deliver salary increases,” DeSantis said. “Since 2019 to the present, we’ve had by far the biggest increase in teacher compensation that has ever happened in the history of the state of Florida.”

Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said he is happy to work with a leader like DeSantis, who prioritizes students’ needs.

“In just the last two years, we have put parental rights back in education, we have removed dangerous and divisive rhetoric like critical race theory, diversity, equity and inclusion, and we have made tremendous investments,” Diaz said.

Published June 19, 2024

Make reading fun, all summerlong

June 18, 2024 By Mary Rathman

PJ Library is a nonprofit that sends 240,000 free high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every month. The program was created by the nonprofit Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) in keeping with its mission to help people connect to Jewish values, traditions, and culture while building vibrant Jewish communities, according to its website.

With school out for the season, PJ Library is offering tips for getting kids to read and free books for kids of all ages.

Here are some ways PJ Library suggests to make sure the family reads, all summerlong:

Take books with you. Toss books in a beach bag, a vacation carryon or in the stroller. On hot days at the park, encourage kids to find some shade and read for a few minutes. Families also can select a “vacation read” together for the child.
Read aloud together. Children whose parents read aloud to them have a leg up on literacy and reading comprehension. Make silly voices, take turns, stop to answer questions a child might have — have fun and increase the child’s vocabulary while instilling a love of reading and stories.
Go to the library. Some local libraries offer inexpensive or free children’s programming during the summer. If the child is old enough, sign them up for a library card so they can make their own selections from books, CDs, DVDs and games.
Let kids choose. Let the child pick out what they want to read. If the child’s school has a summer reading list, make sure to give them some free choice materials as a reward for working through the list. Unconventional reading materials like magazines and graphic novels can be choices, too.
Make it social. Join a summer reading challenge or a children’s book group, or start your own.
Have a reading picnic. Grab a blanket, friends, snacks and a stack of favorite books. Kids can take turns listening to stories or read aloud together.
Make “Story Stones.” Collect stones from your backyard, a nature walk or a trip to the beach. Decorate each stone by painting it, adding stickers, or using markers. Mix the stones up in a bag or box and use the randomly drawn stones to inspire stories. Players also can each choose one stone and build a story together.
Keep count. Use a summer reading journal to log and rate all the books read over the summer. Keep the list on the refrigerator to keep children engaged and talking about reading.

PJ’s Summertime Bingo is a free printable game that includes dozens of great ideas — from building a sandcastle to helping cook a healthy meal to having a dance party, and yes, reading books. Visit https://pjlibrary.org/home and search “bingo.”

To sign up for a free monthly subscription for children ages 0 to 12 in the household, visit www.PJLibrary.org.

Published June 19, 2024

Chalk Talk 06/19/2024

June 18, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Local student is tops as safety patrol
Oakstead Elementary School fifth-grader Sophie Cuviello has been named Florida’s AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release.

She is one of thousands of students who participated in the AAA School Safety Patrol program.

Every year, AAA recognizes one outstanding patroller from each state. Nominees must submit an essay demonstrating how they have gone above and beyond to keep themselves and others safe and improve the well-being of peers. Judges review each applicant’s leadership qualities, safety skills, school improvement, and dedication to citizenship and volunteerism, the release says.

In addition to her patrol duties, Cuviello served as a reading buddy to kindergarten students, donated her time to local volunteer agencies, and is active in other school-related activities such as a chorus member and ball hockey team member.

“Sophie Cuviello is a tremendous representative of the AAA School Safety Patrol program and very deserving of this award,” said Michele Harris, Florida public affairs director, AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release.

“She exemplifies the leadership qualities and safety skills of a great safety patroller. We are proud of Sophie’s contributions and are thrilled to have her represent the program,” said Harris.

Montessori camp
Blazing Stars Montessori’s camp is tailored to kids ages 3 to 10 and starts on June 24 through July 19. The school is at 12212 Fort King Road in Dade City.

The four-week immersive, Montessori-driven activity program is designed to cultivate curiosity and fun, according to a news release.

Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Montessori Bootcamp to prepare a child for the new school year
Afternoon sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Students bring a lunch and have quiet/rest time followed by STEAM activities and outdoor play.

