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Countryside Montessori Charter School

Sticky fun is popping up everywhere

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While some may see bubbles as just soapy pockets of air, Blaise Ryndes uses them to bring smiles to faces nationwide.

With his Spheres Bubble Show, the Land O’ Lakes resident creates unique bubble performances.

Bubble performer Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, opens his recent ‘Spheres’ show at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, with a massive amount of bubbles. (Christine Holtzman)

He is a solo entertainer, but his parents, Dave and Nadine, accompany him at each show.

“I like to consider my act to be a fusion of art, science and magic,” the 18-year-old said.

Just like many kids, he had an affinity for magic and balloon animals growing up.

But, at age 9, he decided he wanted to become a performer — not just a spectator.

His dad bought him his first magic kit, and he began learning how to master tricks. He also found creative ways to contort balloons into various shapes.

As he recalled: “I was always really shy as a child. I noticed when I got into magic, that when I would start to perform for other people, I came out of my shell a little bit. It gave me confidence.”

He drew inspiration from the Cirque du Soleil entertainers and the Blue Man Group.

One day, his dad showed him a YouTube video of the bubble performer, Tom Noddy.

Bubble performer and Land O’ Lakes native Blaise Ryndes releases a bubble infused with helium and the smoke from a mini fogger.

After watching Noddy’s act, Blaise was inspired to learn about bubbles himself.

Acquiring skills took much trial and error, but he said his persistence allowed him to create his own bubble techniques.

Blaise was attending Countryside Montessori Charter School, while performing shows.

As he gained notoriety, he took Pasco eSchool online courses during high school.

Over the years, he has performed at birthday parties and sports arenas, while being invited to venues in Massachusetts and Texas.

Locally, he has done shows at the Lutz Preparatory School, Glazer Children’s Museum and Great Explorations Children’s Museum, to name a few.

At 16, he was selected to perform his bubble act on the television series, America’s Got Talent, which exposed him to the nation.

Chosen as volunteers from the audience, identical 5-year-old twins Annika Johnson, of Odessa, left, and her sister, Kaitlyn, stand still, as Blaise Ryndes covers them inside a giant bubble.

“They flew me out to Los Angeles, California,” Blaise recounted. “I did my show, the judges loved it. It was really a great experience.”

“Blaise is a rock star in the bubble world,” his dad said. “He’ll probably do close to 200 shows this year.”

One of those events was at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Aug. 10. There, the Children’s Room was packed with parents and kids alike.

The crowd watched in awe as Blaise inflated a large bubble illuminated by an LED-lit platform, then used a straw to blow wind ripples inside the bubble.

During the “UFO,” he used a special device to blow smoke into the bottom of a bubble, forcing it to move upward into a saucer shape.

The audience continued to erupt in cheers as he performed the “Galaxy” — using a straw to create a big bubble, which he filled with smaller bubbles inside, spinning like planets.

One part of his act had the crowd counting down before he gently released a vertical chain of bubbles into the air, like a rocket.

After doing a trick, performer Blaise Ryndes catches a giant bubble on his face, before popping it.

In another, a rectangular frame held a film of glossy bubble liquid. Blaise poked an opening in the film using a thin, knotted string and formed a bubble on the audience’s side. He then slowly pulled back the string with the bubble fully intact on his end.

Some kids had the chance to become a part of the show. One by one, each became immersed in a bubble wall, as Blaise lifted a hoop, surrounding them.

The library function was the first time Blaise incorporated new props to a show, such as fire and laser beams.

He enjoys entertaining at these venues, but also performs in places where sad children need a smile.

During the finale of his recent show at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, bubble performer Blaise Ryndes cuts a perfect circle through his ‘wall of bubbles,’ and then stretches his arm through it.

“Out of all the shows I do, by far, the shows that are the most rewarding are charitable performances,” Blaise said.

He has put on shows for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Children’s Cancer Center and Best Buddies International.

His dad couldn’t hold back tears as he recalled the joy Blaise brought to the kids at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg.

“It feels so good to help make their lives a little better,” Blaise said. “Even if it’s just one second that you can take their mind away from all the negative things that they’re having to deal with, and just have a cool experience. That’s the reason I do this.”

