Education

Chalk Talk 01/04/2017

January 4, 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. 10 at Thomas Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel
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.

Wiregrass students score superiors
Troupe 7142 from Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel recently took part in the district Thespians Festival. Troupe 7142 is an honor component of the school, and its purpose is to advance the standards of theater excellence. The troupe encourages students to attain a better mastery of theater arts and rewards those who achieve it with induction into the honor society.

The following troupe members received superior ratings at the festival:

Vanessa Converse, makeup and scene design
Vanessa Taylor, monologue
Willy Chrispin, solo musical
Emma Weiss, solo musical

In addition, the troupe also received six excellent ratings and three good ratings.

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.

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.

Association of Florida Colleges recognizes PHSC
Pasco-Hernando State College received the Association of Florida Colleges’ Excellence in Technology Award, 2016 Best Practice Award of Merit, and Communications and Marketing Commission Awards of Excellence.

The AFC recognizes outstanding programs and services each year that are established to serve students at local colleges.

PHSC’s academic technology and student activities departments were awarded second place for the TechCon student event. TechCon allows students to experience various technologies and learn strategies to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

The day-long event took place at each of the schools’ five campuses, and focused on the use of technologies that encourage students to solve problems, think critically, conduct research, analyze data and communicate ideas.

The PHSC East Campus received the practice award for its STEM Night event, designed to facilitate local pre-collegiate and college students’ interest in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

And, the PHSC Marketing and Communications Office received its awards of excellence for internet advertising, annual report publication and the college’s biannual Perspective magazine.

Local senior wins app contest

December 28, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Nikhil Dutt has big aspirations.

He wants to become “the next Steve Jobs.”

And, like the co-founder of Apple Inc., he has a craving for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nikhil Dutt, a Land O’ Lakes High senior, developed a desktop app, ‘Student Toolbox,’ to help students organize their classwork. It was selected as the winner of 2016 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

So, it may not be surprising that the 17-year-old Land O’ Lakes high school senior developed his own desktop computer application, as a side interest.

It’s called ‘Student Toolbox,’ and it aims to simplify the lives of students.

Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for students to organize their schoolwork.

Built through a Microsoft Access coding program, ‘Student Toolbox’ helps students organize tasks, with tools such as reminders for when an assignment is due; an address book that helps students connect with teachers and their peers; and, the ability to map out their classrooms by uploading maps of the school.

The toolbox also features a “Media” button to upload podcasts, assignments and lectures from classes or other online resources.

“It’s something that I felt is useful, so I wanted to apply it to other people,” Dutt said.

It was enough to catch the attention of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who recently announced Dutt as the winner of 2016 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.

“I am very impressed with Nikhil’s app, and can envision ‘Student Toolbox’ being used by high school students across the country,” Bilirakis said, in a statement. “Coding and app development are important skills for the 21st century, and it is great to see these skills being embraced right here in Pasco County.”

The Congressional App Challenge drew more than 2, 150 student competitors across the nation. Winners were selected from 123 congressional districts.

The contest aims to encourage students to design their own original smartphone or desktop apps, promoting computer science and STEM education in schools.

App submissions were judged by a panel made up of teachers, and various tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

‘Student Toolbox’ is essentially a one-stop shop for students to organize their schoolwork. Built through a Microsoft Access coding program, the app helps students organize tasks, with tools such as reminders for assignment due dates; connect with teachers and peers through an address book; and, map out their classrooms by uploading maps of the school.

Criteria included quality of the idea (including creativity and originality); implementation of the idea (including user experience and design); and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

When Dutt first heard about the challenge, he figured he’d give it a shot.

He noted the contest was “the best way for me to express my admiration” of entrepreneurship.

To brush up on application coding, Dutt turned to instructional videos on YouTube.

“It’s amazing the amount of free resources you can get online,” he said.

Dutt’s creation took about a year to complete.

“Every weekend, I would work on it for a few hours, here and there,” he said. “The idea started developing in my head and then, over time, I turned it into a product.”

