Education

Student loan debt is affecting housing market

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Student loan debt nationally is a staggering $1.3 trillion dollars, or about 10 percent of all outstanding debt.

For seven out of 10 students, repaying student loans can be a nearly insurmountable obstacle that is altering career decisions and delaying the milestone of buying a home.

Nationally, the average student loan debt is about $30,000.

Across Florida, the average is about $25,000.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt. (Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor) — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt.
(Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor)

At the University of South Florida, about 60 percent of students have an average loan debt of $22,600. At the University of Tampa, about 60 percent of students owe about $34,000.

Unlike most debt, however, students by law are prevented from refinancing those loans.

It is a dilemma that is highlighted in a survey released by the National Association of REALTORS Research Department and American Student Assistance, also known as Salt.

The home ownership rate is falling, and younger generations saddled with student debt are part of the reason, the survey found.

“That (student) debt is thrown into the mix with any other debt they have,” said Jack Rodriguez, a Tampa real estate broker. “It affects the amount of loan they could get. With the ability to refinance into a lower interest rate…they would bring down their payment which would allow them to purchase more house.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Rodriguez and other real estate agents held a press conference on Aug. 22 at the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS to highlight the problem, and show support for a bill on refinancing student loans. They were joined by student leaders from USF, UT and Hillsborough Community College.

“If we really want to make a change, and want to protect our nation’s youth and generations to come, we need to focus on our assets, college affordability and how we’re going to fix this,” said James Scudero, student body president at UT.

Student loan debt is crippling, said Chris Griffin, peer advisor leader for USF New Student Connections.

Food banks can now be found on student campuses, and student homelessness is happening, Griffin said.

“The scary thing is the food banks are used,” said Alec Waid, student body vice president at USF.

The pending bill, known as the Bank on Student Emergency Loan Refinancing Act – has about 170 sponsors. But, efforts to pass the bill have stalled for at least two years.

“It’s something of a partisan issue. It shouldn’t be,” said Castor.

If approved, student graduates could refinance private school loans issued before July 1, 2015.

“A citizen can refinance their car loan, boat loan and their credit card debt,” Castor said. “But, students are not allowed to refinance their student loans. This would be a very good time to do this, because interest rates are very low.”

According to the survey, at least a quarter of all students have a typical loan debt of about $25,000. And, 71 percent of non-homebuyers say student loan debt is delaying the decision to buy a home. In some cases, the delay is about five years.

About 42 percent of students with loan debt delayed moving out of the family home. Millennials born between 1990 and 1998, and who made less than $25,000 in 2015, were most likely to stay at home longer.

But, younger generations aren’t alone in struggling with student debt.

Tampa real estate broker Alma Alexander said her daughter earned a degree in graphic arts in the 1990s and left school owing nearly $35,000. The debt wasn’t paid off until two years ago.

“She worked at paying it when she could,” Alexander said.

Published August 31, 2016

Saint Leo names public safety director

August 31, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Cyrus Brown, a 30-plus year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), has been named Saint Leo University’s executive director of University Public Safety.

In this newly created position at Saint Leo, Brown will oversee safety and security for all of the university’s locations, including its more than 40 branch education centers and offices across the states of California, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

Cyrus Brown has been named Saint Leo University’s executive director of University Public Safety. He will oversee safety and security for all of the university’s locations, including its more than 40 branch education centers and offices across seven states. (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University) — Cyrus Brown has been named Saint Leo University’s executive director of University Public Safety. He will oversee safety and security for all of the university’s locations, including its more than 40 branch education centers and offices across seven states.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Brown, who most recently served as an associate director of Public Safety at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, plans to perform safety and security assessments at all of Saint Leo’s locations.

“…We’re going to ensure that we have a continuity of public safety across all of Saint Leo’s educational centers,” Brown said. “They’re on the right track, and I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing so far — it’s just a matter of continuing to identify ways to improve what we’re doing. When it comes to public safety, there’s always new technologies that are coming out, so I’m continuing to scan to see what’s out there and what we can do better.”

Crime rates for the university’s main campus in East Pasco County are relatively low.

According to Saint Leo’s 2015-2016 annual security report, there were no reported cases of on-campus robbery, burglary, aggravated assault or motor vehicle theft in 2014.

However, there was one on-campus sex offense and two cases of stalking on campus, records show.

Drug and alcohol abuse were the most common incidents on the university’s main campus, which has about 2,400 students enrolled for the 2016 fall semester.

Records show there were five on-campus arrests for drug abuse violations and 13 disciplinary referrals for drug abuse in 2014. Though no arrests were reported for alcohol-related offenses, there were 288 on-campus disciplinary referrals for liquor law violations.

Saint Leo University’s main campus, in East Pasco County, has about 2,400 students enrolled for the 2016 fall semester.

To further combat crime at Saint Leo, the former Florida Highway Patrol official is encouraging students, faculty and visitors to report any suspicious activity they may come across.

“See something, say something, no matter how small it is,” Brown said. “I think it takes all of us working together, to keep all of us at the university safer.

“The last thing you want is students to be concerned about their safety.”

Brown said his experience working in campus safety at Bethune-Cookman will serve him well in his new role, especially in terms of understanding the dynamics of the university environment.

