A step in the right direction
Pasco County Schools thanks everyone in the community who donated shoes and socks to Pasco students, through the Two Good Soles campaign. A total of 2,821 pairs of shoes and thousands of socks were donated.
Free TEACH program
Wreaths Across America (WAA) has launched a new TEACH program that was put together by retired educator and Gold Star mother Cindy Tatum, according to a news release.
The program shares an established curriculum designed to teach the next generation about the value of their freedom, and includes stories of courage and character. It also regularly introduces new educational materials, such as recent lesson plans related to Veterans Day.
The program encompasses all grades from kindergarten through the senior year of high school.
The service-based curriculum shares educational materials from philanthropic and patriotic organizations such as The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the American Rosie Movement, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and IKEducation at the Eishenhower Foundation.
Additionally, WAA developed a Veterans’ Oral History Project for youth from fourth to 12th grades that encourages young people to interview a veteran, service member, or Gold Star family member to learn about the sacrifices the military makes on behalf of our country.
The TEACH program is free to download at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach and also is available for all educators and homeschoolers on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Recycle your pumpkins
Learning Gate Community School’s environmental science teacher Steve Warrener’s classes have just started an adopt-a-farm program with Happy Farm, 16610 Tobacco Road in Lutz, for composting.
The public can drop off their pumpkins anytime from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 in the bins at the farm (signs will be posted). Pumpkins must not be treated with any preservatives.
Warrener also can do bulk pickup if anyone is interested.
Culinary Arts bake sale
The Land O’ Lakes Academy of Culinary Arts is offering its 11th annual Fall Bake Sale.
Items up for grabs include: Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, $10; French Silk Pie, $12; Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll, $10; Kentucky Pecan Pie, $15; Vegan + GF Apple Cranberry Crisp, $14; and Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, $10.
Order deadline is Nov. 4. Pickup is Nov. 16, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 in the Lakeview Café.
For information and questions, email Chef Blythe at or Chef Cooper at .
Fall Heritage Festival
Moore-Mickens Education and Vocational Center, 38301 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, will host its third annual Fall Heritage Festival on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will include food, live music, vendors, artists, and Buffalo Soldiers. Admission is $7; $25 VIP seating (with an RSVP). For information, call 352-518-8008.
50th Anniversary
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free commmunity West Campus Anniversary Celebration, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. Activities will include games and prizes, music, refreshments, and tours of the campus (fees for new student applications will be waived during the event.)
To learn more, visit PHSC.edu/history.
Afterschool Meals Program
Pasco County Schools has announced the approval of 51 schools for participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program.
Afterschool Meals is designed to provide nutritious food to children participating in afterschool programs on campus. Approved schools hosting these activities (including PLACE) after school hours will have the ability to provide meals.
These schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have been approved to participate in the program: • Elementary schools: Centennial, Chester Taylor, Lacoochee, New River, Pasco, Quail Hollow, R.B. Cox, San Antonio, West Zephyrhills, and Woodland
- Middle high schools: Centennial, East Pasco Education Academy, Pasco, R.B. Stewart
- High schools: East Pasco Education Academy, Pasco, Zephyrhills
Parents should contact the coordinator of the program their child is participating in, to determine if meals will be provided.
A meaningful conversation
The Saint Leo University Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) will present “Why Dialogue Matters” on Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., in Tampa.
This conversation will focus on why the practice of dialogue is essential for the health of traditions, institutions and society.
Guest speakers will be Rabbi David Maayan, Cohn visiting chair in Jewish Thought and assistant director of CCJS, and Dr. Matthew Tapie, associate professor of theology and director of CCJS.
Joining in the panel wil be Friar Henry Fulmer, Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Rabbi Rachel Blatt, Congregation Kol Ami; and Rabbi Joel Simon, Congregation Schaarai Zedek.
Prior to the event, an hors d’oeuvre reception will take place at 6:15 p.m. An RSVP is required online at SaintLeo.edu/Why-Dialogue-Matters.
The program will conclude with a presentation of the 18th Eternal Light Award to Dr. Eugene Fisher for his 50 years of contributions to Catholic-Jewish relations.
Admission is free. For information, email , or call 352-588-7298.
School Choice events
Mark your calendar with the following dates related to School Choice in Pasco County:
- Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at River Ridge High School
- Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Pasco Pathways Expo, at Wesley Chapel High School
- Jan. 9 to Jan. 20: Pasco Pathways Application Window
- Feb. 27 to March 8: Notification and Acceptance Window
For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/schoolchoice.
Playground fundraiser
Odessa Elementary School will host a golf tournament at Cheval Golf Club, at 4312 Cheval Blvd., in Lutz, on Nov. 13. Money raised from the event will go toward expanding and improving the school’s playground, by adding structures for all ages and abilities.
Cost is $150 per person and $550 per foursome. It will be a 9 a.m. scramble start and includes contests such as a $10,000 hole-in-one chance, on-course refreshments, lunch, gifts and more.
For information or to register, visit bit.ly/wildcat-golf.
