The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 07/19/2017

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Student-authors want to help save the world
Two local students, one from Wesley Chapel and one from Land O’ Lakes, are headed to Los Angeles for a share of $250,000 in prizes at The Paradigm Challenge’s annual awards ceremony. Co-authors Catie Tomasello, 13, and Paige Atkinson, 12, created their children’s book, ‘Sophia Saves the World,’ with a message of collaboration, kindness and saving the planet.

Catie Tomasello and Paige Atkinson want to have copies of their book, ‘Sophia Saves the World,’ in every classroom throughout the country. (Courtesy of Paradigm Challenge)

Students ages 4 to 18 from 173 countries participated in this year’s competition, which challenged students to come up with new ideas to reduce waste in homes, schools, communities and the world at large.

Tomasello’s and Atkinson’s book tied for first place in the 9 to 13 age group.

Every year, the Paradigm Challenge offers prizes to the top 100 finalists and their teachers. Submissions include children’s books, as well as inventions, scientific research, mobile apps, community service projects, documentaries, websites and public service videos.

The goal for Tomasello and Atkinson is to have copies of “Sophia Saves the World” in classrooms throughout the country.

The next challenge inspires students to generate new ideas to improve personal health through wellness and healing, and will launch Aug. 1. The entry for deadline is May 1, 2018.

For information on the Paradigm Challenge, visit ProjectParadigm.org.

Top AP scores recognized
River Ridge High School’s AP (advanced placement) teachers and administrative staff placed congratulatory signs in the yards of the AP students, or ‘royal achievers,’ who scored a 5 out of 5 on their AP exams.

The team event commemorates the rare achievement of a top score on an AP exam.

Backpack giveaway
Nearly 1,000 participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores are teaming up to donate 172,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children, through TCC’s annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.

Since 2013, TCC has donated more than 505,000 backpacks with supplies to ensure children are well-prepared for the start of the school year.

Participating TCC stores are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack July 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be 220 backpacks available at each TCC store, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The local participating TCC store is at 18959 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Meal applications open online
The Pasco County Schools free and reduced-price meal online application is now available for the 2017-2018 school year at PascoSchoolMeals.com.

Under the National School Lunch Act, families who are below the federal income eligibility guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits. A new application must be submitted at the start of each school year, and only one application can be completed per household.

Families that have received a letter indicating the student is directly certified, do not need to apply.

For information and questions, call Megan Sexton, Food and Nutrition Services finance specialist, at (813) 794-2480.

Professor receives distinction award
Susan Brown Foster, a Saint Leo University tenured professor and author, was honored by Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology with its Award of Distinction. Foster earned her doctorate from Ohio State in sport management in 1988.

The professor helped to create standards for sport management programs in higher education and developed internship standards at Saint Leo University that have been adopted by other schools.

Foster also co-authored the textbook, “Experiential Learning in Sport Management: Internships and Beyond.” The second edition was published this past April to include content about social media in sports and other developments in the field.

Foster teaches courses that include legal issues in sport.

Bishop Parkes named trustee
Saint Leo University welcomed the Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, as its newest member of the university’s board of trustees, effective July 1. Members of the board exemplify the school’s six core values, and give of their time and expertise.

Bishop Parkes was installed as the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg on Jan. 4. He succeeded the Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, who served the diocese since 1996. Lynch, Saint Leo Class of 2017, previously served on the university’s board of trustees.

Fall registration underway
Registration for three fall sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway for new and returning students.

The fall course schedule is available online at Info.PHSC.edu/course-schedule. New students should contact PHSC for admissions information or apply online at PHSC.edu/admissions.

Beginning fall 2017, students may not register for a course after the course’s initial meeting. The last day to register for online classes is the Sunday before classes begin for each term.

The application fee for new students is $25, and orientation and placement tests are free.

Nominations open for service academies
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. service academies.

Each year, Bilirakis has the opportunity to nominate high school students from Florida’s 12th District to be accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy.

The office will accept submissions through Sept. 29, and applicants will be interviewed starting in late October.

For information or to download an application, visit Bilirakis.house.gov and click on Services.

Chalk Talk 07/12/2017

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(Courtesy of Jill Evans)

Local students awarded scholarships
Lyndra Davis, of Zephyrhills High School, and Luis Pereira Hernandez, of Wiregrass Ranch High, were each awarded a $500 Carolyn Parslow Memorial Scholarship from the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions. Both are 2017 graduates and members of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. At the presentation were, from left, Jeff Parslow, Carolyn Parslow’s son; Lyndra Davis; Janette McElwain, Suncoast Credit Union; Luis Pereira Hernandez; and Patty Sarne, Tampa Chapter and SACFCU.

