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Union Park Charter Academy

Union Park community celebrates Juneteenth

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NeVaeh Akers-Atkins offered a simple explanation for why she was at a local Juneteenth event last week.

“It’s very important to me,” the 11-year-old said. “It shows people that we should be treated the same.”

She was with families and friends at the first annual Juneteenth Family Day Celebration in Wesley Chapel’s Union Park community.

The event was held to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, which occurred on June 19, 1865.

Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

The inaugural celebration at Union Park came together in two weeks of whirlwind planning by residents and members of Carmel Friendship Church.

Faraasha Bell, 13, left, and NeVaeh Akers-Atkins,11, delight the crowd with an impressionistic dance during a Juneteenth celebration at Union Park in Wesley Chapel. (Fred Bellet)

Songs, dance, music, food, prayer, prizes and fellowship filled a day of activities from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., on June 19, at the Union Park clubhouse on Bering Road.

“We’re having one big celebration,” said organizer Melissa Akers-Atkins. “It’s one of many to come.”

The program included 16-year-old Miranda Archibald, who read the poem, “We Rose,” by Kristina Kay.

And, Aniya Stratford, of Carmel Friendship Church, sang, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” which often is referred to as the Black national anthem.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, freeing slaves living in the Confederate states.

Pastor Quincy Stratford of the Carmel Friendship Church offers a prayer at the first annual Juneteenth Family Day Celebration in Wesley Chapel’s Union Park. His wife, Jennifer, and 30 members of the church, are there to celebrate the end of slavery.

But, the news in those days traveled slowly, or in some instances, wasn’t acknowledged by slave owners.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers came ashore at Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. The date was 2 ½ years after Lincoln’s proclamation.

A few months later, on Dec. 6, 1865, the 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery everywhere. The following year, Juneteenth celebrations, often hosted by African-American churches, took root.

Many states now recognize the holiday. A campaign is underway now for Congress to declare Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

“It makes me happy that it’s finally being recognized locally as a holiday,” said Jamila Wright, owner of Writz Jewelry. “With everything that’s going on, it’s very important that people in general learn more about our history. I think it should be a federal holiday.”

Wright was among several black-owned businesses at the Union Park event.

Food truck owners for Wing Box, Craving Donuts and Sun’s Just Egg Rolls rolled into the clubhouse parking lot.

Vendors and sponsors included Writz Jewelry, QDP Photography, Mary Kay, Red Robin, Sign Dreamers of Wesley Chapel, and Julie’s African Hair Braiding.

Carmel Friendship Church and Union Park Charter Academy had informative displays.

Jordan Glogowski’s mask is emblazoned with a symbol for love and a T-shirt with a similar message.

Kat Stylez (her author’s name) set up a table with artwork and her first book of poetry, “Girl, Who Hurt You?”

Raising awareness of the importance of Juneteenth was one of the organizers’ goals. But, they also want to foster unity, a sense of safety, and civic participation through voting.

“We are blessed,” said organizer Tabatha Johnson. “It is important to showcase this celebration. This is the day for African-Americans. But, the celebration is not to dismiss any other culture or race.”

The recent deaths of black men by police officers, including George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks, the Black Lives Matter movement and street protests brought greater attention to the Juneteenth celebrations this year.

For Faraasha Bell, 13, Juneteenth “means that we get to learn how other people got treated and how other people experience it.”

She had Brooks’ death in mind when she said, “I see it on the news and how terrifying it is.”

Markee Duncan, 36, gave testimony as a 6-foot-5 black man who is “two shades darker than 8:30 p.m.”

Kaylen Boss, 22, left, looks over a copy of her twin sister, Kat Stylez’s book, ‘Girl, Who Hurt You?’ Stylez, a vendor at the event, was selling her book and artwork.

Growing up in South Carolina, he said blacks were told not to look white people in the eye and to move across the street to avoid unnecessary contact.

“In history class all I learned about is men who didn’t look like me,” Duncan said.

He said he has been pulled over by police while driving in largely white neighborhoods. “The melanin of my skin didn’t allow me the same rights as those in the Constitution.”

Akers-Atkins said organizers hope to host a Juneteenth celebration annually at Union Park. But, they also want to host other cultural events through the year.

Johnson said: “We do have faith that we will continue to grow, to know we are here and can help each other. It’s important to have empathy. I love seeing so much diversity in our community.”

