The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Review committee to talk about school impact fees

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Pasco County’s Development Review Committee is slated to discuss a proposal that would raise the impact fees charged to new residential development to help address the impact that new growth has on schools.

Under the proposed ordinance, the fees could be used to build new schools, acquire school sites or purchase new school buses.

Bexley Elementary School, depicted in this rendering, is set to open in the fall for the 2017-2018 school year. Rapid residential growth in Pasco County has prompted a need for new schools, and the Pasco County School Board is asking the Pasco County Commission to increase school impact fees to help pay for new growth.
(File)

Pasco County already imposes school impact fees, but the new fees would be substantially more than is currently collected.

Here are the proposed fees:

  • Single-family detached residences: $7,540, for homes 1,500 square feet or less; $9,785 for homes between 1,501 square feet and 2,499 square feet; and, $12,028 for homes of 2,500 square feet or more
  • Single-family attached: $3,633 per dwelling
  • Mobile homes: $5,544 per dwelling
  • Multifamily: $5,295 per dwelling

These are the current fees:

  • Single-family detached: $4,828 per dwelling (no distinction based on size)
  • Single-family attached: $1,740 per dwelling
  • Mobile home: $2,843 per dwelling
  • Multifamily: $1,855 per dwelling

The fees do not apply to age-restricted communities, where residents are 55 and older.

Even if the county adopts the proposed rates, school district officials estimate a $284 million shortfall in revenue needed for capital construction during the next decade.

The development review committee meeting, which is open to the public, is set for May 25 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco County Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The development review committee, under the direction of the county administrator, reviews proposed developments and policies, and makes recommendations to the Pasco County Commission. It includes representatives of several different county departments and a representative from Pasco County Schools’ staff.

The school impact fee issue boils down to rapidly increasing school enrollment outpacing the school district’s ability to build schools to house the students.

Concerned about the problem, the school district hired a consultant to do an impact fee study.

That study recommended substantially higher impact fees.

The County Commission reacted by appointing a Pasco County School Infrastructure Funding Committee, which recommended the consultant’s highest fees be adopted, but only if the school board put a referendum on the 2018 ballot seeking a sales tax increase to support school construction.

The infrastructure funding committee’s recommendation fell flat with county commissioners, who resisted the idea of requiring the referendum.

As Commission Chairman Mike Moore put it during a May 2 workshop on the issue: “I’m not very keen on the recommendation for this board to attempt to almost hijack the process, or tie the school board’s hands by forcing them to go out and raise the sales tax. That makes me uncomfortable.”

Instead, commissioners directed county staff to prepare an ordinance to increase the school impact fee, and to schedule the development review committee meeting and two public hearings.

Absent specific direction for the amount to include in the proposed ordinance, the county’s legal staff said it would use the full amount recommended by the consultant.

The proposed ordinance does not include a requirement for the school board to ask voters for a sales tax increase to support schools.

But, it notes that except for annual adjustments that may be made based on construction costs, “the school impact fee shall not be updated in a manner that would result in an increased school impact fee for (a) period of 10 years after the effective date of the 2017 school impact fee rate increase.”

In addition to the review committee’s session, the County Commission has set two public hearings on the proposed changes to the county’s school impact fees.

Considerable debate is likely.

Proponents of the higher fees are expected to contend that new growth should pay for itself, that there’s no question the schools are needed and that there are no other sources of revenue available.

Opponents, on the other hand are likely to argue that new development is being forced to shoulder too much of the cost, that the size of the fees put Pasco County in a competitive disadvantage and that the higher fees will make it essentially impossible to provide affordable housing.

The first public hearing on the the school impact fees issue is set for June 20 at 1:30 p.m., in the commission’s board room at the West Pasco Government Center. The second is set for July 11 at 1:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Historic County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published May 24, 2017

Chalk Talk 05/24/2017

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From left: Deputy Tax Collector Billy Poulos, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Dominic Fonseca, teacher Freda Abercrombie and Principal Rachel Fowler.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector)

Essay contest winner announced
As part of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neill’s annual contest, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano received essays from middle school students in public, private, parochial, charter, online and home-schools in answer to the question, “How do you, as a middle school student, benefit from taxes your family, friends and neighbors pay?”