Clemson Dean’s List
These Odessa students were named to the Dean’s List at Clemson University, South Carolina, for the Spring 2017 semester: Kelly R. Barry, psychology; and, Samantha Nicole Cuffe, biological sciences.

Students must achieve a grade-point average between 3.5 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale to be named to the list.

Outstanding senior
Natalia Campos, of Lutz, has earned the Outstanding Senior Marketing Major Award from the Department of Marketing and International Business at Valdosta State University, in Georgia.

Campos was one of 10 accounting, economics, finance, health care administration, international business, management, marketing, and business leadership students recognized for outstanding achievement during the 2016-2017 academic year by the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.

Aviation programs open house
Pasco-Hernando State College will host an Aviation Programs Open House July 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at its East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, in the Public Service Technology Building.

Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, beginning fall 2017, PHSC’s new aviation department will offer two programs: Aviation Administration Associate in Science and Professional Pilot Technology Associate I Science.

Future programs will include Aviation Maintenance Administration Associate in Science and Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operations Associate in Science.

To RSVP by July 20, visit PHSC.edu/aviation, or call Cathi Kelly at (352) 518-1255.

Fall registration underway
Registration for three fall sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway for new and returning students.

The fall course schedule is available online at Info.PHSC.edu/course-schedule. New students should contact PHSC for admissions information or apply online at PHSC.edu/admissions.

Beginning fall 2017, students may not register for a course after the course’s initial meeting. The last day to register for online classes is the Sunday before classes begin for each term.

The application fee for new students is $25, and orientation and placement tests are free.

Nominations open for service academies
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. service academies.

Each year, Bilirakis has the opportunity to nominate high school students from Florida’s 12th District to be accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy.

The office will accept submissions through Sept. 29, and applicants will be interviewed starting in late October.

For information or to download an application, visit Bilirakis.house.gov and click on Services.

Pasco school grades rise
Pasco County schools achieved school grade improvements with increases in the number of A and B schools, and decreases in the number of schools under state review.

The improvements reflect the dedication of Pasco County students and teachers, as the district’s grade improved from a C in 2016 to a B.

Seven schools improved by two letter grades, and 29 schools improved by one letter grade.

Calusa and Hudson elementary schools improved from an F to a C; Lacoochee, Moon Lake and Gulf Trace elementary schools improved from a D to a B; and, Pine View and Quail Hollow elementary schools improved from a C to an A.

A focus on school improvement created a reduction in the number of differentiated accountability (DA), turnaround, and lowest 300 schools. DA schools improved from 23 schools in 2016 to only one in 2017.

Four schools implemented a turnaround program in 2016, and all have achieved success to come out of turnaround.

The number of district lowest 300 improved from 11 to 4.

Altogether, there are 15 A, 20 B, 35 C, one D, and no F Pasco district schools.

There were four A, two B and one C Pasco charter schools.

Athenian Academy of Pasco County saw the highest grade increase among charters, improving from a D to a B.

Saint Leo hosts Decision Days
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center will host Decision Days at four Pasco-Hernando State College campuses for those wanting to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Meet with admissions representatives to discuss transfer options, credit equivalency, tuition and basic financial aid.

Decision Days events will be from noon to 4 p.m., at these campuses:

• Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel on July 18

• Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, July 18

• North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville, July 19

• West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, July 19 and July 20.

To reserve a spot, email , or call (727) 816-3117.

Activists bring new life to Moore-Mickens

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The Pasco County School District handed over the keys to the new tenants of the Moore-Mickens Education Center effective July 1.

The lease is for 30 years at $10 a year.

Volunteers and board members of the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center and Vocational Center Inc., are working to reopen the historical school in Dade City. From left, Rev. Jesse McClendon Sr., Saundra Coward, Londa Edwards, Levater Holt, Marilyn Hunter and Margarita Romo. (Kathy Steele)

So, now the school’s future is in the hands of a coalition of community activists who founded the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center and Vocational Center Inc.

Its legacy already is in place.

Moore-Mickens is rooted in Pasco’s history as the first public school for blacks. It began as Moore Academy and later operated under the Moore and Mickens’ names as elementary, middle and high schools, and finally, as the education center.

The school’s name honors the accomplishments of two Pasco educators, Rev. Junias D. Moore and Odell Kingston Mickens.

Though the nonprofit plans to be patient and move ahead one program at a time, there are ambitious plans in store for Moore-Mickens, which sprawls across a campus of 14 buildings at the end of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dade City.

Empowering children is a priority.

The first goal is to open a volunteer prekindergarten school that will give children a foundation for educational success.

