Education

Land O’ Lakes student visits White House, talks science

November 23, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Not many high-schoolers are like Logan Beatty.

The freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School is a member of a select group.

He was one of 11 youths nationwide chosen to participate in President Barack Obama’s first-ever Kid Science Advisor program on Oct. 21.

Eleven students nationwide were chosen to participate in the Kid Science Advisor program, held on Oct. 21. (Official White House Photo) — Eleven students nationwide were chosen to participate in the Kid Science Advisor program, held on Oct. 21.
(Official White House Photo)

The 14-year-old submitted an essay to the White House last spring, outlining the importance of exploring the world’s oceans in developing better technology.

“I used some of the inspiration that I have from living in Florida, and going to do beach cleanups,” Beatty said.

More than 2,500 essays were submitted nationwide, for the Kid Science Advisor program. Beatty was selected to represent the Southeast region.

“You don’t get that many opportunities to get your voice heard — especially as a student,” Beatty said.

Beatty and others participated in a roundtable discussion about future STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) ideas with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, senior Administration officials, and various pioneers of scientific discovery.

Among the people he met were Dr. John Holdren, President Obama’s chief science advisor; Charles Bolden, current NASA administrator; France Cordova, director of the National Science Foundation; and Scott and Mark Kelly, retired astronauts who are twin brothers.

Logan Beatty, a freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School, was selected to participate in President Barack Obama’s Kid Science Advisor program. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — Logan Beatty, a freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School, was selected to participate in President Barack Obama’s Kid Science Advisor program.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

It was an experience that Beatty is unlikely to soon forget.

“It was really cool,” Beatty said, “because I’m not sure how often (kids) are able to do things like this.”

During his visit, Beatty was able to explore the West Wing of the White House, touring the Roosevelt Room and the Oval Office.

“It was really incredible,” he said about the White House. “When we first went in, they had two different layers of security, which was a very long process. But, once we did get inside, it was just random, little details that stood out — like the black floor tiles actually had fossils in them. And, we got to see the library of the Executive Office, which was really cool. I liked some of the architecture.”

White House officials initially told Beatty “there was no way” the group of kids would meet President Obama.

Yet, a short time later, President Obama walked through the back door of the Roosevelt Room, to the group’s surprise.

“I nearly stopped breathing,” Beatty said with a chuckle. “We saw him for about five (minutes) to seven minutes. It’s more than most people get to see President Obama, especially in his office.”

Beatty, who’s in the Land O’ Lakes High School’s pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) program, is a busy student.

In addition to a rigorous pre-IB curriculum workload, the teenager is a member of several school clubs including Model UN, photography and drama. He’s also involved in Boy Scout Troop 707 in Land O’ Lakes.

“I get it all done, somehow,” he said, “Mostly losing sleep.”

Land O’ Lakes assistant principal Jeff Morgenstein described Beatty as an “outstanding student.”

“When I look at the students that come into our (IB) program, Logan really exemplifies the idea that they want to make a difference in their community, in our nation and in the world,” said Morgenstein, “and they do that through ideas, through conversation and being part of things that are bigger than them.

“Doing things to make the future better — that’s who he is.”

Published November 23, 2016

Guiding Pasco County Schools is a big job

November 23, 2016 By B.C. Manion

As Kurt Browning begins his second term as superintendent of Pasco County Schools, he knows he’s got his work cut out for him.

He found that out during his first term.

The superintendent of Pasco County Schools poses in the livestock barn at the Pasco County Fair. (Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — The superintendent of Pasco County Schools poses in the livestock barn at the Pasco County Fair.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“I tell people, I have not worked as hard in my adult life as I have this past four years,” said Browning, who directs the daily operations of Florida’s 11th-largest school district.

The 58-year-old quickly added: “Although I’ve never worked this hard, I’ve probably never done anything as fulfilling.”

Elected without opposition, Browning oversees an organization with 88 schools, 73,340 students and 9,954 employees.

When he came on board, he said he assumed he’d be able to accomplish change faster.

“I’ve always been able to effectuate change pretty quickly,” said Browning, who previously served as Florida’s Secretary of State and Pasco’s Supervisor of Elections.

In Pasco County Schools, though, he found that change has been incremental, rather than sweeping.

He likens it to turning a big ship.

And, he acknowledges, it hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing.

Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, bends his 6-foot-2 frame to get down to eye level with these children at Fox Hollow Elementary School.

For one thing, Browning said he also had to learn to work alongside the elected Pasco County School Board.

“That was a tough adjustment for me,” Browning said, adding that he hasn’t always been perfect on that score.

“I think there has been a board member or two who has pulled me aside and said, ‘You really need to communicate better. You need to keep us more informed,’” the superintendent said.

It’s a lesson he’s taken to heart: “I still make decisions, but I’ve got to remember that I’ve got a school board out there, and they’ve got a role,” he said.

