Education

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.

Chalk Talk 05/08/2024

May 7, 2024 By Mary Rathman

New bike safety initiative launched
Pasco County Schools on April 19 at Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes announced the launch of a new biking safety initiative and community partnership designed to enhance the well-being of its young riders. As part of the program, Pasco Schools has collaborated with professionals from Johns Hopkins Hospital to create a comprehensive safety video tailored specifically to students. Additionally, new safety signs will be installed at each school’s bike area to serve as a visual reminder for children to wear helmets while biking.

Citizens Helping Citizens Scholarship available
Citizens Bank and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced the establishment of the first-ever Citizens Helping Citizens Scholarship to build accessible pathways, providing opportunities of cultural awareness, understanding, and leadership nationally for high school students who are pursuing postsecondary education, according to a news release.

The program provides $50,000 in need-based scholarships to 10 high school students from underserved and historically underrepresented communities entering a two- or four-year accredited college, university or trade school in fall 2024.

Scholarship application is now open and students are encouraged to apply by midnight Eastern Time on May 13.

To learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/4jrwvstz.

Local student wins service award
Chase Hartman, a senior at Walter L. Sickles High School, has been chosen from nearly 17,000 applicants to win the $10,625 National Honor Society Service Award.

Hartman is an entrepreneur and civic-minded leader passionate about educational equity and the environment, according to a news release.

He was inspired to serve his community after his chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society ran a book collection drive. The student co-founded an award-winning book distribution project — read.repeat. — when he was 10 years old, the release says.

The project evolved into the nonprofit Eco Brothers.

Hartman has focused on improving literacy rates and has distributed 220,000 books to 64,000 students in Hillsborough County and in all 50 states. He advocates for more diverse and dual-language books in schools and has spoken to the local board of education about the need for these books.

He also has raised $120,000, mobilized hundreds of volunteers and provided 10,000 service hours to teens.

An Eagle Scout and Senior Patrol Leader in Troop 46, Hartman ran Scouting for Food for three years and donated 7,000 food units to a local pantry.

He also designed, planted and maintained a butterfly garden for his elementary school.

Hartman is student body president, swim team captain, a Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient and a four-time gold-level honoree in the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Members of the winning Jesuit High School team are: Nicolas Miranda, Jacob Judson, Diego Tobon (captain), Daniel Dewey, Rhys Marriott and Hendrix Bromberg. (Courtesy of Caroline Jorgensen, Saint Leo University)

Students compete in Brain Bowl
Saint Leo University hosted its annual Brain Bowl, sponsored by the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services. The competition pitted area Catholic high schools and one local private school against each other.

Topics ran from the Seven Deadly Sins to Tallest Building Throughout History, and categories from “Don’t Breathe in the Poisonous Gasses” to “No Such Thing as a Free Lunch.”

Team members’ knowledge of languages, the arts, popular culture, physics, math, biology, history and more were tested.

Competing teams were: Santa Fe Catholic High School, Lakeland; Clearwater Central Catholic High; Jesuit High, Tampa; Trinity Catholic High, Ocala; St. Petersburg Catholic High; Bishop McLaughlin High, Shady Hills; Tampa Catholic High; and Academy of the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes.

Jesuit High claimed victory with a score of 315; Academy at the Lakes was runner-up with 210 points.

RAISE tutoring program
Hillsborough County Public Schools’ RAISE High School Tutoring Program is accepting applications for the summer. The goal of the program is to train, equip and support juniors and seniors as they work with kindergarten through third-grade students to support literacy acquisition, according to a news release.

The Summer 2024 tutors will work within the HCPS’ Summer Learning Academy classrooms in June and July.

Students can earn volunteer service hours and a New Worlds Scholar award from the Florida Department of Education (with 75 verified tutoring hours).

Requirements are:

Completion of 10th grade or higher
3.0 district GPA or higher
Two letters of reference from teachers or school staff
No history of expulsions or out of school suspensions
Own transportation to elementary site

For more information, email .

Audit finds issues with Bright Futures Scholarship Program

April 30, 2024 By Andrew Powell

(The Center Square) — The Florida auditor general has released a report detailing problems with the administration of the state’s scholarship and grant programs.

The audit was focused on the administration of both scholarship programs between June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program disbursed $547,700,035 in fiscal year 2022-23. A slight drop over the previous FY of 2021-22, which disbursed $549,061,819.