For more information, email .

The artwork of Sebastian Romo (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Contest winners revealed
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, announced this year’s winners of the Florida State Fish Art Contest. The program inspires creativity while encouraging the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade submitted artwork in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The top two Florida student artists, selected by the FWC, per category (freshwater and saltwater), in four grade brackets advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The selected winners are:
Grades 10-12
Winners: Charlie Sasso and Jessica Neef
Runners-Up: Louisa Elena Elias-Sowers and Isabella Jimenez
Grades 7-9
Winners: Georgia Hunnewell and Emma Nemes
Runners-Up: Grace Wang and Emily Ganee
Grades 4-6
Winners: Divya Patel and Sebastian Romo
Runners-Up: Hannah Wang and Hailey Chen
Grades K-3
Winners: Anika Goyal and Yimo Wu
Runners-Up: Vanessa Wesbur and Alessa Alger

“The creativity of these young artists truly shines through with this remarkable competition, a fantastic way to involve young individuals in fishing and conservation,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood, in the release.

To learn more about next year’s contest and how to participate, visit MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Mitchell High wins grand prize
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program recognizes the J.W. Mitchell High School fishing team as its grand prize winner of the School Fishing Conservation Project Competition. Mitchell High is in New Port Richey. The students completed various conservation projects, including cleaning up their local waterways and working to restore vital aquatic habitat, according to a news release.

All student anglers who participated in the program were required to plan at least one conservation project to qualify for funding associated with the program. The FWC’s Conservation Project Competition awarded points per club participation in a variety of conservation-minded activities aimed at reducing the impacts of plastic pollution.

Mitchell High won the grand prize, a set of sunglasses provided by Hobie Eyewear and a private in-person custom rod building class with Mud Hole Custom Tackle.

The FWC School Fishing Club Program welcomed 23 new and 15 returning student angling clubs in Florida to the program in 2023.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

Collegiate scholarships awarded
The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts awarded collegiate scholarships in a ceremony presented by HCI Group. Five budding artists each received a $3,000 scholarship, according to a news release.

“We have both been very pleased to participate in the 2024 Gasparilla Scholarship selection process. As early participants in the Gasparilla Festival years ago, who have both spent our careers as artists and educators in this region, we have been so glad to see the festival develop the scholarship program and other community-based initiatives to directly support our area students and emerging artists,” said jurors Dolores Coe and Bruce Marsh, in a joint statement about their jurying process.

“We hope in addition to the very tangible scholarship funds, these awards are also a source of encouragement in their pursuit to the recipients,” said Coe and Marsh.

The five scholarship winners are: My Thi Nguyen, University of Tampa; Victoria Mercado-Lues, University of South Florida; Alissa Pradera, University of Tampa; Gianna Ritornaro, University of Tampa; and Natasha Rivera-Alvarez, Hillsborough Community College.

To see more about the winners and view examples of their work, visit https://gasparillaarts.com/community/#collegiatescholarships.

The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club presented five merit awards to these seniors from the Lexington Oaks Community in Wesley Chapel: Emilie Slean, Marie Estep, Payton Webster, Eden McManus and Jack Neiman (not pictured). (Courtesy of Mary Hanchar)

Chalk Talk 06/12/2024

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens of the Month recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce had its final Citizen of the Month ceremony in May, at Chick-fil-A in Zephyrhills, marking the end of its 26-year run. When it commences in the fall, it will be held under the East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Front row, from left: Kamyla Marrero Morales, Andrian Melendez, Elias McNeal, Kensley Beck, John Castro-Hernandez and Brighton Hoyle. Back row, from left: Chelsey Peace, Chick-fil-A cow, Mayor Melonie Monson, Councilman Steve Spina and Ashley Breaux.

Sober Summer Camp
Victory High School, a Florida Recovery School of TB and an option for students and families seeking recovery from addictions, will offer a Sober Summer Camp from July 22 to July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will include educational field trips, job training, counseling, sober activities, a sober prom, and support groups. For more information and to register, visit SummerAtVictory.com.