He noted that Saint Leo’s rural setting is more ideal in detaining an active threat, compared to a university located in a metropolitan area, like Bethune-Cookman.

“If you ask me, Saint Leo is the ideal campus,” Brown said. “The way things are situated, in an urban setting, you’re dealing with everything in a compact environment, but in a rural setting, it’s so wide open…and you can keep a handle on things a lot better.”

Brown, who officially started Aug. 1, said he’s been impressed with the procedures of the campus security and safety department thus far.

“They do a great job of preserving the peace, they do a great job in terms of interacting with students, faculty and even our visitors,” he said. “When it comes to the public safety side, they’re really doing a tremendous job in moving us in the right direction.”

Additional areas Brown is focusing on: more staff training and more correspondence with local law enforcement agencies, such as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Dade City Police Department.

That includes a better familiarity with the main campus’s various entry and exit points, should an active threat arise.

“We’re constantly doing training,” he said, “so they can get a real-life understanding of each of the buildings and the layout of the campus.”

He added: “We have to stay out in front of (possible threats), and we do that through constantly providing training and keeping it fresh on everyone’s minds.”

Q&A:
Why are you interested in law enforcement?
“I guess it goes back to when I was in high school, my interest was to go into criminal justice. I did that through the community college level and then went into the U.S. Army, where I served for three years.”

Why did you want to work in public safety at the university level?
“I wanted to do something in the university perspective in terms of law enforcement or public safety because I feel that’s where my strong points are. I’ve done a lot to prepare for it in terms of the training I’ve received in law enforcement and also the educational aspect of it.

“All of my training, it takes me back to public safety or law enforcement. So, it was an excellent opportunity for me to look at the public safety side of things, and I find it quite intriguing. It’s a little different than law enforcement.”

What’s the difference between law enforcement and public safety?
“If a situation were to go down, such as an active threat or active shooter (on campus), the law enforcement agency will come in and take a leadership role in terms of trying to get that situation resolved. Public safety — we just detain and get law enforcement to deal with the active threat.”

How does your law enforcement background help you in this new role?
“Throughout my law enforcement career, I was able to establish relationships with other law enforcement agencies like the sheriff’s department and the local police department, and I think that helps, too, when it comes to public safety — sitting at the table, working through mutual concerns from both sides. I think with my experience and those network relationships, it’s been a smooth transition for me.”

Cyrus Brown bio
Cyrus Brown holds a Bachelor of Science from Barry University and a Master of Science the University of Central Florida. He also has extensive law enforcement training. He’s graduate from the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and the Leadership in Police Organizations program of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
He also has considerable law enforcement experience. He was a trooper for the Florida Highway Patrol (1984 to 1988), a lieutenant with the FHP (1990 to 1994), a captain with the FHP (1994 to 2009) and a major with the FHP (2009 to 2015).

Published August 31, 2016

Chalk Talk 08/31/2016

August 31, 2016 By Mary Rathman

New leaders for board of trustees
The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees elected Edward Blommel to serve as chair, succeeding Morris Porton. John Dougherty was elected as vice chair.

Blommel, of Dade City, is a retired regional manager for the Tampa Electric Company with 40 years of service and had served in the Florida National Guard.

He has served on the boards of numerous organizations and committees, including United Way of Pasco County, Pasco Regional Medical Center, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco Public Education Foundation, to name a few.

Dougherty, of Spring Hill, has 36 years of experience as a financial planner and business adviser. He is a managing member of Dougherty & Associates LLC.

He was elected to the PHSC Foundation Board of Directors in June 1997 and served a two-year term as chair from 2008 to 2010.

Porton, outgoing chair, was recognized with a plaque from the board for his leadership throughout his 2016-2017 term.

School supply lists online
School supply lists for the following local schools can now be found on TeacherLists.com. Parents can print the lists or, for the first time, look up the lists on a Smartphone in store aisles. TeacherLists.com automatically shares the lists with national retailers like Target and Staples.

Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes
Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes
New River Academy, Wesley Chapel
Seven Oaks Elementary School, Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel Elementary School

More than 50,000 schools have lists posted to the website. Lists for more than 1 million classrooms are live on the site, and include required and requested items, as well as specific notes and clarifications from teachers and school staff. Parents also can print coupons for back-to-school savings.

Wiregrass Ranch open house
Wiregrass Ranch High School PTSA will host an open house on Sept. 6, at the school, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

There will be a PTSA general assembly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jersey Mike’s will be on-site selling its Philly steak sandwiches.

During the open house, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Parks Ford of Tampa will host “Drive One 4 Ur School.” The dealership will donate $20 for each test drive, up to $6,000 total, to the school. Funds raised will benefit teacher grants.

For information, call (813) 346-6000.

College Nights at PHSC
Pasco-Hernando State College will host three College Nights for prospective students in the Pasco County area.

Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Dade City campus, 36727 Blanton Road
Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road
Sept. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nature Coast Technical High School in Brooksville

Representatives from PHSC, and many public and private colleges, universities, other educational institutions, and the military will participate and provide residents in PHSC’s two-county area with a one-stop opportunity to get information on admissions, financial aid, and programs for post-secondary study.

High school students, parents and prospective students of all ages can attend.