The audit found three issues — this included the return of advances without identifying students who may be eligible, noncompliance with state law and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) policies, as well as the need to improve disbursement of funds in a timely manner.

The Legislature established the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Florida high school students who merit recognition of high academic achievement, and enroll in a degree, certificate or applied technology program at an eligible in-state college or university.

The program, funded by the Florida Lottery, consists of four different awards: The Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Also part of the auditor general’s report was the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program, established to provide financial assistance to Florida resident students seeking a degree from Florida public universities or colleges.

The report states that Eastern Florida State College returned around $1.2 million worth of FSAG-Public Program advances, contrary to State Board of Education rules. The auditor general recommended that management at the college continue its efforts to ensure that all eligible students are able to receive the advance and records are properly reported to the FDOE.

The audit also found that the University of South Florida had failed to comply with state law regarding the refund of Bright Futures Scholarship Program funds from students who withdrew or dropped a course on time. The report adds that the university made 146 refunds to the FDOE that totaled $141,476, on average 99 days after the required date.

Lastly, the report found that Pensacola State College needed to improve its procedures to ensure that Bright Futures and the grant program funds received were more promptly put on record when funds are disbursed to students.

Published May 01, 2024

Leadership program graduates class of 2024

April 30, 2024 By Mary Rathman

The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation in March, at Timber Greens Country Club. More than 100 sponsors, school officials, parents and Leadership Pasco board members attended.

The organization is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students (sophomores and juniors) through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders, according to a news release.

Sessions include Orientation and Team Building, Law Enforcement, Health Care/Community Services, Government/Economic Development, and Education.

Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 (Courtesy of J. David Wright)

The program’s graduating Class of 2024 included: Colt Blancher, Angeline Academy of Innovation; Katarina M. Boglino, Gulf High School; Isabella C. Bowling, River Ridge High; Thomas Celotto Jr., Hudson High; Noah J. Downey, Sunlake High; Vincent J. Farides, River Ridge; Dominic Fusco, Wesley Chapel High; William C. Gantt, J.W. Mitchell High; Jake Giber, Genesis Preparatory High; Nadama N. Gilkerson, Pasco High; Sophie M. Giri, Wiregrass Ranch High; Nathan M. Grimes, J.W. Mitchell; Luiza Guryeva, Wesley Chapel; Allan Guzman, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Elissa A. Hill, J.W. Mitchell; Liam C. Hornung, J.W. Mitchell; Melodi Kazazi, Sunlake; Calina M. Levy,Wiregrass Ranch; Alina Manadyel, Dayspring Early College Academy; Ethan A. Mendez, Cypress Creek High; Alyssa B. Mintrone, Land O’ Lakes High; Montana T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High; Morgan T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical; Alfonso E. Nava, Dayspring Early College Academy; Victoria Ogundeyin, Cypress Creek; Xiomig N. Ozorio Matias, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Trinity Perry, Wesley Chapel; Justyce P. Rice, Anclote High; Ethan Rubin, Hudson; Lilliana E. St Aubin, Hudson; Paul L. Steele, Land O’ Lakes; Hailey J. Suggs, Anclote High; and Gianna Walsh, Fivay High.

“The Youth Leadership Pasco program is truly one of a kind. Throughout the program, I have made lifelong friendships, restored old ones, and got a much deeper grasp of what happens in Pasco County. My favorite part of the program was the sheriff’s department. We got to see just how big the department truly is and the amazing technology they are incorporating into their line of work. I used to only want to leave Pasco County, but throughout this program, I have found a new love for it and all of the amazing opportunities it has to offer…,” said Noah J. Downey, of Sunlake High School, in the release.

The student fee is kept at $35 due to the support from its sponsors.

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open for sophomores and juniors at the beginning of the school year.

For more information, visit LeadershipPasco.com/Youth_Leadership_Pasco_Program.

Published May 01, 2024

Chalk Talk 05/01/2024

April 30, 2024 By Mary Rathman

A member of a mariachi band welcomes students to a cultural event at Seven Oaks Elementary. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Around the World in a Day
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Seven Oaks Elementary School in Wesley Chapel recently grabbed their passports and ventured through four different countries to celebrate cultural diversity.

While the children bustled around campus, a mariachi band played, welcoming the students to the start of Around the World in a Day: Seven Oaks’ Cultural Extravaganza.

Students listen to a presentation about the country of Italy.