Fee adjustments meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its June 18 board meeting, at noon, at the North Campus in Brooksville.

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.

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

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Level Up Youth Summit
Youth for Youth will host the third annual STAND Above the Influence “Level Up Your Life” Youth Summit on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road, West Room R151, in New Port Richey. This all-day train-the-trainer event aims to empower middle and high school youth to become agents of change in their communities. The event will include presentations by SWAT youth, STAND youth, inspirational speakers, vendors, food, games, prizes, DJ, and more.

Seating is limited. Register in advance. Learn more at EmpoweredCommunities.org/stand/home.

Anti-Bullying Recognition Award
The Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the annual Anti-Bullying Recognition Award. Youth or groups of youth (up to age 19) can be nominated for their outstanding efforts to further eliminate all forms of bullying affecting young people in the community. Each recipient will be recognized for their actions and accomplishments demonstrating significant activist and/or advocacy efforts on behalf of the community to address bullying or cyberbullying in Hillsborough County.

Submissions are due by June 30. For more information and to make a nomination, visit https://hcfl.gov/councils/anti-bullying-advisory-committee.

Student scholarships
Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Program have joined forces for the third consecutive year to encourage families to explore all that Florida has to offer children now and in the future.

Families are invited to discover educational opportunities through the Florida 529 Savings Plan (https://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/resources/529-basics/), as well as the instructive aspects of the Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program (https://www.floridastateparks.org/Junior-Ranger).

Ten Florida children will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship in a Florida 529 Savings Plan and a Florida State Parks Junior Ranger gift pack that includes an inflatable standup paddle board and hammock, according to a news release. The promotion runs through June 23.

“The education a student needs to be successful in their postsecondary endeavor starts early – both inside the classroom as well as outdoors,” said John D. Rood, chairman of the Florida Prepaid College Board, in the release.

“We value this partnership with Florida State Parks because it encourages hands-on, active learning. I encourage families to make the most of summer learning opportunities and the beauty of our incredible state parks,” said Rood.

To learn more and to submit an entry for the scholarship program, visit FloridaStateParks.org/FloridaPrepaid.

Reading with the Rays
Pasco County Libraries and the Tampa Bay Rays invite students to step up to the plate and read around the bases. “Reading with the Rays” is presented by the Suncoast Credit Union and awards readers with Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including a grand prize to see the baseball team in action. The campaign runs through Aug. 31 at various Pasco libraries. Participants must record 24 hours of reading on a game card and return it to the library for prizes. To learn more, bit.ly/PascoSRC2024.

Free books for eligible students
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is the first-of-its-kind, statewide program that helps children who are not yet reading on grade level grow their personal libraries and encourage a love of reading through free books delivered every month.

The program is open to any student in VPK who is not yet meeting age-appropriate standards according to FAST Star Early Literacy or any kindergarten through fifth grade student who is not yet reading on grade level.

Students get nine books a year from the year they qualify until they exit fifth grade. This summer, students also will get three bonus books to add to their personal libraries.

Upon registration, parents and students get to pick books from a curated selection. Eligible students who enroll now will still receive all 12 books for this year in the mail.

Donny Van Slee, center, was named a PHSC 2024 Distinguished Alumni. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Distinguished alumni honored
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has recognized Donny Van Slee, Class of 2018, with its 2024 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.

Van Slee was raised in Weeki Wachee, attended and received his Associate of Arts degree and his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management at PHSC in 2014 and 2018, respectively.

After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Van Slee relocated to Music City, enrolled in Tootsie’s Honky Tonk School and taught the ropes of performing, singing and crowd interaction in Nashville. In three years, he grew an online fanbase and he turned chairs at the NBC show, The Voice.

Van Slee resides in Nashville where he writes and releases songs, performs at local venues and practices chiropractic care.

Chalk Talk 06/05/2024

June 4, 2024 By Mary Rathman

‘Big Sky Orange Blossoms’ by Marcus Rideout (Courtesy of Rep. Kathy Castor’s Office)

Art competition winners
Tampa Bay area high school students submitted 91 pieces of artwork to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition.