He also noted that while he’s a star, Spheres Bubble Show really is a family business, and he’s happy to have his parents supporting him every step of the way.

For more information, or inquiries for the Spheres Bubble Show, visit SpheresBubbleAndMagicShow.com.

Published September 04, 2019

Local teen’s giving receives national acclaim

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Thirteen-year-old Selena Schulz’s love for animals inspired her to become an accomplished author and widely known advocate – all within the span of five years.

And, her efforts in helping sheltered animals have led to recognition by Prudential Financial. She received a bronze medallion on May 14, as a Florida finalist in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Since she turned 8 years old, Selena Schulz has spent time helping raise awareness and generate the donation of supplies for animal shelters. The Land O’ Lakes student was recently honored with a bronze medallion for the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Umphie Photos)

Schulz attends Countryside Montessori Charter School, which is located in Land O’ Lakes.

The seventh-grader recalled the source of her inspiration.

“When I was 7, I visited the animal shelter with my mom and saw the dogs weren’t sleeping on beds, but stacks of newspaper piled up,” she said.

When she asked why, the shelter coordinator explained that the facility was low on supplies and money.

Selena, who owns several pets herself, said that was heartbreaking.

“It was a sharp contrast between my pets and those I saw,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to the level of my pets so they would be treated fairly.”

So, for her eighth birthday, she decided that instead of receiving gifts, she wanted to collect donations for the shelter she had visited.

That became her birthday tradition.

She also came up the idea of creating her own organization, A Bed A Buck A Buddy.

She said “A Bed” stands for the supplies that animals need. “A Buck” stands for the monetary donations needed to support them. And, “A Buddy” stands for volunteers and adopters.

The organization aims to provide animal shelters with funds for adequate supplies and to help find permanent homes for Selena’s furry friends.

Selena Schulz, 13, displays her book trilogy that educates other kids about pet adoption and animal shelters. The books have raised money to help shelters across the United States and Canada. (Brian Fernandes)

She began writing books to elevate awareness about the need for permanent homes for pets and to help raise money for shelters.

At 8, she wrote and self-published her first book, “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.”

She wrote two additional books: “Purr-fect Friends Forever” and “The Squeaky Surprise.”

The trilogy of books explain that helping sheltered animals expands far beyond just dogs and cats.

“They’re geared toward elementary school kids so they can see that they can make a difference, too,” Selena said.

Selena’s parents support her efforts, every step of the way.

“She’s so humble and doesn’t ever talk about herself,” said Jomary, Selena’s mom. “She just does it because she loves it.”

Jomary has had a hand in the effort, too, using her artistic skills to help illustrate the first two books.

Selena’s best friend stepped up to help, too, illustrating the third book.

Over the years, Selena has sold her books at numerous events.

Her efforts have raised more than $5,000 for animal shelters throughout Florida, West Virginia, New York and Canada.

At school, Selena is a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

The organization’s advisor did not want Selena’s hard work to go unnoticed and recommended her for the Prudential award.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring youth for their community service since 1995.

Although Selena has been awarded as a Florida finalist, she said her work is not finished.

Writing more books, especially novels, is at the top of her list, she said.

She would also like to see her organization expand and get involved in reaching shelters in additional states.

While Selena is happy to be involved with her charitable work, she believes her peers also are capable of doing the same. She hopes that more will get involved — helping one shelter, one animal, at a time.

Published May 15, 2019

Selena Schulz is Everyday Hero protecting Pasco animals

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Selena Schulz is growing up in a family that includes two dogs, and a guinea pig named Desmond.

Once in a while, there also are the stray dogs, cats and unexpected critters that her father brings home.

Selena Schulz, center, received the Everyday Hero Award from the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon for her volunteer service for animal welfare. Rotary club president Kent Ross and club member Shari Mokhtari presented the award.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary)

One time it was a chicken. But, more likely, it’s a friendless dog or cat that Kurt Schulz found on the side of the road. They are all in need of tender loving care.

“He’s a plumber, so he’s out and about,” said Selena’s mother, Jomary Schulz. “He brings them home and rehabilitates them. He and Selena give them baths. We call whatever rescue groups that can help.”

Loving animals is an embedded value for this Hudson family.

