School FUN Fest
Vine Church, 4743 Allen Road in Zephyrhills, will host a FUN Fest (Faithfully Uniting the Neighborhood) on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be food, music, free kids’ physicals, free haircuts, and book bags for all kids present (while supplies last). Arrive early to receive a book bag ticket.
For information, call (813) 298-3232.
Free school supplies
Operation Unwrap a Smile Inc., will host Back to School 2019 on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be free backpacks and school supplies.
Register at . For information, call Stephanie Roshell at (813) 748-4775.
Art contest winners
In recognition of SAMHSA National Prevention Week (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) sponsored an “Inspiring Change” art contest.
These are the winners from each age group:
Overall winner: Caleigh Brown, Charles Rushe Middle School
Kindergarten: Charles Walker, Moon Lake Elementary
First grade: Jaxson Eggers, Moon Lake Elementary
Second grade: Audrina Lawley, World of Knowledge
Third grade: Giovanni Aviles, World of Knowledge
Fourth grade: Cristalina Soares, Quail Hollow Elementary
Fifth grade: Catalyna Bronk, Moon Lake Elementary
Sixth grade: Mia Kremer, John Long Middle
Seventh grade: Hudson Middle, student’s name not available
Back-to-school physicals
Premier Community HealthCare will offer $15 back-to-school physicals through Sept. 30 at its Zephyrhills, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Lacoochee, Hudson, Dade City and Brooksville locations.
Offices are open Mondays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students can receive a complete physical examination, state-required screenings, and a free backpack with starter supplies.
Same-day appointments will be available.
For information, call (352) 518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.
School physicals
Pasco County Schools and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will offer school physicals and immunizations at these locations:
- Dade City Clinic, 13941 15th St.: 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.
School supply drive
Hawkins Photography, 24034 State Road 54 in Lutz, will collect school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Learning Gate Community School, also in Lutz. Drop off any school supplies and receive a free mini photo shoot the day of the event.
For information, call (813) 400-0026.
Teacher academy recognized
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce named the River Ridge High School New Teacher Academy (NTA) as the Youth Organization of the Year.
Students in the NTA receive classroom instruction on the fundamentals of becoming an educator and real-world experience working with students at elementary schools.
Students visit classrooms, teach lessons and support teachers’ curriculum.
They also have taught senior citizens about internet usage, social media access, identity theft protection, taking selfies, using mobile calendars, and using speech-to-text software.
In 2018, the New Teacher Academy was named the Florida Future Educators Association Outstanding Program of the Year.
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.
