Education

Chalk Talk 02/08/2017

February 8, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Local students make dean’s lists
The following students from Lutz made the fall Dean’s List at their respective schools:

Natalia Campos, Valdosta State University, Georgia
Sarah Fechtel, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
Cameron Hair, Columbia College, Salt Lake City Campus, Utah
Kyle McCann, Belmont University
Katelyn Preiboy, Belmont University
Katie Quintana, Berry College, Rome, Georgia
Katie Wynn, Belmont University

Tori Anderson, of Odessa, also made the fall Dean’s List at Berry College.

Marchman hosts a sneak peek
The Fred K. Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, hosted a Sneak Peek campus showcase Feb. 2 for prospective high school students and adults who wanted to learn about next year’s program options.

Guests could also tour the campus and meet instructors. Breakout sessions provided more information on applications and financial assistance.

For information, call Alicia Leary, assistant principal, at (727) 774-1700.

Bayonet Point rededication
Bayonet Point Middle School, 11125 Little Road in New Port Richey, hosted a rededication ceremony Feb. 7, to celebrate the past, present and future of the changes the school has undergone.

The school closed to undergo a yearlong renovation, and reopened this year as one of the first ever combined STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and LATIC (learner-active, technology-infused classroom) middle magnet schools in the United States.

The event featured a short program, student performances and refreshments.

For information, call Mary Ann Lazzarino at (727) 774-7400.

Black History presentation
Pasco-Hernando State College will host a “Reading, Writing and the Making of Black History” presentation by Andrew J. Skerritt Feb. 9 at the following campuses:

9:45 a.m., at West Campus, New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road
2 p.m., at Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court
6 p.m., at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Online business courses
Pasco-Hernando State College, in partnership with Ed2Go, will offer new instructor-led online courses on starting a business.

Classes will be offered monthly, and new business course topics that begin on Feb. 15 include Start Your Own Business, Start and Operate Your Own Home-Based Business, Start Your Own Online Business, and Creating a Successful Business Plan.

Ed2Go offers more than 300 online courses on a variety of topics.

To view a complete list of online, noncredit courses, or to register, visit Ed2Go.com/phsc.

For information, call (727) 816-3123, or email .

Vote for mascot before Feb. 19
The final day to vote for a new Pasco-Hernando State College mascot is Feb. 19.

Community members and PHSC faculty, staff, students and alumni can cast a vote at PHSC.edu/mascot.

Mascot recommendations were ranked, resulting in these three mascot names rising to the top in the order of votes received: Suns, Rangers, Cubs. Also up for voting consideration are Bobcats, Coyotes and Golden Eagles.

Conquor, the sword-wielding mascot representing the Conquistadors since 1993, will officially retire in the spring. A retirement celebration is scheduled at the college’s annual Athletic Awards Ceremony in April.

Bishop McLaughlin 5K
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill, will host a Category 5K/Fun Run & Family Event Feb. 25 at the school’s athletic fields.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 for children ages 6 to 12, $20 for students, and $30 for adults.

Other family events include a corn hole tournament and putt-putt golf.

Online registration and payment is available at BMCHS.com.

For information, call (727) 857-2600.

Virtual run for safe schools
Pasco County Schools is hosting its annual Together We Stand Virtual 5K Run for Safe Schools through Feb. 28.

A virtual race enables participants to track their time from any location, whether running or walking inside or outside, even if they are participating in another race.

Proceeds from the run will be used to provide scholarships for Pasco County high school students to attend the Summer Youth Leadership Institute hosted by Sunrise of Pasco.

Remaining funds will be used to help provide additional school and district-based student leadership activities.

The cost is $5 for students, $10 for Pasco County school staff, and $20 for the general public.

To register, visit bit.ly/2kcgYO1.

For information, contact Jenna Sage at (727) 774-2442 or .

School choice applications
Pasco County School’s choice application window runs through March 1.

Those who applied for a magnet school also can submit a school choice application for a traditional Pasco County school.

School choice applications can be accessed on the district website, PascoSchools.org, by clicking on the school choice banner at the top.

If a student currently is attending a school on school choice, parents do not need to reapply unless their address has changed after initial approval, they reside outside Pasco County, their school was impacted by boundary changes, or the student will be moving to the next school level (such as elementary to middle or middle to high school).