Dutt acknowledged the app is still undergoing beginning testing stages. However, he hopes schools can someday use it, once updates and revisions are made.

In the meantime, Dutt is already brainstorming other app developments, including a medical-based program to assist surgeons.

That app, in theory, would allow for surgeons “to draw out a picture” of procedures, instead of having nurses write them down.

His parents, who are both medical doctors, influenced that idea. His father is an ophthalmologist and his mother is a radiation oncologist.

Dutt — like many other students in the school’s rigorous International Baccalaureate program— serves in several school organizations.

He is the president of the school’s American Red Cross Club; he’s also a member of the Model UN Club and the Future Business Leaders of America.

“I have a lot of different passions,” the high school senior said.

Over the long term, Dutt envisions owning his own company, and helping others globally through computer science and technology.

While he one day hopes to make the same kind of impact as the former Apple CEO did, Dutt knows those aspirations are a long way off.

“It’s a bit of a stretch,” the aspiring entrepreneur said.

Published December 28, 2016

School boundaries gain preliminary approval

December 28, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board has given preliminary approval to new school boundaries for the 2017-2018 school year.

The board’s action came after a contentious public hearing on the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School, set to open in fall 2017.

The proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary, being built off State Road 54, on the other hand, drew no public opposition.

Bexley is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. The proposed boundaries also provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Cypress Creek Middle/High School will open initially for students in sixth through 11th grades, and will add a senior class during its second year of operations.

Its proposed boundaries will affect Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and for Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Despite considerable opposition, school board members supported Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recommended option for the Cypress Creek Middle/High boundaries.

Some speakers criticized Browning and questioned his motives for disregarding the boundary committee’s recommended option and substituting his own recommendation.

Others, however, applauded Browning, saying his option makes the most sense.

In a letter to parents, Browning said his recommended option would result in the least disruption and avoid the possibility of Seven Oaks being rezoned twice in as few as four years.

School board member Steve Luikart did not support any of the proposed boundaries.

Instead, Luikart said if students need to be rezoned, it should only be at the end of elementary school or middle school.

Rezoning them at any other time is disruptive, Luikart said.

School Board Chairman Allen Altman said after reading scores of emails, he came to the conclusion that even people living in the same community can’t agree on the best solution.

In the end, board members have to do their own due diligence, Altman said.

Colleen Beaudoin, who joined the board this year, was taking part in her first rezoning process. She said she found it heartbreaking to see neighborhoods pitted against each other.

Board members Cynthia Armstrong and Alison Crumbley said they understand that parents don’t want their children rezoned, and they emphasized they don’t take the issue lightly.

While some people were thrilled by the board’s vote to back Browning’s recommendation, others were clearly dejected.

The board is slated to take final action on school boundaries for 2017-2018 at its Jan. 17 meeting.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning/.

Published December 28, 2016

Chalk Talk 12/28/2016

December 28, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Land O’ Lakes grad passes board examination
U.S. Navy Lt.j.g. Arthur Rano Mapugay, of Land O’ Lakes, passed the board examinations for professional mechanical engineers, taken in Chicago, Illinois. Mapugay is currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. Mapugay is an alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2014 and a graduate of the IB Program at Land O’ Lakes High School.

Fire Academy recognizes graduates
Pasco-Hernando State College had a Fire Academy graduation ceremony recognizing 11 graduates with fire fighter certificates on Dec. 9 at the East Campus in Dade City. Launched in August 2016, the Fire Academy graduates included 11 cadets who completed two eight-week Fire Fighter courses and one cadet who completed a volunteer fire fighter certificate. Front row, from left: Austin Ruzycki (esprit de corps award), Thomas D’Ascanio (class leader), John Barranco, Anthony Schifini and Dalton Flowers (outstanding student). Back row, from left: Kyle Forchion, Kevin Fisher, Shawn Roper, Pantelis Krouskos and Phillip Burrill. Not pictured: Barry Lovett and Kobie Holmes (volunteer certificate).