When issues arise now, Browning aims to keep school board members in the loop.

For instance, the school board met in executive session on Nov. 15, so the staff could brief them on the impasse declared on Nov. 11 by the United School Employees of Pasco.

A learning curve of his own
The superintendent also had to develop a deeper knowledge of education issues.

“The first year and a half, it was a challenge,” Browning said.

Browning takes a Selfie during a graduation ceremony for Fivay High School. He never tires of ceremonies that honor students who have completed the necessary requirements to graduate.

Now, he can discuss educational issues facing the district and potential impacts on students, but said he’s no expert on education.

So, he said, he surrounds himself with “highly qualified, competent people — passionate people” he can turn to for the information he needs to make decisions.

The district faces big challenges.

“July 8th was not a good day for me. That was the day that the school grades came out. School grades dropped,” Browning said.

The district’s rank also dropped, from 33rd in the state to 39th.

“We’ve got to see some improvement,” Browning said. “We cannot continue to teach kids the same way we did 25 years ago, because it’s just not working.”

At the same time, it’s important to remember that good things are happening around the district, Browning said.

“You can go into kindergarten classrooms and see kids doing things independently that are just mind blowing,” he said.

He’s also impressed by the number of graduates receiving scholarships every year, and the schools the students plan to attend and their planned areas of study.

Browning understands that people judge schools by their school grade, but he said, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Kurt Browning tours Quail Hollow Elementary, which was converted from an ‘open’ school to one with traditional windows, walls and doors.

“It doesn’t show all of the caring teachers, the caring administration. It doesn’t show all of the activities and the support that those folks give to the kids in those schools,” he said.

Still, it’s problematic when the district is drawing new school boundaries, Browning said.

At public meetings on proposed boundaries, it’s common for parent to resist sending their child to a school that has a lower grade.

That issue is likely to surface more often, as the district grapples to accommodate Pasco County’s burgeoning growth.

Work is now underway to recommend school boundaries for Bexley Elementary and Cypress Creek Middle/High School, which are set to open next fall.

As new subdivisions pop up across the landscape, the district will need more schools.

“We can’t build schools fast enough,” Browning said, pointing to the residential growth along the State Road 54 corridor, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to Little Road.

But, the district doesn’t have the money to build more schools, Browning said.

A potential solution would be to raise school impact fees, which the superintendent favors.

That issue is expected to heat up in the coming year.

The Pasco County Commission sets the fees, which apply to new residential construction.

Social media is double-edged sword
Aside from its facility needs, another challenge facing the district is the pervasive misuse of social media.

Social media can be a great tool for sharing information, but its use can quickly spin out of control, Browning said. “It’s like a fire. You just can’t put it out.”

The consequences for misusing social media can be serious, and parents need to be vigilant about how their kids are using technology, Browning said.

“I have done everything but knocked on the doors of houses and said, ‘Know what your kids are doing.’ The last thing you want to have happen is for your kid to go and post something on Twitter about shooting up a school, blowing up a school.

“It’s going to be on the record for the rest of their life,” Browning said.

In reflecting on his first term, Browning said one area where the district has made considerable progress involves the expansion of educational options.

Four years ago, the district essentially had the International Baccalaureate program at Land O ‘Lakes and Gulf high schools, he said.

Now, it has an elementary magnet school at Sanders Memorial Elementary.

Pine View Middle School is an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School.

The district has the Cambridge Program at Pasco Middle School and Pasco High School, and it has converted Centennial Middle and Bayonet Middle to S.T.E.M. magnet schools.

It also has added an Aviation Academy at Sunlake, Hudson and Zephyrhills high schools.

The district also is eyeing the possibility of bringing Cambridge to Paul R. Smith Middle, and Anclote High School and San Antonio Elementary. And, it is considering an IB elementary program at Pine View Elementary.

Browning’s days are busy. At any given time, he may be visiting a district school, discussing a budget priority at a school board meeting, or joining the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office at a news conference. He’s also been known to pose for a photo in the livestock barn at the Pasco County Fair.

Perhaps his favorite thing, though, is sitting on the stage during district high school graduations.

It never gets old, Browning said.

He looks out on the sea of “hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of graduates” and thinks about their accomplishments.

“These are all kids who have met their requirements,” the superintendent said.

“I’m sitting there saying, ‘Wow, really, this is good stuff.’”

Published November 23, 2016

Career educator joins Pasco County School Board

November 23, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The newest member of the Pasco County School Board believes the perspective she brings to the board will aid in its deliberations.

Colleen Beaudoin, a career educator, said her background in the field, coupled with the experiences she’s had as a mother of children in the system, will help her to ask the right questions when issues come before the board.