“I want to see kids open doors for themselves,” said Marilyn Hunter, president of the nonprofit.

Margarita Romo echoes those thoughts.

A monument sign for Moore-Mickens Education Center sits behind a fence at the entrance to the campus, off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Dade City.

“It can be the lighthouse for people who need to believe in themselves, said Romo, founder of Farmworkers Self-Help.

There are challenges ahead.

The first step is to organize a volunteer cleanup to get buildings ready to open. Plans are to use the administrative building, the building that housed the Cyesis teen parent program, and a building where the Dade City City Commission once held meetings.

In April, vandals broke about 100 windows and several doors in several buildings. The school district boarded up the windows and doors.

Repair costs are left for the nonprofit.

Romo can tick off a laundry list of items the school needs.

A church donated about 100 chairs, but more are needed, she said. Tables, commercial kitchen equipment, books and lawn mowers for the sprawling campus make up a short list.

“It’s a hard task just getting started,” Romo said. “We’ll open a little bit at a time, so we don’t go in debt.”

A local Episcopal church is making a donation to aid the school.

Hunter said the nonprofit plans to apply for a state historical grant, but additional cash donations and in-kind support are needed.

Termites are an issue in at least one building.

“It’s been sitting for three years without any care at all,” she said.

Prior to its closing in 2015, Moore-Mickens offered classes for adults, teen parents and special-needs children.

In April, vandals busted out 100 windows and broke several doors at the Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.

Hunter taught in Pasco schools, including adult education classes at Moore-Mickens. And, she is a high school graduate of the class of 1970, the last one before desegregation.

“I’m proud of that,” she said.

School officials threatened to close Moore-Mickens in 2014, but backed off when area residents rallied to keep it open. They cited costly repairs as the reason for finally closing the campus a year later.

Community activists immediately began lobbying to save the school. Many had ties as former students or teachers at the school.

Rev. Jesse McClendon Sr., took the lead early on. A core group of 15 or so came together, eventually founding the nonprofit.

Few would have given them much chance for success.

But, Moore-Mickens stirs passions among people who revere the school as a community treasure.

“My heart has always been here at this school and this community,” said Saundra Coward, the nonprofit’s vice president and a former student. “I have a hurt for east Pasco because there’s so much taken away from us. This center here is the heart of many of us. The closing of it was a hurting thing.”

The passion caught even McClendon by surprise.

He had expected the outcry from the black community, but everyone who had ties with Moore-Mickens wanted to save it, he said.

McClendon went to Moore Elementary, and later worked as plant manager at Moore-Mickens. His mother, Joanna McClendon, was a teacher.

Levater Holt is an officer with the nonprofit as well as former student and teacher at the school. “This school for me is where I came up,” she said. “We’re reaching out to the whole community.”

In addition to VPK classes, the nonprofit wants to offer General Equivalency Diploma instruction and vocational skills classes. Other social agencies also could become partners, including food banks, and other children’s programs. There could be a charter school, afterschool programs, and a community garden.

Hunter would like to see sports activities, possibly basketball and badminton, and maybe a splash pad.

Romo sees the Moore-Mickens campus as a hub for social agencies in the area. A “one-stop” community center already is planned for the former Stallings Building on 14th Street in Dade City.

In the future, there could be links between that site and Moore-Mickens, which Romo said has space to accommodate several programs.

Londa Edwards, Romo’s granddaughter, has a mentoring program in the Tommytown neighborhood. She would like to also bring it to Moore-Mickens.

Coward, and her sister, Dometa Mitchell, are founders of Hebron Refuge Outreach, which offers youth programs that could fit in at Moore-Mickens as well.

This is a grassroots effort, Romo said.

“It’s kind of exciting, because here is a community that gathered together to try to say ‘yes we can’.” And, now she added, “We’re going to make this happen.”

For information, call Hunter at (352) 807-5691 or email .

Published July 5, 2017

Collaboration is key word at Bexley Elementary

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When visitors step into the REC center at Bexley Elementary School, they won’t be surrounded by game tables or basketball hoops.

Instead, they’ll be in the new elementary school’s media center.

The REC center gets its name from three words — Research, Enrich and Collaborate. Those words emphasize the kind of learning experience planned for children attending the school, which is set to open in August, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

This worker is clearing off debris on the sidewalk of an interior courtyard at Bexley Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

Bexley Principal Vicki Wolin described the school’s features and aspirations during a recent tour of the campus for Pasco County School Board members, district leaders and other guests.

When the tour-takers finished that visit, most of them drove across county to visit Cypress Creek Middle High School to get a sneak preview of that campus led by Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles.

