Creative engagement
Academy at the Lakes was ahead of the curve by closing its school before any local public school. It has received numerous positive messages from parents and they are finding creative ways to engage students through virtual learning.
The Academy hosted a “Virtual House Week Competition,” during which students did different challenges each day for points for their “House” in the school (there are four Houses). The first day, students sent in videos of themselves washing their hands to the tune of the school song, and the submissions were very creative.
Teacher Appreciation Week
According to the National PTA, “teachers change the lives of millions of children every day—their immense work and impact moves us beyond words… And, with the abrupt end to the physical school year, our teachers have done even more to continue education with virtual classrooms and learning at home lessons. All to ensure every student has the tools they need to reach their full potential.
“It’s in these challenging times that we recognize and appreciate how our nation’s educators play such a pivotal role in our children’s lives—inspiring a lifelong love of learning and discovery, and making a difference in their well-being and long-term success.”
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 to May 8.
For information and ideas, visit PTA.org/home/events/PTA-Teacher-Appreciation-Week.
Dream Award
Scholarship America has announced the 2020 recipients of the Dream Award, a renewable scholarship for students who have overcome challenges to pursue their college ambitions.
Local student Alexandra Joseph, a criminal justice major at Saint Leo University, is one of the recipients of the award. Joseph’s hometown is St. Leo.
A celebration to honor this year’s recipients is scheduled for May 7.
Scholarship America is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider. Since the Dream Award was created in 2014, 108 students have been awarded scholarships totaling nearly $2 million.
Community input needed
Pasco County Schools’ After School Enrichment Programs department (ASEP) is looking for input from the community through an online survey, as the district gets ready to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the Florida Department of Education.
The purpose of the grant proposal is to extend the district’s before and after school academic enrichment opportunities for students by providing a new and free academic support program at three select elementary schools and four select middle schools.
The new program will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum and offer enriching hands-on experiences.
If the grant is awarded, the program would start next school year.
Families are encouraged to share their input to help identify specific needs and potential offerings.
Parents and students who wish to participate in the survey can visit MyASEP.com, and click on the Parent or Student icon next to the “thoughtexchange” logo.
Virtual commencement
Pasco-Hernando State College will continue remote operations, and all campuses will remain closed to students, public and most employees, through June 1.
Student services, advising, admissions, financial aid, library, tutoring and other college services remain available.
Employees are accessible via phone, email and virtual platforms.
A virtual commencement ceremony for spring semester graduates will be hosted on the college’s website on May 26.
Registration for online summer classes is underway and information about fall semester classes will be announced soon.
For information, visit PHSC.edu.
LearningExpress app
LearningExpress is offering test prep for college entrance and high school equivalency exams; workplace tools, such as reading, writing, math and science; and recommendations for further preparation, through the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) and a recently released app.
To use the app:
- Create an account through HCPLC at tinyurl.com/y9vado24
- Download the app from Play Store or the Apple Store
- Log into the app with the LearningExpress ID and password created through the website
Users must have a Hillsborough County library card to create an account to track their progress.
Hotline and informational website
Manisha Snoyer, co-founder of SchoolClosures.org, offers help and/or advice on a wide range of issues including: remote learning, finding meals, emergency childcare, live tech support, financial security, psychological support, and free tutoring, according to an email.
The informational website, along with a hotline, is a coordinated effort run by more than 150 volunteers and more than 80 partner organizations (including Khan Academy, Modulo, Revolution Foods, Class Dojo, Crisis Text Line and many more).
The hotline is staffed by volunteers with expertise in education and social services. Parents can call the hotline (1-855-264-2051) for help on planning a child’s education, planning healthy meals, or just to talk.
Teachers also are invited to visit the website or call the hotline, both of which are bilingual (Spanish).