Colleen Beaudoin, who joins the Pasco County School Board this week, thinks her background as an educator and as a mom of a student in the district, will equip her well to ask pertinent questions in her new role. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Colleen Beaudoin, who joins the Pasco County School Board this week, thinks her background as an educator and as a mom of a student in the district, will equip her well to ask pertinent questions in her new role.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“I didn’t set out with this goal of being on the school board,” said Beaudoin, who was unopposed in her bid to replace Joanne Hurley. Hurley, who has served eight years on the board, retired from her post this week.

Beaudoin said she felt encouraged to run because of some experiences she’s had in the past couple of years.

“In the spring of 2015, there were two different things going on,” she said.

“My youngest has Tourette’s Syndrome,” she explained. “I started getting involved with the national association. I’m on the educational advisory board. That was when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was up for reauthorization,” she said.

She encouraged people to write their lawmakers.

“People responded. I started meeting with different people, advocating for kids,” Beaudoin said.

“At the same time, there were some changes at the (Pine View) middle school that I was concerned about,” she said.

That was when Pine View was getting ready to seek to become an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School.

“It’s a good program,” Beaudoin said. “I was concerned about the implementation of the program.

“I had some questions. I went to the school board meeting, just as a mom, and spoke and was well received. We had meetings. We worked together with the school. I felt like I was able to make a positive impact,” she said.

“Then, I found out that Joanne Hurley was not going to run again. I spoke to her and started asking more questions and talking to different people. A lot of parents that I’ve known in the community said, ‘You should do this.’

“So, I started looking into it more,” said Beaudoin, who has two sons who are graduates of Land O’ Lakes High School and one son who attends Pine View Middle.

“I think it’s helpful that I bring that perspective to the board — of a parent with a student that is currently in the system,” Beaudoin said.

After she decided to run, Beaudoin began regularly attending school board meetings and workshops.

“I know I still have a lot to learn, but I know it’s been a luxury to have this time to prepare myself,” she said.

As she assumes her seat on the board, Beaudoin has identified some key issues she wants the school system to address.

She’d like to see better communications between the district and families.

“I think we have a lot of great programs in Pasco County, and parents don’t know about them. We’ve got to make sure that people can make informed decisions about their children,” she said.

She’s not sure exactly what should be done, but one possibility might be to hold information nights in each of the county’s three areas to give parents a chance to come and learn about the wide variety of programs the district offers, she said.

“We have all of these Career Academies now. We have magnet programs. We have magnet schools. We have a lot to offer. I don’t know if everyone knows,” she said.

She said she is advocating for all students, to be sure the district keeps “the doors open as long as possible for kids to make choices and see what’s out there.”

As an educator who joined the teaching profession in 1988, Beaudoin said she knows what questions to ask. But she added: “Not everybody does.”

She thinks the district needs to provide additional support for classroom teachers.

“A lot of teachers are disheartened. They’re working really hard. We need to find a way to support them in the classroom,” she said.

“I want to see what we can do. We have got to do something so our teachers can focus on teaching our kids. We’ve got to see what we can take off their plates, so they can focus on teaching our kids,” she added.

She also like the district to work harder on identifying more gifted and talented students in its underrepresented populations. “I think a lot of kids slip through the cracks, and we need to make an effort,” she said.

“We need to inspire people. We need to inspire our kids,” Beaudoin said, noting, “I’m trying to focus on things that we really can do.

“I really want to get in there and speak up, and ask questions. I do know what questions to ask,” Beaudoin said.

Published November 23, 2016

Board member wants a school for the arts

November 23, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Alison Crumbley also wants more arts education, in general

As Alison Crumbley begins her third term on the Pasco County School Board, she has identified some key priorities that she wants the district to tackle.

“I would like to see for the entire school district — fine arts, performing arts … humanities, whatever you want to call it, enhanced.

Pasco County School Board member Alison Crumbley, beginning her third term, wants the school district to have a greater emphasis on the arts. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — Pasco County School Board member Alison Crumbley, beginning her third term, wants the school district to have a greater emphasis on the arts.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“We had to cut out a lot of that my first year on the board because of that $55 million shortfall. I don’t feel we ever put them back to what they were, plus I don’t feel like they were strong enough in the first place, for me,” Crumbley said.

She’s also pushing for a magnet school for the arts, and she knows the ideal spot.

“We have a River Ridge facility already there. We don’t have to move a wall,” she said.

“It’s time. It’s just time,” Crumbley said.

“I know the parents want it. The kids want it,” she said.

Crumbley said she’s even been approached by potential partners from the community, that have resources, who want to be involved.

“I have that interest. I feel like Pasco County, in general, has lacked in the arts,” Crumbley said.

Students benefits from a strong arts curriculum, Crumbley added.

“It’s about tapping into kids’ creativity,” she said. “It helps them to calm down, think about things in a different way. Life should not just be about the test.”

“Everybody needs the arts,” Crumbley added.

“Whether it’s singing, dancing, performing on a stage in theater — any of it. You’re finding out more about yourself, and you’re finding out more about what you can do,” she said.

The arts can also help students build self-confidence, she said.