Selena, age 12, takes that to heart. She devotes hours of volunteer service to collect donations of supplies and money for animal shelters and animal welfare groups. She is also the author of three books. Donations for the books are split between various animal charities and the costs of printing more books to get more donations.

She will be at the Fourth Annual Oxford Exchange Book Fair in Tampa on April 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon recognized Selena in March as an “Everyday Hero” for her efforts on behalf of animal welfare.

“I’ve always been around animals,” Selena said. “There was never a time I didn’t have a dog. I’ve bonded with them. They’re my friends.”

There is Snowy, a Labrador/German shepherd; Cici, a Shar-Pei/boxer; and Desmond.

The sixth grader is a student at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes.

“My future goal is to be a CEO (chief executive officer),” said Selena.

And, to continue helping animals who need a friend and a home, she said.

It was on her eighth birthday that Selena found a way to combine her passion with volunteer service.

She celebrated with a party at Pasco County Animal Services. Instead of gifts, she asked for donations for the animal shelter.

People delivered.

Selena Schulz is the author of three books, including ‘A Bed A Buck A Buddy: Cici’s Amazing Adventure.’ She donates sales of her books to animal welfare organizations. (Courtesy of Selene Schulz)

The shelter received more than 120 pounds of dry dog food, 62 pounds of dry cat food, lots of toys and treats, towels, bedding, blankets and one leash.

Selena got the idea during a shelter visit.

“I saw that they weren’t having beds to sleep in,” she said. “They had newspaper piles.”

Birthday presents can be nice, but helping a dog or cat in need seemed more important, Selena said.

Selena has kept up with her volunteer efforts and found new ways to help out.

She has a website, Abedabuckabuddy.com, with links to the nonprofits that receive donations. She has written three books including “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.” Cats got equal time in her next book, “Purr-fect Friends Forever.”

Selena also wrote a song and created a music video.

For her 10th birthday, Selena hosted a community pet adoption event, again at Pasco County Animal Services.

Local businesses donated balloons and refreshments, including cupcakes. Her goal was for 20 dogs and cats (10 of each) to be adopted that day. She got her wish.

At the book fair, Selena will have her newest book, “The Squeaky Surprise,” on display. Desmond gets credit for this one.

She wanted to increase awareness that cats and dogs aren’t the only ones needing adoption from shelters.

One of her favorite charities is Cindy’s Pets. The nonprofit provides pet food to seniors who get meals delivered through Meals on Wheels.

Selena gives donations to the charity. She also helps package and deliver food for the seniors, and their pets.

Some seniors don’t have the means to buy or travel to get pet supplies, so Selena said, “some of the food for the seniors went to their animals.”

Since her eighth birthday, Selena has visited animal shelters across the country and in Canada. She also has been guest speaker at several schools.

“We’ve gone from looking for events to people asking her to be part of their events,” said Jomary Schulz.

What: Fourth Annual Oxford Exchange Book Fair
When: April 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Cost: Free
Details: More than 40 local authors will participate
Info: (813) 253-0222; ; or OxfordExchange.com

Published April 18, 2018

Talented youths get time to shine

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Jessica Twitmyer received the top scores to win a $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship, during the 34th “Spotlight on Talent” on March 11 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.

Because of its popularity, the talent contest is divided into two shows, said Barbara Friedman, the executive producer for the competition, which is put on by the nonprofit Heritage Arts Center Association.

Vocalist Jessica Twitmyer won the top prize during the 34th annual ‘Spotlight on Talent’ competition, receiving a $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship.
(Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The afternoon performance features younger competitors and the evening show features older contestants.

More than 160 students auditioned on Feb. 28 for a chance to compete in the finals, Friedman said. Of those, a total of 140 competed in the two shows.

Friedman was helped by assistant producers Dr. Rebecca Groomes and Alicia Polk Guanio. Also, a 15-member board of directors worked on the project for three months, and a final production team, including 20 members of the community, pitched in to put on the competition, Friedman said.

Both performances drew audiences of hundreds of people, and performers competed for more than $5,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.

Contestants included musicians, singers, dancers and musical theater performers.

There were two masters of ceremonies, Tom Jackson, who works for Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’Neil, and Mike Rom, principal of Countryside Montessori Charter School.