Junior Scholars fundraiser
Shred360 will provide paper shredding services on Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Muvico Starlight 20, 18002 Highwoods Preserve Parkway in Tampa, to support the Junior Scholars of America Chapter at John Long Middle School (the only middle school chapter in the United States).

The event will help raise money for the students to attend and compete in the Winter Congress in Washington D.C. All monetary donations during the event will support the JSA students.

Guests can bring up to three boxes or bags per vehicle. Binders, clips, rubber bands, wire folders, CDs and DVDs do not have to be separated or removed from documents.

For information, call (813) 944-2223, or visit Shred360.com/Tampa.

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.

For information, call (813) 996-0991.

Elisabeth Derby joins prestigious band
Elisabeth Derby, of Lutz, has become a member of the prestigious “Sound of the South” Marching Band at Troy University in Alabama.

The band is a precision collegiate ensemble that has developed a national reputation for its quality musicianship, and its exciting arrangements and innovative field productions.

“Sound of the South” is the largest student organization on campus, with more than 300 members each semester.

Band members have represented almost every organization on campus, maintaining leadership positions in the fields of academia, student government, athletics and other areas of campus life.

Local student news
Gianna N. Basulto, of Land O’ Lakes, has been named to the Dean’s List at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher, on a 4.0 scale, with 12 credit hours or more and no incomplete grades at the time the list is declared.

Sean Garvey, of Lutz, has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University in Georgia.

Lynn Keller, of Odessa, has been selected for Samford University’s chapter of Chi Omega. Keller graduated from J.W. Mitchell High School, and is a freshman finance major.

Saint Leo partners with It’s On Us
Saint Leo University has partnered with It’s On Us, a national campaign aimed at changing the culture surrounding campus sexual assault.

As a proud It’s On Us Campus Innovation Partner School, Saint Leo is committed to upholding and implementing the three pillars of the campaign: support for survivors of sexual violence, bystander intervention and consent education.

Through the program, the university will work with campaign staff and the school’s student leaders to create sustainable and institutionalized change on the campus.

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.

PHSC Foundation fundraiser
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation will host its second annual Sporting Clays Tournament on Jan. 27 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes.

Participants will receive 50 targets, a team cart, lunch, beverages, an awards banquet dinner, official tournament apparel, ammunition and more.

Sponsors and teams will be recognized in promotional materials, including the PHSC website, publications and event program.

For tournament information and sponsorship opportunities, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation/events.

Chalk Talk 12/21/2016

December 21, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Karla Lopez, left, alongside Samantha Roja Gill, models the team’s winning entry at the Trashy Flashy Fashion Show, which promoted recycling, upcycling and repurposing waste materials.
(Courtesy of Michael Ruso)

From trashy to flashy
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful presented its fourth annual Trashy Flashy Fashion Show showcasing 53 designs, all made from at least 75 percent recycled materials. The fashion show allowed students to take what they have learned either in the classroom, or through the educational presentations of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and upcycle their waste into a wearable piece of art for the runway.

Four awards each were given to middle/high school designers and the other to college/adult designers of Best Use of Materials, Most Wearable, Avant Garde Fashion, and Top Design.

Wharton High School students Amaani Badet, Bayan Odeh, Michelle St. Paul, Karla Lopez and Samantha Roja Gill were winners in the Most Wearable Fashion category for middle/high school. The students used yarn, ribbon, water bottles, bottle caps, straw and newspaper to create their design.

Golf tournament raises more than $120,000
The Pasco Education Foundation’s 17th annual “Swing for the Kids” Fall Golf Classic raised more than $120,000 to support the foundation’s mission to advance student achievement in Pasco County’s public schools.

Since its inception in 2000, the Pasco Education Foundation’s golf classic continues to grow and is a significant fundraiser for the organization’s initiatives.

