Students win book challenge
The second-grade class at Trinity Elementary School and local educator Renee Blynt were the first-place winners in the 2018-2019 National Book Challenge hosted by Studentreasures Publishing.
The class will receive a $5,000 grant for their school as the grand prize.
Each of the 19 second-grade authors were recognized for their contributions to their book, “Trailblazers and World Changers,” which was published earlier this year through the Studentreasures’ free publishing program.
Blynt’s class came up with the book idea when thinking about different people from history that have changed the world.
The second-graders researched, wrote about and illustrated their topics, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to Mia Hamm’s soccer career.
Their completed book was awarded first place based on its originality, creative storyline and colorful illustrations.
More than 800,000 books were submitted to the nationwide contest sponsored by Studentreasures.
Mentor training
The Pasco Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship program is looking for mentors for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.
Mentors are needed throughout Pasco County high schools to meet with students at their schools on a weekly basis, usually during a lunch break or a free period.
Mentors offer friendship and guidance as the students work toward earning their scholarship.
Complete training will be offered, including a Mentor Toolkit to keep and use during sessions.
Training will be at the Pasco County Schools District complex, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Building 2.
Those interested must register in advance by contacting Gina Granger, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .
The next one-hour sessions are at 10 a.m., noon or 3 p.m., on July 22.
For more about the program, visit TakeStockPasco.org.
Working student scholarship
Hancock Injury Lawyers is encouraging students who want to strive to improve themselves by going to college and educating themselves to figure out how they will make their communities, and beyond, a better place.
In support of students who have worked hard not only in school but also in a part-time job, Hancock will award a $1,000 scholarship annually.
The application for the scholarship must include a cover letter, official transcript and a one- to two-page essay (500 words to 800 words).
Submission deadline is Aug. 4. The winner will be contacted Aug. 23.
For complete information on how to apply, visit LawHancock.com/scholarships/.
Citizens’ Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the eighth Pasco County Citizens’ Academy, an educational and entertaining program designed to share information about Pasco County services.
The academy begins in September and includes 10 sessions, culminating with a December graduation.
Participants can learn the many aspects of how county government and the county’s constitutional offices operate including: the legislative/administrative branch, county attorney’s office, fire rescue, sheriff’s office, office of the clerk and comptroller, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, school board, internal services branch, public services branch, development services branch and public infrastructure branch.
For information and a full list of class topics, visit PascoCountyFl.net/citizensacademy.
Applications are being accepted through Aug. 10 online at bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.
Early release days
Pasco County Schools will implement a monthly, two-hour early release schedule beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
Early release days will be the second Wednesday of each month, starting in September, except for January 2020 when it will be on the third Wednesday.
There will be no early release days in August or May.
The district’s PLACE program has a package option available for eligible, preregistered students. The district also is working with private daycare facilities to develop a list of other choices.
Students already enrolled in PLACE will be able to stay the extra two hours at no additional charge.
Current morning-only PLACE students may attend in the afternoon without charge.
Parents who have a last-minute need for their children to attend PLACE also may register at any time prior to the early release day that care is needed. The daily drop fee and registration fee will apply.
Bus transportation will be provided two hours earlier than usual for students who are transported on regular school days. The same routes and stops will be used.
For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the ‘Early Release’ banner.
School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations, for the upcoming school year:
- New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road: July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (727) 861-5260.
- Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St., and New Port Richey Clinic: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Dade City at (352) 521-1450.
- Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54: Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (813) 780-0740.
Each student initially entering a Florida school must have a physical exam, signed and stamped by a licensed provider, and dated within one year prior to registration.
Students also must have proof on file, using the Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH680) that they have received required immunizations.
The DOH-Pasco sites are providing free childhood immunizations and low-cost ($25 per child) school physicals by appointment at sites across Pasco County.
Parents should call their nearest clinic for information and to schedule an appointment.
The first day of school in Pasco County is Aug. 12.