Admission is free. For information, call (855) 669-7472.

Youth art contest
The Medical Center of Trinity will have its fifth annual “Expressions of Thanks” youth art contest.

Youth from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans, those who currently serve our nation and their families, by submitting artwork, poetry or an essay. The deadline is Sept. 30.

Participants and their families will be invited to a reception on Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and all entries will be on display Nov. 6 through Nov. 27.

Each participant will receive a recognition certificate. First place winners in each grade level will receive a $25 gift card. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of either a bicycle or an iPod Nano.

For complete rules and submission requirements, call (727) 834-4868, or email .

‘Helping hands’ pack meals for Africa
Representatives from the Diocesan Hispanic Assembly, Hispanic youth adults, and students from Tampa Catholic High School worked together to assemble more than 10,000 nutritious meals to send to Burkina Faso, Africa, through the Helping Hands program, on Aug. 20.

The food-packing program is a joint effort between Catholic Relief Services and Stop Hunger Now.

The West African country of Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Catholic Relief Services gave a presentation on local and world hunger, followed by lunch, and an education session on Burkina Faso, prior to food packing.

For information, contact Vivi Iglesias, associate director of Hispanic Ministry, at (727) 341-6851.

Student leadership retreat
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted Ardian Zika as the keynote speaker at its annual Student Leadership Retreat. Zika addressed a crowd of 156 PHSC students and 82 staff, faculty and guests at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Zika is a member of the PHSC District Board of Trustees. He is a senior vice president and middle market banking director at ServisFirst Bank for the Tampa Bay region.

The retreat included interactive workshops, team activities, and opportunities to network and socialize with student and college leaders from all five PHSC campuses. The theme, “Learn. Live. Lead.,” was incorporated into all workshop and general sessions.

Credit union awards college scholarships
Declan Finora, a 2016 Pasco High School graduate, was one of three recipients of a $500 college scholarship from the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions.

TCCU consists of 20 credit unions in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties.

All graduating high school members of the Chapter’s credit unions can apply for scholarships.

Religious studies department names chair
Dell deChant, a master instructor in the Department of Religious Studies at The University of South Florida where he has served since 1986, has been named the new chair of the department.

The author of three books, and more than 40 articles and chapters in professional publications, deChant is a specialist in religion and contemporary cultures, currently focusing on the contemporary ecological crisis in American popular culture and religion.

He has received the university’s undergraduate teaching award and USF’s undergraduate advising award twice.

deChant previously served as associate chair of the department from 2005 to 2012, and from 2015 to 2016. He also served as the undergraduate director and in various administrative posts in the department.

English classes
Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church, 19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will offer ESL (English as a Second Language) classes on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Classes are taught by native English speakers using several ESL and Bible study resources.

The classes are for beginners and intermediate-level speakers. The cost is $40 per semester, which covers a workbook and class materials.

Child care will be available.

For information and to register, call (813) 360-2077.

Chalk Talk 08/26/2016

August 24, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Volunteers ready themselves to greet guests at Cobb’s back-to-school bash. (Courtesy of Demene Benjamin) — Volunteers ready themselves to greet guests at Cobb’s back-to-school bash.
(Courtesy of Demene Benjamin)

Cobb’s ‘magical’ back-to-school bash
The eighth annual back-to-school bash at Grove 16 Cobb Theatres in Wesley Chapel was a success.

More than 1,300 guests were ushered in to receive more than 300 backpacks, 63 haircuts, 100 free physicals, and school supplies. There also was face painting, carnival games, a petting zoo, and a sampling of its CineBistro’s wings.

More than 40 partners showcased their wares, and volunteers dressed in dragon-winged T-shirts for the ‘Pete’s Dragon and the Magical Back-to-School Bash.’

Sunlake student receives national honor
Amber Folsom, a Sunlake High School student, was selected to become of a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of initial membership, and from high school to college to career, the Society connects outstanding students with the resources needed to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

STEAM Olympics
Cotee River Elementary School fourth and fifth-graders took part in a STEAM Olympics Day on Aug. 17, at the school in New Port Richey, to celebrate the opening of the school’s makerspace.

Students used Lego’s “We Do” to build and code a soccer activity, Ozobot for bowling activities, and took part in Little Bits electronic building blocks.

Pancake breakfast benefit
Beef O’ Brady’s, 7040 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., at Wilderness Lakes in Land O’ Lakes, will host a pancake breakfast to benefit the Land O’ Lakes High School Lady Gators softball team, on Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $5.

For information, call Mitch Wilkins at (813) 431-8261.

Leadership summit
Pasco County high school student leaders and the teachers who serve as their student government sponsors will take part in a Raising Student Voice & Participation (RSVP) Leadership Summit on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane.

RSVP is sponsored by the National Association of Student Councils and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

RSVP is a student-engagement program that uses democratic dialogue to give students the tools to speak out and take action on issues in their schools and communities that are important to them. The program asks students what they care about, what proposals they have for positive school change and community improvement, and shows them how to work with adults to implement their ideas.

For information, call Ric Mellin at (813) 794-9400.