Bexley — which will relieve overcrowding at Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools — is the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built, said John Petrashek, director of construction services for the district.

Its design was a result of collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Petrashek said.

That team told the district, “this is what we need to make this a very functioning, high-performing elementary school,” the construction services director said.

“We listened. We designed … They didn’t get everything they wanted, but just about,” he said.

The resulting elementary school is rich “for teaching, learning and for achievement,” Petrashek said.

The district aims to be as frugal as possible when building new schools, but doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of construction and design, Petrashek said.

“This building is built to last. You can pay for a building and good design now, or you can cheapen this design and pay forever out of operational costs for maintenance and repair,” he said. “This building has a 50-year life expectancy.”

Petrashek praised Newland Communities, the developer of the Bexley subdivision, for being “tremendous partners.”

Newland ensured that the site was large enough to meet the district’s needs and also made sure that needed infrastructure was available, Petrashek said.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning is enthusiastic about the new school.

“We expect great things to come out of Bexley Elementary School,” Browning said. “It’s a beautiful place. It’s obviously very functional, and it will lend itself to a great learning environment for kids.”

Wolin noted the emphasis was on collaboration, efficiency of space and flexibility.

“We wanted something that was timeless, so it would be efficient in the future,” she said.

For instance, there are stools that can break apart into smaller seats, and also be adjusted so that they rock.

“We want to offer our students seating areas that best meet their needs for learning, instead of: “Sit down and sit still,’” Wolin said.

The building also is designed with spaces that can shrink or expand, allowing grade-level teams to work together and enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet the varying needs of students.

The technology also offers flexibility.

For instance, the same piece of equipment can be used to show a video or to be an interactive tool, depending on what a teacher needs for a particular lesson, Wolin said.

Even the school’s large front office is designed with families in mind, the principal said, noting it is more spacious than the typical front office at an elementary school. The idea is to give families more room as they wait to take care of school business.

At Cypress Creek Middle High School, at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, Hetzler-Nettles led the group around the campus, which initially will serve students in grades six through 11.

Much of the furniture and equipment has yet to be installed, but, like Bexley, the school will have different types of seating and spaces that can be reconfigured for different uses.

Stops on the tour included a science classroom, the school gymnasium, the cafeteria, the weight room, locker rooms, a band room, a conference room, various other classrooms and a look at the athletic fields.

For parents and students who want to see for themselves, Cypress Creek Middle High will be holding two events, designed for students in different age groups. For details, visit the school’s website at CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Bexley is planning an open house, too. For more information about Bexley, visit BES.pasco.k12.f.us.

Published July 5, 2017

New opportunities await at Cypress Creek Middle High

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Much of the furniture and equipment has yet to be installed at Cypress Creek Middle High School, but even without it, it’s easy to see that the school is designed to offer students a multitude of opportunities when it opens in August.

Cypress Creek Middle High Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles leads a tour of Pasco County School Board members, Superintendent Kurt Browning and other invited guests for a sneak preview of Cypress Creek Middle High School. (B.C. Manion)

Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and members of her administrative team recently led Pasco County School Board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning on a tour around the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Stops on the tour included a science classroom, the school gymnasium, the cafeteria, the weight room, locker rooms, a band room, a conference room, a variety of other classrooms and a look at the athletic fields.

The tour was similar to a walk-around that school board members and other guests took at Bexley Elementary, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, earlier in the afternoon. Bexley, built to relieve crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, also is set to open in August.

Both schools have different types of seating and spaces that can be reconfigured to suit the needs of teachers and students. And, both are designed to foster collaboration among teachers and among students.

Cypress Creek Middle High will serve students in grades six through 11 its initial year and will add a senior class the following year.

During the tour of that campus, Hetzler-Nettles stopped in a classroom that was flanked by classrooms on either side.

“This is an area where we could put three teachers together, they could collaborate. You could open the doors to that classroom and could open up the wall (a sliding wall),” she said.

At the same time, the principal said she’s aware that parents have raised concerns about having middle school and high school students on the same campus.

To help relieve those concerns, the principal said, “they have separate locker rooms, and they will not be crossing paths (to get to the locker rooms).”

Cypress Creek Middle High also will offer high school academies in business management, criminal justice and engineering, and middle school academics in criminal justice and engineering.

Check out this water fountain at Cypress Creek Middle High. You can get a sip of water now and fill up your water bottle for later.

It also will have separate band programs for middle and high school students.

But, it will not have an agricultural program, at least initially, Hetzler-Nettles said.

Some of the features that stood out during the recent tour included water fountains that are designed to fill water bottles, similar to the fountains in some airports. Bathrooms without exterior doors, similar to those seen at airports and other public buildings.