The top prize was awarded to recent Gibbs High School graduate and salutatorian Marcus Rideout for his watercolor piece, “Big Sky Orange Blossoms,” which will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other art competition winners from across the country. Rideout’s piece also will be entered in the national competition.

“Art is a personal expression. With my piece, I illustrate how moving across the country has impacted my childhood,” said Rideout in a news release. “I moved from Montana to St. Pete and in my work, I include the valley of Mount Helena to the waters of St. Petersburg — but I fear I am losing my past, my bones.”

Other area award winners included: Abigail Anderson, Carrollwood Day School – “Whales on Impact,” Sculpture Award; Kai Layton, Wharton High – “A Natural Reconnection,” Honorable Mention; and Grace Qiang, Hillsborough High – “Labyrinth,” Honorable Mention.

Student achievements

Troy Bacon, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
Kayla Childs, Odessa: Master of Arts in Economics, University of Georgia
Jenna Freligh, Lutz: Dean’s List, Belmont University, Tennessee
Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University
Kelsey Gulic, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
Rebecca Hernandez, first-generation Mexican American college student, studying economics at the University of South Florida: Hillsborough County Scholarship Award from Achieva Credit Union and the Achieva Foundation
Timothy Hicks, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
Lillian Hilt, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Carson-Newman University, Tennessee
William Horn, Odessa: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Flagler College
Olivia Jablonski, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Alabama
Madelyn Kamuf, Lutz: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, University of Georgia
Niamh Kirkwood, Odessa: Flagler College Honor Society
Evan Nelson, San Antonio: Dean’s List, Columbia College, Missouri
Britney Meadows, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Florida
Samantha Moore, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Florida
Matt Moraca, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
Abigail Pesansky, Odessa: student-athlete (rowing) graduate of the University of Alabama
Savannah Qualey, Lutz: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality & tourism management, Flagler College
Damien Rameau, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University, Alabama
Akhila Reddy Yadulla, Lutz: graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
Alexander Richards, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University
Stacy Signarovitz, Odessa: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, University of West Florida
Kevin Spillane, Odessa: Dean’s List, Berry College, Georgia
Alice Washburn, Odessa: Dean’s List, Marion Military Institute, Alabama
Rocco Zona, Lutz: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Florida International University

Saint Leo graduates more than 1,300 students
More than 1,300 students celebrated graduation at Saint Leo University during two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds with 722 undergraduates (bachelor and associate degrees) and 620 master and doctoral degree recipients, according to a news release.

Devon Wilson, of Riverview, became the “first of the first” as Saint Leo University’s first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies degree graduate, as he crossed the commencement stage. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Many of the new alumni are “first generation” — the first of their family to graduate from college. Saint Leo also welcomed the first graduates from its World Campus program in which students live and study online in Latin American countries in their native language.

University Campus’ valedictorian Isabella Riano, grew up in Colombia, was an Honors Program student and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology: clinical/counseling.

The salutatorian was Cole Washko, of Bradenton, an Air Force veteran who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English: professional writing.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister gave the morning commencement address and State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, House District 67, House minority leader, gave the afternoon commencement address.

Dr. Edward Dadez, university president, challenged the newly graduated to do more and be more. “Use your talents, knowledge, experience, and our core values to serve your God, your families, your clients, your employers, your communities, our nation, and our world,” said Dadez in the release.

Level Up youth summit
Youth for Youth will host the third annual STAND Above the Influence “Level Up Your Life” Youth Summit on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road, West Room R151, in New Port Richey. This all-day train-the-trainer event aims to empower middle and high school youth to become agents of change in their communities. The event will include presentations by SWAT youth, STAND youth, inspirational speakers, vendors, food, games, prizes, DJ, and more. Seating is limited. Register in advance. Learn more at EmpowereCommunities.org/stand/home.

Students get nine books a year from the year they qualify until they exit fifth grade. This summer, students also will get three bonus books to add to their personal libraries.

Upon registration, parents and students get to pick books from a curated selection.

Eligible students who enroll now will still receive all 12 books for this year in the mail.

