The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 10/12/2016

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Scholarship awarded
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. She plans to use the money toward a degree in phlebotomy.

Wiregrass Ranch student gets national honor
Caroline E. Eichelberger, a Wiregrass Ranch High School student, has been selected to be a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. The organization recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.
NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. From high school to college to career, NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources needed to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

Book drive for Lacoochee Elementary
Anne Sawl, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, is organizing a book drive for a community service project, to benefit the children at Lacoochee Elementary School. Books can be dropped off at Pine View Middle School, 5334 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, during the week of Oct. 10. There will be donation boxes in Pine View’s cafeteria. PVMS National Junior Honor Society will assist in the collections.
For information, email Sawl at .

Martinez Middle blood drive
Martinez Middle School’s staff and parents will host a blood drive with OneBlood on Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at 5601 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. Signup slots are limited.
For information, call (813) 558-1190, or email .

Job and internship fair

Pasco-Hernando State College will host the CareerSource Pasco Hernando Job & Internship Fair on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, at PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

For information, contact Nathan Stevens at (352) 585-5117 or .

Lights on Afterschool event
The Pasco County Schools’ PLACE afterschool program will host its fifth annual “Lights on Afterschool” event at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson, on Oct. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Pasco Learning and Activity Centers of Enrichment (PLACE) celebration will include the River Ridge High School JROTC’s color presentation, a parade of PLACE program students, activities for children and a student art exhibit.

The guest speaker will be Florida Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Sharon Carie. There also will be food and refreshments available for purchase to support several school-based organizations.

For information, call Maree Marian at (813) 794-2124.

Boundary committee meetings
The High School GGG Boundary Committee has added two additional meetings and a parent information night to its schedule, to review maps and demographics of affected schools and work on potential boundary options for the school under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Committee meetings will be on Oct. 20 and Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A parent meeting will take place on Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Boundary committee meetings are public meetings. Members of the public may attend as observers only.

All meetings are at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road.

To see documents considered by the committee, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Rezoning link on the right.

Wharton newspaper staff garners awards
Members of the Wharton High School newspaper staff competed at the Florida Scholastic Press Association’s District 4 Workshop at the University of South Florida. The district includes seven counties: Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk.

Members of the staff brought home eight awards — four that were pre-submitted, and four that were on-the-spot.

Award winners in the pre-submitted contests were Rachel Letteiro, first place, architectural photography; Jiwoo Moon, second place, health page design; Ashley Zack, second place, infographic design; and, Ryan Russell, third place, infographic design.

Winners in the on-the-spot contests were Lexie Savedge and Ryan Russell, first place, collaborative commentary writing; Sonal Madhok, first place, poetry writing; Rachel Hineline, honorable mention, news/feature writing; and, Olivia Miranda, honorable mention, candid photography.

“I was very proud of how the students did competing at the workshop,” Kyle LoJacono, Wharton newspaper adviser, said in an email. “It was great that they won eight awards, and I loved the fact that it was in several different categories. They won awards for their design, writing and photography skills, and I think that speaks to how well rounded the current staff is.”

Bishop McLaughlin open house
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill, will host an admissions open house on Oct. 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration starts at 1:30 p.m., followed by a program at 2 p.m.

For information, call (727) 857-2600, ext. 244.

Denham Oaks seeking partners
Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., has been in the Lutz area for more than 20 years and is looking for businesses to support the school.

Sponsorship opportunities start at $25, and allow the business to build its brand among local residents while supporting education.

There also are opportunities to join the School Advisory Council or serve as a judge for the student arts contest.

For information, visit DOES.my-pta.org, or email .

Sponsor Student of the Month program
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce has promoted the Student of the Month program for more than 20 years. Chamber businesses partner with local schools to encourage youth.

In most cases, the schools choose one student each month from September to May to be the winner of a trophy and T-shirt recognizing their achievement.

The business name is listed on the T-shirt, and the schools typically provide the business with the opportunity to visit the school each month and present the award.

The cost of a company to be a sponsor is $250 for the year.