The shower stalls in the boys’ locker room are individual stalls and are outfitted with curtains. There’s also a stall that’s designed to be accessible for a student with a disability.

And, there’s also a chiller farm near the athletic field — attesting to the big job it will be to keep the school cool.

During their visit to Bexley Elementary, board members and guests had a chance to walk around the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built, according to John Petrashek, director of construction services for the district.

Its design was a result of collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Petrashek said.

The elementary school was built to last, Petrashek said, noting it has an expected lifespan of 50 years.

Want to know more?
Cypress Creek Middle High is inviting students and parents in for a sneak peek before classes begin. For details, visit the school’s website at CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.
For more information about Bexley Elementary School, visit BES.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published July 5, 2017

Chalk Talk 07/05/2017

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(Courtesy of Barbie Monty)

Exploring ways to stay healthy
Casio Jones, wellness director for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CREATION Health and Wellness Center, visited the fifth-grade class of Barbie Monty at Carrollwood Day School.  Jones shared his Green Body Pledge, which includes 10 key principles encouraging students to make healthy life choices.

 

 

Aviation programs open house
Pasco-Hernando State College will host an Aviation Programs Open House July 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at its East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, in the Public Service Technology Building.

Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, beginning fall 2017, PHSC’s new aviation department will offer two programs: Aviation Administration Associate in Science and Professional Pilot Technology Associate I Science.

Future programs will include Aviation Maintenance Administration Associate in Science and Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operations Associate in Science.

To RSVP by July 20, visit PHSC.edu/aviation, or call Cathi Kelly at (352) 518-1255.

Back-to-School celebration
Fred K. Marchman Technical College, Chasco Elementary School, Calusa Elementary, Chasco Middle and Ridgewood High are hosting a Back-to-School Bash July 22 at Ridgewood High, 7650 Orchid Lake Road in New Port Richey.

There will be free student resources, including physicals, school supplies, clothing and haircuts.

There also will be activities, bounce houses and free breakfast.

For information, call Kara Merlin at (727) 774-3701.

Bright Schools Competition winners
Sophia Nobles and Catherine Tomasello, along with their coach and teacher Michele Seidel, of Tampa Christian Community School in Lutz, have been named the first-place national winners in the second annual Bright Schools Competition. The team, ShiftCycle EyeWear, was one of 50 national finalists teams.

The competition, a collaboration between the National Sleep Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association, encourages students (grades six to eight) to explore the correlation between light and sleep, and how it influences student health and performance.

According to Bright School’s website, ShiftCycle’s winning project, “ShiftCycle EyeWear” identified a problem in their community and developed a prototype to help the estimated 15 million U.S. night-shift workers stay alert while on the job and realign their circadian rhythm, so that they can get better sleep after work. ShiftCycle’s eyewear offers green-blue light therapy and features electro-chromic polymer lenses that block blue light and bright light at the right times.

Students had to identify, investigate, and research the issue using scientific inquiry or engineering design concepts to develop a prototype, create an awareness campaign, or write a research proposal for the competition.

Projects were evaluated on the basis of several criteria, including scientific accuracy, innovativeness and potential impact.

Information about the competition and winners can be found at BrightSchoolsCompetition.org.

Leadership program gets top honors
Leadership Saint Leo, the university’s program to develop and train leaders, was honored at the LEAD2017 forum hosted by HR.com in Nashville, Tennessee.

The forum brings together top thought leaders and the world’s best leadership practices.

Saint Leo’s program started in 2005 to expand leadership capacity, build culture and create a common leadership lexicon across the university, including its education centers, online offices and University Campus.

HR.com recognized the Saint Leo program, selected from entrants, in these categories:

  • First place Best Third Party Channel Partner/Customer Training Program
  • Second place Best Use of Executive Coaching
  • Fourth place Best Use of Team Building
  • Fifth place Best Mentoring Program
  • Sixth place Best Experienced/Senior Leaders Program

About 110 of the school’s active leaders have graduated from the program.

Pasco exam scores climb
Pasco County Schools saw the percentage of students overall who are considered proficient increase by 3 percentage points in both English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, moving up from 52 percent proficient to 55 percent proficient in ELA, third through 10th grade; and, from 54 percent proficient to 57 percent proficient in math, third through eighth grade.

Local area schools on the state’s watch list and the grade levels showing improvement (10+ percentage points) included:

Cox Elementary School: fourth-grade ELA up from 31 percent to 48 percent; fourth-grade math up from 36 percent to 66 percent; and fifth-grade math up from 29 percent to 41 percent.

Lacoochee Elementary: third-grade math from 26 percent to 63 percent; and fourth-grade math from 35 percent to 46 percent.

