Leadership conversation
Saint Leo University will host alumna and Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis on Feb. 22, for a conversation on mission-driven leadership.
The “Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose” program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in the school’s Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms, and online via Zoom.
Davis is the past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and recently testified on the matter of police reform in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.
The program also will feature an interactive, interview-style conversation with Davis, who will share her experience in leading with purpose and making a difference in her profession and society at large.
Masks will be required by all individuals attending in person, regardless of whether that individual is vaccinated.
Admission is free. Registration is required by visiting SaintLeo.edu/mdl.
Home-school resources
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Digital Learning Day: Resources for Home-schoolers” on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m., for home-school families.
The workshop will explore some of Pasco County Libraries’ online resources, which are free with a library card.
Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.
Historians conference
Members of local historical societies, researchers, museum curators, and college students are invited by the Florida Conference of Historians to attend the group’s annual meeting on Feb. 25 through Feb. 27, on the campus of Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.
Early registration is open until Feb. 18, with advance fees starting at $40 for college students.
There will be an opening reception on Feb. 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn-Tampa Wesley Chapel.
A sampling of subjects from the conference program includes:
- Panel discussions on various parts of Florida history including Civil War legacy and the Civil War battle of Olustee
- Teaching history and the current Florida Civic Literacy Exam
- The life of Florida author Zora Neale Hurston
- Food topics and agriculture
- New studies on slavery in the antebellum South and various works about race, ethnicity, social groups and gender topics over time
- Urban development/transportation, the environment, and more
For program details and registration, visit FloridaConferenceOfHistorians.org/annual-meeting.html.
Information about the school’s COVID-19 protocols can be found online at SaintLeo.edu/protect-the-pride.
For information or special accommodations, contact Megan Case at 352-588-8401 or .
Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.
The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.
The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.
“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.
Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.
All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.
The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.
Deadline to apply is March 11.
To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.
Pasco schools partnership
Western Governors University (WGU) and Pasco County Schools (PCS) have announced a partnership to encourage faculty and staff to pursue high-quality, respected credentials and grow as professionals, according to a news release.
Employees and substitutes of PCS who are interested in becoming teachers will be eligible to apply for the $5,000 Pasco Pathways to Teaching Scholarship, valued up to $1,000 per six-month term and renewable for up to five terms for teacher licensure programs.
In addition, all qualified district employees will be eligible to apply for WGU’s K-12 Partnership Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 ($625 per term, for up to four terms), the release says.
“Districtwide, we are proud of our outstanding teachers and their expertise and dedication to Pasco County’s students,” said Kimberly Carroll, director of human resources and educator quality at Pasco County Public Schools, in the release.
“Our partnership with WGU helps ensure our district staff is prepared to educate our diverse student population and will provide opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of education,” said Carroll.
Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.
The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.
State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.
The deadline to enter is March 31.
For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.