Dominic Fonseca, an eighth-grade gifted student at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School in Wesley Chapel, submitted the winning essay and was awarded a $300 Best Buy gift card. Fonseca’s essay best communicated his response to the topic question, while meeting the contest criteria of overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

The contest will again be offered in 2018. For information, visit PascoTaxes.com.

Korean War veteran wears cap and gown
Marty Sullivan, an 83-year-old Korean War veteran, donned a cap and gown to stand with the members of the Joe E. Newsome High School Class of 2017 on May 19.

Sullivan had just completed his sophomore year at a Boston high school in 1951 when he walked into a U.S. Navy recruitment center to sign up for the Korean War.

Jobs, a family and a retirement move to Hillsborough County followed in the years after he left the service.

Sullivan learned through his volunteer work at the Hillsborough County Veterans Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum that he qualified for a high school diploma.

The State of Florida offers a standard high school diploma to any eligible, honorably discharged military veteran who left high school in order to serve our nation’s armed forces.

For information, call Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at (813) 635-8316, or visit HCFLGov.net/Veterans.

John Legg receives alumni award
Pasco-Hernando State College has named former Senator John Legg, PHSC class of 1994, as its 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Legg was honored at the college-wide annual Student Activities and Distinguished Alumni Award Recognition Ceremony in April.

Legg is the chief financial officer of DaySpring Academy, a Pasco County charter school he founded in 2000. He received an Associate in Arts degree from PHSC in 1994, and transferred to the University of South Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration.

Legg began his public service career as a legislative aide to Florida House Rep. Heather Fiorentino, whom he subsequently succeeded. He then was elected to the Florida Senate where he served from 2012 to 2016.

Reading kickoff
The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a Summer Reading Club Kickoff June 3 at 2 p.m., for elementary-aged children and their families. There will be a presentation by Mad Science.

For information, call (352) 567-3576.

Catholic homeschool conference
The IHM Tampa Homeschool Conference will take place at St. Lawrence Parish’s Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Ave., in Tampa, June 8 from noon to 6 p.m., and June 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Participants can learn more about Catholic home-schooling.

Admission is free. Registration is not required.

For information, visit IHMConference.org, or email .

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills awarded nine $1,000 scholarships at its end-of-the-year luncheon. The following students received a certificate and check:

  • Mariana Escudero, Pasco-Hernando State College
  • Shelly Brantman, Grand Canyon University
  • Sarah Marie First, University of Central Florida
  • Luis Arturo Chavez Rincon, PHSC/Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Lilly Ostrander, PHSC
  • Courtney Graham, Saint Leo University
  • Alaysha Bell, Florida A&M University
  • Victoria Tinney, Sante Fe College
  • Amber Strickland, PHSC

Moore-Mickens center may get new life

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Two years of negotiations, with a lot of hope and persistence from the community, appears to be paying off for the Moore-Mickens Education Center.

The center —historically tied to the first school for black students in Pasco County — was closed in 2015.

But, Pasco County School District officials and the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center & Vocational Center Inc., are almost ready to sign a lease agreement to reopen the school’s campus, according to Keith Babb, the nonprofit’s chairman.

A nonprofit coalition of residents, community leaders and organizational representatives hope to begin leasing the Moore-Mickens Education Center from the Pasco County School Board.
(File)

The lease would be for $10 a year for 30 years, Babb said.

“We are extremely excited,” he said.

He anticipates the matter will be on the June 6 school board agenda.

Babb said a private donor made a significant contribution to the nonprofit. But, additional funds are needed.

A breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for May 20. The goal is to raise at least $5,000, Babb said.

Prior to its closing, the campus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard offered classes for adults, teen parents and special-needs children.

School officials initially announced the school’s closing in 2014, but backed off when the community pleaded to keep it open.

That decision was reversed the next year, based on costly repair expenses.

The goal is to partner with other nonprofits and agencies to bring multiple programs to the community, possibly including a food bank, afterschool programs, and voluntary prekindergarten classes.