Future teachers teach seniors citizens
The River Ridge High School New Teacher Academy students took part in “Generational Learning Day” on Dec. 16, by teaching participating senior citizens technology skills, and providing them with resources for internet usage, social media access and identity theft protection.

Students also will teach the seniors how to take selfies, use mobile calendars and speech to text software, and other applications.

The learning day aims to promote inter-generational interaction and technology understanding.

For information, call Beth Hess at (727) 774-7200.

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.

Participants will receive 50 targets, a team cart, lunch, beverages, an awards banquet dinner, official tournament apparel, ammunition and more.

Sponsors and teams will be recognized in promotional materials, including the PHSC website, publications and event program.

For tournament information and sponsorship opportunities, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation/events.

For information, call (727) 774-5100.

Best colleges in Florida
OnlineColleges.com, a website that provides information about top online colleges and degree programs by featuring school rankings, program guides and career outlooks, has ranked the top 10 schools in Florida for online programs or classes as follows:

Petersburg College
Saint Leo University
Daytona State College
Broward College
University of Florida
Seminole State College of Florida
Florida State College at Jacksonville
University of Central Florida
Eastern Florida State College
College of Central Florida

Students can view the schools with the highest overall score, can filter schools by tuition, school type, religious affiliation, military benefits and more.

Boundary proposals draw fire

December 14, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board is in for a long meeting on Dec. 20, if parent meetings on proposed school boundaries are any indication.

Board members are scheduled to hold public meetings on school boundaries proposed for Bexley Elementary School, Cypress Creek Middle/High School and on rezoning changes affecting schools in West Pasco County.

Parents wore T-shirts to express opposition to Option 12, the option originally recommended for Cypress Creek Middle/High School.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The board meets at the school district’s headquarters at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Recommended boundaries for Bexley Elementary, which is being built in a new subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, appear to be the least controversial.

The proposed boundaries for Bexley would reduce crowding at both Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools, and would provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Controversy ratchets up when it comes to proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Midde/High School, now under construction on Old Pasco Road.

The middle/high school initially will serve sixth- through 11th-grade students, and will add a senior class during its second year of operations.

Its proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High affect Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

The atmosphere was like a pep rally during a parent meeting at Wesley Chapel High School on Nov. 29, to discuss the boundaries initially recommended by a boundary committee.

Speakers line up to express their opinions and ask questions regarding the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School during a Nov. 29 parent meeting in the gymnasium at Wesley Chapel High School.

At that time, the committee was recommending that Meadow Pointe students be moved from John Long and Wiregrass Ranch, while Seven Oaks students be allowed to stay at those schools.

Now, the committee is recommending a different option.

“Instead of sending the Meadow Pointe folks, they’re sending the Seven Oaks folks to Wesley Chapel (High)/Weightman (Middle),” said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

The committee changed its original recommendation from Option 12, to Option 20. For more details, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what the reaction is now,” Williams said.

In addition to changes affecting Seven Oaks and Meadow Pointe, the committee has recommended changes affecting students in the Rushe and Sunlake attendance areas.

The students moving from Rushe would go ahead and move next school year, Williams said.

But the Sunlake students, in the affected area, would be phased into the new high school, Williams said. Only the freshmen in the affected area would attend Cypress Middle/High School next year. The sophomores, juniors and seniors in that area would be grandfathered in at Sunlake.

So many people showed up to a parent meeting regarding the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School that Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, could not face the entire crowd while giving his prepared presentation. He turned during portions of the presentation, to acknowledge the people behind him.

As the ninth-graders from the Sunlake area become sophomores, a new crop of freshmen from the affected area would move to Cypress Middle/High. Eventually, the phase-in will be completed.

That approach is considered necessary, Williams said.

“Because, essentially, if we move everything we say we’re going to move into Cypress Creek, Cypress Creek is going to be over capacity, right away,” he said.