Published June 24, 2020

Don’t Miss Feb. 14 Deadline for Enrollment Lottery at Union Park Charter Academy

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The deadline is coming up fast for area families wanting to enroll their students in the 2020-2021 school year lottery for Union Park Charter Academy, an A-rated charter school in Wesley Chapel.

The deadline for online applications is Feb. 14 for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Interested parents should go to UnionParkAcademy.org, and select the enrollment tab.

Union Park Charter Academy opened in 2018 for grades K-6, and last year added a seventh grade. The 2020-2021 school year will see the addition of an eighth grade, completing the school’s elementary enrollment of 765 students.

The school has received exceptionally positive reviews from parents, students and teachers, and, in its first year, received a grade of “A” from the Florida Department of Education.

“We are so proud of our students and teachers who work so hard and are so dedicated to our students’ individual success, and our school’s overall academic excellence,” said Principal Tracy Ware.

The school is conveniently located at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., across from the Union Park subdivision and east of Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

Global Citizens
Union Park Charter Academy is dedicated to preparing its students for the 21st century by teaching them skills they will need to be successful in the future.

“We believe that our students are global citizens who can play a huge part in the world, now and in the future,” explains Ware. “We believe it is critical that we begin to empower our students as future leaders to create a better world.”

The school’s curriculum has several initiatives to achieve this goal.

– Introduce students to different cultures and the impact we have on each other.

– Explore global issues we are currently facing, or will face in the future. This includes problem-solving and thinking critically about how students can make a difference.

– Students have started several charity and community programs on their own. From raising money for displaced animals to collecting pajamas for hospitalized children, every program is 100% student-created and student-driven.

– Empower students by helping them see that they are never too young to begin making a difference, and that this potential is inside each and every one of them.

Balanced Academic and Activities
Union Park Charter Academy offers programs that  include a variety of academic, performing arts, and sports programs to help students develop intellectually, emotionally and creatively.

— A curriculum that focuses on core fundamentals and empowers teachers to create motivation learning spaces, utilize research-based instructional strategies and tools, and develop each student’s ability to meet their learning goals.

–  A wide range of opportunities for students in performing arts through the school’s theater, chorus and Jr. Thespian clubs.

–  Afterschool activities, including soccer, basketball, DIY, art, cheerleading, flag football, track, cross-country, dance, cooking and community service.

– Community programs, such as IdeaLab, and Bricks4Kids, to let students explore their interest in engineering and science with robotics, science labs, drone development and other engineering programs.

Safe and Collaborative Learning
All grade-level teachers and students have the opportunity to work together every day. Students experience instructional styles of all teachers in their grade level, which aids in the development of the whole child.

– Top-of-the-line security cameras, double-locked door entrance, an on-site school guardian and ID check system for all adults entering the building.

– A policy of zero tolerance for bullying.

– Research-based programs to establish a safe and inclusive environment in which students learn healthy behaviors and skills that support engaged citizenship.

– Curriculum nights for parents to learn about standards-based instruction, the school’s grading and home learning philosophies, state assessments, and reading and math activities outside of the classroom.

– School-sponsored events and community-service projects provide parents with multiple ways to connect with students, staff, community members and other parents.

STEAM
A STEAM-focused curriculum provides one-to-one technology for all students in a digital learning environment.

– Students use iPads, laptops and SMART Boards, and are taught skills that include coding, robotics, data analysis, and traditional software knowledge.

– One-to-one technology allows students to explore and create individual works based on computational thinking to prepare them for college and career readiness.

– Technology is placed in the hands of students to support an interactive and motivating learning environment. Classrooms utilize the SMART Learning Suite, and most classrooms are equipped with SMART Interactive Flat Panels, which support teachers in designing more engaging lessons, including the ability to incorporate a gaming approach to instruction.

– Students are immersed in a highly interactive, student-centered learning environment that includes engineering, science labs and state of the art technology.

– Makerspaces for students that promote hands-on learning and everyday problem solving opportunities.

“We welcome all families interested in our unique approach to education to go to our website and enroll for the 2020-2021 enrollment lottery,” said Principal Ware. “Because we are a charter school approved by the Pasco County School Board, there is no tuition to attend our school, and we welcome families of all backgrounds to apply.”