“That doesn’t mean we’re going to start programs right away,” Babb said.

The first step is to get buildings open and ready for use, he said.

Plans are to use the administrative building, the building that formerly housed the Cyesis teen parent program, and a building where the Dade City City Commission once held its meetings.

A walk-through and inventory check was planned this week with Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, Babb said.

Gadd was not available for comment prior to The Laker/Lutz News’ deadline for publication.

Published May 17, 2017

Marking a milestone, embarking on new paths

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Thousands of members of the class of 2017 will take part in ceremonies across The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area this graduation season — to celebrate a rite of passage and embark on the next adventure.

Some will head out from Lutz, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and St. Leo to continue their studies in other locales.

Some will go to far off places; others will stick closer to home.

The list of their declared colleges includes the University of Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology, Saint Leo University, Pensacola Christian College, University of South Florida, New York University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Cornell University, Florida State University, Rasmussen College, Pasco-Hernando State College and Hillsborough Community College.

Their aspirations run the gamut, too.

One wants to study culinary nutrition. Another, finance and actuarial science. One plans to study music education; another, microbiology.

There are members of the class of 2017 interested in pursuing careers in all sorts of engineering — including electrical, computer and chemical engineering,

Other majors include advertising and finance, pre-dentistry and biomedical sciences.

The list goes on and on.

Before heading to that new chapter in their lives, however, these students and their families will pause to celebrate the Class of 2017’s accomplishments so far.

Some graduates will take part in small, intimate ceremonies. Others will march into huge auditoriums.

And, while the world around them gets noisier by the day — with partisan politics and increasing international turmoil — these ceremonies likely will be marked by time-honored traditions.

Whether the gathering is large or small, there likely will be music and speeches.

Each graduate’s name will be announced.

There will be photos and applause, and friends and family members will gather for parties, too.

And, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Many members of the class of 2017 have distinguished themselves by embracing academically rigorous courses, and acing them.

This crop of students has experienced a technological revolution during their lifetimes.

They’ve mastered such social media channels as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

They have become experts at posting to Facebook and YouTube.

They feel lost without their Smartphones, and texting comes second-nature to them.

The Digital Age has left its mark on their learning, too. Traditional lectures and textbooks are often enhanced by a world of information, available through the Internet, just a few keystrokes away.

While many graduates plan to pursue higher education, others will be heading to the workforce.

Some don’t know what kind of work they’ll pursue, and others will likely end up in careers that do not yet exist.

Some receiving diplomas this year, far exceeded the requirements for graduation, while others barely squeaked by.

But, regardless of how they arrived, each has accomplished a milestone and has reason to be proud.

The Laker/Lutz News salutes members of the Class of 2017.

Published May 17, 2017

Chalk Talk 05/17/2017

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(Courtesy of Barbie Monty)

Fifth-graders take steps to being healthy
Barbie Monty’s fifth-grade class at Carrollwood Day School organized a half-hour health walk, inspired by the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good program, to encourage small lifestyle changes that can add up to a big difference. The class invited experts to talk about nutrition, exercise and making good choices to avoid health problems. Students also used a website and phone app called Fooducate, which rates various foods for nutritional value and healthier alternatives. With a banner supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are, front row from left: Charlie Woeste, Madison Bouie, Sonia Gohil, Aayush Patel, Logan Watson, Max Rabenstein, Ranai Gosine, Vasili Sotiropoulos. Back row from left: Hilani Blume, Bhuvi Raxwal, Payton Nipps, Bailey Scott, Ryan Hakam, Demir Dikmen, Ayedean Sharabyani.

Learning center open house
The Lutz Learning Center, 621 Sunset Lane in Lutz, will host an open house May 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Guests can tour the campus and see how the classrooms “with no walls offer education, with no ceiling.”

For information and to RSVP, visit LutzLearning.com/OpenHouse.

Graduates receive academic honors
Two graduates from the class of 2017 from Saint Leo University received special academic honors from their home college at the university, the Donald R. Tapia School of Business.