Those interested in sponsoring a school or continuing a sponsorship from the previous year, can email the chamber office at , or fax to (813) 909-0827.

Donate shoes and socks for students
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office is participating in the new shoes and socks collection campaign to assist local students and families in need. A collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, the “Two Good Soles” campaign, is seeking to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

All five tax collector’s offices will be collection sites for donations until Oct. 25, and will have a labeled collection box near the door.

For information and office locations, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Students ‘escape the tomb’
The sixth grade World History class at Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday took part in an Indiana Jones-themed activity, “Escape the Tomb,” based on the achievements of the Ancient Egyptian civilization.

Students worked in groups and followed standards-based clues to unlock a series of boxes to “escape the tomb (room).”

Using a 44-minute timer, students worked collaboratively to answer questions/clues in order to complete a performance task. They were given a short set of instructions via a pre-recorded video to describe the task, and then followed a set of clues related to the achievements of the civilization.

The correct answer allowed the students to unlock a box that held a new clue.

Students who were able to answer all questions correctly and follow the clues escaped the “tomb.”

Each team that participated earned school incentive “flight tickets” for working cooperatively and problem solving. The team with the fastest time earned a prize.

Early childhood program
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, offers an Early Childhood Center through the state funded VPK program.

This is a faith-based structured preschool learning environment. The program starts at age 2, and focuses on phonetic awareness, letter recognition, writing skills, reading strategies and problem solving activities.

There are two sessions: a morning preschool program and an afternoon program. Extended hours are offered, if needed.

For information, contact Corrine Ertl, center director, at (813) 948-5999 or .

School shooting threats now a felony

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The consequences just got tougher for Florida students who threaten to shoot up a school.

The Anti-Terroristic Threat and Public Servant Protection Law. The law, which went into effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony. Bomb threats have carried a second-degree felony, but only charges of “disrupting a school function”—a second-degree misdemeanor — could have been brought against someone making a gun threat.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning address the new Anti-Terroristic Threat Law during a Sept. 30 press conference. The law, which took effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning address the new Anti-Terroristic Threat Law during a Sept. 30 press conference. The law, which took effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The law also makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to threaten with death or serious harm a law enforcement officer, state attorney or assistant state attorney, firefighter, judge, elected official or any of their family members.

In the Pasco County School District, there already have been three incidents of students making gun threats through the first six weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning described such threats — regardless of the degree of seriousness — as being “incredibly disruptive” to the community.

“When someone makes what they consider a joke to shoot up the school, people panic,” Browning said during a Sept. 30 press conference. “I’ve pleaded with students, and I’ve asked their parents to plead with them, to think before posting an idle threat on social media, or to make any kind of verbal threat to carry out a shooting at any of our schools.”

He added: “When kids and their parents see these things, the fears spread quickly.”

Such threats, Browning said, often cause Pasco schools to become “half-empty” the following day.

“Students and parents are not going to take any chances when they hear rumors or see the posts on social media,” the superintendent said.

“It means that students who do show up are not going to learn much that day. It means that some teachers may decide not to teach the lesson that they had planned, because half the class will miss it,” Browning said.

Ava Cahoon, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High, said fellow classmates oftentimes become “very scared” when they hear such threats.

“We have to go into lockdown, and we don’t learn at all,” Cahoon said. “We have to sit in the dark, and the teachers don’t get to teach at all.”

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said many of the threats are discovered via social media, including Twitter and Facebook.

“The sad reality,” Nocco said, “is a lot of times these are kids that are just playing a game or just messing around.

“If the kids in our own community realize they’re now going to have a felony charge…they’re not going to play with this game anymore.”

State Rep. Jimmie Smith, the house sponsor of Senate Bill 436, said the rise of social media has created a “sad state of affairs” for making terroristic threats.

“This legislation is going to ensure that those people who make these threats are properly punished,” Smith said.

Browning’s message to students: “Think before you act.”

“It has long-term consequences,” Browning said. “Your chances of getting into college almost disappear, chances of getting jobs almost disappear.”

“It can ruin your future,” Nocco agreed.