Families who live in another county must submit a release from their home county within the open enrollment period.

Students who reside in Pasco County will be given first consideration for school choice enrollment.

Applications that have not been entirely completed will not be considered.

Families requesting choice enrollment for more than one child must complete a separate application for each child.

Learning Gate looking for sponsors, auction items
Learning Gate Community School in Lutz will host its 13th annual Silent Auction Night on March 4 at the University Area Community Development Center. All the proceeds will benefit Learning Gate students.

The school is looking for auction items, sponsors, raffles prizes or gift certificates. All items received will be highlighted to advertise the company. Pickup is available for any donations provided. Donations are tax deductible.

For information, call Michele Northrup at (813) 948-4190, ext. 313, or visit LearningGate.org.

Chalk Talk 02/01/2017

February 1, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Pilot Club honors ‘top dogs’
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills recognized the Second Quarter Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School with a Hungry Howie’s luncheon. The club honors students for academics and leadership roles in the school. The students receiving a certificate and gold dog tag are Anthony Agosto, Emma McKelvey, Emily Gillett, Tamya Simms, Noah McCarty, Naman Holmes, Taija McCullough, Jenny Delcastillo and Joshua Fain.

Prep school open house
Classical Preparatory School, 16500 Lyceum Way in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Feb. 2, for those interested in learning more about a liberal arts education, for kindergarten through 11th grade.

Guests are invited to attend at 5 p.m., or 6:15 p.m., to meet Headmaster Ben Davis.

The school also has open enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year through Feb. 24. Applications are being accepted online at ClassicalPrepEnrollment.org.

For information, call (813) 803-7903.

Preschool open house
Mary’s House, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Guests can visit the classrooms while they are in session, and see first-hand the happenings at the preschool.

Open registration for parishioners begins Feb. 8.

For information, visit LadyRosary.org, or call (813) 948-5999.

The World of a Teen
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will again host “The World of a Teen” program on Feb. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the school auditorium.

A panel will discuss the challenges facing today’s teens, including drugs, alcohol, stress, social media, relationships, college and more.

Participants can email questions in advance to .

For information, call (813) 792-5131.

Pasco schools’ graduation rates
The Pasco County Schools graduation rate increased half a percentage point in 2016, rising from 78.6 percent in 2015 to 79.1 percent.

The district’s virtual school, Pasco eSchool, recorded a 100 percent graduation rate, up from 97.8 percent in 2015.

The graduation rate for at-risk students increased by more than 10 percentage points, from 50.2 percent in 2015 to 60.6 percent in 2016.

The rate for students with disabilities improved from 56.8 percent in 2015 to 60.60 percent in 2016, and the rate for English language learners rose from 57.1 percent to 59.4 percent.

The graduation rates for these local area schools fell: Land O’ Lakes High School, from 90.7 percent in 2015 down to 87.3 percent in 2016; Pasco High, from 77.6 percent to 73.6 percent; Sunlake High, 87.1 percent to 85.9 percent; Wesley Chapel High, 84.7 percent to 82.8 percent; and, Wiregrass Ranch, from 91.7 percent to 90.5 percent.

Zephyrhills High’s graduation rate increased slightly from 78.6 percent in 2015 to 79.1 percent in 2016.

Nursing accreditation review
Pasco-Hernando State College will host a site review for the continuing accreditation of its associate degree nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

The review visit will take place Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., on the West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The public is invited to meet the site visit team in person and share comments about the program.

Written comments also are welcome and can be submitted to Public Notice of Upcoming ACEN Accreditation Review Visit, Dr. Marsal Stoll, chief executive officer, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

Comments can also be emailed to .

The deadline for comments is Feb. 3.

Seeking scholarship applications
Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts is now accepting applications for the 2017 Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship Program, open to high school juniors and seniors in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The program provides financial support to Tampa Bay students to help them pursue higher education in the arts.

Each year, TBBCA awards $15,000 to six Tampa Bay area students based on merit and artistic ability, in the fields of instrumental music, vocal music, theater, dance, visual arts and literary arts. The scholarship can be used for tuition at the college, university or professional arts training program of the student’s choice.