Win school supplies
The Dixie Belle Paint Company is sponsoring a contest to win $500 for school supplies. Those interested can paint a favorite piece of furniture (no smaller than a stepstool) in your school’s colors with Dixie Belle paint.

Photos can be submitted to Facebook.com/DixieBellePaint along with these two hashtags: #DixieBellePaint and #PaintYourFutureBrightDBP. Submissions (limit three per person) must state the school colors used.

The deadline is Aug. 31. The winner will be announced on Sept. 15.

For information, call (813) 909-1962.

Donate school supplies
Great Clips at Arbor Square, 7818 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will collect back-to-school items, such as pencils, notebooks and erasers, through August. All donors will receive $1 off any haircut at Great Clips. Supplies will be donated to Land O’ Lakes schools.

For information, call (813) 693-4247.

Youth Leadership applications
Youth Leadership Pasco is accepting applications for the Class of 2017. Current junior and sophomore students can apply.

The program is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders.

The class meets once a month from October through March. Youth sessions and tours take place at various locations throughout Pasco County and surrounding counties.

Applications are available online at LeadershipPasco.com, and are due no later than Sept. 1. The cost of the program is $35 per student.

For information, call (727) 534-4280.

Big Ed takes another bite out of summer

August 17, 2016 By Tom Jackson

The heir apparent rose early last Wednesday — pre-dawn early — to greet his official transmogrification from rising senior to the full-fledged real thing.

This sort of event repeats itself, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 3.4 million times each year, making it the very definition of normal. Nonetheless, when the rite arrived in the Jackson household, the boy’s parents reserved the right to have their breath taken away.

A member of the Tampa Catholic High School Class of 2017, his graduation is set for May 24. While the date does not yet loom large on the family calendar, if past is indeed prelude, we’ll be hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” in a virtual heartbeat.

For now, however, the family to-do list is crowded with other, more immediate concerns, including, but not limited to, prepping for another round of college-entrance tests, applying to said colleges, reserving Friday nights for football (the boy, risking his ears but not his cranium, beats a bass drum for the Crusaders) and making sure there’s always enough stuff in the refrigerator to quell the growling of his stomach.

What is it about school, by the way, that makes teenaged boys even hungrier than usual?

So, we’re back in the academic swing, being ruled once more by its rhythmic pulse … and I still can’t help but feel like we’re doing all of this too soon. By two weeks, at least. Hillsborough County public schools opened last week, dragging some private schools along with them. In Pasco, the school board — demonstrating admirable restraint — waited until Monday to ring the opening bell.

In short, the first day of school has crept, once again and to my dismay, into the first half of August. Labor Day, once the great anchor to which the start of the school year was chained, has been pulverized for the convenience of Big Education, becoming just another long weekend in our academic marathon.

Others once ferociously committed to keeping August, or most of it anyway, reserved for low-key road trips, family reunions or summer camp, appear to have succumbed. An Internet check of the “Save Our Summers” state groups — mostly alarmed parents supported by tourist-sensitive business operators — returns, mostly, defunct web pages.

After all, they’d essentially carried the day, successfully lobbying legislatures to link the first day of school to Labor Day, beating back opening days that had, in some states, crept into the first week of August. In some states the link was a week. In Florida it was 14 days, with limited exemptions for high-performing districts.

Superintendents, school boards and, especially, teachers’ unions groused, to no avail. Until last spring, that is, when representatives of Big Ed hit upon this year’s late Labor Day (Sept. 7) as the perfect wedge argument.

Waiting until Aug. 24 to open schools meant it would be impossible to squeeze in a full semester before the Christmas — er, winter — break, leaving students to carry the burden of midterm exams through their holiday. School lobbyists argued successfully that this disjointedness was no way to run an academic schedule.

That certainly sounds reasonable. But the argument really hinges on what we’d like our schools to achieve. If it’s packing all the assignments and exams into a compressed, tidy timeframe, then, bravo. Starting in the first half of August is the ticket.

If, on the other hand, we’d like students to retain what they’ve been taught, postponing exams until after the break is the superior strategy.

I readily confess, I like the contrarian argument, because, as — apparently — one of the last bitter clingers in the save-our-summers camp, it boosts my argument. But, the studies are real.

Investigators call the two methods “binge and purge” and “the spacing effect.”

In the first, students learn at a breakneck pace (the binge), then dump it on their exams (the purge). The result is rapidly dissipating knowledge.

In the second, gaps are inserted between teaching/learning and testing. And the results, dating back decades, are astonishing.

In an article on “spaced education” in the November-December 2009 edition of Harvard magazine, sociologist/editor Craig Lambert identified, “More than 10 rigorous studies on medical students and residents using randomized trials have shown its efficacy: it can increase knowledge by up to 50 percent, and strengthen retention for up to two years.”

There was even a study published at the height of the Save Our Summers frenzy entitled, “Why Taking Exams After Winter Break Is Best For Students: What the Experts Say,” which wrapped the entire argument for longer summers and gap-enhanced testing in a rather flamboyant and unmistakable bow.

Not that I expect to persuade anybody at this point. Conventional wisdom is so deeply baked into the earlier-start rubric you couldn’t dig it out with a melon baller.

Heck, I even have the heir apparent and his mom working against me. Both seem happy to have gotten on with it.