Published October 5, 2016

Weatherford makes PHSC’s hall of fame

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Will Weatherford, the former Speaker of the House of the Florida Legislature, was inducted into Pasco-Hernando State College’s Legislative Hall of Fame on Sept. 20.

The ceremony was at the state college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., according to a news release from the college.

From left, Pasco-Hernando State College Trustees Ardian Zika, Morris Porton, and Marilyn Pearson-Adams, former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, PHSC President Tim Beard, PHSC trustee Robin Schneider and PHSC Board Chair Ed Blommel. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)
From left, Pasco-Hernando State College Trustees Ardian Zika, Morris Porton, and Marilyn Pearson-Adams, former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, PHSC President Tim Beard, PHSC trustee Robin Schneider and PHSC Board Chair Ed Blommel.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Ed Blommel, chairman of PHSC’s District Board of Trustees, officiated over the ceremony, which included the unveiling of a plaque to be displayed in perpetuity in the Legislative Hall of Fame.

Weatherford received an identical plaque.

“We recognize Will Weatherford, who has proved to be an unwavering champion for PHSC,” Blommel said, according to the release.

“Speaker Weatherford assisted the college in getting the funding for the construction of the beautiful Porter Campus ($52.2 million), including fighting off a veto and legislative resistance to get the final installment after construction was underway and nearly complete,” he added.

Timothy Beard, the college’s president, also recognized the former speaker’s efforts to provide equity in funding for the Florida College System, leading to a $7.7 million funding increase for the college and for securing more support for PHSC from the State Board of Education.

A number of special guests were at the event, including Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega, Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, Pasco County School Board Member Alan Altman, Bill and J.D. Porter and Quinn Porter-Miller.

Weatherford’s induction makes him the second member of the Legislative Hall of Fame, which is a new tradition at PHSC. The honor recognizes legislators for supporting the college and higher education opportunities for their constituents.

Sen. Jack Latvala, who was inducted in July, was the first to receive the honor.

Weatherford and Latvala are both members of the inaugural class of 2016.

Published October 5, 2016

Chalk Talk 10/05/2016

By

(Courtesy of Culver's)
(Courtesy of Culver’s)

Pledging to help the community
Culver’s has been committed to being an active member in its local community since 1984. On Sept. 14, the restaurant in Lutz hosted a Scoopie Night to raise funds for Veterans Elementary School in Wesley Chapel. The event included games, activities, and a visit from Culver’s mascot, Scoopie. The event raised more than $500 for the school. Breanna Flanigan hung out with Scoopie himself at Culver’s.

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing Day
On Oct. 7, thousands of students and educators from schools across Florida will take field trips to learn about products Made in Florida, and the opportunities for high-skilled, high-wage careers offered through Florida’s approximately 19,000 manufacturing companies.

Most student tour events are held on nationally celebrated Manufacturing Day and mark October as National Manufacturing Month.

For information on Florida’s Manufacturing Day 2016 news and events, visit MFGDay-fl.com.

Keystone Prep fundraiser
Keystone Prep High School will host “Taste of Keystone” on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the campus at 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa. The high school specializes in special-needs students.

There also will be rides, games, a car show, food, vendors and crafts.

For information, email Randy Keck at .

Wiregrass Ranch student gets national honor
Caroline E. Eichelberger, a Wiregrass Ranch High School student, has been selected to be a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. The organization recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.

NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. From high school to college to career, NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources needed to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

Student receives Legion of Valor award
Allison Segard, a Gulf High School International Baccalaureate senior, received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement Award, presented by the Gulf High ROTC program.

Segard is an IB transfer student from Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee.

Only 60 of the awards are given nationally each year, and the award can only be presented by a military veteran who earned a Medal of Valor during their service.

Segard received her award from Michael Perry of Zephyrhills, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient from the Vietnam War.

PHSC is an educational investment
WalletHub analysts ranked Pasco-Hernando State College as offering the highest return on educational investment among 821 community colleges. Also ranking first was Valencia College, Coastline College (California), Northern Oklahoma College, and Cochise County Community College District (Arizona).