The carnival helped to educate the students on different countries such as India, Italy, Colombia and Venezuela, as they ‘visited’ each place to learn about the variety of sports and fashions of each culture and sample food.

Italy showcased a soccer ball, stone from ancient buildings, a coffee maker, and handmade lace for clothing.

Colombia displayed a rain stick and passed it around for students to see. Venezuela showed off instruments and toys, and demonstrated how to say the names of the items in Spanish.

Students traveled across the school grounds to experience each diverse culture.

Join Leadership Pasco
The Leadership Pasco Recruitment Committee is now accepting applications for the upcoming Class of 2025.

Since 1990, Leadership Pasco has introduced business and local leaders to major facets of the Pasco County community through an intensive 10-month course. Class members participate in full-day program sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community leaders to broaden their local understanding of the ever-changing needs of Pasco County. Topics include criminal justice, tourism, health care, education, government, infrastructure, media, and business industries.

The class also is responsible for organizing a Class Project that brings charitable people and resources together to address a particular social, educational, economic, environmental or cultural need in the county.

Applications are available online at LeadershipPasco.com and are due by May 15.

The recruitment committee will review all applicants. All selected 2025 class members will be notified by the end of June.

Monthly program sessions begin with orientation in August and conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2025.

For questions or concerns, contact Laura Raposa at 727-858-6452 or .

History center to celebrate Emancipation Days
The Tampa Bay History Center will present the following:

• Tampa Emancipation Day
A Tampa Emancipation Day will take place on May 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at St. James at ENCORE, 1202 N. Governor St., in Tampa, to observe the historical impact of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida. The free event will include music, food and new USF research. Guest speakers will include Dr. Elizabeth Horge-Freeman, Dr. Cheryl Rodriguez and Dr. Tomaro Taylor from the University of South Florida (USF), and Fred Hearns, curator of Black History with the Tampa History Center. The event will feature a special reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by several dignitaries. Also included will be performances by local artists and speakers. Seating is limited to the first 100 guests to RSVP at TampaBayHistoryCenter.org.
• Florida Emancipation Day
The Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road in Brooksville, will host a Florida Emancipation Day on May 18 starting at 10 a.m., with discussions on the historical significance of the location by Dr. Gary Ellis and Rodney Kite-Powell. Dr. Michael Jones also will speak about the implications of recent archaeological findings, and Dr. Jesse Pisors, president of Pasco-Hernando State College, will give free tours of the Chinsegut historic house. This free event aims to educate and inspire by celebrating historical milestones in the fight for freedom and equality.

For more information about these events, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org.

New president/CEO named
The Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) has announced Anna Corman as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Corman has served as interim CEO since September 2023.

With more than nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Corman has been instrumental in promoting positive social change and fostering community impact, particularly in youth development and volunteerism, both locally and globally, according to a news release.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Global Technology & Development from Arizona State University.

In addition, Corman is an active member of the community and a distinguished alumna of both Leadership Tampa (Class of ’23) and Leadership Florida (Education Class 8).

In her new role, Corman will oversee HEF’s strategic direction, partnerships and programs, and she will work with the board, staff and community stakeholders to further the organization’s mission of strengthening public education in Hillsborough County.

Chalk Talk 04/24/2024

April 23, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Looking skyward
Students of the Classical Conversations homeschool group in Lutz look skyward, with eye protection of course, at the solar eclipse on April 8. Classical Conversations was started in 1997 and has campuses all over the world; the Lutz campus has been around since 2018. Students range from preschool to 10th grade. The group has community day once a week to learn new material, do art and music projects, and science experiments. Field trips correspond to study material and have included The Ringling museum, Bok Tower park, Medieval Times, various Straz Center orchestra and theater productions, and the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa for a mock trial competition. Visit info.classicalconversations.com for more information.

Student achievements

Ella Langiotti, Odessa: Dean’s List, Ohio University College of Fine Arts
Marissa Schabes, Lutz: Dean’s List, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
Kit VanNort, Lutz: Cast member for Marietta College’s performances of “The Rising of the Moon,” a play being showcased during the school’s annual One Act Festival. VanNort is majoring in theater-directing and will perform as Sergeant.

Florida Bar competition winners
The final rounds of the 2023-2024 Florida Bar High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition took place in Tallahassee earlier this month.