Jessica Dean, of Wesley Chapel, majored in accounting and economics, and was given the business school’s Excellence in Academic Leadership Award.

The award honors a student who created a positive impact on the academic lives of others, in addition to achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above.

Dean was a tutor and president of two student organizations, and graduated cum laude.

Kara Ennis, of San Antonio, studied health care management with a minor in accounting, and was given the business school’s Excellence in Experiential Learning Award.

The award recognizes initiative, professionalism and integrity; and application of classroom learning; and, a grade point average of 3.25 or above.

Ennis took part in a summer internship at Oak Hill Hospital and shadowed in various department, communicating with nurses, department managers and top executives. She also graduated cum laude.

Teacher of the Year awards
U.S. Rep Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) announced the nine teachers from Pasco and Pinellas schools that have been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award.

The annual award recognizes educators who have made a special impact on their students, their schools and their community.

From Pasco County: Maria Imler, McKitrick Elementary; Joshua Aguiar, Sunlake High School; Jennifer O’ Connor, Land O’ Lakes High; David Berger, Land O’ Lakes High; Jeffrey Beson Jr., Wesley Chapel High; Diane Butler, Connerton Elementary; and, Tina Stavrou-Klem, Pasco County Office of Teaching and Learning.

From Pinellas County: Despina Garos, Leila G. Davis Elementary; and, Helen Fatolitis, Tarpon Springs Elementary.

Each teacher will receive a certificate of recognition and a congressional coin.

Scholarship honors Don Vierling
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted spring commencements May 3, conferred 450 degrees and certificates witnessed by record-setting audiences in attendance at two separate ceremonies. An estimated 913 spring graduates were eligible to participate.

Dr. Rao Musunuru, PHSC trustee and renowned cardiologist, presented a $10,000 scholarship in honor of Dr. Donald Vierling, a prominent member of the community, family physician and member of the PHSC Foundation executive committee – having served on numerous committees and chairman of the board twice during his more than 30-year tenure.

The scholarship funds will support PHSC nursing students.

Musunuru plans to continue establishing $10,000 scholarships in the names of employees, friends and benefactors of PHSC.

Pharmacy program gets accreditation
The Pasco-Hernando State College Pharmacy Technician Certificate program received a full three-year accreditation from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

The college’s program is designed to prepare students to work as pharmacy technicians in retail and hospital settings under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

The limited access program provides students an opportunity to earn a certificate in less than a year, when attending full-time.

For information about the program application and admission process, visit PHSC.edu.

Top schools for online health program
GradSource.com analyzed online public health master’s programs across the country, graded on five key criteria: affordability, flexibility, program prominence, student success and related degrees.

The top 10 schools ranked by GradSource.com are:

  • East Carolina University
  • Concord University
  • University of South Florida – Main Campus
  • Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center
  • Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
  • The University of West Florida
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Idaho State University
  • University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

For more information on rankings and methodology, visit GradSource.com.

 

10-Year milestone

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This marks the 10th consecutive year that The Laker/Lutz News has published the names of every high school graduate in our local communities.

The Class of 2017 amounts to more than 3,500 graduates in the eight high schools our community newspapers cover.

In Pasco County, these graduates are from Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass and Zephyrhills high schools. And, in Hillsborough County, our graduates are from Steinbrenner and Freedom.

Names of graduates are listed by school, in alphabetical order, in our Graduation Section beginning on page 5. You will find graduate names from the two high schools closest to where you live, and also the names of valedictorians and salutatorians from these schools.

In addition to graduates from our public schools, you also will find the names of graduates from three private schools in our community — Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School and Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

You don’t have to be a graduate, or relative of a graduate, to enjoy looking though our Grad Section. It can be fun, even rewarding, to find names of kids you know from your neighborhood, friends and acquaintances, church, community groups, sports teams and recreational activities.

And, when you find a graduate you know, honor them by sending a congratulatory text, or better yet, give them a personal call. Congratulate your graduate for accomplishing an important goal in his or her life — one that is an essential stepping stone, as they go on to achieve many more.

Graduates of the Class of 2017 have worked for years to fulfill the requirements to qualify for graduation.