PHSC also received a national ranking of 15th in the career outcomes category.

Other WalletHub rankings include the Florida College System as fourth in the nation, and PHSC overall ranking of third among 28 Florida two-year colleges.

For information about Pasco-Hernando State College, visit PHSC.edu.

Chamberlain High 50th
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 will host a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.

If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to

If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.

Job and internship fair
Pasco-Hernando State College will host the CareerSource Pasco Hernando Job & Internship Fair on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, at PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

For information, contact Nathan Stevens at (352) 585-5117 or .

Boundary committee meetings
The High School GGG Boundary Committee has added two additional meetings and a parent information night to its schedule, to review maps and demographics of affected schools and work on potential boundary options for the school under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Committee meetings will be on Oct. 20 and Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A parent meeting will take place on Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Boundary committee meetings are public meetings. Members of the public may attend as observers only.

All meetings are at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road.

To see documents considered by the committee, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Rezoning link on the right.

Denham Oaks seeking partners
Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., has been in the Lutz area for more than 20 years and is looking for businesses to support the school.

Sponsorship opportunities start at $25, and allow the business to build its brand among local residents while supporting education.

There also are opportunities to join the School Advisory Council or serve as a judge for the student arts contest.

For information, visit DOES.my-pta.org, or email .

Sponsor Student of the Month program
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce has promoted the Student of the Month program for more than 20 years. Chamber businesses partner with local schools to encourage youth.

In most cases, the schools choose one student each month from September to May to be the winner of a trophy and T-shirt recognizing their achievement.

The business name is listed on the T-shirt, and the schools typically provide the business with the opportunity to visit the school each month and present the award.

The cost of a company to be a sponsor is $250 for the year.

Those interested in sponsoring a school or continuing a sponsorship from the previous year, can email the chamber office at , or fax to (813) 909-0827.

Donate shoes and socks for students
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office is participating in the new shoes and socks collection campaign to assist local students and families in need. A collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, the “Two Good Soles” campaign, is seeking to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

All five tax collector’s offices will be collection sites for donations until Oct. 25, and will have a labeled collection box near the door.

For information and office locations, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Early childhood program
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, offers an Early Childhood Center through the state funded VPK program.

This is a faith-based structured preschool learning environment. The program starts at age 2, and focuses on phonetic awareness, letter recognition, writing skills, reading strategies and problem solving activities.

There are two sessions: a morning preschool program and an afternoon program. Extended hours are offered, if needed.

For information, contact Corrine Ertl, center director, at (813) 948-5999 or .

Country Jam benefits fine arts and other programs

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The second annual Dade City (DC) Country Jam promises to be bigger and better than last year’s.

The shindig, set for Oct. 8 from noon to midnight at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, will feature a bevy of musical performances, including the likes of Nashville-based country singer Dawn Beyer; Johnny Shelton, of America’s Got Talent fame; and country-duo Jesse & Noah Bellamy.

In all, there will be 14 bands in a quest aimed to help future musicians.

The Pasco Middle School band, which has about 110 members, needs new and refurbished instruments. (Photos courtesy of Kenny Mathis)
The Pasco Middle School band, which has about 110 members, needs new and refurbished instruments.
(Photos courtesy of Kenny Mathis)

The concert, organized by Pasco Middle School band director Kenny Mathis, seeks to raise funds for the school’s fine arts programs, plus other school organizations in need.

Last year’s musical bash was an instant success. About 1,000 people attended and $14,000 was raised.

“It has really taken off,” said Mathis, who’s been Pasco Middle’s band director since 2007. “We’ve got a great group of musicians coming down that are ready to help my kids.”

The goal for this year, Mathis said, is to raise at least $25,000.

The funds, he said, will go toward purchasing new band instruments and refurbishing older ones for both the middle school and Pasco High School.

“I’ve got instruments from the ‘50s and ‘60s that are still floating around in there,” the band director explained. “I’ve tried to go back and repair a lot of the instruments that needed repair, and I bought new mouthpieces. …We used some of the money last year…to try to get them up to par.”