The school board member also wants to work on tapping into Pasco County’s wealth of “human capital.”

She wants the district to do a better job of matching up people who are willing to volunteer their expertise, with teachers and other staff members who can benefit.

“Ever since I’ve been on the board, I’ve had people say to me, ‘I want to help with this. I want to help with that.’” Crumbley said.

“Our teachers are overloaded,” the school board member said. “They’re getting more and more work dumped on them. They just do it. Most of them just do it.”

Helping to reduce the burden may be as simple as getting a volunteer to read to students, while a teacher grades papers or completes other work, the school board member said.

“You’ve got retirees from every walk of life that want to help. They know that there’s a lot of need,” Crumbley said.

It also helps children to see that grownups are willing to help, Crumbley added.

Crumbley said she’s been pleased to see the dedication and resourcefulness “of the vast majority of the district’s staff.”

On another front, Crumbley would like to see improvement in the way the district communicates with parents — both in the way it delivers information and also in the way it solicits feedback from parents, she said.

That’s true both at the district level and the school level, too, she said.

“We do have so many good programs in the district now. I just want to be sure that all of the kids and parents are knowledgeable,” she said.

“I just want to be sure that we’re reaching them with all that we have available,” she said.

Making that happen, Crumbley said, may require additional manpower.

Crumbley said she was drawn to serve on the school board because she’s always been interested in children’s issues.

Crumbley was initially elected in 2010, when Kathryn Starkey vacated her school board seat to run for the Florida Legislature.

Crumbley was unopposed when she ran in 2012, and was unopposed when she ran for another term.

“Having raised three kids that came through Pasco County Schools, I just felt like there was some work that could be done. Your community is only as good as your schools,” Crumbley said.

Published November 23, 2016

Chalk Talk 11/23/2016

November 23, 2016 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of East Pasco Democratic Club)

Caitlyn Fontan receives scholarship
The East Pasco Democratic Club presented a $500 scholarship to Pasco-Hernando State College student Caitlyn Fontan. Fontan was selected for her drive and fortitude, and plans to use the money toward a degree in phlebotomy. From left, Caitlyn Fontan; Beverly Ledbetter, East Pasco Democratic Club president; and, Kristine Hires, EPDC treasurer.

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 .

Knights of Columbus support Pasco ESE students
Knights of Columbus Council 8104 of Land O’ Lakes hosted its annual tootsie roll drive fundraiser and raised $7,000 for ESE student programs at four Pasco County schools.

Each school will receive about $1,743 each. The schools that will benefit are Denham Oaks Elementary School, Connerton Elementary, Land O’ Lakes High and Pine View Middle.

PHSC appoints administrators
Pasco-Hernando State College has named Kevin O’ Farrell, provost, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch; Patricia Campbell, dean of arts and sciences; Billie Gabbard, dean of nursing and health programs; and, Sonia Thorn, associate dean of academic affairs and institutional accreditation.

For information about PHSC, visit PHSC.edu.

Pasco County Schools earns silver
The District School Board of Pasco County was awarded the Florida Healthy School District Silver Award by the Florida Action for Healthy Kids and the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership. The district was presented with a silver-level flag.

The district earned the honor for demonstrating high scores in all areas, with the highest scores related to policies and processes in these areas:

District infrastructure (88 percent)
Physical education (87 percent)
Health services (90 percent)
Counseling, psychological and social services (86 percent)
Healthy school environment (87 percent)
Employee wellness (85 percent)
Family and community involvement (91 percent)

Trevor McCabe in honor society
Trevor McCabe, of Odessa, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. McCabe was initiated at the University of Florida.

Approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

School board amends school name
The District School Board of Pasco County voted to temporarily name the new school under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, Cypress Creek Middle/High School.

The board named it Cypress Creek High School at a Nov. 1 meeting, but because the school will serve sixth through 12th-grade students until a middle school is built, the name was changed to be inclusive of the middle school students.

When a middle school is built, the high school name will revert to Cypress Creek High School.

All-State bands, orchestra
Pasco County students auditioned for All-State Middle School Band, Honor Band, Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra in September. Students who make one of the band groups are guaranteed a spot in the Pasco County Schools All-County Band, but still need to audition for chair placement.

The following students were recognized:

Matthew Benjamin, French horn, Seven Springs Middle School, All-State Middle School Band
Kaitlyn McCarty, percussion, Hudson Middle, All-State Middle School Band
Nathan Laird, euphonium, River Ridge Middle, Middle School Honor Band
Abigail McNulty, percussion, J.W. Mitchell High, All-State 9-10 Grade Concert Band
Anna Dorey, French horn, J.W. Mitchell High, All-State 11-12 Grade Symphony Orchestra

Chalk Talk 11/16/2016

November 16, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Corporal Elissa Elders briefs Pine View Middle students on a crime. (Photos courtesy of Pamela Hudak) — Corporal Elissa Elders briefs Pine View Middle students on a crime.
(Photos courtesy of Pamela Hudak)

Students take part in ‘read-off’ to solve crime
Eighth-grade students at Pine View Middle School participated in a “read-off” to help solve a crime in the book “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe.