A panel of paid professional judges selected the winners.

The younger students competed in Act 1, and the older students competed in Act II.

The winners in Act 1 were:

Category 1:  Vincent Pham, piano, first; Samuel Wu, piano, second; and, Larkin Mainwaring, musical theater, third

Category 2:  Kasey Lang, piano, first; Angelica Drobny, voice and piano, second; Emma Shireman, musical theater, third; Isabella Como, musical theater, fourth; and Jasmine Villa, pointe dance, fifth

Showstoppers’ musical theater performance earned third place in its category at ‘Spotlight on Talent.’

Category 3: Agnes Hernandez, piano, first; Jadon Day, voice, second; Grace Williams, lyrical dance, third; Faith Phaller, contemporary dance, fourth; Sailor Wade, ballet dance, fifth

The winners in Act II were:

Category 1: Julianna Mazza, lyrical dance, first; Gracie Scaglione, contemporary dance, second; Allison Crump, contemporary dance, third; Victoria Conn, ballet dance, fourth; Nora Urbuteit, jazz dance, fifth

Category 2: Victoria Neukom, contemporary dance, first; Maria Hernandez, piano, second; Kaira Torres, voice, third; Kiersten Herman, musical theater, fourth; Hannah Knight, voice and guitar, fifth; Catherine Beard, voice and piano, sixth

Category 3: Jessica Twitmyer, voice, first; Courtney Graham, musical theater, second; Clare Hernandez, piano, third

Groups: Star Dancers 9 – 12, contemporary dance, first; Piano Nerds, piano duet, second; Showstoppers, musical theater, third

Published March 22, 2017

Efforts yield socks and shoes for charity

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Land O’ Lakes’ brothers, Owen and Grady Matthew, want to provide socks for the homeless.

And, Zephyrhills retiree Janet Chubinsky wants to give new shoes to children in need.

The efforts are separate, but both are making strides in reaching their goals to help others.

Kid President, a YouTube character played by 11-year-old Robby Novak, inspired the Matthew brothers to get involved.

Owen Matthew, left, and Grady Matthew challenged students and families at Countryside Montessori Charter School to a sock drive that collected 1,552 socks for the Salvation Army. (Courtesy of Countryside Montessori Charter School)
Owen Matthew, left, and Grady Matthew challenged students and families at Countryside Montessori Charter School to a sock drive that collected 1,552 socks for the Salvation Army.
(Courtesy of Countryside Montessori Charter School)

Kid President declared the month of October as “Socktober,” and challenged children across the nation to host sock drives to help homeless people.

Sixth-grader Owen and second-grader Grady embraced the challenge, and enlisted the help of nearly 300 students and their families at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes.

By the end of the month, the sock drive doubled its goal of 770 socks by donating 1,552 socks to the Salvation Army.

“We have amazing parents,” said Holly DePiro, volunteer and fundraising coordinator for Countryside Montessori Charter School. “You ask, and they go with the cause. The kids get excited.”

Though it was a one-time event, DePiro said it could be repeated. “If there is a need out there, then we’re on it,” she said.

The school is having a food drive in November.

Students also are collecting leftover Halloween candy to send to troops overseas for Operation Gratitude.

A toy drive is planned for December.

Chubinsky, 81, transplanted a shoe donation program she started in Tennessee to Pasco County when she and her husband retired to Zephyrhills four years ago.

“I need to have something to do,” Chubinsky said.

Lachoochee Elementary School students, Damarko Cross, 5, and his sister, Demyia Cross, 7, show off the new shoes they got from COPE (Children Outreach Program Effort). (Courtesy of COPE)
Lachoochee Elementary School students, Damarko Cross, 5, and his sister, Demyia Cross, 7, show off the new shoes they got from COPE (Children Outreach Program Effort).
(Courtesy of COPE)

Her daughter, an educator in Tennessee, suggested that Chubinsky visit area schools to find out what they needed.

On her first visit to Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, she heard a familiar response. Thirty-six students at the school needed shoes.

“The goose bumps went right through my body,” Chubinsky said.

She delivered 36 pairs of donated shoes within days and the Children Outreach Program Effort (COPE) was off and running.