With about 110 middle school band students, Mathis estimates he loans out upwards of 80 instruments.

Considering a new tuba may cost $5,000, and a new euphonium runs about $3,000, the costs add up rapidly.

Pasco Middle School band teacher Kenny Mathis started the DC Country Jam in 2015 to raise money for the school’s fine arts programs.
Pasco Middle School band teacher Kenny Mathis started the DC Country Jam in 2015 to raise money for the school’s fine arts programs.

“I’ve done many, many fundraisers— cheesecakes, magazines, candy — and you can’t get enough in one chunk in those types of sales to buy what you need,” explained Mathis.

“You can’t make enough from a cheesecake fundraiser to even buy a tuba,” he said.

Mathis noted the school district is sometimes able to provide enough funding for two or three instruments per school year.

But, that isn’t enough.

“If you’re only getting two or three instruments a year, but you’re gaining sometimes 10 to 15 students every year — you’re behind,” Mathis said.

The dearth of instruments, he said, has forced the middle school to share instruments with Pasco High School.

“We are constantly shifting instruments back and forth between the middle school and the high school,” said Mathis. “If (PHS band teacher Steve Herring) needs a tuba or a euphonium, he’ll come borrow from me. And, if I need a saxophone or a clarinet, I’ll borrow from him.”

Mathis said the concert will not only benefit the middle and high school bands, but several other school programs, too.

For instance, various Pasco High sports teams — girls soccer team, girls weightlifting, and Pasco Middle student organizations—FFA (Future Farmers of America), angler club—receive 50 percent of the revenue off every ticket they sell.

“We don’t charge them for booths, and they can sell their items and try to make money for their organizations,” said Mathis. “We didn’t want to feel narrow-minded just raising money for one organization.”

He added: “We have a lot of clubs and organizations that need money.”

Next year, Mathis hopes to turn the concert into a “full-fledged outdoor festival” that draws somewhere between 3,000 to 5,000 attendees.

“This thing’s definitely here to stay,” Mathis said. “Our goal next year is to have one major headliner, and then keep all the bands before it local.”

Tickets are $10. For more information, email Mathis at .

Published September 28, 2016

Catholic schools take part in week of caring

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Catholic schools around the Diocese of St. Petersburg partnered with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay for Carefest 2016.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach. (Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach.
(Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)

Students joined thousands of volunteers across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties to take part in the week devoted to service, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 24.

At the same time, the diocese celebrated “The Week of Caring in the Year of Mercy.”

During Carefest, schools throughout the diocese engaged in various efforts to extend themselves beyond the Catholic community, said Mark Majeski, associate superintendent of schools for the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Students at Mother Teresa of Calcutta School in Lutz donated 15 violins to be used by students at St. Joseph Catholic School, and held a school supply drive to help other schools in the diocese.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill had a first responders’ week and donated canned goods and baby items, collecting enough to fill more than four large containers, to benefit Catholic Charities.

Students at Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio took part in a number of activities.

From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O' Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016. (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)
From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O’ Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016.
(Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)

Children made thank you cards and banners, and sang for first responders.

“We thanked them for the sacrifices that they are making for our safety. We are totally grateful for their service, because it is truly a call of faith and courage. They do a lot of selfless work for us, for our safety,” said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

The children also made “survival kits” for the first responders.

They gave 105 survival kits to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and 19 to the local firefighters.

Each kit contained:

  • A prayer card for first responders. For police officers, a holy card of their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel; for firefighters, a holy card of their patron saint, St. Florian

Each kit also contained a variety of candies, along with an explanation for first responders. Those were:

  • Life Savers: To remind you of the many times you have been one
  • Starburst: For the burst of energy you need
  • PayDay: Because you’re not doing it for the money
  • Paper clip: To hold it all together
  • Hershey Kisses: Because you deserve them from all
  • Gum: To help your unit stick together
  • Tootsie Roll: To help you roll with the punches
  • Peppermint Patty: To help you keep your cool
  • Snickers: To remind you to have a sense of humor
  • Mounds: For the mounds of courage you need
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service. (Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service.
(Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)

Other good works performed by Saint Anthony School students included donating personal grooming supplies for the migrant community, donating supplies for a baby pantry, and donating kits for children at Sunrise Center.

