Students immerse themselves in Jewish culture
Hillel Academy’s eighth-grade students arrived at their ultimate destination — Israel — in May, after studying Israel, Hebrew and Judaism for years.
From an early age, the students learn the geographic location of Israel, cities and important facts about the country, including Jewish beliefs, traditions, history, prayers and rituals.
While in Israel, the students were able to ride camels, watch the sun set over a crater, swim in the Dead Sea, volunteer at Leket Nahalal, hike the Arbel mountain, and attend evening celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) on Ben Yehuda Street, and more.
They also walked the streets of Tel Aviv, spoke Hebrew with the residents, visited the Nachalat Binyamin (arts & crafts market) and the Rabin Museum.
While in Jerusalem, the students prayed and left notes from other Hillel students, teachers and parents at the Western Wall.
New academy owners
All Aboard Christian Academy, 36233 Clinton Ave., in Dade City, has new owners who are lifetime residents of the community, and who have extensive experience in education and child care, according to a release.
The academy’s mission is to provide a loving, supportive, safe and educational environment for families who need infant, toddler, preschool, school-age care and education for their children.
For more information, call (352) 567-0032, or visit AllAboardChristianAcademy.com.
Teacher appreciation
As part of its Summer of Appreciation, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is offering kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers free admission with one full-price, single-day paid admission, through Aug. 31.
Proof of employment must be presented at the ticket window to receive offer.
For information, visit ZooTampa.org.
Teen academics
Saint Leo University will offer two new academic summer camps — a social justice camp for high school juniors and seniors, and an environmental science and sustainability camp for ages 14 to 18.
The social justice program is an overnight camp for students to work with community partners on projects related to freedom, justice, equality, sustainability, peace and fairness.
The camp will be from June 23 to June 29.
For information, call (352) 588-7324.
The environmental camp is planned for June 24 to June 28. Students can experience the field and the laboratory in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, along with instruction in collecting, analyzing and interpreting samples, and identifying organisms.
For information, call (352) 588-8365.
For details on both camps, visit SaintLeoCamps.com.
Stuff the Backpack
The First National Bank of Pasco and the Thomas Promise Foundation have partnered for a “Stuff the Backpack” Drive, through July 26.
Collected items will be distributed to participating Pasco County Schools.
Donations needed include: pencils, pens, scissors, index cards, notebooks, folders, paper, glue sticks, colored pencils, liquid soap, Ziploc bags, crayons, Kleenex, highlighters, erasers, pencil boxes, rulers and hand sanitizers.
Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies.
Items can be dropped off at any of the four First National Bank of Pasco branches.
Free HART rides for students
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) again will offer its Summer Blast Pass through Aug. 31 for Hillsborough County students ages 5 to 18. Proof of age is required.
The Blast Pass provides unlimited rides on HART Local, Limited Express, MetroRapid and HARTFlex services.
The pass can be picked up at any of HART’s three Tampa locations.
For office locations and information, visit GoHART.org.
Dual enrollment graduates
Pasco County students from 14 high schools graduated from Pasco-Hernando State College before their 2019 high school graduation, through dual enrollment courses and collegiate high school.
Dual enrollment and collegiate classes are offered at no cost while a student is in high school, which can save families thousands of dollars in college tuition and textbook costs.
The schools and number of students who earned AA degrees are: Anclote High School, 1; Dayspring Academy, 9; Fivay High, 7; Gulf High, 1; Hudson High, 4; Land O’ Lakes High, 6; Mitchell High, 4; Pasco eSchool, 1; Pasco High, 8; River Ridge High, 4; Sunlake High, 2; Wesley Chapel High, 3; Wiregrass Ranch High, 8; and Zephyrhills High, 3.
CNA Program
The United Way of Pasco County, Life Church and CNA Training & Testing Center will offer a Work Ready CNA Program.
Candidates will receive a CNA course and manual; CPR 2-year certification; electronic fingerprinting; state exam; and scrubs and a stethoscope.
Candidates must be able to attend all program dates, expectations and processes.
Preference will be given to those living in Pasco County, attend Life Church and Life Community Center events.
Applications are online and must be submitted no later than June 17 at midnight.
For information, call (813) 994-0985.
To apply, visit form.jotform.com/Granger_Robin/CNA-Work-Ready.