School Enrollment Coordinator: (813) 358-7306, ext. 1008

To enroll in the 2020-2021 Lottery: csusa.schoolmint.net/welcome.

Students ring in the 2018-2019 school year

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As a new academic year begins, students heading to Florida public schools will be welcomed to campuses that are now protected by armed security.

The Florida Legislature mandated the armed guards at public school campuses across the state in response to the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that left 17 students and staff members dead, and 17 others injured.

But, the additional security is just one of many changes awaiting students at schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Some students will be heading to entirely new campuses.

The North Tampa Christian Academy, is opening at 5619 E. County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. It will serve students from age 2 through 12th grade.

Union Park Charter Academy, a charter public school, is another new school. It is opening, at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., in Wesley Chapel. It is a kindergarten through eighth grade school, but this year will be serving only students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Meanwhile, in Land O’ Lakes, students and faculty arriving at Land O’ Lakes High School will continue to see a campus in the midst of a major makeover. There’s still a considerable amount of work left to do, but the project involves a substantial upgrade of the facility.

Students and staff at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills will find a campus that has already undergone a massive makeover.

And, while it’s not noticeable yet, Zephyrhills High School is gearing up to begin a renovation that also will breathe new life into the facility.

There are changes on the academic front, too.

Cypress Creek Middle High School, in Wesley Chapel, for instance, will have its first senior class.

And, Pine View Middle School, at 5334 Parkway Blvd., is starting the new school year as Pasco County’s first authorized IB Middle Years Programme World School.

The middle school has worked long and hard to achieve the distinction, dating back to May of 2015 when it became an IB candidate school.

In addition to that new distinction, Pine View also has been named a magnet school, which means that students who live outside of the school’s attendance zone can apply to attend the school.

On another front, Pasco County Schools offers a variety of enrichment programs before and after school for elementary-age children.

The district’s afterschool enrichment department also manages five other programs.

Two of those programs are funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal grants. Those programs are the STAR Academy, for elementary students; and DELTA Academy, for middle school students, according to the district’s website. Both are free and are aimed at academic enrichment.
The STAR Academy programs are located at Gulf Highlands, Quail Hollow, and Rodney B. Cox elementary schools. The DELTA Academy programs are located at Gulf, Hudson, and Raymond B. Stewart middle schools.

Two afterschool fee-based programs also are being offered at some district schools.

Beyond the Bell is an afterschool program for middle school students that incorporates homework assistance, sports, music, dance, leadership development and community service activities, the district’s website says. It will be offered at Charles S. Rushe Middle School, in Land O’ Lakes and River Ridge Middle School in New Port Richey.

Explorations will be offered at Wiregrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel. The program operates Monday through Thursday, from 4:10 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. The program includes a variety of enrichment activities for children, such as coding and robotics, dance, Spanish, and sports drills and skills.

School’s back in session: Drive safely
As school bells ring in another academic year, motorists and pedestrians are reminded to be cautious to help keep everyone safe.

Here are some tips for drivers from AAA, North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization:

  • Observe the speed limit. School zone speed limits are purposefully set low. Children are unpredictable, and may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car.
  • Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers. They’re a sign you are approaching a school zone.
  • Stop completely at intersections with stop signs.
  • Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading. Going around a stopped school bus is not only dangerous, it’s against the law.
  • Eliminate driver distraction. Keep your eyes on the road. Put your phone down, and keep an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians.
  • Plan Ahead. Build in extra time for congestion.

Published August 8, 2018

New and renovated schools planned

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The Pasco County School Board received an overview last week on projects planned to construct, renovate, expand and repair schools across the district.

They also heard a wrap-up on projects in progress or finished this year.

The presentation, by Chris Williams, director of planning services and Olga Swinson, chief finance officer, came as the district prepares to vote on a final capital construction budget in September.

Numerous projects are underway or planned in communities across central and east Pasco County.