Virtual museum exhibition
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg has launched a virtual exhibition for “From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier,” which ran from last October to this past January. The exhibition explores the history and contributions of early Chinese Americans in transforming the landscape and character of the American West.

The virtual launch allows museum patrons and educators around the country to experience the exhibit in a new way.

Those interested can explore each section of the exhibition, from the Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad to the first Chinatowns and the immigration experiences at Angel Island to the work of contemporary Chinese American artists.

The tour offers an immersive experience, featuring English text accompanied by Chinese translations throughout.

To explore the virtual tour, visit TheJamesMuseum.org/eastwest.

Chalk Talk 05/29/2024

May 28, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Daniel Powell, Ph.D. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

New staff named at PHSC
Daniel Powell, Ph.D., has been chosen to serve as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer for Pasco-Hernando State College, beginning early June, according to a news release.

Powell most recently served as the vice president of academic success at Northwest Vista College (NVC) since 2019. Before joining NVC, he was dean of the school of arts & humanities at Laramie County Community College, and served as the music and theater chair at the Patel Conservatory in the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Powell’s new role entails coordinating the development and implementation of all academic programs, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and state and federal guidelines.

He will inherit the role from Gerene Thompson, Ph.D., assistant vice president and dean of arts and sciences, who is serving as interim CAO (chief administrative officer) after Stanley Giannet retired in January.

Honor Day Awards
The Citizens Concerned for Students will recognize Pasco County public middle and high school African American students who have earned the Honor Roll at least once during the current school year. The annual event, known as Honor Day, will celebrate more than 2,600 students who have earned the achievement this year.

The ceremony will be on June 2 at 6 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Adjacent in the Wesley Chapel High gymnasium, the annual College and Career Fair will also take place at 4 p.m. The fair will feature universities, schools and career paths — including the University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, University of Florida, National Aviation Academy, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — and the Pasco Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship program.

New this year, during the career fair, the Honor Day Soul Food Sampler will feature complimentary soul food-inspired cuisine from local Tampa Bay area soul food restaurants and caterers.

The fair, sampler and ceremony are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit HonorDayPasco.org.

Drumline summer program
The 501(c)3 nonprofit Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc.’s Blue Diamond Drumline will begin its summer program on June 3 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, for students ages 6 to 17.

No musical experience is necessary and no prior knowledge of reading music is required.

Sign-up begins on May 28 at the park, where there is a display that includes schedules, brochures and business cards. Parents can provide the student’s name and phone number on the sign-up sheet and will be contacted regarding the student’s start date.

All classes will be on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting June 3, at 6:15 p.m., for advanced students who started in January, and at 7:15 p.m., for all beginners.

For more information, contact Clyde Carter at 813-953-7263 or .

Saint Leo offers camps
Saint Leo University’s summer camps are taught by university faculty and staff and include a range of offerings such as sports (basketball, baseball); swimming lessons; acrobatics & tumbling; recreation activities; and academics (music, STEM, robotics, writing).

There also is a Little Lions Recreation Camp, and three robotics camps — coed middle and high school camps, and the Girls Can! camp for ages 11 to 15.
New programs this year focus on the arts in voice, instrumental and general music, as well as writing and illustrating books.

For those who like science, there is the new Lions Den STEM Summer Camp, too.

Full details about all the camps can be found online at SaintLeoCamps.com. Camps will take place on campus at 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo.

For more information, email Carrie Fidurko at .

Teacher hiring event
Pasco County Schools will host a Teacher Hiring Event on June 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive in Land O’ Lakes. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a growth mindset and a willingness to help students grow. For more information and to preregister, visit Pasco County Schools on Facebook or https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq-mform/view.php?id=134578.

Taylor Buono is a new intern at Victory High School. (Courtesy of Victory High School)

Intern explores new role
Taylor Buono has been recognized as a new intern at Victory High School, and in her partnership she will explore occupational therapy’s role in recovery high schools, develop programming for students, and complete mental health first aid training, according to a news release.

Buono earned an Associate of Arts at Hillsborough Community College in 2018, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida in 2020, and currently is earning an entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (August 2024) at Nova Southeastern University.

