Launching marshmallows in the name of science
Fourth-grade students at Chiles Elementary School in New Tampa researched energy and motion by launching soft projectiles, better known as marshmallows. The team of Khalys Hamm and Victoria Radulescu-Pop took the school’s top honor among the classmates with their version of a Marshmallow Flyer.
School choice began Feb. 1
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application period began Feb. 1.
Parents can access applications on the district website at PascoSchools.org, and click on the school choice banner at the top.
If a student is currently attending a school on school choice, parents do not need to reapply unless their address has changed after initial approval, they reside outside Pasco County, or the student will be moving to the next school level (for instance, elementary to middle, or middle to high).
Families who live in another county and want to request assignment to Pasco County must submit a release from their home county within the open enrollment period.
Applications not fully completed will not be considered.
Requests for more than one child need to be submitted individually.
The application period runs through March 1.
Info sessions for Garden Montessori
Garden Montessori Charter School is a tuition-free, public kindergarten through sixth grade school slated to open in August, serving the Wesley Chapel area.
There will be parent information sessions Feb. 5 and Feb. 18, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.
General information and enrollment details can be found at GMCSWC.weebly.com.
Academy at the Farm fundraiser
The Mustang Mad Dash, a 5-kilometer and one-mile fun run, will be Feb. 7 to benefit Academy at the Farm Charter School in Dade City.
The race will start at First National Bank of Pasco, 13315 U.S. 301 in Dade City.
Packet pick-up and late registration is at 6:30 a.m., followed by the 5k race at 8 a.m.
Advanced registration is $35, and $40 after Jan. 30.
Participants should dress up as their favorite Alice in Wonderland character, or create a mad hat to run in.
For information and registration, call (352) 588-9737, visit FriendsOfTheAcademy.org, or email .
Scholastic chess tournament
The Academy at the Lakes Chess Club is hosting a Scholastic Chess Tournament in its gym, 2331 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.
There will be rated and unrated sections for kindergarten through 12th grade. Advance registration by Feb. 4 is $20. Day-of registration is $25 and runs from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Participants should bring a clock and chess set. Concessions will be available.
There will be trophies and medals for the top individual finishers.
For information, email Steve Abrahams at .
‘The World of a Teen’ panel discussion
Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will present “The World of a Teen” Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for teens and parents.
There will be a panel discussion on dating, driving, drugs, alcohol, stress, social media, health, peer pressure and more.
For information, call (813) 792-5131.
Pilot Club honors Top Dogs
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills recognized its Second Quarter Top Dogs from Stewart Middle School at a recent luncheon.
Students honored for academics and leadership roles were Adriana Garcia, Isaiah Lawrence, Donald Roach, Lindsey Binnicker, Zachary Schneidmiller, Adam Reid, Abigail Sloan, Emily Jennings and Cresencio “Roel” Siller.
For information about the Pilot Club, call Deborah Lincoln at (941) 993-6563.
Watergrass students score first place with essays
The Tampa Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution chose Watergrass Elementary School to participate in its premier Constitution Day essay project. Claire Donahue and Riley Cartel received first place awards. Each won a medal, certificate and $25.
Fourth-grade teacher Renee Marsella was awarded a copy of the book “We the People,” and a copy of “We the Kids” was donated to the media center.
The essays were typed and published for the school in a commemorative booklet.
SAT test and strategy session
The Princeton Review practice SAT test and strategy session will be offered Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the Wiregrass Ranch High School cafeteria, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Students should bring a scientific or graphing calculator and sharpened No. 2 pencils.
Students must stay until the test is over.
The fee for the day is $15 prepay by Feb. 20, and $20 at the door.
Registration forms are available at WiregrassPTSA.org, or can be picked up in the Student Services office.
For information, call Angela Palmer at (813) 388-1556, or email .
American Mathematics Competition
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will offer the AMC 10 or AMC 12 exam for secondary students in grades 12 and lower to take part in the American Mathematics Competition, on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
Both exams use multiple choice in which students use algebra and geometry concepts to solve problems.
Participation is free.
For information on the competition, visit MAA.org/math-competitions/amc-1012.
To register, contact Jacci White at (352) 588-8338 or , or contact Siamack Bondari at (352) 588-8279 or .