Joshua Liston and Bailey Parker work together to find clues.

Corporal Elissa Elders briefed the students on a crime that happens in the book, and the students worked together to figure out the clues to solve the crime. Once all the clues were located, students found a key to a locked toolbox, which contained the necessary items to complete a project.

Lillian Reinisch receives education scholarship
More than 100 students in East Carolina University’s College of Education received a record

amount of scholarship support for this academic year.

The awards range from $250 to $20,000 with some open to all education students, while others are earmarked for specific education majors or programs.

Lillian Reinisch, of Land O’ Lakes, was a recipient of the Hattie M. Strong Foundation Scholarship, given to students enrolled in teacher-training programs.

‘Top dogs’ recognized

The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills hosted a luncheon to honor the First Quarter Top Dogs, recognized for the students’ academics and leadership roles in their schools.

The students who received a certificate and gold Top Dog tag were Quinton Graham, Diannette Fernandez, Dylan R. Johnson, Jacob Smith, Jainesse Lazu, Isabel Lugo, Collin Lindsey, Adela Reynel and Autumn Bayless.

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.

Fifth-grader selected for All-State ensemble
Luci Rhode, a fifth-grader at Land O’ Lakes Christian School, has been accepted to participate in one of two All-State elementary music ensembles.

Rhode will perform with the FEMA All-State Elementary Orff Ensemble on Jan. 13 at the Tampa Convention Center. She was chosen through a competitive audition process among more than 875 elementary school students from across Florida.

The performance will take place as part of the Florida Music Educators Professional Development Conference (Jan. 11 to Jan. 13), where there will be more than 8,000 music educators, music students, music exhibitors and music advocates, including more than 250 clinic sessions, concerts and exhibits.

Student gets NASA scholarship
Pasco-Hernando State College student Desirae Binney, of Hudson, received a scholarship to participate in a five-week online course offered by the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars, and to attend a hands-on workshop at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Kennedy Space Center in Port Canaveral.

During the online course, Binney planned a robotic rover mission to Mars. At the workshop, she received hands-on experience to develop problem-solving skills as a team member.

Binney plans on completing her associate in arts degree, with an emphasis on STEM courses, followed by studying aerospace engineering or astrophysics at the university level.

Gulf High hosts World F.A.I.R.
Gulf High School, in New Port Richey, hosted the 2016 World F.A.I.R. (food and art for international relief) on Nov. 11 in the school’s activity center.

The student-led event educates students about other cultures and customs to broaden their horizons and expose them to how people in other countries live.

The students operated individual country booths that displayed factual information. Participants dressed in their country’s traditional clothing, performed dances and dramatic readings, and made or purchased food and souvenirs from all over the world.

Elementary and middle school students in the Gulf High feeder pattern attended by grade level during the day.

Proceeds from the event benefited local charities.

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 .

Learning Gate dishes up a garden party

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Learning Gate Community School threw a garden party and invited its friends.

More than 80 parents, local garden club members and community leaders shared a luncheon feast in a glade beneath the branches of an ancient oak tree.

A short stroll away, fifth-graders guided lunch guests on a tour of the school’s working garden.

Anna Mitchell, 10, in headband, and Emily Slean, 10, explain Ceylon spinach to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Principal Michelle Mason. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Anna Mitchell, 10, in headband, and Emily Slean, 10, explain Ceylon spinach to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Principal Michelle Mason.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Kindergarteners through fifth-graders also entertained at the luncheon with songs about nature and Mother Earth.

The annual event, in its third year, brought the school family and the community together to take a peek at what Learning Gate is all about.

“It’s so nice to see people come into our world and see what we’re doing here,” said Principal Michelle Mason.

Learning Gate abides by the motto, “Nature is our best teacher,” and has received a national award for its EcoFest, held each year at Lowry Park Zoo.

“It’s kind of like a secret, a hidden jewel here,” said Michelle Northrup, marketing and parent involvement facilitator. “Our students work in the garden everyday. We do a lot of projects, based on hands-on learning.”

The charter school for kindergarten through sixth grade is tucked away in a wooded area off Hanna Road in Lutz. A school campus for seventh and eighth grades is on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The school’s hands-on approach can help students build confidence.

Gabrielle Cruz and Alejandro Armstrong and cherries Gabrielle Cruz, 10, and Alejandro Armstrong, 10, got a cool assignment to talk about a Jamaica cherry tree on a warm day at the Learning Gate garden party. — Gabrielle Cruz and Alejandro Armstrong and cherries
Gabrielle Cruz, 10, and Alejandro Armstrong, 10, got a cool assignment to talk about a Jamaica cherry tree on a warm day at the Learning Gate garden party.