And, they are why today’s paper is important.

Graduating from high school is a monumental accomplishment that will set these students on a path to success.

We applaud the Class of 2017.

Published May 17, 2017

Chalk Talk 05/10/2017

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(Courtesy of Gary Hatrick)

Chamber recognizes student citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce honored nine Student Citizens of the Month for April, during a ceremony at The Church at Chancey Road. The students are chosen by teachers and administration of their schools for exemplary effort, achievement, and contribution to their school, family and community. From left: Ashley Ayers, Heritage Academy; Carolyn Sentelik, president, chamber board of directors; Kaylee Weirich, Woodland Elementary; Melonie Monson, chamber executive director; Laila Woolfolk, Taylor Elementary; Zechariah Mitchell, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; Hailey Turner, Stewart Middle; Roxxy Geisenheimer, chamber marketing and events coordinator; Hope Holloway, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Katy Boyd, chamber ambassador chairperson; and, Jodi Baldwin, The Broach School. Also recognized, but not present, were Christian Redmond, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; and, Kaylan Turlich, West Zephyrhills Elementary.

 

Sunlake Academy names new principal
The governing board members for Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, and the executive management team from Charter School Associates, has announced the appointment of Suzanne Elder as principal of the academy, effective July 1.

Elder comes from Channelside Academy of Math and Science, a K-8 charter school operated by Charter School Associates in Tampa’s Channelside District, where she served as principal since 2014.

Elder has a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the University of Florida and a master’s in educational administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix.

Sunlake Academy will open to 650 students, kindergarten through seventh grade, in August, at 18711 Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

For information, visit SunlakeAcademy.org, or call (813) 616-5099.

Dade City chamber honors students
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recognized its April Citizens of the Month with a breakfast.

The students that were honored were Miles Carter, Academy at the Farm; Bobby Rivera, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jaylen Matos, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Haylee Wall, Centennial Elementary; Kimberly Aburto, Lacoochee Elementary; Cruz Alvarez Diaz, Pasco Elementary; Eduardo Alvarez, Cox Elementary; Dalton Duncan, San Antonio Elementary; Courtney Thomas, Centennial Middle; Jada Formby, Pasco Middle; Lamour Lowe, James Irvin Education Center; and, Blake Swonger, Pasco High.

The chamber also will host a Chamber Scholarship Presentation May 16 at 7 a.m., to award three $1,000 college scholarships to graduating seniors from Pasco High. The scholarship winners are Courtney Graham, Kasey Szwast and Sydni Sinka.

ESE talent show
Pasco County Schools will celebrate the talents of its exceptional education students with a show May 17 at 11 a.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The students will perform in various disciplines, including dancing, singing/duets, lip syncing, unique talents (recalling facts, dates, etc.), comedy/telling jokes, puppet shows and more.

Admission is free, and open to the families and friends of the performers, as well as district staff and other county schools’ students to watch.

For information, call Heather Farnsworth at (813) 794-8802.

Teacher art show
Pasco County Schools’ inaugural “MyArt” teacher art show will take place through May 20, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Pasco Schools teacher-artists from kindergarten through 12th grade will exhibit a diverse array of 2-D and 3-D artwork, with the aim to inspire students-artists to be passionate about their own work.

Students and the community also will have an opportunity to interact with the teacher-artists during a closing reception May 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For information, email Tom Viking at .

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru MD Art Gallery will exhibit “Artistic Articulation: A Student Showcase” through May 31.

The annual exhibition showcases diverse talent achieved without the influence from staff or faculty. Gallery visitors can experience completed works of photography, drawing and mixed media, from past and present art students.

Summer gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Art exhibits are free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Hillel Academy
Hillel Academy Tampa, a private Jewish community day school, has appointed Wendy Leigh to the position of director of development and community relations. Leigh will be responsible for raising awareness, increasing enrollment and spreading the word about the historic school.

Leigh has degrees in both education and theater, and taught for seven years in the Hillsborough County school district.