Applications can be downloaded at TBBCA.org/programs-events/art-stars-scholarships. For an email copy of application, contact Susana Weymouth at .

There is no fee to apply.

The deadline for the completed application packet is Feb. 20. Winners will be announced in April.

Marchman offers ASE testing
Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will now offer ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification testing, available for automotive service technology, automotive collision and repair students; and, automotive professionals in Pasco, Hillsborough, Citrus and Pinellas counties.

Prior to scheduling an exam at Marchman’s assessment center, candidates must create a MyASE account at ASE.com. After registering and paying for exams, the exam can be scheduled at www.FKMTC.edu. A state-issued ID and an ASE eligibility ID must be presented on the day of the exam.

The current registration window ends on Feb. 24.

For information, contact Michael Andujar at (727) 774-1861 or .

Education a key theme for upcoming session

January 25, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Education was a recurring theme among speakers at a recent meeting held by the Pasco County Legislative Delegation before this year’s annual session.

Local citizens and civic leaders voiced their concerns on this hot-button issue during a Jan. 18 gathering at Sunlake High School, with six local representatives to the state Legislature.

Dozens of interest groups and local government leaders also talked to legislators about their priorities for the legislative delegation.

The Pasco County Legislative Delegation had a pre-legislative session on Jan. 18 at Sunlake High School. From left, on the dais, are Richard Corcoran, incoming Speaker of the House for the Florida House of Representatives, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess, State Sen. Wilton Simpson, State Rep. Amber Mariano, and State Sen. Jack Latvala.
(Kevin Weiss)

Rising school enrollment and additional education funding were just two topics raised during the four-hour meeting with State Sens. Wilton Simpson and Jack Latvala, incoming Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano.

Spencer Pylant, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Kurt Browning for the Pasco County School District, talked to the delegates about concerns increasing school enrollments and the lack of funding to provide adequate school capacity.

“It’s fitting the delegation is meeting at this school, because it rests in one of the highest-growing segments of Pasco County,” Pylant said.

“After opening 10 years ago, it is at 114 percent capacity; this additional growth demands additional capacity,” he said.

Pylant said 1,707 new students chose Pasco schools in the 2016-2017 school year.

That’s only a preview of things to come, he added.

“We expect approximately 20,000 new students in 10 years, based on our projections,” he said.

School board members and district officials are concerned that current funding sources cannot match the growing demand.

He presented two suggestions:

Restore the authority of the school boards to levy—by simple majority vote — up to 2.0 mills for capital purposes.
Provide Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funding for school construction.

“A balanced capital funding stream is necessary to provide a proper learning environment for our students and families,” Pylant said.

He also suggested some other changes:

More flexibility regarding assessments
Elimination of End-of-Course exams not required for graduation
Authorization of the use of a nationally recognized assessment (ACT or SAT)
Letting school districts decide when to administer personnel evaluations

“These recommendations reduce quantity and increase the quality of student assessments, while ensuring simple, meaningful accountability,” he said.

Later on, Kenny Blankenship, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, pleaded with delegates to improve public schools by providing “additional funding” and “more support for teachers” in the county.

Education was a recurring topic during the four-hour delegation, which featured several hundred attendees. ‘I think this is one of the best turnouts we’ve ever had at a delegation meeting,’ said State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Blankenship, a 20-year teaching veteran, endorsed “much-needed” school health centers, small class sizes and “adequate compensation” for teachers.

“We need your help to work with us to improve our public schools, because public education benefits everyone,” Blankenship said.

Jessica Hooper, representing Project Lead The Way, advocated for mandatory computer science education in schools, suggesting, “kids will be more prepared for the 21st century workplace.”

Improvement is needed in this arena, Hooper said. “Unfortunately, there are not enough offerings. You would think that Florida — being the hub of computer science technology employers — would need more (offerings) in this area in the education space.”

Pasco-Hernando State College President Timothy Beard also asked state legislators to increase funding for facilities.

Specifically, he requested $2.5 million in PECO funding for the West campus in New Port Richey.

He also asked for $10 million for an education performance arts center, which would be built on the campus of Cypress Creek Middle/High School.

Saint Leo University representatives lobbied for continued funding of Bright Futures scholarships, along with the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), which provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible private, nonprofit Florida college or university.