“This is the Year of Mercy, so we wanted to do something special — caring for the poor, as well as caring for people who do good things for us,” Ottapurackal said.

When the police officers and firefighters visited the school, it offered a chance for children to learn more about the services that first responders provide to the community, she said.

And, the children were able to express their gratitude.

“So we are giving and receiving,” the principal said. “Children are learning how community works. A lot of good things are happening in this world.”

Published September 28, 2016

Chalk Talk 09/28/2016

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

New chief information officer
Saint Leo University has named Vijay Sonty as its new chief information officer, responsible for the leadership and management of the University Technology Services operations. Sonty previously served as executive director of applications and operations at Kaplan Inc., chief information officer for Broward County Public Schools, and senior vice president and chief technology officer for Foote Cone and Belding.

 

 

 

 

Denham Oaks seeking partners
Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., has been in the Lutz area for more than 20 years and is looking for businesses to support the school.

Sponsorship opportunities start at $25, and allow the business to build its brand among local residents while supporting education.

There also are opportunities to join the School Advisory Council or serve as a judge for the student arts contest.

For information, visit DOES.my-pta.org, or email .

Chamberlain High 50th
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.

If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to

If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.

Job and internship fair
Pasco-Hernando State College will host the CareerSource Pasco Hernando Job & Internship Fair on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, at PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

For information, contact Nathan Stevens at (352) 585-5117 or .

Sisters help kickoff school year
The Benedictine Sisters of Florida helped kickoff Saint Leo University’s new academic year with a Welcome Reception attended by more than 600 new students and their families.

The Sisters set up a booth highlighting the university’s Benedictine tradition, and students were invited to the Holy Name Monastery for prayer, Mass and volunteer opportunities.

The Sisters also introduced their aquaponics program.

Academy students receive first class honors
All 16 students from the New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy who took the Royal Conservatory of Music practical examinations received the highest mark classification — First Class Honors with Distinction. Each student received an A+ grade.

The exams highlight the students’ understanding of piano study, as well as the faculty’s dedication and hard work.

Artistic vision is the differentiating factor between an A and an A+. Both grades comprise a nearly flawless execution of the performance pieces and a proficiency in musicianship aspects (such as sight reading); however, an A+ requires a student to present a truly felt expression of the repertoire, not a robotic performance.

Sponsors needed for Student of the Month program
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce has promoted the Student of the Month program for more than 20 years. Chamber businesses partner with local schools to encourage youth.

In most cases, the schools choose one student each month from September to May to be the winner of a trophy and T-shirt recognizing their achievement.

The business name is listed on the T-shirt, and the schools typically provide the business with the opportunity to visit the school each month and present the award.

The cost of a company to be a sponsor is $250 for the year.

Those interested in sponsoring a school or continuing a sponsorship from the previous year, can email the chamber office at , or fax to (813) 909-0827.

Early childhood program
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, offers an Early Childhood Center through the state funded VPK program.

This is a faith-based structured preschool learning environment. The program starts at age 2, and focuses on phonetic awareness, letter recognition, writing skills, reading strategies and problem solving activities.

There are two sessions: a morning preschool program and an afternoon program. Extended hours are offered, if needed.

For information, contact Corrine Ertl, center director, at (813) 948-5999 or .

Donate shoes and socks for students
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office is participating in the new shoes and socks collection campaign to assist local students and families in need. A collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, the “Two Good Soles” campaign, is seeking to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

All five tax collector’s offices will be collection sites for donations until Oct. 25, and will have a labeled collection box near the door.

For information and office locations, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

 

School boundary committee meetings underway

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Pasco County Schools will be opening a new high school and middle school on the same campus next year, and will open a new elementary school, too.

As a result, existing school boundaries will need to be redrawn to assign students to the new schools.

It’s a process that tends to be controversial.