Me, I’m still with “Auntie Mame” Dennis, who, reminded in the closing scene that she needs to have her grandnephew back from India in time for the start of school — the day after Labor Day — answers exquisitely, “Naturally. Of course. Labor Day. That’s sometime in November, isn’t it?”

Tom Jackson, a resident of New Tampa, is interested in your ideas. To reach him, email .

Published August 17, 2016

Fifth-graders learning how to lead at Oakstead Elementary

August 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Just before the school year began, fifth-graders at Oakstead Elementary School took some training on how to be school leaders.

Teachers, administrators and support staff organized an “Oakstead Elementary Leadership Retreat” which was held on Aug. 4. This is the second year in a row that the school has had the half-day retreat.

Throughout the morning, fifth-graders took part in several team-building activities, which included analyzing leadership personality traits along the way.

Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

They also learned about many qualities that it takes to become a leader — open-mindedness, integrity, authenticity, generosity and responsibility.

“Our big focus is to make them think more like, ‘Hey, I’m the leader, I’m setting the example,’ instead of ‘I’m done with this place,’” explained Sandra Stine, an assistant principal at Oakstead. By the time they reach fifth grade, she explained, some students are anxious to begin middle school.

After last year’s retreat, Stine noted, many fifth-graders were “more excited” heading into the school year. The school dished out less discipline, too, she added.

Based on feedback from last year’s retreat, Oakstead administrators shortened this year’s retreat to five hours and incorporated more collaborative activities.

The goal was to cut down on tedious paperwork for the students and to add more cooperative games.

One game, called the “Balloon Train,” required small groups of fifth-graders to imagine themselves as a locomotive connected by balloons. Each group had to line up single file and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without the use of their hands.

The activity aimed to underscore the importance of teamwork and communication in accomplishing a goal.

“We brought in even more interaction — get them up and get them moving with a lot more activities,” Stine said.

Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.

Bullying prevention was added to this year’s retreat agenda — emphasizing the importance for fifth-graders to stand up for other students, especially younger children, in kindergarten through fourth grade.

“(Fifth-graders) can be the ones where they see bullying happen, they can intervene and stop,” said Oakstead principal Tammy Kimpland. “As leaders, when you see something going on that’s not supposed to be going on, you have the power to say, ‘Hey, quit picking on that kid.’”

Kristen Hirsbrunner, a fifth-grade teacher at Oakstead, said having leadership retreats reinforces positive attitudes in the school’s eldest students.

“It’s so important,” Hirsbrunner said, “because our fifth-graders come in, at times, thinking they’re the big man on campus. They still are, but they’re taking a different role with that…to truly be that role model for the younger kids and each other.”

Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.

She added: “I think these kids, too, having seen what the kids last year were able to do, came in a little bit more excited about being a leader and what it means to be a leader.”

Fifth-grader Charlie Newport said the retreat gave him a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

“It was really great,” he said. “I was able to work more with people I normally wouldn’t be able to…because they’re not in my class.”

Throughout the school year, every fifth-grade student will be assigned to an adult in the building for leadership support throughout the year.

On Fridays, students will wear a “Pay It Forward” T-shirt to remind them to be responsible leader.

The school is also working to get a grant approved to purchase copies of the book, “Pay It Forward,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde to give to each fifth-grade student.

There are about 180 fifth-graders among the school’s total enrollment which surpasses 1,100, the principal said.

Published August 17, 2016

Chalk Talk 08/17/2016

August 17, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Melanie Storms in charge ‘worldwide’
William J. Lennox Jr., president of Saint Leo University, appointed Melanie Storms as vice president of the newly created Saint Leo University Worldwide Division, which is committed to providing convenient classes to students whenever and whenever needed. Storms has served in a leadership capacity in higher education for 15 years, and most recently served as vice president of the College of Health Sciences for Walden University. She also has extensive experience in both programmatic and regional accreditations.

Sunrise hosts leadership institute
The Sunrise Domestic & Sexual Violence Center hosted its third annual Summer Youth Leadership Institute at Saint Leo University. The institute’s goal is to develop student leaders to work with peers to visualize and create a community where all people are valued, honored and respected.

Students also received a holistic introduction to the college experience and had the opportunity to tour Saint Leo University, work with members of the university’s community, and stay in student dorms.

Participants in the Summer Youth Leadership Institute front row from left: Natravia Hunter, Ali Smith, Brionna Dupree and Alexis Watson. Second row from left: Aubrey Hall, Shannon Keim, Isabella Olsen, Francesca Corradini, Gary Lopez-Perea and Amanda Markeiwicz. Back row from left: Elisabeth Bolt, Terri O’ Brien, Megan West, Endora Ankrah and Mihail Kaburis.

Charter school ‘Scoopie’ night
Countryside Montessori Charter School and Culver’s are partnering for “Scoopie Night” on Aug. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stop in at Culver’s, 2303 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz, and 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the school.

For information, call (813) 996-0991.

For information, call Mitch Wilkins at (813) 431-8261.

The deadline is Aug. 31. The winner will be announced on Sept. 15.

For information, call (813) 909-1962.

For information, call (813) 693-4247.