Pasco Elementary: third-grade ELA up from 26 percent to 39 percent; third-grade math from 25 percent to 49 percent; and fifth-grade math from 32 percent to 44 percent.

Florida school ranks among best
Schools.com’s Best Schools for 2017 ranked 1,649 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The top 10 were: Utah State University, Texas A&M-College Station, University of Utah, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Florida, North Carolina State University-Raleigh, Utah Valley University, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.

The rankings involved a rigorous data-driven methodology evaluating the higher education options against 13 factors related to affordability, flexibility, and other quantitative factors.

For the analysis, full methodology and sources, visit tinyurl.com/y744ld68.

Vote set for July 11 on school impact fees

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It’s not clear yet how much Pasco County will increase school impact fees charged against new residential development, but there appears to be a consensus on the board that some increase is merited.

School district officials and the building community also agree that higher fees will help address the district’s problem of providing school facilities to accommodate the district’s burgeoning enrollment growth.

But, homebuilders and apartment developers don’t support the full amount of the proposed rate increases.

While students can learn in portables, a school’s infrastructure — including its cafeteria, bathrooms and media center — are not designed to handle the demands created when too many are placed on a school campus, says Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools. (File)

They say the building community is being asked to shoulder too much of the burden.

They’ve asked the Pasco County Commission to reduce the proposed impact fees that were recommended by a school board consultant.

All of these issues came up during the first public on an ordinance that would increase the impact fees.

The second public hearing is set for July 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The Tampa Bay Builders Association expressed its concerns in a May 1 letter to commissioners.

“The School District proposes very significant increases in the impact fees for single family detached (+ $4,152, 85%); single family attached (+$1,877, 107%); multifamily (+$3,421,183%) and mobile homes (+$2,673, 93%).

“However, even if the impact fees were increased to these levels the deficit (as projected by the School District) would be a staggering $284 million,” the letter notes.

“We want to be part of the solution for funding, but we know we cannot be the only source of revenue. We support an increase in the school impact fee for single family detached homes of $2,300,” the letter says.

Mark Spada, president of the builders’ association, reiterated those positions during the public hearing.

The association also advocates an effective date of Jan. 1, 2018, for the higher fees.

The current proposal calls for the new fees to take effect 90 days after the ordinance is adopted.

Representatives for the multifamily industry and a land broker also expressed concerns about the proposed fees.

The multifamily industry representatives said the fees are disproportionate for multifamily and will undermine new apartment development in Pasco County. They also questioned the data used to compute how many students are generated from multifamily developments.

A land broker urged commissioners to look at the big picture, noting the proposed fees will raise development costs so significantly that it will drive away new projects. Besides hurting land owners who want to sell their land, she said, it will also damage the county’s potential tax base.

On the flip side, others urged commissioners to boost the impact fees to the level recommended by the consultant.

They said that residential growth has put a squeeze on the school district and that it cannot keep pace with enrollment demands.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd said the district is trying to address the issue before the district has schools at 200 percent capacity, which it has in the past.

“The answer to solving school overcrowding is not by adding portables.

“Kids can learn just as well in a portable as they can in a concrete building,” Gadd said. But, he noted, the bathrooms, cafeteria, media center and other facilities are built to accommodate a school’s permanent capacity.

When too many portables are added, he said, the infrastructure in the school building doesn’t work.

Commissioners appear to be leaning toward an increase, based on their questions and remarks during the public hearing, but it is unclear how much of an increase they will support — or when the increase would take effect.

“I’m in favor of doing something,” said Commissioner Mike Wells. “The issue is affordable housing. Affordable housing is multifamily.”

“I know we need to do something on impact fees,” added Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“I do have a concern on these multifamily numbers. “If we have a sliding scale on the houses, why are we charging a studio the same price as say, a three-bedroom apartment? That doesn’t make sense to me, if it’s about student generation.”

It may be possible to have a tiered system for apartments, said David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, but he would need to talk with the school board’s consultant about it.

“We’re happy to look at the multifamily issue,” Gadd said.

The second public hearing is set for July 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Published June 28, 2017

School construction needs outpace funding

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The Pasco County School Board has begun exploring the idea of asking voters to support a half-penny sales tax to help pay for school construction.

During a June 20 workshop on the district’s capital needs, School Board member Cynthia Armstrong asked staff to come back with a projection of how much the half-penny tax would generate in 10 years and a list detailing the types of projects the tax revenues would support.

Pasco County Schools would like to see more scenes like this around the district. The Pasco County School Board has asked district staff to research how much money a half-cent sales tax could generate and possible projects the revenues could support.
(File)

Her request came during a board workshop immediately after the Pasco County Commission’s first public hearing on a proposal to boost school impact fees.