The student is interested and passionate about novel and emerging areas in occupational therapy, such as public and community health, community integration/reintegration, mental health, life transitions, and more.

Buono believes in individuals’ rights to engage and participate in age-appropriate, essential and meaningful daily activities for their overall physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional health and wellness, the release says.

Summer Haul bus pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer — June 1 to Aug. 31 — for just $20 with a Summer Haul Pass.

The special student rate passes can be found at these locations:

GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, East/West Pasco Government Centers
New Port Richey Library, Main Street
County libraries, various locations

For more information about the pass or GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit GoPasco.com.

Volunteers sought for World Oceans Day cleanup

May 21, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Each year, the United Nations recognizes World Oceans Day on June 8, a celebratory day to remind everyone of the importance of oceans, to educate everyone on the impact of human actions on the ocean, and to develop a worldwide movement of citizens to create a sustainable solution.

In Florida, the greatest source of water pollution is stormwater. This condition originates from rainwater after it hits the ground. Stormwater runoff picks up waste and debris as it flows across the roads and land, carrying pollutants into the waterways, according to the Keep Pasco Beautiful website.

Keep Pasco Beautiful is offering two cleanup events on June 8 from 8 a.m. to noon, to promote a healthy ocean for a healthy climate, and vice versa:

Inland cleanup, at Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road in Holiday
Kayak cleanup, Energy and Marine Center, 9130 Old Post Road, Port Richey

Volunteer registration is open until June 1, online at https://www.keeppascobeautiful.org/world-oceans-day.

Published May 22, 2024

Chalk Talk 05/22/2024

May 21, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Saint Leo director awarded bronze medal
Saint Leo University’s Dr. Anne Barngrover, associate professor of creative writing and director of the Master of Arts in Creating Writing program, has been awarded the 2024 Bronze Medal by the Florida Book Awards for her poetry collection, “Everwhen,” according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Mary McCoy/Saint Leo University)

The Florida Book Awards was established in 2006 and the 18th annual competition featured 170 eligible publications submitted across 11 categories for books published in 2023.

Barngrover’s “Everwhen” will be among the other Florida Book award-winning titles on permanent display in the library at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee and in an exhibit case on the third floor of Florida State University’s Strozier Library. This is Barngrover’s third poetry collection. Her book, “Brazen Creature,” published in 2018, was a finalist for the 2019 Ohioana Award for Poetry.

This summer, the professor will lead the 2024 master’s in creative writing summer residency as well as a micro-credential program in creative writing, which will provide feedback from creative writing faculty and peers on what participants are working on — new fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.

The program will run from July 8 to July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Saint Leo’s campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo. The deadline to sign up is June 15.

For more information, email .

Extreme Summer Challenge returns
Pasco County Schools has brought back, by popular demand, the Extreme Summer Challenge from May 25 to July 9. The program is for pre-K through 11th grade students.

The goal is for Pasco students to increase their math and reading proficiency by practicing the skills tailored to each student with learning and practice exercises through the Beanstack, Zearn, and Lexia programs.

The programs provide differentiated learning pathways to engage students in building knowledge and skills for math and literacy. Students may engage in one or all challenges for prizes.

To take the challenge, launch into the programs on your myPascoConnect dashboard.

Pasco graduation dates
Pasco County Schools has released the graduation dates, times and locations for the 2023-20214 school year:

May 28, 5 p.m.: Marchman Technical College, at Generations Christian Church
May 30, 6 p.m.: Wendell Krinn Technical High School, at the school gymnasium
May 31, at USF Yuengling Center: 8 a.m., Gulf High School; noon, Anclote High School; 4 p.m., Cypress Creek High; 8 p.m., Pasco High
June 1, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., Hudson High; 1 p.m., Land O’ Lakes High; 5 p.m., Wesley Chapel High
June 3, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., River Ridge High; 1 p.m., Zephyrhills High; 5 p.m., Wiregrass Ranch High
June 4, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., Fivay High; 1 p.m., Sunlake High; 5 p.m., J.W. Mitchell High
June 5, 1 p.m.: Pasco eSchool, at River Ridge High Performing Arts Center

For the Hillsborough County schools’ graduation ceremony schedule, visit Hillsborough County Public Schools on Facebook.