Steps are needed to provide more capacity at Rushe and Sunlake because the schools are situated in high-growth areas, and they don’t have much space available to add portable classrooms, Williams said.

Phasing in Sunlake will create transportation problems, but the district also faces that issue when it allows seniors to be grandfathered to finish out high school, Williams said.

“It’s problematic, but it’s short term,” Williams said.

Williams said he cannot recall an instance when the district has grandfathered three grades at a school, but he said there is enough space at Sunlake to do that for now.

That’s different than the situation at Wiregrass Ranch High School, which has so many students it has been operating on a 10-period day to create additional capacity, the planning director said.

If the district just moved the ninth-graders from Wiregrass, it would have to remain on a 10-period day, he said.

Despite this year’s recommendations, Williams said it’s important for Meadow Pointe residents to understand there may be a day when not all of the community’s students will be able to go to John Long and Wiregrass Ranch.

“That (school zone) is going to have to continue to get smaller as more houses are built in Wiregrass,” Williams said.

Regardless of where their children are assigned, parents raised a number of issues during parent meetings.

They wanted to know the potential impacts to academic offerings and athletic opportunities. They voiced concerns about traffic hazards and hardships on children whose learning will be disrupted. Some parents also noted their children will be attending more than one high school because their siblings are seniors and are grandfathered in at their current high school.

School boundary hearing
When: Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
Where: Pasco County School boardroom, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Why: New boundaries are needed to relieve overcrowding at some schools and to provide enrollment for others.
To be sure to have the most updated information, call (813) 794-2000, or visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning/.

Boundary committees making recommendations on where the lines should be drawn for schools are asked to consider these factors:

Socioeconomic balance
School feeder patterns
Future growth and capacity
Transportation issues
Subdivision integrity
Planning integrity to provide stability

Boundaries for Cypress Creek Midde/High School
The new school, which will open initially for students in sixth through 11th grades, will affect the boundaries for Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and for Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Boundaries for Bexley Elementary School
Proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary School would provide relief for Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, and will provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Published December 14, 2016

Chalk Talk 12/14/2016

December 14, 2016 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Pasco County Public Information Office)

Good for the ‘sole’
The final numbers are in for the ‘Two Good Soles’ shoe and sock drive spearheaded by the employees of Pasco County Government, Pasco County Constitutional Offices and Pasco County Schools. The drive collected 1,117 pairs of new shoes and 1,583 pairs of new socks for Pasco County schoolchildren, more than doubling the collection goal of 500 pairs of shoes.

Caps of Love
Students at Saint Leo University gathered on National Make a Difference Day to sort and prepare bottle caps for donation to Caps of Love.

Students, faculty and staff collected bottle caps for Caps of Love, a Florida-based nonprofit organization that recycles plastic tops. The proceeds from recycling the plastic is used to purchase new and refurbished wheelchairs for children, under the age of 21, with mobility disabilities.

Last year, Saint Leo donated 8,000 pounds of bottle caps, and 14 pallets containing the plastic were shipped by truck to the recycling facility.

The university’s collection will continue through March.

For information, call (800) 334-5532.

Art showcase & book fundraiser
Wiregrass Ranch High School will host a Holiday Art Showcase and Book Fair Fundraiser on Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, 28152 Paseo Drive, Suite 100, at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

There also will be face painting, storytelling, a choir performance, artists in action, improv and more.

To shop online, visit BN.com/bookfairs and use the voucher code “12029922.”

The school’s band boosters also will host a fundraiser on Dec.15 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble.

PHSC seeking mascot successor
Conquor, the sword-wielding mascot representing the Conquistadors at Pasco-Hernando State College since 1993, is retiring, effective this coming spring.

Conquor announced his retirement and kicked off a search for his replacement at a college-wide employee event last month. A retirement celebration will be scheduled at the college’s annual Athletic Awards Ceremony in April, and Conquor’s successor will be introduced to faculty, staff and students during the college’s fall Welcome Week, beginning Aug. 21, 2017.