The County Commission appears to be leaning toward an increase, but it’s not clear how much that increase will be, or when it will take effect.

Even if the full amount of the proposed impact fees is approved, the district construction needs far outstrip its expected revenues, said Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd. It is unlikely the money the district needs will be provided by the state Legislature, Gadd said.

The district has identified these projects to be partially supported by the proposed impact fees:

  • Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Starkey Ranch, kindergarten through eighth grade
  • A new high school
  • A new elementary school in the Wesley Chapel area
  • A new elementary school in State Road 54 corridor area

Those projects are based on current growth patterns, Gadd said.

Meanwhile, the newly built Cypress Creek Middle High School, off Old Pasco Road, is scheduled to open this fall. Initially, it will serve students in grades six through 11, but it will add grade 12 during the second year. Its boundaries affected Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

Bexley Elementary School, 4380 Ballantrae Blvd. in the Bexley subdivision off State Road 54, also is set to open in the fall. It is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.

The district also is proceeding on massive remodeling projects at Land O’ Lakes High School in Land O’ Lakes and Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.

Armstrong also urged supporters of the proposed school impact fee increase to show up to make their views known at the Pasco County Commission’s second public hearing on school impact fees. That meeting is set for July 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Published June 28, 2017

Chalk Talk 06/28/2017

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Credit union awards scholarships

(Courtesy of Jill Evans)

Dawn Newsome, vice president Business Lending and Scholarship Committee member, presented Anthony Conti with a $2,500 scholarship on behalf of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Conti is a recent graduate of Torchbearers’ Christian Academy in Dade City, and plans to study criminal justice/pre-law at Saint Leo University in the fall.

(Courtesy of Jill Evans)

Tim Baldwin, president and CEO of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, awarded a $2,500 scholarship to member Rose Phelps, of San Antonio. The surprise presentation took place at Keystone Park in Odessa, while Phelps’ home-school co-op was hosting a meeting. Phelps plans to attend Northeast Catholic College in New Hampshire in the fall.

 

 

Pasco schools job fair
Pasco County Schools is partnering with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to host a job fair June 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

Representatives from government agencies are looking for applicants for various positions, including bus drivers, clerical, information services, accounting, law enforcement, instructional and maintenance. Other positions also may be available.

To register, visit PascoCommunityJobFair.eventbrite.com.

For information, contact Lori Perreault at (813) 794-2845 or .

Collegiate World Series
Saint Leo University will host the International Collegiate World Series June 28 to July 2, for the first time.

The National Hispanic Institute will bring about 120 students from the Dominican Republic, Panama and across the United States, who have a high potential to become leaders within the U.S. and global Latino communities.

The forward-looking leadership program utilizes immersive-disruptive learning, a self-directed, student-centered method that encourages critical thinking and challenges society’s assumptions and conventions.

It also introduces students to core NHI concepts, as well as helping students to prepare for the college admissions program and to practice inquiry-based learning.

For information about the National Hispanic Institute and its programs, visit NationalHispanicInstitute.org.

Outstanding student leaders
Pasco-Hernando State College honored 11 students with the Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leader award, presented in memory of Barker, a former PHSC financial aid advisor, instructor, and academic and club advisor. Barker was employed at the school for nearly a decade.

The local area outstanding student leaders in 2017 included Devon Chavarria and Samantha Politano, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel; and Jessi Perez and Ashley Puckett, East Campus, Dade City.

Additionally, these local area military veteran students were recognized: Aryan Szczurowski, Porter Campus; and Dustin Thomas, East Campus.

Community service awards were given to Phi Theta Kappa, Porter and East campus chapters.

Saint Leo promotes Melanie Storms
Saint Leo University has promoted Dr. Melanie Storms to senior vice president for Worldwide Operations.

Storms was named vice president of the Worldwide division in June 2016. She will continue to be responsible for Saint Leo’s education centers, graduate programs, and Center for Online Learning, as well as provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s marketing and enrollment functions.