Chubinsky, the organization’s program director, enlisted two friends to help and they dubbed themselves “Two and a half women.” When the program began, two of the volunteers were retired and one worked part-time, she explained.

This year Chubinsky anticipates giving away 900 pairs of shoes.

She works with Pasco County Schools’ ABC coordinators at 10 schools to deliver pairs of shoes, and socks, as requested, to area schools.

The school district’s ABC program seeks to help students who don’t have appropriate clothing, shoes that don’t fit or who eat all of their meals at school.

Chubinsky has 11 volunteers but would love more.

“We don’t have enough volunteers or a place to house our shoes,” she said.

Local civic groups and area businesses, such as the Elks, Eagles, Sunshine Eatery, Methodist Ladies Club and Rotary clubs, give generously.

COPE also received 300 pairs of shoes from Sole4Souls, a global nonprofit that fights poverty by collecting and distributing clothes and shoes. COPE paid Sole4Souls $2 a pair for freight costs, Chubinsky said.

She may be retired, but Chubinsky keeps busy.

She tools around in a 2000 model SUV with magnetic signs displaying the COPE logo – a large sneaker.

The sign has attracted some interest from people who want to volunteer, she said.

COPE meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., at various locations. Plans are in the works for fundraising events in 2016.

“It’s God’s work,” Chubinsky said. “We’re all volunteers.”

For information on COPE and its meetings, contact Chubinsky at (352) 668-4397 or .

Published November 11, 2015

Charter school finds a home

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Garden Montessori Charter School has signed a five-year lease on a new 22,000-square-foot home in a former fitness facility in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s a beautiful property,” John Selover, a consultant for the charter school said. “We’re really excited about it.”

Garden Montessori Charter School has signed a five-year lease on the property now known as Sports and Field, at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive. (Photos courtesy of Garden Montessori Charter School)
Garden Montessori Charter School has signed a five-year lease on the property now known as Sports and Field, at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive.
(Photos courtesy of Garden Montessori Charter School)

In addition to the building at the Sports and Field Inc. location, at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, there’s a large fenced play area, Selover said.

“When we move in there this year, we’ll have temporary walls and partitions, with the idea that we’ll make that more permanent down the road,” he said.

The school is opening this fall with an enrollment of around 215 children, in kindergarten through second grade.

Selover said many people believe that Montessori education is a private-school only type of situation.

But Garden Montessori School is a charter school, meaning there’s no tuition for children attending the school.

The Sports and Field building, which has been leased to Garden Montessori Charter School, has an exterior rock wall.
The Sports and Field building, which has been leased to Garden Montessori Charter School, has an exterior rock wall.

The same is true for Countryside Montessori Charter School, which is located in Land O’ Lakes.

Garden Montessori School has its roots in a private preschool and kindergarten that has been offering the Montessori approach to education since 2009.

Parents of some of those children were interested in continuing to pursue that type of education in elementary school, and the school sought permission from Pasco County to open a charter elementary school.

There are still some seats available at Garden Montessori Charter School.

General information and enrollment details can be found at GMCSWC.weebly.com.

Published July 1, 2015

Creativity wins local kids trip to Washington, D.C.

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The trio jetted to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of Congress, to hear remarks from the chief executive of an international company, and to take part in television interviews. And they are all still in elementary school.

Sophia Nobles, left, Catie Tomasello and Joey Santana have their picture taken with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson while visiting the nation’s capital. The kids won the trip by placing second nationally in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition. (Courtesy of Heather Tomasello)
Sophia Nobles, left, Catie Tomasello and Joey Santana have their picture taken with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson while visiting the nation’s capital. The kids won the trip by placing second nationally in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition.
(Courtesy of Heather Tomasello)

Joey Santana, Sophia Nobles and Catie Tomasello recently returned from a trip to the nation’s capital, and a whirlwind of appearances there. The Countryside Montessori Charter School students took the trip to receive their second-place honors in their age division in the 22nd annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision STEM competition, provided by the electronics company and the National Science Teachers Association. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The team, coached by Lorna Cohen, finished among the top eight in the country. The contest itself drew more than 4,900 entries, representing nearly 15,300 students and 550 schools across the United States and Canada, according to the contest website.