College savings head start
Fifth Third Bank has provided a savings boost for future education to 71 babies born in Tampa Bay on Fifth Third Day (May 3). Each child received a gift of $1,054 to be put toward a 529 savings account, according to a news release.

The gift was designed by Fifth Third Bank, in collaboration with hospital systems, to help parents start saving early for their child’s education, whether it is a college program, vocational or trade school.

Fifth Third regional president Cary Putrino and Tampa Bay Buccaneers K.J. Britt and YaYa Diaby greeted the new moms and dads and presented the college savings gift along with a care package that included gift cards, a onesie, beanie and bib.

Since the program’s launch in 2017, the bank has gifted more than 600 babies with the savings.

Children do not have to be born on May 3 to start saving — Fifth Third is extending its Fifth Third Babies gift to all communities with the Fifth Third Babies Sweepstakes. Parents can enter to win $1,053 by following Fifth Third Bank and commenting on a sweepstakes post on Facebook and Instagram until May 29.

Five winners will receive a head start on a college savings fund.

(Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Seniors complete teacher academy
Twenty-seven high school seniors completed the Pasco County Schools Teacher Academy program and celebrated with family, friends and faculty at the media center of River Ridge High School. ‘This is more than a ceremony; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion these young individuals have for education,’ said academy educator Beth Hess, in a news release. The future educators signed contracts guaranteeing them an opportunity to return to Pasco County Schools for employment after their graduation, the release says.

No musical experience is necessary and no prior knowledge of reading music is required.

All classes will be on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting June 3, at 6:15 p.m., for advanced students who started in January, and at 7:15 p.m., for all beginners.

For more information, contact Clyde Carter at 813-953-7263 or .

Chalk Talk 05/15/2024

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Local student speaks for Earth Day
Ava Frederick (left), a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School and president of the Little Women of Lutz Juniorette Club, is introduced by GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Jan King during a commemoration of Earth Day/Week. Frederick was invited to speak on the ecosystems of the state and the importance of keeping waterways clean and safe to protect the community and the environment. She also recently was elected state director of GFWC Juniorette Clubs.

Programming feedback
Residents are again invited to provide feedback on potential programming opportunities at the Hillsborough County’s new African American Arts and Cultural Center (AAACC), at 2103 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa, the current site of the West Tampa Community Resource Center. This is the second round of public input for this project.

Those interested can attend an in-person public meeting on May 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Resource Center. Attendees can learn about possible indoor and outdoor spaces, including themed rooms such as an art studio, cultural studio, music studio and dance studio, as well as potential events like Movies on the Lawn, wellness events, vendor markets, and performances.

Residents also can provide input through the county’s engagement and education hub, online at HCFL.gov/HCEngage, until May 20.

The design phase of the project is currently underway and funded by a State of Florida African American Cultural and Historical grant.

Yvenie Derosiers, a Bachelor of Social Work senior and a coordinator of Saint Leo’s Why Vote? Campaign, interviews State Rep. Susan Valdes at Saint Leo’s Civic Engagement Day. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University)

Civic Engagement Day
Saint Leo University hosted its first Civic Engagement Day with a theme of “Empower, Elevate, and Educate!” The event’s activities and speakers were hosted by Saint Leo’s Why Vote? Campaign, Social Work Club and the Undergraduate Social Work Department. It also drew not only Saint Leo students, but also social work students from the University of South Florida.

Members of nonpartisan community organizations, candidates for office, and others spoke with students, faculty, staff and members of the public on the importance of civic engagement, the impact of civic engagement and voting, and how students can make a difference in the upcoming 2024 election.

Saint Leo social work students and the school’s Why Vote? Campaign were recognized in March for being No. 1 in the nation in the VOT-ER student-led voter registration competition.

For the next academic year, the Why Vote? Campaign will coordinate events for civic “holidays,” including National Voter Education Day, Civic Engagement Week, and more. The group is creating a university website focused on voting resources and working with orientation leaders to incorporate civic engagement into their programs.

VoteHillsborough recognitions
Hillsborough County students and schools were recognized by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office for their civic engagement at a county school board meeting last month.