Rasmussen College gives back
Rasmussen College gave back to its local communities during the eighth annual Community Service Day. Approximately 1,200 employees and students from its 23 campuses and three central office participated in the event.

Forty employees and students from the college’s New Port Richey/West Pasco and Land O’ Lakes/East Pasco campuses volunteered at several Gulfside Hospice thrift shops. Ten volunteers helped paint the Zephyrhills location, which is being remodeled. The remaining volunteers helped in other thrift shops by putting away clothes, sorting merchandise and cleaning.

Another 15 employees and students from the New Port Richey/West Pasco campus helped build a West Pasco Habitat for Humanity home in Holiday, in support of one of the college’s longtime employees and student Crystal Arnold.

Pasco Education Foundation receives $8,000
The Concourse Council Inc., made an $8,000 donation to the Pasco Education Foundation. The Concourse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of educational, recreational, cultural and entertainment services for the residents of Pasco County, the Nature Coast, Tampa Bay and visitors to Florida.

The Concourse also is host to Pasco Safety Town, a realistic six-acre, child-sized town, designed to provide hands-on safety education for school children ages 5 to 8.

The donation will be used for future scholarships for eight Pasco County High School graduates.

Future business leaders
Students of the Pasco-Hernando State College Phi Beta Lambda business organization competed in the Future Business Leaders of America PBL National Leadership Competition conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joy Jordan, West Campus, placed ninth in the nation in the personal finance category.

Other West Campus students: Tayler Carlson, Michael Finucane, Marcella Thurman and Norman Widamen Jr., of the parliamentary procedures category team; and, Leslie Barnwell of the job interview category competed in the semifinals in the national competition.

Also participating were Manuel Cuzco, Spring Hill Campus, in human resource management; and, Leslie Barnwell, West Campus, in administrative technology.

At the State Leadership Conference, students compete in events testing business knowledge and skills. Top state winners are then eligible to compete at the National Leadership Conference.

Wiregrass Elementary revving up for first day

August 10, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Crews are kicking it into high gear at Wiregrass Elementary School to ensure the school is ready to open for students on Aug. 15.

Music teacher Christine Reed is clearly excited about the musical tools that children at Wiregrass Elementary School will get to use. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Music teacher Christine Reed is clearly excited about the musical tools that children at Wiregrass Elementary School will get to use.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The new school, at 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel, will have its “first” first day of school, and Principal Steve Williams said he and his staff can’t wait.

“This is going to be a fantastic school. It’s going to be an outside-the-box kind of school. It’s going to be a school that doesn’t necessarily do things the way everybody else does, because we are pushing for incredible outcomes. Intentional outcomes,” Williams said.

The school was built to relieve crowding at other nearby schools. As of Aug. 4, its enrollment was 505 students, but that number has been increasing every day, the principal said.

“We certainly anticipate that this is going to be a growing school. There’s a lot of subdivisions being built,” he said.

Williams said the school has features he thinks will help to make it special.

There’s an area called Wiregrass Court, an inclusive play area for children and a park.

There are other differences, too.

Principal Steve Williams and teacher Maria Pita chat, while the teacher sets up her new classroom at Wiregrass Elementary School.

“We’re trying to push what the definition of learning spaces look like. So, we don’t have a media center. We have what we call The Wiregrass Innovation Factory. That’s where you have the large space with technology and books, and opportunities to collaborate and create,” the principal said.

Each grade level team also has its own “Local innovation Factory,” tailored to each age group.

“It looks different. It feels different. It’s got great technology in it. In addition, it’s got some furniture. It’s got a maker space. It’s got some instructional materials. Ultimately, you’ll have two 65-inch TVs, plus an interactive whiteboard, all with wireless technology,” Williams said.

The school’s staff was set to report to work on Aug. 8, but some teachers dropped in earlier to unpack boxes and arrange their classrooms.

“We’ve opened these past two days — yesterday and today — for staff that wanted to move in,” Williams said on Aug. 4. “For most of them, this is their very first time being on this campus. They’re here to drink it all in and to move stuff,” he said.

Heather Crouch, music teacher at Wiregrass Elementary School, knows a thing or two about shaking a tambourine. — Heather Croucher, music teacher at Wiregrass Elementary School, knows a thing or two about shaking a tambourine.

“They’ve been very, very excited and I understand it, because I’ve been excited, too,” the principal added.

Robin Kestenbaum, who teaches first grade, loves the idea of helping to launch the new school.

“I honestly felt like a little first-grader, getting ready for the first day of the school,” she said.

Kestenbaum, a teacher for 17 years, said she has taught in Massachusetts and Tennessee, and on the east coast of Florida. Most recently, she taught at Pine View Elementary.

The beginning of every school year is exciting, she said, but that’s especially true this year.

“I have to be honest with you, this is one of the most exciting for me, personally,” Kestenbaum said.

Third-grade teacher Maria Pita brought a crew along to help her move in. Her husband was there, and so was her daughter and her daughter’s friend. And, another daughter was expected to arrive to join in, too.

The teacher previously taught at Pasco Elementary.

“It’s going to be a whole new adventure,” Pita said, who taught at Pasco Elementary last year.

Wiregrass Elementary is outfitted in all of the latest technology, but will also be using traditional teaching tools, too.

