Pasco Schools wins Round 1
Pasco County Schools has emerged as the Round 1 champion in the Magnet Mania contest, orchestrated by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA), edging out Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, according to a news release.
The MSA tournament coincides with National Magnet Schools Month and spotlights districts nationwide, showcasing their remarkable achievements across the five pillars of magnet education.
Ramin Taheri, CEO of Magnet Schools of America, visited the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and delivered the $500 winning donation.
Magnet Mania runs from February through April — the ultimate prize awaits when a winner is announced at the National Conference on Magnet Schools in New York City.
To cast a vote for Superintendent Browning, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the Magnet Schools 2024 Contest.
Purduettes on Tour
The Purduettes of Purdue Musical Organizations will make a stop on March 14 at 7 p.m., at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Drive in Lutz, as part of its spring tour.
The organizations’ mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through the power of music and its students are ambassadors of Purdue University, bringing its legacy of musical performance excellence and student success to people around the world, according to a news release. The ensemble hopes to connect with Purdue alumni during the tour.
For more information, visit Purdue.edu/events.
‘Judaism is about Love’
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) will present “Judaism is about love” on March 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Blvd., in Tampa.
The event will explore the misconception that the Jewish tradition is about the law rather than love. The guest speaker will be Rabbi Shai Held, philosopher, theologian and Bible scholar, as he “recovers the heart of the Jewish tradition.”
Held will discuss how love is foundational and a part of true Jewish faith as well as the Jewish perspective on injustice and protest, grace, family life, responsibilities to neighbors and even enemies. His presentation will be based on his book, “Judaism is About Love,” which will be published this month.
There also will be a Q&A session.
For information, contact Laurie Gens at or 352-588-7711
Chasco Fiesta Education Expo
The Education Expo, orchestrated by Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), is a new addition to the Chasco Fiesta. It is designed to grow into a “one-stop shop” venue for local educational organizations to come together to showcase/highlight their programs and services to help educate the community. There will be interactive demonstrations, classes, trainings and community leader engagements.
The expo will take place on March 22 from noon to 7 p.m., and March 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sims Park, Grand Boulevard and Bank Street, in New Port Richey.
For information, contact Aaron Ellerman, public information officer, at 727-816-3259 or .
Roots in Education grant
Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) announced the 2024 Roots in Education teacher grants. The annual Roots in Education program awards 25 teachers each with a $1,000 grant to enhance their classroom and teaching process.
Nominees must be residents of Michigan or Florida.
Those who receive the award are recognized for having a particular admirable trait as an educator.
Grants can be used for classroom supplies, subscriptions to online services, or anything that will positively impact the educational experience for students
This year, LMCU is celebrating educators who possess an outstanding attitude of optimism. Any teacher from pre-K through high school can be nominated for this award.
Students, peers, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate those teachers who are positive and have cheerful energy and have impacted their community for the better.
For details and full eligibility requirements, visit LMCU.org/TeacherGrant.
Nominations will be accepted through March 31.
HEART initiative launched
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) recently announced the HEART — Hear, Empathize, Assess, Respect, Talk — initiative in recognition of Teen Health Relationship Month (February), according to a news release.
The collaboration between DCF and the Department of Education aims to spread awareness of healthy relationship information for teens, and to equip Florida’s teenagers, schools and communities with resources to help students develop healthy relationship skills as they begin dating.
“As the (DCF) department secretary and a mom, our goal is for all young adults to know what healthy relationships look like from the very beginning,” said Shevaun Harris, in the release.
“Through the HEART initiative, we are able to create more awareness of what a healthy relationship entails, and through our partnership with the Department of Education we will be able to spread this messaging to every school district in the state. We are focused on early intervention, and we are prioritizing prevention programming for teens, parents, caregivers, and guardians,” said Harris.
This annual monthlong effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.
To access resources to use within schools and to learn more about the initiative, visit MyFLFamilies.com/HEART.
Published March 13, 2024