“We provide an atmosphere where they are able to explore who they really are,” said Adam Wolford, assistant principal. “This is something that really sticks with them.”

Ten-year-olds Anna Mitchell and Emily Slean said they tend small gardens at home.

They said the school garden offers a fun way to learn.

“We don’t just have to look it up in a book,” Mitchell said.

“We’re always ready to get our hands dirty,” Slean said. Besides, she added, “I love the things that are eatable.”

The classmates gave luncheon guests the rundown on Ceylon spinach, which they explained has medicinal uses and also can be used in soups and salads.

Ten-year-olds Griffin Vazquez and Ezekiel Udozorh handed out samples of freshly brewed hibiscus tea to guests touring the garden. They also took turns giving a plant lesson on the hibiscus acetosella, which can be found in the Dominican Republic and Zambia, and can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

“They see how the world works, how food is put on the table,” said Wolford.

Chayton Martin and Kiersten Stevens, also both 10, handed out mint leaves, which smell nice, but aren’t good to eat. The plant does have eatable tubers, however, they explained.

Eighth-graders Preston Fischer, left, and Caleb McAllister perform as guests dine under an oak tree at the Learning Gate garden party.

Ten-year-olds Alejandro Armstrong and Gabrielle Cruz drew a cool assignment on a warm day under a Jamaica cherry tree.

Evan Hill and Cole Vakil, both 10 years old, handed out Seminole pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin can be used in many recipes, they said.

“This is a really weird one – mac n’ cheese,” Hill said.

Ten-year-olds Kaylie Gagne and Skye Sharpe stood under the shade of a moringa tree, whose tiny leaves are filled with vitamins and make great additions to salads.

“It’s very healthy for you,” Gagne said.

D.J. Rivera and Jacob Koenig, both age 10, handled the “star fruit” tour.

Parents Jamie Meyer and Nicole Rametta sampled the sweet tasting fruit, cut into stars.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Rametta. “It gives the community members a chance to see how knowledgeable the kids are.”

Published November 9, 2016

Proposed Bexley Elementary boundaries raise concerns

November 9, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Parents raised concerns about potential impacts from proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary at a Nov. 1 meeting at Oakstead Elementary School.

Parents raised questions about such issues as school choice, transportation and programming for the new school, which draws its name from a subdivision under construction off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The new school, set to open in the fall, for the 2017-2018 school year, will provide relief for both Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools, which are operating well above capacity. Odessa is at 131 percent capacity, and Oakstead is at 144 percent. The proposed boundaries will also expand Lake Myrtle Elementary, an older school operating at about 80 percent capacity.

Some parents were dismayed at the likelihood their children will be rezoned to Lake Myrtle, a “B” rated school built in 1984.

This is what Bexley Elementary will look like upon its completion.(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“I know their school rating isn’t as high as Oakstead Elementary,” said Sarah Davis, whose daughter will attend Lake Myrtle. “I don’t know much about it, so all I can do is my research online, and since it’s not as great as a school, my concern is that she won’t get the help that she needs that’s she’s already getting.”

Dave Scanga, area superintendent for Central Pasco schools, said Lake Myrtle is “a great school.”

“It is an older building,” Scanga said, however, he added, “in terms of the traditions that Lake Myrtle has had, for a long time it’s always been top-notch.”

“I think all of our schools are good,” added Richard Tonello, planning supervisor for Pasco County Schools. “Maybe grades aren’t a reflection of the school. You go to any of our schools, you’re going to see a great group of teachers, and they’re going to look after your child.”

Other parents expressed frustration over Bexley’s current unknowns, such as staffing dynamics and school schedule.

Scanga said potential teachers will be identified in March and April, after a new principal is named in December and assumes duties in February.

“A lot will happen once we get to February, and then it’s the (principal’s) job to let them play out the rest of the hiring and selection.”

He added: “As we get closer to the start of school, there will be all sorts of opportunities for people to come in, see the building and meet the people that are going to be in the building, too.”

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent Pasco County Schools, anticipates several teachers from both Odessa and Oakstead to be reassigned to Bexley.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity for teachers to come in to open a new school, so we typically have a lot of interest,” Kuhn said.

“I think you’ll have a lot of interest from teachers outside our system, in our system, both experienced and new,” she added.

Sorting out transportation issues, too, was another focus of the hour-long meeting.

Scanga said bus routes will be reconfigured to accommodate the new school.

The Pasco County School Board provides free transportation to and from school for students who live more than 2 miles away from school.

Students who are selected to choose a particular school through open enrollment must provide their own transportation.

Pasco County’s school choice open enrollment period runs from Feb. 1 to March 1, for the 2017-2018 school year. Final determinations are expected around April or May. Extenuating circumstances and family hardships will also be considered, school officials said.

For example, students entering the fifth grade may have a greater chance to remain at their current school depending on the influx of school choice requests.