The Florida Legislature kicks off the 2017 session on March 7.

Published January 25, 2017

Awards keep coming for Land O’ Lakes student

January 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

When it comes to accomplishments, Maxwell William Keenan, or Max, for short, has racked up quite a few.

The Land O’ Lakes High senior’s academic credentials are impressive.

He ranks 14th out of 4,632 seniors in Pasco County.

He’s a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

Max Keenan has garnered numerous accolades during his academic career, including, most recently ‘Pasco County Schools Most Outstanding Senior.’
(B.C. Manion)

And, he achieved high marks on two leading college admissions tests, scoring a 34 out of a possible 36 on the ACT and a 1,490 out of 1,600 on the SAT.

Beyond all that, he’s had success on the tennis court. He’s involved in community service projects, and he helped launch his school’s Investment Club.

Recently, he added to that list of distinctions by being named Pasco County Schools Outstanding Senior.

The award was bestowed during the Pasco County School Board’s meeting on Dec. 20.

In announcing the award, the presenter quoted comments from Land O’ Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin.

“Like his peers nominated for this award, Maxwell came highly recommended,” according to the principal’s account.

“His accomplishments in academics, athletics, service …are well-documented. However, Maxwell’s natural leadership ability and kindheartedness, sets him apart from other students,” Mellin added.

Keenan has a 4.0, unweighted grade point average, in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program, and a 4.75 weighted GPA, Mellin said.

Initially, students at Land O’ Lakes High voted on who should represent the school. They narrowed the list to the top 10, and then the teachers voted, Keenan said.

Next, he was interviewed at the school district’s office.

It “is truly an honor” to be chosen for the award, Keenan said.

After graduation, he hopes to attend either Cornell University or the University of Chicago.

Keenan plans to study economics. He’s particularly interested in how economics affects government policies.

He said he hopes to gain a greater understanding of the impact that laws have on the average person.

He’d also like to pursue a law degree and is interested in politics.

Keenan said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from the teachers and administration at Land O’ Lakes High.

His appreciation for school administrators may have been developed at an early age.

His mom, Kimberly Keenan, is a former principal of Tampa Palms Elementary in Hillsborough County, and he used to tutor some of the younger students at the school.

It was a rewarding experience, he said, because he saw the children making progress.

His volunteer work didn’t end there.

Over the years, he’s connected with veterans at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, he’s been involved in campus cleanups at Land O’ Lakes High, he’s helped raise money for Red Cross and he’s taken a leadership role in Relay for Life activities.

“Relay for Life is my main community service club. I absolutely love it because I deal with so many people who are directly impacted by cancer, and I get to help them, not only with their struggle with cancer, but hopefully preventing future struggles with cancer.

“A lot of the money raised by Relay for Life is invested in new cancer research,” he explained.

Published January 25, 2017

Boundaries approved for new schools

January 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board has approved boundaries for the new Cypress Creek Middle/High School, despite considerable controversy.

The board also adopted boundaries for Bexley Elementary School, without any opposition from the public.

Boundaries have been set for Bexley Elementary School, which is under construction off of State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. The school, scheduled to open in the fall, will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Cypress Creek Middle/High School, being built off Old Pasco Road, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. Initially, it will be for students in grades six through 11, but it will add grade 12 during the second year.

There won’t be a senior class the first year because this year’s crop of juniors will be allowed to complete their high school career at their current school.

The board adopted Cypress Creek’s boundary on a 4-1 vote, with Steve Luikart dissenting. Luikart said he thinks the district can find a better way to reassign students that would avoid disrupting students’ lives.

“Have we done the very best we can in looking at rezonings? I have reservations there,” Luikart said.

But, board vice chairman Cynthia Armstrong, and board members Colleen Beaudoin and Alison Crumbley said they have to do what’s best for the majority of the district’s students.

Beaudoin said: “It’s our job on the board to look at the big picture.”

“No decision that we make is going to make everybody happy,” Armstrong said.

Crumbley said she doesn’t want to move students at all, but the district’s robust growth gives it no choice.

Board Chairman Allen Altman also noted he had received hundreds of emails and heard scores of proposals.