It is the world’s largest science and technology competition for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It encourages them to develop problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Contestants are asked to imagine what technology might be like in 20 years. They work in teams to propose ideas for innovative future technology based on what already exists. They simulate scientific research to outline how they plan to test their idea, and they build websites to further illustrate and communicate their concepts.

For their entry, the Countryside Montessori students envisioned WateRenew, a concept that uses the technology of Wave Wings  — which are wings that sway back and forth in the ocean, creating mechanical energy that can be converted to electricity. That electricity would then be used to power a leading edge desalination plant, which in turn creates clean drinking water for homes and businesses.

Florida’s water shortages inspired the team to search for a solution, Nobles and Tomasello said. The team began meeting in September, and team members spent at least a couple of hours each week working on the project.

The team worked well together because they are friends and they respect each other, the girls said. The team divided the project into pieces, and each team member became an “expert” on one part of the project.

Nobles also noted that the team benefited from the help of Lee Marcum, of Clean and Green Enterprises, who took the time to talk to the team about his invention, the Wave Wing.

While in Washington D.C., team members met with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, and went a tour of the Capitol Building led by staff members of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Santana’s family also dropped by the office of U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, where they posed for photos.

The kids also took part in two television interviews with Bill Nye the Science Guy, and they participated in a science showcase. Other highlights included hearing remarks from Atsutoshi Nishida, chairman of Toshiba Corp., and doing some sightseeing.

Other winners in the competition also proposed creative solutions to challenging issues, according to the competition website. Third-grade students from Merion Station, Pennsylvania, developed a system designed to save people who are stuck in rip currents.

An entry from second-graders from Edmond, Oklahoma, aimed to save lives of babies, toddlers and animals left accidentally in a car. A team of fifth-graders from Locust Valley, New York, created an innovative plant power de-icing system for planes, while 10th graders from Toronto created a new technology that uses light signals to boost optical computing.

Besides the expenses-paid trip, the young students also each received a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond.

Since its inception in 1992, more than 330,000 students have participated in the ExploraVision program.

Published June 25, 2014

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School sends eighth-graders out to discover the world

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A dozen eighth-graders at Countryside Montessori Charter School have experienced something few, if any, of their peers have in the Land O’ Lakes area.

The soon-to-be-graduates were among the first to take on the task of interning at local businesses throughout the week of May 19. They spent several hours of their day at a variety of businesses in the local area, from schools to pet day care centers.

Ashley Schrader, an eighth-grader at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes, chats with The Laker/Lutz News senior account manager Terri Williamson, during her recent internship at the paper. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Ashley Schrader, an eighth-grader at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes, chats with The Laker/Lutz News senior account manager Terri Williamson, during her recent internship at the paper.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

The students developed their own internship preparation while their teacher, Bobbianne Grant, implemented the idea of gaining real-world experience in a range of professional settings.

This particular program was the first time the school has allowed students to participate in internships with a goal of achieving a better feel for their future professions.

Based on its success this year, Countryside plans to continue the internship program next year for seventh and eighth graders.

“The internships give the eighth-grade students the opportunity to experience the work force before going into high school,” said Grant, the Countryside teacher leading the project.

Grant gave these students, including this writer, the ability to successfully experience different work atmospheres and assist in each company’s needs.

Many students said they had a positive experience and learned a great deal of work skills. Their feedback has given the school valuable input to help its students in future internship programs in high school and college.

The students who participated in the program said they appreciated the opportunity that was given to them, and hope they will be able to engage in a similar task in their futures.

“Internships are like an opportunity for us to see the real world,” said Devyn Dacus, 13, one of a dozen students that participated in the internships. “Since we are not yet adults, internships are one of the few chances we have to see the work force.”

Dacus interned at Countryside Montessori Academy, one of two preschool and kindergarten divisions related to the Montessori program. It’s located on Carson Drive, a few miles from the main charter school campus at Ehren Cutoff.

“At the preschool I was interning at, I had a great experience,” Dacus added. “It made me realize how tedious it actually is to care for toddlers.”

Her classmate, Abby Kuskin, did her internship at Grace Family Church in Lutz and Black Saddle Stables in Odessa and Land O’ Lakes. She said the experiences were cool and interesting, and it could help her achieve a dream of owning her own nonprofit children’s ministry home.