“It’s hard to make a decision until they know exactly how many students are requested,” said Chris Williams, planning services director for Pasco County Schools. “In every past experience, we’ve been able to accommodate fifth graders.”

“It’s a process we go through…to try to accommodate as much as we can,” he added.

Scanga said he understands the frustration from parents, especially those who deliberately moved to a particular community for their children to attend a certain school.

“School rezoning always catches many people off guard,” said Scanga, “and also in terms of not getting what we had planned for, or hoped for.”

Scanga also noted: “One of the challenges we have—and it’s unique—is just how fast the growth is happening right here on the 54 corridor. We’re like ground zero. Much of Florida, like much of the country, just doesn’t have this challenge…of how do we continually provide the best education to children in the best facility possible.”

Last month, a boundary committee recommended boundaries for Bexley Elementary.

The committee selected an option that would include Ballantrae, Suncoast Meadows, Suncoast Pointe, Hayman/Fuentes, Meadowbrook/Sierra Pines, and all of Bexley, which are east of the Suncoast Parkway.

Bexley Elementary also would include Swan View Townhomes, Ivy Lake Estates and Toscano at Suncoast, which are west of the Suncoast Parkway.

At nearly 96,000 square feet, the new school will have a capacity of 878 students, and is expected to have 706 students.

Oakstead, which had 1,095 enrolled students is expected to have 765 students, under the proposed boundaries. Odessa, which had 1,000 students, is expected to have 780, and Lake Myrtle, which had 587 students, is expected to have 616.

Students that would be shifting from Oakstead to Lake Myrtle live in these areas: Morsani, Woodville Palms, Cambridge/Lake Linda, Oakstead Area South, Cypress Cove/Village on the Pond, Meadowview/Country Close and Foxwood/Lake Heron.

The school board is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on the proposed boundaries on Dec. 20 and its second public hearing on Jan. 17, when it is expected to make the final decision on the issue.

While the committee recommends the boundaries, the Pasco County School Board has the final word on where the lines should be drawn.

Boundary guidelines are based on a number of factors, including future growth and capacity, socio-economic balance, school feeder patterns, and transportation.

“All of these guidelines we use, it’s a little bit of a balancing act,” Tonello said.

Bexley Elementary is the first of several schools (additional elementary schools, middle school and high school) planned within the Bexley development.

When those schools are built depends on the amount of growth within the community, as well as the amount of capital funding available, Williams said.

He noted the school district has accumulated nearly $500 million in debt capital, a hurdle in building new schools.

“One of the things that we struggle with as a district is our capital funding,” Williams said. “We are constrained—we can’t always build where we want to because of funding. It might mean adding a classroom wing at an existing school.”

Construction costs for Bexley Elementary total about $20 million.

For more information, visit PascoSchools.org/planning/rezoning.

Published November 9, 2016

Chalk Talk 11/09/2016

November 9, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Raymond visits Lutz students
The Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot, Raymond, paid a visit to McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz for a school program/pep rally in October. Raymond hams it up with student Jacob Babajanof, who wrote a letter to the Rays organization.

Instructional job fair
Pasco County Schools will host a job fair for teachers and student services employees on Nov. 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Anclote High School, 1540 Sweetbriar Drive in Holiday.

Positions are available at the elementary, middle and high school levels in these areas: reading, math, science, school nurse, behavioral analyst, and emotion and behavioral disorders/autism spectrum disorder. There are also other positions available.

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and prizes for participating.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org/HR.

PHSC honors patriots
Pasco-Hernando State College will host an “Honor Our Patriots” program at the East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road, on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.

The program will include a salute to the flag, followed by a panel discussion on military experiences and the transition back to civilian life. Local veteran services and resource organizations will be in attendance.

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Literacy coach training
Bee Bully-Free will offer free literacy coach and child protection training on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m., at Goin’ Postal HQ, 4941 Fourth St., in Zephyrhills, for ages 18 and older. Participants can learn to build children’s reading prowess, confidence and social skills through this volunteer program. No experience is necessary.

Class size is limited. For information or to RSVP by Nov. 11, call (813) 782-1500, ext. 104, or email .

Free college workshop
The New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., will offer “College Matters: Avoid Costly Mistakes and Discover Funding” on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. This is a free educational workshop designed for parents of high school students.

For information, visit HCPLC.org.

IB programme info nights
The Land O’ Lakes High School International Baccalaureate Programme will host these community information nights for prospective applicants.

Parents and guardians of current eighth-grade public, charter and private school students can attend. All the sessions are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nov. 14 at John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, in the cafeteria
Nov. 17 at Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, in the cafeteria

For information, contact Jeff Morgenstein at (813) 794-9429 or .

Mathematics competition
The American Mathematics Competition 8 will take place at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.

The competition, developed by the Mathematical Association of America, challenges middle-schoolers to apply problem-solving skills with 25 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 40 minutes.