Altman added: The one thing they had in common is that no one suggested a plan that involved moving his or her own child.

Ultimately, the board adopted Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recommendation.

The boundary changes affect Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake highs schools and John Long, Rushe and Weightman middle schools.

The rezoning aroused deep emotions.

Most of the controversy stemmed from Browning’s support of an option to keep all of the Seven Oaks students at John Long and Wiregrass Ranch, and to move part of Meadow Pointe students to Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High.

Speakers alternately praised or skewered the superintendent, depending on where they live.

Some criticized Browning for failing to follow the boundary committee’s recommendation. They questioned his motives. They challenged the school district’s data.

Meadow Pointe parents urged board members to allow their children to stay at Wiregrass Ranch High.

Seven Oaks parents, on the other hand, praised Browning’s approach, saying it made the most sense.

Parents pleaded with board members not to disrupt their children’s lives. Students urged board members to let them stay at the school they love.

While Browning deviated from the boundary committee’s final recommendation, even the boundary committee changed its recommendation during the process.

In the end, though, the majority of board members rejected Luikart’s proposal to gather more information before voting, and agreed with Armstrong’s assessment that a decision must be made.

No one signed up to speak during the public hearing on the Bexley boundaries.

The elementary school, being built off State Road 54, is scheduled to open this fall. It is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. The proposed boundaries also provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Published January 25, 2017

Chalk Talk 01/25/2017

January 25, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Airplane touches down at Zephyrhills High
For the past three years, Pasco County Schools has partnered with Hillsborough and Pinellas school districts as part of the Tampa Bay Regional Aeronautics Academy program. The program has been funded through a legislative appropriation.

Zephyrhills High School, one of the Pasco aeronautics sites, provides aviation maintenance coursework for academy students.

On Jan. 13, a team of aircraft mechanics, transportation specialists and a safety observer traveled to Treasure Coast International Airport to disassemble a Rockwell Aero Commander 100 airplane. On Jan. 17, the plane arrived at Zephyrhills High School for Aviation Maintenance Science program students to use for hands-on maintenance training.

For information, call Brian Sawyer at (813) 794-2372.

Aeronautics academy debuts van
The Tampa Bay Regional Aeronautics Academy debuted its UAV van and the Tampa Bay Regional Aeronautics Academy at Sunlake High School to the Pasco County Legislative Delegation on Jan. 18, prior to the delegation’s annual public meeting.

The new, mobile UAV command/control operation center van will be used to further the learning experience of students utilizing unmanned systems.

The vehicle has multiple flight stations with large screen monitors, an interactive smart board, a fully self-contained generator system, network access and live-stream capabilities.

Delegation members also toured the academy to hear staff and student perspectives, and experience the technology that powers the innovative program.

For information, call Terry Aunchman at (813) 794-2204.

Gaither band fundraiser
The Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival II will be on Jan. 28 from noon to 5 p.m., at Gaither High School, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Northdale, to raise money to send the band students to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, in April.

Admission is free. Parking is $5.

For vendor information, email . For general information, call (813) 562-9599.

Catholic Schools’ Week
St. Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a number of events.

Jan. 30: “We Celebrate Vocations,” with an 8:15 a.m. assembly, prayer service and proclamation. Students should wear Respect Life T-shirts.
Jan. 31: “We Celebrate Our Students,” with a game day and no homework night. Students can donate a can of soup to St. Vincent De Paul Society for Super Bowl Tuesday.
Feb. 1: “We Celebrate Our Teachers and Staff,” a jeans day for teachers and staff; and, a Buddy Day at 2:15 p.m., when older students read to younger ones and make a spiritual bouquet presentation to parishes.
Feb. 2: “We Celebrate Our Volunteers,” with morning coffee for parent volunteers, and an open house from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for prospective families. Students also will create Valentine’s Day cards for nursing home residents.
Feb. 3: “We Celebrate Our Families,” at a 10 a.m. grandparents’ mass and honor roll assembly, plus a family picnic in the park. There also will be early dismissal at 12:15 p.m.
Feb. 5 and Feb. 6: “We Celebrate Our Parishes,” at weekend masses. Students should wear school uniforms to Mass, and two student ambassadors will thank priests and parishioners with spiritual bouquets.

