Celebrating the holiday of Purim
Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay (HATB) hosted its annual Purim Sunday Funday, a free community-wide event to celebrate the holiday of Purim, all things STEAM, and a special building expansion.
The event’s family friendly atmosphere hosted Tampa Bay families from a variety of school and Jewish communities where guests mingled, shared Shalach Manot, stuffed their own soft Hamentashen, made STEAM projects of wooden noisemakers, and enjoyed treats and Grille Express food.
Some attendees came in costume and built Lego robots, while others collected goodies in their HATB tote bags as they moved through various stations of science, art, creativity and play.
Sulha Dubrowski, head of school, also shared with the crowd that HATB will be expanding to accommodate the ever-growing student body. Plans are underway for the construction of four new classrooms for the upper elementary and middle school, which will leave room in the existing building to expand the infant, toddler and primary programs as well.
For more about the school, visit HebrewAcademyTampaBay.org.
Student achievements
- Scott Abramson, Odessa: Dean’s List, Illinois Wesleyan University
- Derek Baker, Wesley Chapel: Honor List, Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Alyssa Bongiovanni, Lutz: Honor Roll, Rhodes College
- Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes: Deans’ Honor Roll, Fort Hays State University
- Natalia Kaminski, Wesley Chapel, Honor List, Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Thea Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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 .
Magnet certifications awarded
Two schools within the Pasco County School District have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and innovation: Paul R. Smith Middle School and Pasco Middle School.
The Lower Secondary Cambridge Programmes at both schools have been awarded Nationally Certified Magnet Schools by Magnet Schools of America, according to a news release. The honor is a testament to the schools’ unparalleled dedication to the principles of innovation, choice, diversity and academic excellence.
“We are immensely proud of the Cambridge Programmes at Paul R. Smith and Pasco Middle schools for achieving this significant milestone,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in the release.
“This recognition is a reflection of our tireless commitment to fostering an educational environment where every student can thrive. We look forward to continuing our drive towards excellence and setting new benchmarks for quality education,” said Browning.
This certification acknowledges the schools’ successful implementation of the five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence.
It also honors the active participation and support from the schools’ staff, students, families and community partners.
Wellness initiative launched
Emotional Vaccines, the emotional education platform provided by Dr. Rahul N. Mehra, M.D., has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Pasco and Hernando counties to support the well-being of early childhood educators and parents across nearly 300 child care centers, according to a news release.
The partnership comes at a time of increased global focus on issues like stress and anxiety, and as early learning educators are noticing more challenging child behaviors in the classroom, the release says.
Emotional Vaccines is a Tampa-based organization that provides adults and children with science-backed coping skills before these issues become more serious.
The partnership, dubbed “Mondays with Mehra,” is a weekly offering that will provide ELC teachers and parents with free access to Emotional Vaccines’ video content on managing stress, regulating emotions, and avoiding burnout.
Videos will be accessible via QR codes on posters placed in every ELC center. The content library will continue to build over the weeks ahead.
“This collaboration will introduce a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the health of early learning educators and the families we serve,” said Steve Knobl, Ph.D., executive director, Early Learning Coalition Pasco Hernando, in the release.
“We are excited to share these invaluable resources with our community. Our goal is to continue to empower and support child care providers and parents/caregivers through prevention and education,” said Knobl.
For more information, visit EmotionalVaccines.com.
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.
Magnet Mania goes to Round 3
Pasco County Schools celebrated a win in Round 2 of the Magnet Schools of American Magnet Mania 2024 Superintendent of the Year contest, according to a news release.
This lighthearted contest allows MSA member districts to highlight progress and success in areas crucial to magnet schools: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, family and community partnership, and leadership.
Superintendent Kurt Browning is the reigning champion, the release says.
This year’s tournament will culminate at the National Conference on Magnet Schools in New York City, with the winning district receiving a grand prize of $2,500.
Cast your vote online at Pasco.k12.fl.us.