Music teachers Heather Croucher and Christine Reed are also delighted to help open Wiregrass Elementary. Croucher, who taught at Denham Oaks Elementary, will be at Wiregrass Elementary five days a week. Reed will be Wiregrass Elementary for two days a week and Pine View Elementary for three days a week.

“We’re excited about all of the new stuff that we have,” Croucher said. The music department also has two rooms, she said. “This is our music suite.”

“That’s S-W-E-E-T,” Reed added.

“We’re looking forward to doing lots of musicals here,” Croucher said, including “maybe a xylophone group, and maybe even utilizing that outdoor area for some recitals.”

The school has four things it is focusing on, Williams said. Those are: Safety pursued. Learning focused. People valued. And, outcome driven.

“All of our conversations and all of our systems are all based around those four things,” he said.

First-grade teacher Robin Kestenbaum is sorting out some books for the bins in her classroom.

In learning focused, for instance, “this first year we’re doing a lot of conversations about students owning their own learning and what does that look like?” the principal said.

“How do we help our student to own their own learning? Of course, that looks different at kindergarten than it does at fifth grade,” the principal said.

Helping kids “own” their own learning can mean that different kids will be doing different things in the room at the same time — aiming for the same learning goal, but coming at it from different paths, he explained.

The goal is to prepare students leaving the elementary school to be successful in middle school, said Williams, who previously was the director of teaching and learning for Pasco County Schools. Before that, he was the principal at Sunlake High School and worked in other roles.

When the opportunity to lead Wiregrass Elementary came along, Williams said he was pleased to accept the role.

“One of my professional goals was always to open a school as principal,” he said. “This has been the chance to cast a vision, to hire the staff, to buy the materials, to do everything from the ground up.”

Published August 10, 2016

Pasco prepping to ring in a new school year

August 10, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Teachers headed back to Pasco County Schools this week to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 15.

Opening day is a big deal on every campus every year, but it will be especially meaningful at Wiregrass Elementary School, at 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel because that school is having its “first” first day.

Technology teacher Dalton Smith and Assistant Principal Josh Borders are busy moving boxes — getting ready for the first day of classes at Centennial Middle School in Dade City. (Courtesy of Centennial Middle School) — Technology teacher Dalton Smith and Assistant Principal Josh Borders are busy moving boxes — getting ready for the first day of classes at Centennial Middle School in Dade City.
(Courtesy of Centennial Middle School)

The mood across campus during a teacher move-in day last week offered a glimpse into the significance. People were focused on getting things ready — but there was an obvious excitement, too.

Like many schools, Wiregrass been counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until school starts.

This label is above the ticking clock on its website: “Countdown until Wiregrass Elementary changes the world forever.”

The opening of Wiregrass Elementary, of course, caused a shifting of school boundaries. That means some Wesley Chapel children will be experiencing their first day of school this year at at Denham Oaks Elementary, at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

The 2016-2017 school year also marks the beginning of a new S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Magnet program at Centennial Middle School at 38505 Centennial Road in Dade City.

The school will be using the Learning Active Technology Infused Classroom model, said Principal Rick Saylor. That instructional approach centers around rigor, student engagement and student responsibility.

Centennial Middle also has been equipped with new technology, offering new opportunities for students. For instance, it now has flight simulators that it will be using in its technology education class.

And now, because it’s a magnet school, it will be drawing students from outside its traditional boundaries, as well.

Pasco Elementary School, at 37350 Florida Ave., in Dade City, will be adding 50 minutes of daily instructional time for students in grades four and five, to comply with a state requirement.

In a July 18 letter posted in English and Spanish on the school’s website, Principal Nena Green tells parents: “We see this as a great opportunity for us to provide students with the additional support that they need to be successful.”

As a result of the additional instructional time, the school day for Pasco Elementary students in grades four and five will be from 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., while student in prekindergarten through third grade will remain on the school’s 8:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., schedule.

Students stream out of the portable classrooms at Wiregrass Ranch High School during a class change last school year. The school will again have a 10-period day, to relieve crowding on campus by staggering the time that students arrive and leave the campus. (Fred Bellet/Photo) — Students stream out of the portable classrooms at Wiregrass Ranch High School during a class change last school year. The school will again have a 10-period day, to relieve crowding on campus by staggering the time that students arrive and leave the campus.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

This will be a special year at Rodney B. Cox Elementary, at 37615 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Dade City, as the school celebrates its 90th anniversary — with festivities planned throughout the year.

While some schools are launching new initiatives, others are continuing on paths they began last year.

For instance, Wiregrass Ranch High, at 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will stick with a 10-period school day for the 2016-2017 school year. Next year, a new high school, now being built on Old Pasco Road, will open to relieve overcrowding.

By having a 10-period day, the school can provide a less crowded campus for most of the school day, according to Principal Robyn White

There will be some changes, though, White said. For instance, it will go back to having pep rallies during the day, instead of after school, because it found it had a higher participation rate.

It also has changed its schedule to close down one of its buildings later in the day because it found that most of the discipline issues it dealt with last year happened in that building later in the day, when there were fewer classes there.

“Typically, during passing, the teachers are standing outside the door,” White explained. When there are just a couple of classes in a building, there are fewer teachers to supervise the area, she explained.