For more information, call the school at (352) 588-3041.

Conversational Spanish
Conversational Spanish classes will be offered on Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., at Lake Bernadette in Zephyrhills, from Feb. 1 to March 8. The cost is $10 per lesson.

There is a $60 fee per student that includes class materials. There will be an optional field trip on March 9 to a local restaurant.

Learn to exchange brief greetings, communicate with home or yard helpers, and order at restaurants.

Participants also will learn basic knowledge of Cuban and Mexican foods, and learn more than 200 common words.

For information, call (813) 703-5684, or email .

The World of a Teen
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will again host “The World of a Teen” program on Feb. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the school auditorium.

A panel will discuss the challenges facing today’s teens, including drugs, alcohol, stress, social media, relationships, college and more.

Participants can email questions in advance to .

For information, call (813) 792-5131.

The program provides financial support to Tampa Bay students to help them pursue higher education in the arts.

Applications can be downloaded at TBBCA.org/programs-events/art-stars-scholarships. For an email copy of application, contact Susana Weymouth at .

There is no fee to apply.

The deadline for the completed application packet is Feb. 20. Winners will be announced in April.

The current registration window ends on Feb. 24.

For information, contact Michael Andujar at (727) 774-1861 or .

Sunlake student earns college degree

January 18, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Technically, Madison Riggle is still a high school student — but she’s a college graduate, too.

The 17-year-old received her Associates of Art degree from Pasco-Hernando State College on Dec. 13, while still enrolled at Sunlake High School.

The feat was made possible through the Collegiate High School program, a partnership between PHSC and Pasco County Schools.

Riggle has been accepted to several universities, and is still deciding where she wants to attend. She plans to become a pharmacist. (Courtesy of Aileen Gocek)

Riggle was one of the first students chosen for the dual-enrollment initiative, which began during the 2015-2016 school year.

A lottery process is now used each year to select students to fill up to 60 available seats.

To qualify, junior and senior-level students must meet several criteria, including traditional Dual Enrollment participation requirements — 3.0 GPA and College Ready PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test) assessment scores in all areas.

For Riggle, the achievement was a long time coming.

In seventh grade, she drew up several long-term goals.

One was to earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prior to graduating high school.

Mission accomplished.

In fact, Riggle accumulated enough credit hours — at least 60 — to graduate a semester early, another notable achievement.

According to the school district’s website, the Collegiate High School program allows students to earn an AA/AS Degree or a Cape Certification while also earning their Standard High School Diploma. Students in the program attend class full-time at PHSC campuses, and don’t take any courses on the high school campus. However, they are still considered a student of their zoned school, and are able to participate in their zoned school athletics, student activities and graduation ceremonies.

For Riggle, it “was a great opportunity.”

“The great thing about this program,” she said, “is that…it pays for your college, it pays for your books, it pays for your lab fees, and everything else that comes with college.”

Riggle attended Sunlake High School for her freshman and sophomore years. In the summer leading up to her junior year, however, she exclusively took classes at PHSC.

She was just 15.

Elder PHSC classmates, unsurprisingly, were dumbfounded once they discovered Riggle was just a teenager.

“They were all amazed,” Riggle said, with a chuckle. “Most people actually thought I was a lot older than I was.”

Even so, she was ready for the challenges higher education entails.

At 17 years old, Melanie Riggle earned an Associate in Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando State College. It was made possible through the Collegiate High School program, a joint partnership between PHSC and the Pasco County school district.
(Courtesy of Melanie Riggle)

“You definitely have to be a lot more independent and more mature than in high school,” Riggle explained. “You have to designate your own study time, because you might not get all the information in class. You just had to work harder and study more for those classes than high school.”

That’s not the only key difference from high school, though.

“The thing that amazes me the most, was that you can just get up and leave out of class. You don’t have to ask to go to the bathroom or anything,” Riggle said.

She added there’s also less “busy work” than in typical high school classes.

“I like college a lot; I will say that.”

While she favors the college atmosphere, Riggle acknowledged she occasionally misses seeing friends roam the halls at Sunlake.

“I don’t really get to see them as much,” Riggle said, “because when they’re in school, I’m either working, or when they’re out of school, I’m working or in school.”