Conquor, as well as PHSC students, faculty and staff, alumni friends and the community are invited to participate in the mascot selection process. Once the new mascot is selected and approved, a competition will be held to seek student input on naming the new mascot.

Suggestions can be provided at PHSC.edu/mascot, and will be accepted through Dec. 31.

GED classes
Following the November rededication and opening of its new facilities, the Fred K. Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will provide GED classes on Jan. 9, and start a new semester of technical programs on Jan. 12.

For program options, call (727) 774-1700, or visit MTEC.Pasco.k12.fl.us.

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.

Participants will receive 50 targets, a team cart, lunch, beverages, an awards banquet dinner, official tournament apparel, ammunition and more.

Sponsors and teams will be recognized in promotional materials, including the PHSC website, publications and event program.

For tournament information and sponsorship opportunities, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation/events.

For information, call (727) 774-5100.

The Laker/Lutz News likes to spotlight local school news in our Chalk Talk section every week. Send us your photos, events, accomplishments, etc., so our communities can see what your school is up to! Submissions can be emailed to .

Developing life skills, one student at a time

December 7, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Amy Gordon’s mission is clear.

She wants to ensure every student reaches his or her full potential, and becomes a productive member of society.

That’s why she created Life Skills in ACTion in 1995, while still an elementary school teacher in the Tampa Bay area.

lifeskills It started with humble beginnings — with Gordon working out of her house. Through parent word-of-mouth, her supplemental learning service expanded — quite rapidly.

“My part-time (gig) turned into an explosion in three months,” Gordon said.

With offices now in Wesley Chapel and Lutz, Gordon and her staff of 11 experienced certified instructors help students ranging from elementary to college. The youngest client is 5 years old. The oldest is 28.

Fundamentally, the learning center assists students who are struggling — in or out of the classroom.

Gordon and her staff focus on individual-based tutoring and personal development, too.

“We break down that barrier that everybody has a stigma, ‘My child can’t do this or my child struggles,’” explained Gordon, the director of Life Skills in ACTion.

In addition to basic study skills and note-taking classes, there are social etiquette seminars, which focus on themes such as personal grooming, proper manners and how to relate with others.

“There’s really no place around here that does what we do,” Gordon said.

“It’s not like I have a curriculum that I buy. We meet with the family, and we build a program around what their needs are — whether it be studying, time management, or tutoring,” she said.

Approximately 80 percent of Gordon’s clients are what she calls “busy kids,” frequently referred to by others as hyperactive.

Those students, she said, often are misunderstood.

“Their brain processes in such a way that they have to have a physicality in their learning,” Gordon explained. “They come in with notebooks that look like a dog ate them, and it’s because they’re sitting there and peeling them, and they do that because they have to feel focused to learn.”

To aid those students, Gordon and her staff conduct a personal profile to identify how each learns best.

“You tell us what your child needs, and we will figure out what resources we have to help you,” Gordon said. “Schools are so busy with workloads, and they can’t help kids the way they want to, and (they) don’t have the resources anymore.”

Gordon knows that all too well. After teaching in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas school systems for 22 years, she encountered her fair share of “busy kids.” Yet she could only do so much.

“I couldn’t give them the time that they needed because I had 20 other students,” she said. “I was leaving school every day emotionally drained because it was frustrating to not be able to do what I knew they needed.”

At Life Skills, she’s been able to do that.

Inside the Wesley Chapel office, there’s a comfortable, welcoming feel. Students gather in vibrant rooms with kitchen roundtables, as opposed to wide-open, sterile classrooms.

“We try to keep everything small,” Gordon said, “so its more personal to their learning and their interests. They feel like they’re at home when they’re here.”

That contrasts with how students are typically taught in school classrooms, which tend to be more sequential and lecture-based. That doesn’t work for every student, Gordon said.

For example, some students are visual learners. Others might be kinesthetic learners, whereby they learn best by through hands-on experience.

