Messages of kindness abound
Wiregrass Elementary School was abuzz during its Spring Fling Spirit Week, which included a Kindness Day, an event dedicated to spreading goodwill and cheer throughout the campus.
From vibrant hats adorned with messages of love to kindness coupons promising acts of goodwill, the students’ creativity knew no bounds. Signs that served as beacons of positivity were posted in the school hallways.
The kindergarten class also took center stage with a Kindness Parade, marching through the corridors.
Wiregrass Elementary is committed to fostering an environment where kindness is not just a lesson, but a practice lived out loud.
School Choice window opens
The Pasco County Schools’ school choice application window opened on April 15 and will close on April 19 at 4:30 p.m. This second time frame is for families who may have missed the January window or who have recently moved to Pasco County.
Applications are for select schools, grade levels, and programs including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, International Baccalaureate (IB), the Cambridge Programme, and the new Kirkland Ranch K-8.
To see a full list of what is currently available, visit PascoSchools.org/schoolchoice.
Early Learning seminar
The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host “Early Learning Transition to Kindergarten” on April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 352-567-3576.
Saint Leo casino fundraiser
The Saint Leo University Athletics Department will host a Casino Night fundraiser on April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at its Wellness Center, on the west side of the campus at 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo, for guests ages 21 and older. Proceeds will benefit the school’s athletics department.
Tickets are $70 and include playing chips, hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets for beer or wine. Guests can “dress to impress” in cocktail attire. There also will be a live DJ for dancing, a raffle and silent auction, as well as a photo booth. Casino games include blackjack, roulette, slot machines, craps, Texas Hold’em, and a Big Money Wheel.
For tickets, visit SaintLeoEvents.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.
For more information, email Dawn Boltin, associate athletic director of Business & Finance/SWA, at .
Earth Day contest
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is celebrating Earth Day by hosting its annual Earth Day Poster Contest, for grades four to 12. The theme is “Clean is Green: Preserving Florida’s Future.”
Artwork will be selected from each grade group (fourth to fifth grade; sixth to eighth; ninth to 12th) in each of DEP’s six district regions and winners will receive day passes for Florida State Parks. District winners will be entered into a statewide contest. The winning entries also will receive a full-size printed poster of their artwork.
For complete rules and guidelines, visit https://floridadep.gov/comm/comm/documents/earth-day-2024-rules-and-guidelines.
Poster submissions are due by 5 p.m., April 22. Winners will be announced in May.
Arts Impact Grants
The Hillsborough County Arts Council’s Community Arts Impact Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations to support projects of an arts and cultural nature. Projects funded by these grants in the past have included:
- Offering free art programs for area veterans
- A hunger awareness event at a local food bank
- Creating murals for the community at an intersection in Temple Terrace
- Providing musical instruments for local elementary and middle school students
To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, visit https://hillsborougharts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FY25-Community-Arts-Impact-Grant-Guidelines-2.pdf.
The deadline to apply is April 26.