The academy also recently hosted its Gift of Gold Gala and broke a fundraising record by raising more than $100,000, through sponsorships, donations and silent auction proceeds.

Proceeds from the gala will help fund scholarships, financial aid, teacher education and campus improvements.

For information on Hillel, call (813) 963-2242, or visit HillelAcademyTampa.com.

Wesley Chapel team ready to take on the world

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They’re just in elementary school, but these children are already learning about the trade-offs in life.

They’re also getting a firsthand experience regarding the importance of preparation, and they’re finding out that even the smallest of details can alter the outcome in a competition.

These seven children are members of Wesley Chapel Elementary School’s “Catch Us If You Can” team, and they’ll be competing at Michigan State University May 23 to May 28, at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Members of the ‘Catch Us If You Can’ team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School are, from left, Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta. They’ll be competing at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University in May.
(B.C. Manion)

The team is made up of Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta — who are coached by Veronica Acosta and Janet Heyman. The coaches have children on the team and teach at Wesley Chapel Elementary.

Naturally, the kids and their coaches are excited.

“I still have to pinch myself,” said coach Veronica Acosta.

Some of the team members have been working together for three years, which has its advantages.

“They can finish each other’s sentences,” said coach Janet Heyman, noting that familiarity between team members lends itself to excellent collaboration on solving problems.

The team has also learned from victory and from defeat, coach Acosta said. “They know what it means to lose, and they’ve learned how it feels to win.”

Even though they’re elementary school students, some team members take a big-picture view on competing at Worlds.

“It doesn’t really matter if you win or lose. Just the experience — just going to Worlds — is a huge deal,” said team member Rowan Heyman.

Team member Isabell Barrios said she’s glad she decided to get involved in Odyssey of the Mind and thinks others should check it out. “Life is just trying new things. It can lead you to what you’d like to do in the future.”

Three of the team members, who are fifth-graders, will be missing their graduation ceremony, in order to compete at Worlds. They think it’s a trade-off worth making. Besides getting to travel out-of-state, they’ll be meeting kids from all over the word, testing their skills in a big arena and getting a chance to trade pins, they said.

Justin Acosta said Odyssey offers lasting value.

“While you’re doing it, you’re getting experience towards life, problems you need to solve every day,” he said.

They know that the competition will be challenging, but they’re looking forward to it.

“I think it’s really exciting, especially for me, because I’ve never been out of the state before,” said Sam Cappelluti, 10. “It’s really exciting to go to a different place with all of your friends.”

The fourth- and fifth-graders already have demonstrated that they’re contenders.

They won first place at the Gulf Coast Regional competition, and wowed the judges so much that they won the “Ranatra Fusca Award” for their exceptional creativity.

They also won first place at the state tournament at the University of Central Florida on April 8.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that encourages students to use creative approaches to solving problems. The program emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

In Odyssey of the Mind, teams come up with their own ideas, engineer technical features, make costumes and props, and present their interpretation of the answer to a highly complex problem.

More than 825 teams from around the world are expected to compete in the 38th Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. The teams represent nearly every state in the United States and approximately 20 other countries.

It takes a lot of work, said 10-year-old Mina Melaika. The team meets every day, “adding small details” and re-reading the problem “to be sure that we’re getting everything right,” the fourth-grader said.

Ten-year-old Jason Sherman is excited about the competition, but he has another agenda, too.

“When I get up there, I want to try making a lot of friends,” he said.

Published May 3, 2017

Students vie in entrepreneurial competition

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Timothy Hernandez noticed a problem, and he set about to solve it.

Not too long ago, the 17-year-old Zephyrhills High School senior was undergoing safety training as a YMCA pool lifeguard.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) masks kept falling off during tutorials.

“It was a real inconvenience,” he said.

Timothy Hernandez, center, won first place and $2,500 in Pasco’s Young Entrepreneur Finals. His business concept is CPRGo, a mask with an automatic seal, via suction cup features. Also pictured: Kelly Castro, youth coordinator for the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board, and Stacey Capogrosso, executive director of the Pasco Education Foundation. 
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Strap-based CPR masks didn’t fare much better, said Hernandez, who currently works at the East Pasco YMCA and the New Tampa YMCA.