The boundary committee for High School GGG had its first meeting on Sept. 16.

Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school. (Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Its first goal was to develop a draft boundary for the combination high school and middle school campus, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

During the committee meeting, two additional meetings were added to its schedule.

One gives the committee more time to work on its recommendations before they are presented at a community meeting for parents. The other meeting gives the committee an opportunity to recommend any potential changes after the parents’ meeting, but before the Pasco County School Board considers the boundary recommendations.

The role of a school boundary committee is to develop and recommend school attendance boundaries that best meet established guidelines, to provide advice and direction to the technical assistance subcommittee, to review and critique the work of the technical assistance subcommittee, and to represent students, parents, communities, schools and the district.

Boundary committee meetings are open to the public, but members of the public may attend only as observers.

High School GGG, being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, will open as a sixth- through 12th-grade school next August, but will only have grades six through 11 its initial year.

The district needs to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High and John Long Middle School, and cannot afford to build a middle school at this time.

Elementary School B, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., is under construction in Bexley Ranch. It will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools when it opens in the 2017-2018 school year.
Elementary School B, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., is under construction in Bexley Ranch. It will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools when it opens in the 2017-2018 school year.

Another school boundary committee, for Elementary School B, being built at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., will begin meeting on Sept. 26. The new elementary school, set to open next fall, will reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary school.

Both school boundary committees are expected to complete their work by Feb. 1, and the Pasco County School Board will make the final decisions relating to boundaries for the new school.

In addition to drawing new boundaries, the Pasco County School Board will be naming the new schools. They are soliciting suggestions from the public. Anyone who wishes to submit a name can send a suggestion and a brief explanation for each school name by Oct. 1. Type Elementary B or High School GGG in the subject line, and email to .

Also, to keep abreast of information being considered by school boundary committees, visit PascoSchools.org and click on the Rezoning link on the right-hand side.

Boundary meeting schedule, High School GGG

  • Committee meeting, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Committee meeting, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Parent meeting, Nov. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Committee meeting, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All meetings will be at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel

Boundary meeting schedule, Elementary B

  • Committee meeting, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.
  • Committee meeting, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.
  • Parent meeting, Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All meetings are at Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes. The committee meetings will be in the media center, and the parent meeting will be in the cafeteria.

Published September 21, 2016

Local students in running for national scholarships

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Normally, a summons by the principal doesn’t involve cake and flowers — but that’s exactly what Lauren Payne and her parents encountered at Wiregrass Ranch High School on Sept. 14.

From left, Janet Payne, Lauren Payne and Greg Payne, stand in a conference room at Wiregrass Ranch High School, after Lauren found out she had been named a semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
From left, Janet Payne, Lauren Payne and Greg Payne, stand in a conference room at Wiregrass Ranch High School, after Lauren found out she had been named a semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Principal Robyn White and Assistant Principal Cindy M. Jack wanted to share good news with the student and her parents because the high school senior is on the list of semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

She’s one of 16,000 scholars across the country that are semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Semifinalists have an opportunity to compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships which are worth about $33 million.

Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain a finalist standing, and about half of the finalists are expected to win a National Merit Scholarship.

Payne’s parents, Janet and Greg, were pleased by the school’s gesture.

“It’s a very nice surprise. It’s very exciting. It’s really nice that they put this together,” Janet Payne said.

“It’s exciting,” Lauren agreed.

Her dad is proud of her accomplishments. “It is a lot of hard work that she’s putting into it and hopefully, it will turn out well for her.”