The school’s seventh graders also were allowed to participate in internships by shadowing the elementary school teachers at Countryside and experiencing a school day from the teacher’s point of view.

“The shadowing was a great experience,” said Julia Leck, one of the participating seventh graders in the project.

The program — led by Grant and her colleagues at Countryside — allowed the interns to gain experiences and memories they can apply to their own future careers.

Ashley Schrader spent a week as an intern at The Laker/Lutz News as part of Countryside Montessori Charter School’s careers project.

The businesses that participated in the Countryside Montessori Charter School internship program, and the students who interned, included:

• A Perfect Smile, Natalia Estrada
• Victory Lane Motorcars, Dinah Miranda
• Central Bark Doggie Day Care, Jayden Trenchik and Katie Champion
• Countryside Montessori Academy, Devyn Dacus
• On Your Toes, Brianna Lusk
• MediTech Medical Center, Sam Talero
• Grace Family Church and Black Saddle Stables, Abby Kuskin
• Quality Pet, Owen Robison
• The Laker/Lutz News, Ashley Schrader

By Ashley Schrader

Published June 4, 2014

In Print: Ice, summer school and young interns

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Last week was a big one for Pasco County, especially the Wesley Chapel area, when developer Z Mitch LLC unveiled its plans to build a 150,500-square-foot ice and sports complex just off State Road 56.

It shows how far this stretch of road between Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa and State Road 54 on the edge of Land O’ Lakes has come in the past decade or so since it was first built. And it’s just one piece of a rather large and prosperous future for the area.

Pasco County commissioners Pat Mulieri, left, and Ted Schrader listen as commission chair Jack Mariano introduces the new ice and sports complex planned for Wesley Chapel. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
Pasco County commissioners Pat Mulieri, left, and Ted Schrader listen as commission chair Jack Mariano introduces the new ice and sports complex planned for Wesley Chapel. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

The new facility will feature four ice pads — two of them designed to NHL standards, while another will be at Olympic standards — as well as other courts for sports like basketball, a restaurant, and even a second neighboring hotel. It’s a way to bring in people from all over the region, just like what similar ice complexes in Brandon and Oldsmar do there.

“Two rinks would’ve been great, three rinks is phenomenal. But with four, everyone is going to want to come here and play this from all around the world,” Pasco County Commission chair Jack Mariano said during a press event last week attended by reporter Michael Hinman. “If you had to go to Canada or down here to play hockey, where would you want to go?”

The answer to that question seems obvious, but read the full story in this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or read the free e-edition by clicking here.

The ice complex is at least a year away, and summertime is here, and ice is the last thing on most people’s minds. Instead, some kids might have to think about summer school.

Those programs through Pasco County Schools will cost $1.3 million, but serve 6.580 students — including younger children.

“The need is there,” school board member Steve Luikart told reporter B.C. Manion. “We’re doing everything we can to help more kids.”

This year’s classes will include two pilots addressing literacy and mathematics, which will help nearly 800 students primarily from economically challenged neighborhoods.

To read more about the program, pick up this week’s print edition of The Laker, or check out our free e-edition right here.

This week, the Lutz News begins its profile series by reporter Michael Murillo looking at each of the candidates running for the honorary office of Guv’na.

This ceremonial role is a way for the Lutz community to raise money for charities. And candidate Jerome Smalls might not live in Lutz yet, but feels the community has given so much to him that it’s time to give back.

“The people are probably the No. 1 thing,” Smalls said of those residing and working in Lutz. “The people are really friendly and outgoing.”

What does Smalls have planned for his run at the Guv’na position? Find out in the print edition of the Lutz News, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.

Finally, Ashley Schrader is just 13 years old, but you wouldn’t know it by her professional attitude and excitement about jumping into a journalism career.

Schrader was an intern recently at The Laker/Lutz News through a program set up by Countryside Montessori Charter School — one of several eighth-graders checking out the real world from the business perspective.

“Internships are like an opportunity for us to see the real world,” Devyn Dacus, 13, told her classmate, Ashley. “Since we are not yet adults, internships are one of the few chances we have to see the work force.”

What else did these interns learn? You’ll just have to pick up this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or read our free e-edition right now by clicking here.

All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.

If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.