The county’s newest, award-winning ‘I Voted’ sticker was unveiled, as part of an award presentation recognizing the three high school winners of the Supervisor of Elections’ annual VoteHillsborough Art Contest.

The top three student artists were: Aurora Gomez Garcia, King High School, first place; Aryanna Joyette, Tampa Bay Technical High, second place; and Scout Pytlak, Blake High, third place.

The first-place sticker will be given to voters during the Early Voting period of the 2024 Primary and General elections.

In addition, Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer named six schools — Durant High, King High, Patel High, Newsome High, Plant City High and Summer High — as 2024 VoteHillsborough Champions.

The elections office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester.

For more information, election dates and deadlines, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

Discovery Education Awards
Discovery Education, a global edtech leader, announced the recipients of the inaugural Discovery Education Awards that honor districts, schools and educators who accelerate achievement among students by tapping into their natural curiosity and desire to learn, according to a news release.

The awards recognized those who have impacted student learning by adapting and personalizing instruction to better pique curiosity and engagement.

Recipients were selected through a competitive nomination and application process, which highlighted district, school and educator commitment to fostering student growth.

The 2024 recipients include:

Districts of the Year
Kansas City School District, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collier – Missouri
Pasco County School District, Superintendent Dr. Kurt S. Browning – Florida
Richland County School District Two, Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore – South Carolina

Schools of the Year
Franklin Regional Intermediate School – Murrysville, Pennsylvania
Madison Rose Lane Elementary School – Phoenix, Arizona

Educators of the Year
McKenna Akane, Alberton School District – Montana
Frank Bogden, Loudoun County Public Schools – Virginia
Rodney Crouse, Guilford County Schools – North Carolina
Debbie Martin, Frederick County Public Schools – Virginia
Rita Mortenson, Verona Area School District – Wisconsin

Help name Lutz school
The Pasco County School Board invites the community to propose names for the new K-8 school under construction on Sky Brooke Boulevard, just south of State Road 54 in Lutz. Currently, the school is referred to as LL K-8. The new state-of-the-art educational facility will serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade and is set to open in fall 2025, according to a news release.

In keeping with school board policy, suggestions are welcome from community members, educators and students for the new name. Ideal names may reflect the geographical location of the school, distinctive characteristics of the local area, or significant historical aspects. If a personal name is proposed, it should honor an individual of local or national significance who has made a notable contribution to the community or to education. Note: If the individual is a former elected official or school district employee, they must have been deceased, out of public office, or not employed by the school district for at least two years.

Name suggestions should be submitted by May 30. The final decision on the school’s name will be made through a school board vote.

Visit https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/do-mform/view.php?id=851047 to submit a new name for consideration.

Former educator receives award
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presented the 2024 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award to Doretha Wynn Edgecomb, a former member of the Hillsborough County School Board. The award is presented annually to an individual or a group of individuals who played a significant role in improving government through leadership and vision, according to a news release.

A native of Tampa, Edgecomb worked as an educator at Hillsborough County Public Schools, a career that spanned over 50 years. She served in numerous capacities, including as a teacher, district level supervisor, and principal.

Edgecomb was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board in 2004, where she served until 2016. She continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough Education Foundation. In 2020, the former educator was inducted into Hillsborough County’s Women Hall of Fame.

After retirement, Edgecomb supported and participated in the establishment of the George Edgecomb Society in memory of her late husband, in partnership with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.

In 2021, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County honored her by naming one of its seven family resource centers in her honor: the Doretha Wynn Edgecomb Family Resource Center. In addition, the Doretha Edgecomb Female Symposium named for her is designed to empower, inspire and encourage young women through a day of activities and interactions with successful women in the community.

Extreme Summer Challenge
Pasco County Schools has brought back, by popular demand, the Extreme Summer Challenge from May 25 to July 9. The program is for pre-K through 11th grade students.

The programs provide differentiated learning pathways to engage students in building knowledge and skills for math and literacy. Students may engage in one or all challenges for prizes.

To take the challenge, launch into the programs on your myPascoConnect dashboard.