His solution: CPRGo, a mask with an automatic seal, via suction cup features.

“It makes CPR a simple and more efficient process,” Hernandez said. “It also ensures the victim is getting a sufficient amount of air. “

In short, “Saving lives has never been so easy.”

For the concept — yet to be prototyped and patented — Hernandez won first place and $2,500 in Pasco’s Young Entrepreneur Finals, held April 25 at the Land O’ Lakes High School Culinary Arts.

The inaugural competition showcased seven students from Pasco County Schools’ business and entrepreneurship principles program.

It gave contestants an opportunity to present their unique business idea in a traditional slideshow format to a live audience and panel of judges — startup experts representing Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region.

Hannah White, a Pasco High School senior, earned second place and $1,000 for Organized Design, which refers to planners that can be customized entirely.

Jackson Rossi, a senior at Mitchell High School, received third place and $500 for Brij, an app for social media marketing.

Other finalists were Justin Hall and Katelyn Ortiz, of Sunlake High; Taylor Townsend, of River Ridge High; and, Alex Violini, of Ridgewood High; each were winners at school-level competitions, held April 3 through April 10.

Those attending the competition included representatives from Pasco County Schools, CareerSource Pasco/Hernando, the Pasco Education Foundation, the Pasco Economic Development Council, the USF Stavros Center, and Pasco SCORE. The name SCORE is based on an acronym for Service Corps of Retired Executives.

Loosely based off ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank,” each student had 10 minutes to present his or her startup.

Judges then lobbed critiques, criticisms and suggestions, for all the audience to hear.

The finalists later were evaluated on a 10-point scale on 10 factors, including professionalism, the viability of their enterprise, and their ability to back it with research on startup costs, revenue, distribution, customer base, competitors and the business and/or social impact of their venture.

Hernandez received high marks for his revenue and cost projections model, and his ability to identify a target market — lifeguards and other emergency responders.

For the judges, choosing just three winners wasn’t easy.

“The kids that did this — great job,” said Steven Hickman, president/CEO of First National Bank of Pasco. “I’m just thrilled to see the quality and the poise.”

Fellow judge Mike Lewis, chairman of SCORE Chapter 439, was likewise impressed with each presentation, praising students’ thought process, concepts and business plans.

“They are absolutely to be commended,” he said.

About 200 Pasco County high school students participated in the entrepreneurship curriculum during the 2016-2017 school year, said Terry Aunchman, director of career and technical education for Pasco County.

That figure, along with the Young Entrepreneurs event, is expected to grow, as the program will be introduced in five more high schools next school year — Cypress Creek, Gulf, Fivay, Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.

“The competition is going to be amped up just a little bit,” Aunchman said. “We built so much excitement around this that the other schools are like, ‘We want to get in on the action.’”

Aunchman also plans to introduce the program to several middle and elementary schools in the district, hoping to “get kids engaged, thinking outside of the box and solving problems.”

Meanwhile, Hernandez — like other finalists — appears to have a bright future ahead of him.

He plans to attend Saint Leo University this fall, majoring in criminal justice.

His minor? Business.

Published May 3, 2017

Chalk Talk 05/03/2017

By

(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Christian School)

Students shine in national competition
High school students at Land O’ Lakes Christian School competed in the 40th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Approximately 1,800 students, representing 200 Christian high schools, competed in 76 categories in the five basic areas of the Bible, music, speech, art and academics. The national fine arts competition winners from Land O’ Lakes Christian were, from left: Austin Slade, second place expository preaching; Sherry Jiang, first place calligraphy; Wilson Wang, second place garment construction; Ellie Becker, second place physical science fair; Paul Wei, second place advanced math; and, Ruth Zhang, first place algebra/geometry and third place watercolor.

CORRECTION: Charity volleyball match
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office school resource officers and high school student-athletes will compete in a Charity Volleyball Challenge May 4 at 7 p.m., at Charles S. Rushe Middle School, 18654 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is designed to let students and law enforcement interact in a casual, fun competition to promote trust between the two groups.

