Teacher Appreciation Week
Students and the community can thank a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7 to May 11.
“Teachers play a key role in the development of our future leaders, and they have an invaluable impact on our education system and society as a whole… Their day does not begin and end when the first and final class bells sound,” said Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a release.
Browning also is asking businesses throughout the community to use marquees, Facebook pages, and other social media accounts to say, ‘Thank you, Pasco County teachers.’
All-Florida Academic Team
Pasco-Hernando State College students were nominated to the 2018 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team.
Representing PHSC are Megan Best and Matthew Gadow, from the Spring Hill campus; and Elizabeth Merwin, from the East Campus in Dade City.
Students were selected based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service, and had the opportunity to attend an awards ceremony on April 6.
For information, visit PHSC.edu.
Mental health symposium
Pasco County Schools student services staff and community mental health providers will take part in a Mental Health Symposium May 4.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so the district wants to raise awareness of students’ mental health needs, build capacity of staff to respond, and increase collaboration between schools and mental health providers.
The day will include a panel discussion, and cover topics such as eating disorders, anxiety, school-based violence prevention, trauma reduction and supporting recovery, non-suicidal self-injury, and connecting mental health services.
For information, email Cassandra Hall at .
Prom & talent show
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the ESE Prom (Exceptional Student Education) May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the gymnasium.
The theme will be “Hollywood Stars: A Red Carpet Event.”
Student volunteers, Best Buddies and the Special Olympics club will team up for this fifth annual event.
The prom will include a disc jockey, a prom court, and voting for king and queen.
There also will be a talent show and participants will receive an “Oscar.”
For information, email Malisa Gonzalez at .
School safety meeting
A School Safety Town Hall meeting will take place May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Participants will include Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Council of PTAs/PTSAs, local law enforcement, mental health providers, parents, students and local elected officials.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. The community is encouraged to attend to give input.
Volunteer opportunity
Martial Arts Academy, 5268 Village Market in Wesley Chapel, has volunteer hour opportunities for high school students. The academy is affiliated with Global Humanitarian Resources.
To apply, visit the academy or email .
Summer registration
Registration for three summer sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway.
Sessions include one 10-week term and two six-week terms, starting May 7 and June 19.
Currently enrolled and returning students should register as soon as possible.
The summer course schedule is online at PHSC.edu.
New students interested in taking summer or fall classes should visit the website for admissions information and to apply online.
Financial aid for the summer term may be available through Florida Bright Futures, Pell, Florida Pre-Paid, and Foundation Scholarships.
The application fee for new students is $25, and orientation and placement tests are free.
Kindergarten and Head Start
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration for children who turn 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018, is May 7, at all Pasco County elementary schools.
Required documentation includes: Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date; health examination HRS Form 3040; HRS Certificate of Immunization; and three official documents proving residency.
Those interested should contact their area school for details about orientation activities and times.
For information, call Danielle Varcardipone at (813) 794-2404.
Head Start and Early Head Start applications also are now available.
Expectant mothers, infants, toddlers and children through age 5 that meet income eligibility requirements may apply for the programs. Completing an application does not guarantee a child’s eligibility for services.
For information on minimum required documents, call Alexis Russell at (813) 794-2730.
Future business leaders
Pasco-Hernando State College students participated in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and Competition.
PHSC West Campus student Charles Henderson IV placed first in Contemporary Sports Issues and second in Sports Management and Marketing, qualifying for national competition.
The Spring Hill Campus team of Rahul Kader and Mia Toner placed third in Hospitality Management. Kader also placed fifth in Computer Concepts.
Also from the Spring Hill Campus, Cameron Malone placed fourth in Impromptu Speaking.
North Campus student Emily Brock placed fourth in Desktop Publishing and fifth in Business Presentation.
The annual Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National Competition will take place in Baltimore, Maryland in June.