Nevertheless, the aspiring pharmacist said she couldn’t pass up the prospect of getting a jump on her postsecondary education.

Riggle, who’s still taking classes at PHSC, figures it’ll take somewhere between two to three years to earn her bachelor’s degree, prior to enrolling in pharmacy school.

“It definitely gave me a major head start, because I don’t have to take all basic classes that everyone else has to take,” Riggle said.

For her associate degree, Riggle took a combination of introductory classes — religion, humanities — alongside “upper level” math and science courses.

“I really liked anatomy,” she said. “I just found it really interesting how the human body works.

“I also really liked biology a lot.”

To Riggle, participating in the program was preferable to simply graduating from high school early.

Yet, she cautioned the program “isn’t for everyone.”

“I completely recommend it, if you are ready to be a bit more independent while still being in high school,” she said. “If you like the high school environment, enjoy the four years of high school, by all means. But, for me, I was just ready to expand myself…and be more independent.”

Though she no longer attends Sunlake, Riggle still makes it a point to partake in school-related activities, like prom and Homecoming Week.

She’ll also walk across the graduation stage, come May.

“I did powder puff and skit, and all that fun stuff,” Riggle said, “so I definitely try to stay involved in high school — I just don’t have any classes on campus.”

Meantime, Riggle is considering several universities — the University of South Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Florida Gulf Coast University.

She admits she still has “no clue” where she’ll wind up.

“I’m still trying to figure out how my cards will play out over the next couple of months,” Riggle said.

Published January 18, 2017

Chalk Talk 01/18/2017

January 18, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Setting a course for future teachers
Representatives from Saint Leo University traveled to Washington D.C., to participate in a briefing at the White House for college educators specializing in teacher preparation. The school’s Education Department was recognized for its success in preparing future teachers to use educational technology effectively in kindergarten to 12th-grade classrooms. From left are Holly Atkins; Vanessa Hilton, Pasco County Schools’ administration team and adjunct at Saint Leo; Candace Roberts; and, Stacie Dunmire, Saint Leo graduate from Land O’ Lakes and new teacher in Hernando County.

Countryside Montessori open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-Off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2017-2018 school year on Jan. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for first to eighth grade. Guests can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.

For information, call (813) 996-0991.

Magnet application period
The Pasco County Schools magnet application period ends on Jan. 20.

Parents interested in enrolling their students in one of the specialized magnet programs, can find out more information and complete an application at PascoSchools.org/ed_choice/magnet.

All properly completed applications will be entered into a lottery. Families will be notified of acceptance status by mid-February, so those who are not accepted have time to complete the traditional school choice open enrollment application between Feb. 1 and March 1.

Pasco County Schools’ magnet options include Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary Magnet School, Centennial STEM Middle Magnet School and Bayonet Point STEM Middle Magnet School.

Families who do not have computer access, can complete applications at their local school or public library.

Admission is free. Parking is $5.

For vendor information, email . For general information, call (813) 562-9599.

Cox Elementary celebrates 90
Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, has rescheduled its second celebration for its 90th anniversary. It now is scheduled for March 5, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a dinner fundraiser and a Memory Walk featuring photographs through the eras of the school’s history.

For information, call (727) 774-5100.

There is a $60 fee per student that includes class materials. There will be an optional field trip on March 9 to a local restaurant.

Learn to exchange brief greetings, communicate with home or yard helpers, and order at restaurants.

Participants also will learn basic knowledge of Cuban and Mexican foods, and learn more than 200 common words.

For information, call (813) 703-5684, or email .

The program provides financial support to Tampa Bay students to help them pursue higher education in the arts.

Applications can be downloaded at TBBCA.org/programs-events/art-stars-scholarships. For an email copy of application, contact Susana Weymouth at .

There is no fee to apply.

The deadline for the completed application packet is Feb. 20. Winners will be announced in April.

The current registration window ends on Feb. 24.

For information, contact Michael Andujar at (727) 774-1861 or .

Chalk Talk 01/11/2017

January 11, 2017 By Mary Rathman

Centennial STEM info nights
Centennial STEM Middle Magnet School in Dade City will host these upcoming parent information nights at 6 p.m.:

Jan. 12 at Centennial STEM Middle Magnet, 38505 Centennial Road in Dade City
Jan. 17 at John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Jan. 19 at Chester Taylor Elementary School, 3638 Morris Bridge Road in Zephyrhills

For information, contact Rick Saylor at (813) 794-9700 or .

