High school fishing program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2021-2022 High School Fishing Program offers high school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to teach fisheries conservation, practice fishing skills and apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant Program.
The program is focused on recruiting new anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.
The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant will award up to 30 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses and the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.
Participating clubs and teams will receive an updated educational curriculum comprised of lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing a conservation project.
The grant program is open to freshwater or saltwater fishing clubs or teams at public, private and charter high schools throughout Florida.
To be considered for the grant, clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.
The application can be found online at MyFWC.com/HSF, under “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.”
The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
Fee adjustments review
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider the approval of proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Sept. 21 board meeting, at 6 p.m., via Zoom.
Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.
Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.
Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.
For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.
Magnet schools recognized
Three Pasco County schools have been recognized as nationally certified magnet schools, which means they have met the rigorous standards that define high-quality magnet programs.
The schools are Bayonet Point Middle and Centennial Middle, both of which are STEM magnet schools, and Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a STEAM magnet school.
Magnet Schools of America, the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, created the national certification process to recognize the nation’s exemplary magnet schools and to help them continue providing high-quality magnet programs, according to a press release.
Magnet schools are those that offer specialized courses in themes that are designed to attract students from outside the traditional school boundaries.
“This is a tremendous honor for our magnet schools,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in the release.
“The staff at each school should be very proud, and I know parents will be pleased to know that their schools have met the highest standards of excellence,” said Browning.
Student achievements
- Austin Cambas, of Lutz, received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
- Shane McBride, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the summer Dean’s List at Columbia College of Missouri.
Working while in college
Working while going to college can pay off in several ways, according to The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).
The KHEAA states, in a news release, that earning money while in school, building a resume and learning to work well on a team can help a student after graduation.
One benefit is learning the importance of time management by having to juggle classes, study time, work and other parts of life in general.
Being employed can help to build a network of contacts and references that can aid in a future job search, too.
However, there can be possible drawbacks.
Working and going to school, especially if a student has a full-time job and a full schedule of classes, can cut into study time. The combination of work and school also can reduce downtime, which is needed to stay healthy — an important part of being a good student and employee, as well.
Before signing up for additional work hours or additional classes, a student should make sure there is still time to take care of one’s self.
For more information on KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.
Early release days
Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.
Upcoming early release dates are: Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13.
On each of these days, students will be released two hours early.
The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.
Education award
The Center for Education Reform (CER) will accept applications for and award a $1 million prize to an education provider, exceptional group of people, or organization that demonstrated accomplishment during COVID-19 and seeks to expand its work throughout the coming year, in the U.S.
The STOP Award for Education will reward education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless.
The application window is open now and closes on Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m., EST.
“We are on the hunt for great, successful entrepreneurs and innovators who have been educating our kids during COVID, and didn’t skip a beat to give parents what they want and children what they need during the pandemic,” said Jeanne Allen, CER founder and CEO, in a news release.
In addition to the $1 million prize, CER also is supporting several new micro-schools in underserved communities.
For more information, visit StopAward.com.