The two-part program offered an opportunity for students to learn about the appellate process and what it is like to present a case in a true-to-life court experience. Participants wrote briefs on a fictitious case involving student discipline and evidence, which were graded by practicing attorneys. Six teams were invited to present oral arguments before appellate judges of the First District Court of Appeal. The two top teams took part in a final round at the Florida Supreme Court.

The state champion was the team of Matthew Rodriguez (also named best oralist) and Jacob Zeng. The team from American Heritage School in Broward County was judged best in Florida. Locally, Bell Creek Academy in Hillsborough County competed in the preliminary rounds.

For more information, visit https://www.floridabar.org/about/cmtes/cmte-cm470/high-school-appellate-moot-court-program/.

A furry meet-and-greet
Students got a break from school at Dayspring Academy in Pasco County when, during a teacher workshop session, the classroom had “gone to the dogs.”

Tampa EdTech startup Scholar Education brought two Bernedoodles that inspired the company’s avatar dogs — BaxterBot and Professor Bruce — for a visit.

The visit was part of a workshop day to help teachers “fill their cups” with self-care and knowledge to finish out the school year strong.

The teachers enjoyed a little puppy love and learned about Scholar Education’s artificial intelligence platform.

The Scholar program rolled out in Dayspring’s sixth and seventh grades this school year.

With the help of the virtual versions of the dogs, the program serves as a personalized tutor — answering students’ questions and providing teachers with suggestions for lesson planning.

Scholar Education plans to expand to more locations next school year.

Imaginary Friend contest
B&B Theatres – Wesley Chapel The Grove 16 invites students to submit original artwork for its “Imaginary Friend” illustrative contest, for Pasco elementary-level students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Artwork is limited to 11-inches by 14-inches in size and should be submitted by May 4. Any art medium is welcome.

Submissions will be featured in the theater. Winners will receive a popcorn party for their class and a movie pack for two.

Entries should be submitted with the student’s name, school and grade level and delivered to the theater at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Dayspring team headed to world competition
Pasco County charter school Dayspring Academy’s Odyssey of the Mind team from its Jazz campus (a Title I school) took first place in the state competition in Orlando in March. The team’s head coach is kindergarten teacher Jennifer Garie.

This first-place team will go on to the world Odyssey of the Mind competition in Iowa, in May. Dayspring’s team also qualified and competed at world’s last year.

The charter school is expected to open a Land O’ Lakes campus this fall, located in the Angeline development, 2 miles north of Land O’ Lakes High School, on U.S. 41.

DeSantis signs education reform bill into law

April 23, 2024 By Andrew Powell

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an education reform bill into law that will have long-reaching implications for the state’s education system.

House Bill 1285 does several things, including addressing school districts with “Turn-Around” status, repeals the Florida College System’s employment equity and accountability program, and requires the State Board of Education to establish specialized teaching certificates for classical school educators.

DeSantis said during a news conference in Jacksonville that Florida has a reputation for giving parents the leading hand in how they choose to educate their children, as well as keeping the public school curriculum transparent so parents are aware of what is being taught.

DeSantis noted that the Legislature has enacted many other education-related bills — one in particular now has every school district in Florida involved in civics education, as well as the civics and debate initiative, which only had around 12 schools participating five years ago.

“We’ve also increased teacher salaries every year since I’ve been governor. We now have in this budget that I will be signing… the biggest increase in teacher compensation,” DeSantis said.

In-state tuition for higher education in the Sunshine State has also remained affordable, and according to DeSantis, Florida is number one out of all 50 states for lowest tuition and number two in the U.S. for two-year graduation rates, and fourth for four-year college graduation rates.

“Part of the reason why you’re able to get people through in four years is because we’re not charging an arm and a leg,” DeSantis said. “We’re not trying to keep them for six years just to make more money off that, we want you to go get your degree and then move on.”

DeSantis noted that he and the Legislature have ensured that colleges and universities do not become “cauldrons of ideological indoctrination,” instead, lawmakers are focused on core subjects.

“So this (bill) has a huge number of things that are really gonna make a difference,” DeSantis said. “One, we really believe in supporting military families when it comes to our school system, and we believe in creating pathways for students who may want to go into the military as a career.”

The bill further requires school districts and charter schools to provide 11th- and 12th-grade students with the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test.

“With the signing of House Bill 1285, Gov. DeSantis has further solidified Florida’s higher education system as number one in the nation,” said Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “HB 1285 establishes additional accountability measures and creates opportunities for universities to enhance research and innovation to meet the workforce and economic demands of our state.”

Published April 24, 2024