Here’s a list of other local National Merit semifinalists:

Land O’ Lakes

  • Anmol Warman, Academy at the Lakes
  • Nathaniel W. Edgar, homeschool
  • Carter J. Bright, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Michael Gendreau, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Navya Jampani, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Nicholas R. Riley, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Maxwell Keenan, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Karina N. Armas, Sunlake High

Lutz

  • Elle D. Hazlett, homeschool
  • Joaquin Borggio, Steinbrenner High
  • Bailey M. Zinckgraf, Steinbrenner High

Tampa

  • Riley L. Troyer, Carrollwood Day School
  • Kaley A. Raabe, Gaither High School
  • Jordyn E. Bizzell, Sickles High
  • Henry M. Noell, Sickles High
  • Samuel L. Unger, Sickles High
  • April E. Olson, Wharton High

Published September 21, 2016

Chalk Talk 09/21/2016

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(Courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge)
(Courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge)

Taking stock in our children
The Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge presented members of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Take Stock in Children program with a $1,000 donation as part of the club’s Year of Giving Campaign. From left, Imani Asukile, director of Global Multicultural Awareness and special assistant to the president; Ronteryl Black, pre-collegiate coordinator; and, Donna Burdzinski, PHSC provost, North Campus.

 

Early childhood program
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, offers an Early Childhood Center through the state funded VPK program.

This is a faith-based structured preschool learning environment. The program starts at age 2, and focuses on phonetic awareness, letter recognition, writing skills, reading strategies and problem solving activities.

There are two sessions: a morning preschool program and an afternoon program. Extended hours are offered, if needed.

For information, contact Corrine Ertl, center director, at (813) 948-5999 or .

Practice ACT test
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will offer The Princeton Review Practice ACT Test on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. To 3:30 p.m., for high school students throughout the area. The cost is $25.

For information, email Lynette Mills at .

Gaither High garage sale
Gaither High School will host its first Band Garage Sale on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, in the school parking lot at 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

There will be vendors and businesses introducing their products and/or services. Food trucks also will be on site.

The cost is $20 for two parking spaces, and must be prepaid with signed vendor contract.

Proceeds will help send the Gaither High School Band to Carnegie Hall.

For information, contact Melissa Seaman at or (786) 514-0128.

PHSC Foundation fundraiser
The annual Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Golf Tournament will take place on Oct. 3 at the Black Diamond Ranch Quarry Course, 2600 W. Black Diamond Circle in Lecanto.

Awards will be given to first place teams, and winners of the longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contests.

Players receive a breakfast buffet, lunch, beverages, awards banquet seat, official tournament apparel and goodie bags.

Registration is available at PHSC.edu/foundation/events.

Middle school students explore STEM
Students from Centennial Middle School in Dade City took part in STEM Day on Sept. 9 to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities.

Students participated in a rotational program, visiting several stations to explore STEM issues. Some of the stations involved invention kits, unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), catapults, robots and water rockets.

For information, call Bobbi Starling at (352) 524-9700.

Mobile dental unit visits schools
Chasco Elementary School in New Port Richey was the first of many Title I Pasco County schools to receive a visit from the Smile Care A Van.

Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco have partnered to support the dental health of students across the district.

The mobile dental unit provides students with free dental services, including assessments, cleanings, fluoride treatment, sealants, brushing and flossing instructions, and general oral care education.

For upcoming scheduled school stops, call Lisa Kern at (727) 774-2360.

Head Start program applications
Head Start provides early childhood development and education, medical, dental and mental health services, and family support services to qualifying low-income families with children ages 0-5.

All Hillsborough County’s Head Start classes use the same voluntary prekindergarten curriculum in addition to the Head Start Early Childhood Framework.

The program can accommodate students residing throughout Hillsborough County, including those in the vicinity of Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane in Lutz.

All services are free to those who qualify.

For information on registering your child, call (813) 272-5140, or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/HeadStart.

Best community colleges
The personal finance website WalletHub conducted an analysis to identify the states with the best and worst community college systems.

WalletHub’s analysts compared 821 schools across 12 key metrics, with data set ranges from the cost of in-state tuition and fees, to student-faculty ratios to graduation rates.

The top five states with the best community college systems were South Dakota, Alaska, North Dakota, Florida and Montana.

McKitrick Elementary goes digital
McKitrick Elementary School in Lutz has been selected to receive a computer/laptop for each student in two of its fifth-grade classes, as part of the Hillsborough County Public School program for Project Innovate computers and digital classroom allocation.

The students will be using and toting the computer/laptop to all their classes.