Gordon said there are eight learning types in total.

“Most of the kids that come here have their little traits,” she said. “We take what they have to learn—biology, history—but personalize it so they can retain it and learn it. They kind of learn how to make their traits work for them, as opposed to against them.”

She continued: “The fact of the matter is that every kid has it within them; we just have to figure out how to help them do it.”

It can happen in as little as eight weeks, Gordon said.

“Kids get out of here, and they feel like they know their purpose, and what their strengths are,” she explained.

The response has been positive, from both students’ parents and schoolteachers.

“Teachers are seeing how we’re impacting the kids at school,” Gordon said.

“They don’t feel threatened that they’re not doing their job because we all know they are,” she added.

Since starting Life Skills in ACTion over 20 years ago, Gordon has been “overwhelmed” by the number of families seeking help.

“I didn’t think it was as many as it is,” she said. “It’s just simple principles: putting the child first.”

Gordon noted she may eventually open an office in Pinellas, and would one day like to expand operations nationwide.

“I’ve just always loved working with kids,” she said. “It’s very gratifying.”

For more information, visit LifeSkillsInAction.com.

Life Skills in Action
Wesley Chapel office: 2026 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 102
Lutz office: 18125 US 41 North, Suite 208
Contact: (813) 575-9100 or

These are the services offered by Life Skills in Action: Tutoring; Study Skills and Personal Development; Notebook 101; Social Etiquette; Cyber Life; Parent Advocate; Project Support; and, Parent Online Seminar.

Published December 7, 2016

Chalk Talk 12/07/2016

December 7, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Dade City chamber recognizes students
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has recognized its October and November student Citizens of the Month.

October students honored: Grace Rodriguez, Academy at the Farm; Xiaxia Pelto, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Nolan DiMaria, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Cynthia Schnabl, Centennial Elementary School; Fernando Garcia, Lacoochee Elementary; Chloe Rutherford, Pasco Elementary; Jared Green, Rodney B. Cox Elementary; Madison Gocsik, San Antonio Elementary; Isabella Hicks, Centennial Middle; Beautiful Hernandez, Pasco Middle; Donovan Surut, James Irvin Education Center; and, Kayleigh Heather, Pasco High.

November Citizens of the Month (Courtesy of Melody Floyd) — November Citizens of the Month
(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)

Students honored for November: Parker Creech, Academy at the Farm; Daniella Miranda Ramos, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Rene Asbel, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Jayden Mendez, Centennial Elementary School; Jayla Singleton, Lacoochee Elementary; Kesia Judith Osorio, Pasco Elementary; Rosalinda Colunga, Rodney B. Cox Elementary; Angelina Agnello, San Antonio Elementary; Andrew Bowling, Centennial Middle; Lucia Sixtos, Pasco Middle; Mekhi Combs, James Irvin Education Center; and, Madison Kaylor, Pasco High School.

Academy recital
The New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy, 10701 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa, will present its first recital of the year on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6 p.m.

For information, visit NewTampaPPA.com, or call (813) 994-2452.

Special Olympics student-athletes
Special Olympics Florida, Pasco County student-athletes, staff and community business partners will host an “Under the Stars” dinner fundraiser on Dec. 11 from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m., at Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road in Masaryktown, to raise money to sponsor the Special Olympics student-athletes.

The dinner will include raffles and interaction with Special Olympics student-athletes.

Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to sponsor a student-athlete or make a donation to Special Olympics Florida-Pasco County.

For information or to RSVP, call Phyllis Crane at (727) 207-5146.

GED classes
Following the Nov. 16 rededication and opening of its new facilities, the Fred K. Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will provide GED classes on Jan. 9, and start a new semester of technical programs on Jan. 12.

For program options, call (727) 774-1700, or visit MTEC.Pasco.k12.fl.us.

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.

PHSC goes smoke and tobacco free
The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to prohibit smoking and the use of tobacco products college-wide, effective Aug. 14, 2017.