Questions may cover percentages, estimation, elementary geometry, graphs and other topics.

Those interested in participating, can contact Monika Kiss at (352) 588-8836, or , with the phrase “AMC8” in the subject line.

Scholarship fundraiser
The GFWC Tampa Junior Woman’s Club will host “LuLa with a Cause” on Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 2901 Bayshore Blvd., in Tampa. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the club’s TIGER Scholarship, awarded yearly to assist a Tampa Bay area person in furthering their education.

For information, call Heather Coil at (813) 435-8449.

School board names new schools
The District School Board of Pasco County has named the new elementary school under construction in Land O’ Lakes “Bexley Elementary School” and the new high school under construction in Wesley Chapel “Cypress Creek High School.”

The board approved both school names unanimously.

Suggestions were accepted from the community for school names from Aug. 29 through Oct. 1. There were a total of 23 submissions for the elementary school and 70 submissions for the high school.

Bexley Elementary is scheduled to open in August on Ballantrae Boulevard, in the Bexley Ranch community.

Cypress Creek High also is scheduled to open in August on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

CareerSource Pasco Hernando receives grant
The United States Department of Justice and Labor announced CareerSource Pasco Hernando as one of 10 awardees for Project Re-Start. The nearly $500,000 grant represents a partnership between CareerSource Pasco Hernando and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center to provide marketable skills and job searching pathways to individuals approaching release.

To increase and improve re-entry outcomes for current and former incarcerated individuals, each will be required to participate in a 20-hour work maturity skills training, which combines computer-based and instructor led materials.

The two-year grant provides current and former incarcerated individuals with job ready skills, and provides them an opportunity to develop new skills, such as typing, Microsoft Suite, QuickBooks, and Certified Production Technology to enhance employability.

Saint Leo honored for community service
Saint Leo University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2015, for measurable acts of community service by students, faculty and staff.

The honor roll is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service’s strategic commitment to engage millions of college students in service and celebrate the critical role of higher education in strengthening communities, according to its website.

Saint Leo’s core values are excellence, respect, integrity, personal development, responsible stewardship, and community. These values are built into the students’ courses, as well as everyday life.

Chalk Talk 11/02/2016

November 2, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Adult education info session
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center will host an information session at the Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel on Nov. 3 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The session is open to anyone interested in learning more about Saint Leo University. Admissions representatives and advisors will be on site to discuss the various degrees offered.

Registration is taking place for the Spring 2 semester that begins Jan. 9.

For information, call Brooke Paquette at (352) 588-8879.

Scholarship fund auction
The second annual Sean Bartell Memorial Scholarship Quarter Auction will take place on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., at Wolf’s Den diner on State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel. Paddles are $10 and bids are 25 cents, 50 cents, 75 cents and $1. All money raised will be donated to the scholarships given out at Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

or information, contact Paul Bartell at (813) 416-9238 or .

Berkeley Prep open houses
Berkeley Preparatory School, 4811 Kelly Road in Tampa, will host these Admissions Open Houses:

Nov. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for middle and upper divisions (grades six to 12). Registration begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a program at 2 p.m., in The Lykes Center for the Arts.
Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for lower division (prekindergarten to grade five). Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a program at 9 a.m., in the Lower Division Activity Center.

For information, visit BerkeleyPrep.org/openhouse.

Mock debate/election
Saint Leo University students are participating in the Fall 2016 Alternate Reality Learning Experience, “The Presidency.”

Students from various disciplines created campaigns for a mock presidential election, including campaign managers, news media, party chairman and more.

The public is invited to this presidential debate and election on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m., in the Student Community Center boardrooms.

For information, email Jeff Borden at .

IB programme info nights
The Land O’ Lakes High School International Baccalaureate Programme will host three community information nights for prospective applicants.

Parents and guardians of current eighth-grade public, charter and private school students can attend. All the sessions are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Land O’ Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane, in the mini-theater
Nov. 14 at John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, in the cafeteria
Nov. 17 at Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, in the cafeteria

For information, contact Jeff Morgenstein at (813) 794-9429 or .

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and prizes for participating.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org/HR.

Mathematics competition
The American Mathematics Competition 8 will take place at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.

The competition, developed by the Mathematical Association of America, challenges middle-schoolers to apply problem-solving skills with 25 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 40 minutes.

Questions may cover percentages, estimation, elementary geometry, graphs and other topics.

Those interested in participating, can contact Monika Kiss at (352) 588-8836, or , with the phrase “AMC8” in the subject line.

Center for Arts opens
The Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel Inaugural 2016-2017 Season Art Gallery Exhibition kicked off on Oct. 27 with a ribbon cutting and opening reception. The dedicated art gallery will feature rotating student artwork.

The first exhibition will display artwork by Wesley Chapel High School students and will be on display through Nov. 19.

For information, call Sharon Strubbe at (813) 794-8747.