Adults-only Spelling Bee
The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc. found out who was “Smarter than a Preschooler” during its first adults-only spelling bee on Aug. 1 at the Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road in Spring Hill. Twelve teams of four spellers went head-to-head in the competition with three rounds of increasingly difficult words. The winning team of Kierczynski and Associates received the Ultimate Speller trophy by correctly spelling the word “ululation.” The trophy will be passed on to future spelling bee winners year after year.
Thomas, Janssen on Virginia Tech Dean List
Two local students enrolled at Virginia Tech were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. Junior Christine Thomas and Senior Eliana Janssen are both from Lutz and majoring in agribusiness in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To quality, students must attempt at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.4 grade point average during the semester.
Museum offers free day to teachers
The Henry B. Plant Museum will offer free admission to teachers and their families on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can explore the museum at their leisure, take a self-guided audio tour or participate in a walk-through at 1 p.m. There will be a screening of the historical video “Florida’s First Magic Kingdom.” The museum is at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa. For information, visit plantmuseum.com.
Visit The Reading Corner
The Reading Corner, a new private school at 1800 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house on Aug. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enrollment spots are open in various age groups in classes for children age 3 through fifth grade. For information on tuition, email , or call (813) 909-9204.
New principal for Wiregrass Ranch
Robyn White has been named principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel. Robyn White began her career as a Pinellas County teacher in 1986 and has been the assistant principal at Wiregrass since 2006. She succeeds Ray Bonti, who was promoted to an administrative position at the district offices.
PHCC looking for singers
Pasco-Hernando Community College is looking for experienced singers to join the College/Community Chorus program. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Aug. 20. The chorus meets in the Performing Arts Center building on the PHCC West Campus in New Port Richey. The chorus is offered through the college’s continuing education department. Tuition fee for the chorus is $29 for the fall semester and includes music. For information, email .
MOSI hosts home-school educators
MOSI is hosting a free day of fun and exploration in its exhibits and Kids in Charge area for local home-schoolers on Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of home schooling is required. Those attending can meet the MOSI home-school educators and discuss program options, view an educational IMAX film for $4.95, and visit the sea monster exhibit for $10. MOSI is at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. For information, call (813) 987-6000, or visit www.mosi.org.
Remington College gives haircuts
Throughout the month of August, Remington College Tampa Campus is offering a free haircut for children younger than 17. Instructors and students in the Remington College cosmetology program provide the haircuts. Adults who bring in a donation of school supplies can also get a free salon service. Choices include a haircut, manicure or pedicure. Remington College is at 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 400, Tampa. For information or an appointment, call (813) 316-4470, or visit remingtoncosmo.com.
Grant provides for scholarships
The Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation recently received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
The contribution provided scholarships to PHCC students in summer 2013 and will continue to provide scholarships to fall term PHCC students. Per the donor’s wishes, preference will be given to part-time students who may not qualify for other financial aid.
Roberts was a generous lifelong donor to PHCC. He relocated to Sarasota, and upon his death in 2009, established the fund. The PHCC Foundation was one of the organizations specified to be eligible for distributions from the Fund.
For more information about the PHCC Foundation, please call (727) 816-3410, or visit www.phcc.edu/foundation.
Thomas Rhoades makes Dean’s List
Thomas D. Rhoades of Lutz was among 332 students named to the Dean’s Recognized List at Benedictine University for the spring 2013 semester.
The list recognizes part-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher.
Benedictine University is an independent Roman Catholic institution in Lisle, Ill.
Open house at Double Branch
Double Branch Elementary will have an open house Sept. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for kindergarteners to second graders, and from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for those in grades 3-5. The PTA will conduct a general assembly meeting in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. Spirit items will be available. The school is at 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 346-0400.
American Board programs
According to the 2012 Florida Vital Signs report, only 22 percent of Florida eighth-graders have a math teacher who majored in the subject they teach. Only 43 percent of eighth-graders have a science teacher who majored in the subject they teach. This summer, the American Board, a teacher certification nonprofit, is aiming to alleviate this issue by helping career-changing professionals bring their experience and expertise to local classrooms. The board assists career-changers, subject area experts, recent college graduates and others with a bachelor’s degree to earn full teacher certification by offering programs online so candidates can work at their own pace. The board is hosting informational sessions in August for those interested. To learn more, visit http://www.abcte.org/drupal/teach/events.
Social work program gets accreditation
Saint Leo University announced its master of social work program has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, just four years after the technologically innovative program was launched.
The accreditation assures workplaces, prospective students and the general public that the Saint Leo program meets the teaching and curricular standards established by the profession. Through the accredited program, master of social work graduates are eligible to take the examination to become licensed clinical social workers.
Lee on Dean’s List at Eckerd
Laura Lee of Lutz has been named to Eckerd College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester. Lee is majoring in American Studies. To qualify, students must complete at least four courses with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. Eckerd College is at 4200 54th Ave. S. in St. Petersburg.