In the coming months, an ad hoc committee, which includes representation from students, faculty, staff and administrators, will assist in transitioning PHSC to a smoke-free/tobacco-free environment.

During the transition, all campuses will host free smoking cessation programs. There also will be other resources to assist employees and students interested in giving up tobacco.

All-State Orff Ensemble
Some Corbett Preparatory School of IDS students, in grades four to eight, were chosen to appear in Orff or choral groups during the Florida Music Education Association’s professional development conference in January at the Tampa Convention Center.

The conference attracts more than 8,000 music educators, students, exhibitors and advocates, and hosts the All-State bands, orchestra and choruses.

Representing Corbett Prep:

Milannia Travaglino, of Land O’ Lakes, fourth grade, Elementary Orff Ensemble

Julia Cox, fifth grade, Elementary Chorus

Nitya Padmanabhan, fifth grade, Elementary Chorus

Alex Smith, seventh grade, Middle School Mixed Chorus

Rylie Nelson, of Wesley Chapel, eighth grade, Middle School Mixed Chorus

Asha Sneed, eighth grade, Middle School Mixed Chorus

Will Sobel, eighth grade, Middle School Mixed Chorus

This is the second year in a row Julia Cox and Rylie Nelson have been selected for All-State chorus. Milannia Travaglino is the first student from Corbett Prep to join the All-State Orff Ensemble, which was formed last year.

Chalk Talk 11/30/2016

November 30, 2016 By Mary Rathman

October Citizens of the Month
Eight students from Zephyrhills schools were honored at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month awards ceremony at The Church at Chancey Road. Each month, one student, from 10 area schools, is selected for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The students receiving honors were Savannah Stephens, Zephyrhills High School; Brooke Baldus, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Thomas Puhek, The Broach School; Brendan Smith, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Deric Smith, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Ethan Guo, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Noah Lane, Chester W. Taylor Elementary; and, Kaelyn Ingram, Woodland Elementary.

Constitution essay contest winner
Jessica Carver, a fifth-grader at Lake Myrtle Elementary School, won the Clerk & Comptroller’s Constitution Essay Contest for her essay on the topic ‘Why is the United States Constitution Important?’ From left: Superintendent of Pasco County Schools Kurt Browning, Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paul O’ Neil, Jessica Carver and School Board Chairwoman Joanne Hurley.

Wiregrass Elementary dedication
Wiregrass Elementary School, 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel, will host a dedication ceremony on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.

There will be a short program, student performances and refreshments.

Martinez Middle dinner, concert and art show
Martinez Middle School, 5601 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will host a Holiday Dinner, Concert and Art Show on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be a sit-down dinner prepared by culinary students and served by band members, and holiday music performed by the Mustang Band.

There also will be holiday shopping available through the art show silent auction. The school’s art students produced the artwork. Purchased artwork will be available for pickup at 7:10 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit band, culinary and art classes.

The cost is $10 in advance with an RSVP by Nov. 30, or $15 at the door.

For information, email Jim Anderson at .

PHSC seeking mascot successor
Conquor, the sword-wielding mascot representing the Conquistadors at Pasco-Hernando State College since 1993, is retiring, effective this coming spring.

Suggestions can be provided at PHSC.edu/mascot, and will be accepted through Dec. 31.

Saint Anthony School receives plaque
Camp Invention, the nation’s premier summer enrichment day camp program, supported by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, has honored St. Anthony School for its commitment to inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship with an innovation recognition plaque.

Camp Invention provides an opportunity to students in kindergarten through sixth grade to exercise their creativity through hands-on STEM curriculum. The curriculum focuses on fostering creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving.

To date, St. Anthony School has participated in two Camp Invention programs.

Camp Invention created the recognition plaque to show appreciation for schools and organizations that host the summer enrichment day camp program.

The plaque will be on display at St. Anthony School, 32902 Saint Anthony Way in San Antonio, bearing each year the school has participated in the program.