The challenge will benefit the 2017 Together We Stand Youth & Community Summit. Funds will be generated through the admission price, corporate and community sponsors, and advance ticket sales. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the school, and a corresponding student club that is represented by the largest number of audience members.

For information, call Sunlake High at (813) 346-1000.

Gulf Middle spruces up park
Gulf Middle School science teachers, students and staff took part in an Earth Day beautification project April 22 at Frances Park in New Port Richey.

The project aimed to increase the natural beauty of the park, and raise awareness for the environment and community.

Students and staff did landscaping and planted flowers at the park’s entrance along Louisiana Avenue.

Teacher art show
Pasco County Schools’ inaugural “MyArt” teacher art show will take place May 4 through May 20, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Pasco Schools teacher-artists from kindergarten through 12th grade will exhibit a diverse array of 2-D and 3-D artwork, with the aim to inspire students-artists to be passionate about their own work.

Students and the community also will have an opportunity to interact with the teacher-artists during a closing reception May 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For information, email Tom Viking at .

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser
Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 12110 will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser May 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Peter Claver Catholic School, 1203 Nebraska Ave., in Tampa, in O’ Keefe Hall.

The cost is $10 and includes spaghetti with sauce, a house salad, Cuban bread, and a soda or water. No takeout will be available.

All proceeds from the dinner will benefit St. Peter Claver’s tuition scholarship program.

For information, call (813) 267-9981 or (813) 223-6726.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration will be May 8, at all district elementary schools. Those interested should contact the school in their area for details about orientation activities and times.

Head Start/Early Head Start applications are only available at select elementary schools.

Kindergarten preregistration requirements include:

  • Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2017
  • Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date
  • Health examination – HRS Form 3040
  • HRS Certificate of Immunization
  • Proof of Florida residency, such as a current utility bill or lease agreement

For information, call Danielle Varcardipone in the Office of Teaching and Learning at (727) 774-2404, (813) 794-2404 or (352) 524-2404.

Expectant mothers, and parents of infants, toddlers and children through age 5 may apply for Head Start or Early Head Start. Families must meet eligibility requirements.

For more information about the Head Start programs, visit PascoSchools.org, or call Alexis Russell in Early Childhood Programs at (727) 774-2730, (813) 794-2730 or (352) 524-2730.

Student artwork exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru MD Art Gallery will exhibit “Artistic Articulation: A Student Showcase” through May 31.

The annual exhibition showcases diverse talent achieved without the influence from staff or faculty. Gallery visitors can experience completed works of photography, drawing and mixed media, from past and present art students.

Summer gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Art exhibits are free.

For information, call (727) 816-3231.

Future business leaders excel
Pasco-Hernando State College students participated in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference.

North Campus student Shannon Phillips placed first in computer applications, and West Campus student John Vann placed first in future business executive, both qualifying for national competition. Phillips also placed fourth in business communications.

Second-place winners advancing to nationals are North Campus students Casey Cox in organizational behavior and leadership, and Sidney Onstad in hospitality management; West Campus students Michael Bradley II in public speaking and Leslie Barnwell in human resource management. Barnwell also placed fourth in forensic accounting, and Cox placed fifth in marketing concepts.

Other students who placed in the competition include:

Spring Hill campus students Marc Brooks, third in impromptu speaking; Manuel Cuzco, third in job interview; and, Giselle Perez, third in human resource management.

West Campus students Keith Stokes, third in both help desk and programming concept; and, Victor Miller, fifth place inn information management.

The PHSC team of North Campus students Jay Bowler, Emily Brock and Simona Rivera placed third in the small business management plan team competition.

Brock and Rivero also placed third in the desktop publishing team competition.

The annual Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National Competition will take place in June, in Anaheim, California.

Free summer VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a Summer VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) program for eligible families and their children.

The free program is for children who have not yet used their VPK voucher, and turned 4-years-old before September 2016.

Classes begin on June 6 and run through Aug. 3.

VPK hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch/rest time from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For information about the school and enrollment, contact Angella Hart, school director, at (813) 242-7800.