Carrollwood Day School open houses
Carrollwood Day School, 1515 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, will host two open houses:
Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m., for elementary school; and, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., for high school.

To RSVP, visit budurl.com/CDSRSVP16.

Diocesan STEM Fair
The Diocese of St. Petersburg will host its first Diocesan STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Fair on Jan. 14 at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill.

More than 100 students from across the diocese will participate in the fair.

Public viewing of the projects will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

For information, call Ross Bubolz at (727) 347-8622.

For information, call (813) 996-0991.

Magnet application period
The Pasco County Schools magnet application period ends on Jan. 20.

Parents interested in enrolling their students in one of the specialized magnet programs, can find out more information and complete an application at PascoSchools.org/ed_choice/magnet.

Pasco County Schools’ magnet options include Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary Magnet School, Centennial STEM Middle Magnet School and Bayonet Point STEM Middle Magnet School.

Families who do not have computer access, can complete applications at their local school or public library.

Cox Elementary celebrates 90
Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, will host a second celebration for its 90th anniversary on Jan. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a dinner fundraiser and a Memory Walk featuring photographs through the eras of the school’s history.

For information, call (727) 774-5100.

The current registration window ends on Feb. 24.

For information, contact Michael Andujar at (727) 774-1861 or .

There is a $60 fee per student that includes class materials. There will be an optional field trip on March 9 to a local restaurant.

Learn to exchange brief greetings, communicate with home or yard helpers, and order at restaurants.

Participants also will learn basic knowledge of Cuban and Mexican foods, and learn more than 200 common words.

For information, call (813) 703-5684, or email .

Saint Leo receives military award
Saint Leo University has been named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly School Award recipient for large, private institutions of 2017.

Saint Leo was ranked third in the nation in its category, and one of the “best of the best,” according to Victor Media.

More than 5,000 veterans attend classes at Saint Leo University at University Campus, at its more than 40 education centers and offices in seven states, and online.

Nearly 4,500 active-duty military members are enrolled around the world, said Dr. William J. Lennox Jr., retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and Saint Leo University president, in a release.

For information, contact Pamela Martis, director of military affairs and services, at (352) 588-8234 or .

State college clears the air – of smoke

January 4, 2017 By Kathy Steele

The campuses of Pasco-Hernando State College will become smoke-free and tobacco-free zones effective Aug. 14, 2017.

The college’s District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 15 to expand an existing policy that prohibits smoking in college buildings and “workplace” areas, but allows smoking in designated areas.

That means smoking and other forms of tobacco will be banned entirely on the college’s campuses, said Courtney Boettcher, assistant director of marketing and communications at PHSC.

The no-smoking, no-tobacco rule will apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, E-cigarettes and any vaporizing devices, such as hookah pipes. Snuff and chewing tobacco also will be prohibited. The rule applies to students, faculty, visitors, vendors and others who come on campus.

Trustees approved the campus-wide ban “to promote the health and wellness of its students and employees, as well as a safe, comfortable environment for all who work, study, conduct business, or visit the college,” according to college documents.

The coverage area includes all properties leased and owned by the college. The college’s fleet of vehicles also will be smoke-free and tobacco-free, whether on or off campus.

The ban goes along with a national trend among colleges and universities to create smoke-free and tobacco-free campuses.

Hillsborough Community College also has such a policy, and the University of South Florida adopted a no smoking policy in January 2016.

In 2011, there were more than 580 smoke-free colleges and universities in the nation, according to the Association for Nonsmokers Rights.

As of October 2016, the nonprofit reported more than 1,700 schools with smoking and tobacco bans.

About 1,400 of that total includes schools that also ban tobacco use of any kind, and more than 1,200 that ban E-cigarettes.

Officials at PHSC will help ease people into the new policy.

During the transition, an ad hoc committee of students, faculty, staff and administrators will help spread the word on the tougher policy.

Free smoking cessation programs also will be available before and after the transition for students, faculty, staff members and other employees.

Published January 4, 2017