Local therapy dogs visit students
In line with Pasco County Schools’ commitment to expanding literacy among its students, local therapy dogs paid a visit to James Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey for a special reading event, “From Woofs to Words.”
Six therapy dogs and their handlers recently took the time to read to approximately 100 students. This unique initiative exemplifies the school district’s belief in innovative approaches to enhance the reading experience and bolster literacy rates, according to a news release.
The event also aligns with the district-wide “15 Million Minute R.A.C.E. for Reading” program, which champions the goal of logging 15 million minutes of reading this school year.
“We always explore diverse ways to excite our students about reading. Integrating therapy dogs
and our 15 million-minute RACE for reading program are just a few examples of Pasco County
School’s dedication to fostering a love for literature and achieving our ambitious reading goals,”
Superintendent Kurt Browning said, in the release.
Plant/Animal Teacher Boxes
Hillsborough County Teachers and homeschool parents can sign up today to receive a “tool” box filled with lessons on invasive plants and animals (limited quantities available). The boxes give access to an online Canvas Module and video created by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
To claim a box on animals, visit http://tinyurl.com/yba7cc4z.
To claim a plant box, visit http://tinyurl.com/yjrb8558.
Boxes will be ready for pickup on Sept. 25, at 730 W. Emma St., in Tampa. For information, call 813-221-8733, or email .
There also will be a giveaway of plants for three butterfly gardens, which can be planted at a school or in an approved city or county area in October or November.
Absentee Awareness Month
Pasco County Schools is on a mission to ensure every student shines brightly in the classroom, as it recognizes Absentee Awareness Month in September.
“Every morning is a new opportunity. When parents and guardians actively participate in their child’s morning routine, it’s like lighting a spark for their entire day,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a news release.
“Together, we can fan that spark into a flame of academic achievement by being involved with starting our children’s day on the right foot,” said Browning.
- Why Attendance Matters: Students with consistent attendance achieve greater academic heights due to increased instructional time. Missing just two days a month is 10% of a school year. High absentee rates can lead a student down the path of dropping out. Alarmingly, a 10% or higher absentee rate can steer a child towards future crime and unemployment. Statistics show that the two largest age groups impacted are students in the third and eighth grades.
- Get Involved: Parents can dive into Pasco Schools’ website (Pasco.k12.fl.us) for practical tips to ensure their child is school-ready every day. Join in the conversation by speaking with your kids and family about the importance of school attendance. Parents, guardians and community members are encouraged to be the change-makers in a child’s academic journey.
During the month of September, Pasco County Schools will share valuable tips to help students, which will be highlighted on its website, shared across its social media platforms, and communicated directly to parents through district messaging platforms.
Pasco County Schools is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.
Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:
- Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
- Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
- Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community
Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.
The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.
Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.
Student achievements
These local students were recognized at Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester:
- Dean’s List — Tara Fisher, Kelsey Gulic
- President’s List — Troy Bacon, David Hernandez, Timothy Hicks, Preeti Sameera Batchala, Matthew Stewart and Steven Turpin
Also, Noah Kilpatrick, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa.
Leadership Training
The North Tampa Bay Chamber in partnership with the Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will host a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., each day.
The virtual training is recommended for candidates and anyone interested in running for local or state office, serving their community or managing campaigns.
Training is free and nonpartisan. Participants can attend one or both days.
The sessions will provide a comprehensive briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees on what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, offer guidance on how to prepare to run for office in the future, and provide training on how to run winning campaigns.
Registration is online at FIPL.org/Register.
After-School Program
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host Early Release Day After-School Programs to coincide with Pasco County Schools’ early release dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.
The programs are free and geared to second- to fifth-graders. There will be structured games, sports, and arts and crafts. Program spots are limited and each date opens three weeks prior at 8 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online at secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl/catalog.
For more information, call 813-929-1220.
Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.
The concert line-up includes:
- Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
- Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
- Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
- March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
- April 5, The Majesty of Rock
Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015.
For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or ">.