The school will be keeping the fifth lunch period it added last year because it helped make the lunch periods more manageable, White added.

At Pine View Middle, 5334 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, the school will be entering its second year as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School. The program aims to expand learning opportunities for all children, and to broaden connections by providing instruction that’s deeper and wider.

Some schools will stick with tried-and-true traditions.

Wesley Chapel Elementary School, at 30243 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, for example, will have its annual Boohoo Breakfast.

“Whether you are saddened or excited, we would love to see you in the cafeteria on the first day of school, beginning at 9:30 a.m.” the school’s website proclaims, referring to the breakfast.

When children arrive on campus at Wesley Chapel Elementary, they’ll be greeted by Stan Mykita, the school’s new principal.

Parents who want to know more about their child’s school, how to get involved, how to help their child and details about such things as bus stops, school lunch prices and supplies, can find much of the information they need on their individual school’s website. Some information is also available on the district’s website, at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Registration requirements
Students entering a Florida school for the first time at any grade level, will be asked to present the following items upon registration:

Current immunization records (vaccination requirements vary by grade level)
Proof of a physical examination dated and signed by a licensed health professional within the last 12 months
Proof of age, through a birth certificate or other acceptable documents
Social Security number, if one is available.
Proof of Florida residency, such as water, gas, electric or other utility bill; a properly executed lease agreement; or some other evidence
Copy of the student’s last report card, if applicable
Legal guardianship records, if applicable

Students entering kindergarten for the first time must be 5 years old before Sept. 1. Pre-kindergarten and Head Start/Early Start programs are available to students who are younger.

Help for parents
Useful information often can be found on the websites maintained by Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools. Local schools also often provide practical tips to help parents help their children succeed in school.

For instance, Connerton Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, offered these pointers for parents to help foster school success:

Ensure that your child is at school on time each day.
Attend parent/teacher conferences and school events.
Monitor your child’s homework daily.
Expect and support positive behavior at school.
Read with your child or encourage your child to read daily.

Getting ready for Day 1

Before doing your back-to-school shopping, check your school’s website to find out out what supplies are needed.
Also, check the website to find out what time school begins and ends, the code of conduct and dress code for the school, and applications for free or reduced-price lunch.
Information also is available through individual and district websites regarding child care, the school year calendar and transportation.

Published August 10, 2016

Hillsborough heads back to school this week

August 10, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Hillsborough County public school students are heading back to school this week, and their counterparts in Pasco County public schools begin next week.

Whether they’re streaming to Lutz Elementary School, Steinbrenner High, Liberty Middle, an area charter school or to a private school — the beginning of a new school is a time that’s always marked with fresh starts and new enthusiasm.

The Lutz Elementary School campus — quiet and calm in this photo — soon will be buzzing with activities, as a new school year begins. — The Lutz Elementary School campus soon will be buzzing with activities, as a new school year begins.

Motorists need to remember that area roads will be busy, as yellow buses hit the streets to pick up children, high school students drive themselves and parents drop off their kids.

Adding to the mix are teachers, administrators and other school staff members who will be back on the roads again, too.

To help keep things safe, AAA advises that motorists slow down, come to a complete stop at stop signs, eliminate distractions such as using a cellphone or eating while driving, be careful when backing up and to watch out for bicyclists.

The motor club also urges parents to talk with their teenage drivers about being safe behind the wheel.

“Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the afterschool hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” according to the motor club’s website. It offers tips to help teenage drivers on its website.

Steinbrenner High School is one of several public high schools serving Hillsborough County students living within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Students arriving this fall at Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will find three new assistant principals, Principal Brad Woods announced in a letter to parents and students on the school’s website.

Changes also are in store for Denham Oaks Elementary, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

This school, in Pasco County, draws students living on the Pasco side of the county line.

This year, the school also will be picking up some students from Wesley Chapel neighborhoods, who have been reassigned there because of the opening of Wiregrass Elementary.

As a result of the boundary change, Pasco County Schools has added gifted education services at Denham Oaks. Parents of the Wesley Chapel students had complained their children would be losing those services, so the Pasco County School Board added them.

For parents wanting more information about Hillsborough or Pasco county public schools, they can visit the Hillsborough district website at SDHC.k12.fl.us or the Pasco district website at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Registration requirements
Students entering a Florida school for the first time at any grade level, will be asked to present the following items upon registration:

Current immunization records (vaccination requirements vary by grade level)
Proof of a physical examination dated and signed by a licensed health professional within the last 12 months
Proof of age, through a birth certificate or other acceptable documents
Social Security number, if one is available.
Proof of Florida residency, such as water, gas, electric or other utility bill; a properly executed lease agreement; or some other evidence
Copy of the student’s last report card, if applicable
Legal guardianship records, if applicable

Students entering kindergarten for the first time must be 5 years old before Sept. 1. Prekindergarten and Head Start/Early Start programs are available to students who are younger.

For instance, Connerton Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, offered these pointers for parents to help foster school success:

Ensure that your child is at school on time each day.
Attend parent/teacher conferences and school events.
Monitor your child’s homework daily.
Expect and support positive behavior at school.
Read with your child or encourage your child to read daily.

Published August 10, 2016