Storms earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Student recognitions
The following students have been named to the spring Dean’s List at their respective schools:

  • Alexia Faith Acebo, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Gleb Barkovskiy, of Lutz, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
  • Courtney F. Bobo, of Lutz, Samford University, Alabama
  • Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, Hofstra University, New York
  • Alexis Burnette, of Wesley Chapel, Furman University, South Carolina
  • Natalia Campos, of Lutz, Valdosta State University, Georgia
  • Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Nicholas Tyler Eicholtz, of Odessa, University of Alabama
  • Alexandra C. Fietsam, of Wesley Chapel, Iowa State University
  • Brycie Gauthier, of Lutz, Oklahoma City University
  • Seriah Groen, of Odessa, Wheaton College, Illinois
  • Gabrielle Harrison, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Jessica Howell, of Lutz, Furman University, South Carolina
  • Fiona Lefresne, of Lutz, Missouri State University
  • Nathan Mansour, of Odessa, University of Dayton, Ohio
  • Jordan Mark, of Lutz, Mercer University School of Engineering, Georgia
  • Ebonee Nicholes, of Lutz, University of Alabama

Also, Grace Korta, of Lutz, was named to the President’s List at Mercer University Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.
The University of Alabama awarded a UA Away scholarship to Alexia Acebo, of Lutz. Acebo also has been named to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Cody Burger, of Lutz, graduated from Mercer University College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy.

Natalia Campos, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Valdosta State University in Georgia.

Missouri State University awarded a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development to Bridget Soltau, of Land O’ Lakes.

Chalk Talk 06/21/2017

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(Courtesy of Mary Hanchar)

Women’s club gives merit awards
The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club presented a $500 merit award to each of three deserving students who reside in Lexington Oaks. From left, Margaret Wilhelm, treasurer; recipients Madison Riggle and Bethany Berry; and, Cindy Cox, president. Natalie Klopfenstein, the third merit winner was not present.

 

 

Zephyrhills High reunion
The 47th annual Zephyrhills High School Alumni, Teachers & Friends Reunion will take place June 25 at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road.

Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by a covered-dish luncheon at 1 p.m. There also will be announcements and recognitions at 2 p.m.

The reunion is for anyone who attended, taught or worked at any of the Zephyrhills schools from elementary through high school, and their families.

Dress is casual. Bring a dish to share. Admission is free.

For information, contact Clereen Morrill Brunty at (813) 782-8763 after 6 p.m., or .

Pasco schools job fair
Pasco County Schools is partnering with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to host a job fair June 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

Representatives from government agencies are looking for applicants for various positions, including bus drivers, clerical, information services, accounting, law enforcement, instructional and maintenance. Other positions also may be available.

To register, visit PascoCommunityJobFair.eventbrite.com.

For information, contact Lori Perreault at (813) 794-2845 or .

College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 3,200 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the Finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

An additional group of scholars will be announced in July.

Nathaniel W. Edgar (Land O’ Lakes), home-school
Probable career field: computer science
National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Maxwell W. Keenan (Land O’ Lakes), Land O’ Lakes High School
Probable career field: computer science
National Merit University of Chicago Scholarship

Elle D. Hazlett (Lutz), home-school
Probable career field: medicine
National Merit Calvin College Scholarship

Bailey M. Zinckgraf (Lutz), Steinbrenner High School
Probable career field: industrial engineering
National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Riley L. Troyer (Odessa), Carrollwood Day School
Probable career field: engineering
National Merit Purdue University Scholarship

Michael Gendreau (Wesley Chapel), Land O’ Lakes High School
Probable career field: aerospace engineering
National Merit University of Central Florida Scholarship

Navya Jampani (Wesley Chapel), Land O’ Lakes High School
Probable career field: medicine
National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship

Lauren E. Payne (Wesley Chapel), Wiregrass Ranch High School
Probable career field: medicine
National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Local students graduate
These local students have graduated from their respective schools:

  • Cami Ash (Lutz), Harding University, Arkansas
  • Gleb Barkovskiy (Lutz), Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
  • Samantha Nicole Cuffe (Odessa), Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Nicholas Eicholtz (Odessa), University of Alabama
  • Stephanie Leeanne Erickson (Odessa), Clemson University
  • Ashleigh Fults (Lutz), Georgia Tech, Georgia
  • Karen Kegel (Lutz), Georgia Tech
  • Michael Muhammad (Lutz), Troy University, Alabama
  • Amanda Victoria Owens (Lutz), Greensboro College, North Carolina
  • Michelle Price (Lutz), Troy University
  • Tyler Scarboro (Lutz), Samford University, Alabama
  • Caleb Turner (Odessa), University of North Georgia
  • Chadd Williamson (Land O’ Lakes), Heidelberg University, Ohio

Saint Leo names new department vice president
Dr. William J. Lennox Jr., president of Saint Leo University, has appointed Christian Schindler as vice president of marketing and enrollment.

Schindler has served in a variety of leadership roles in marketing and enrollment, including vice president of strategic recruitment and global marketing at Laureate Education, vice president of marketing and enrollment at Straighterline, and senior director of international global marketing at LeapFrog Enterprises.

Schindler is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, where he also received a Bachelor of Arts in political science.