Major milestones this past year have included:

  • Beginning the design of the Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Finishing the site development for Starkey K-8, as well as designing that faciilty
  • Replacing the roof at Denham Oaks.
  • Continuing work on massive renovations at Land O’ Lakes High School and Woodland Elementary, and adding capacity to both locations
  • Purchasing 30 cng buses and five diesel buses, and 35 radios
  • Purchasing more than 8,000 computer and laptops, and more than 2,400 iPads

Major projects planned for 2018-2019:

  • Beginning a major overhaul at Zephyrhills High School, which includes adding capacity
  • Continuing the Land O’ Lakes High and Woodland Elementary projects
  • Beginning construction of Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Continuing design of Starkey K-8
  • Working with the Pasco County library system on the Starkey Library/Theater design
  • Purchasing 40 diesel buses, 40 radios and several fleet trucks and service vehicles
  • Purchasing more than 7,000 computers and laptops and about 1,290 iPads.

As the district continues to build, it also continues to grow, Williams said.

Here’s a look at the renovation project that is giving a new look to Woodland Elementary School, and expanding its capacity. (File)

The big question is which areas will grow at the fastest pace, requiring new schools first, the planning director said.

He gave board members an overview of the current situation.

Odessa Elementary is projected to be at 114 percent, Williams said, adding that he expects relief for that school to come when Starkey K-8 opens, which is scheduled for 2021.

“I’m also concerned about Connerton (Elementary). They’re projected to be at 944 students this coming year, or 124 percent of capacity,” he said.

The district has opened up some additional seats at Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, giving applications from Connerton students a higher priority, Williams said, so hopes that will help reduce Connerton’s enrollment.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin also suggested the district do more to advertise Pine View Elementary School’s candidacy program for the IB Primary Years Programme.

Some students might choose to attend Pine View, if the families knew about that program, she said.

“Pine View and Connerton are so close. Maybe some families might want to get into that (IB) pipeline,” Beaudoin said.

In Wesley Chapel, there are some schools near the new Union Park Charter Academy that are over capacity, but Williams expects the charter school to have significant impact on enrollment at nearby schools.

“Union Park is up to 483 students,” Williams noted.

In addition to affecting elementary enrollments, it also will affect middle schools because the charter school is for kindergarten through eighth grade students.

Meanwhile, in Zephryhills, Woodland Elementary School’s enrollment is well over capacity, but the district is adding capacity at the school as part of the current renovation, Williams added.

The district expects to increase its middle school capacity with the opening of Cypress Creek Middle in 2020 and with the opening Starkey K-8 in 2021.

When Cypress Creek Middle opens, it will help to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch, which is projected to be at 139 percent of its capacity.

Here’s what the common area will look like when the Land O’ Lakes High School project is finished. (File)

When the middle school opens, Cypress Creek High’s capacity will increase substantially.

The district also is hoping to open an East Side Technical High School in 2022, which will affect enrollments at high schools on the east side of the county, Williams said.

Williams said Central Pasco’s growth does pose challenges.

“Sunlake High School is of concern because it still continues to grow,” he said.

The district has a future high school in the Bexley area, as well as the Starkey area, Williams said.

“We have to continue to evaluate when it makes sense to try to add additional capacity,” he added.

The district’s construction needs and maintenance needs continue to grow, but it doesn’t have the revenues to match the needs, Swinson said, forcing the district to put off projects that are needed because it doesn’t have the money.

Projected revenues for capital purposes remain lower than they were in 2007-2008, she said.

Major projects for 2018-2019:

  • Beginning renovation at Zephyrhills High School: Includes massive overhaul, as well as adding capacity.
  • Continuing major renovations at Land O’ Lakes High and Woodland Elementary
  • Starting construction on Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Continuing Starkey K-8 design
  • Working with the Pasco County library system on the Starkey Library/Theater design
  • Purchasing 40 diesel buses, 40 radios and several fleet trucks and service vehicles
  • Purchasing more than 7,000 computers and laptops, and about 1,290 iPads.

Charter school offers tech-rich, nontraditional approach

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A new charter public school is under construction in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel, that will offer a nontraditional approach to education.

For one thing, it will be technology rich.

For another, it won’t have traditional classroom spaces or furniture.

Tracy Ware is principal of the new charter school that will open in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

And, even though it encourages the use of technology, students won’t be allowed to bring cellphones to school.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., is set to open for kindergarten through sixth grade this fall. It will add seventh grade the following school year, and eighth grade the year after that, said Tracy Ware, principal.

Because it’s a charter school, it is open to applications from throughout the Pasco County school district, as well as students from adjacent districts.

“We went through the lottery process,” Ware said. Applications are still being accepted for all grades, but there is a wait list for kindergarten and fifth grade.

“We’ve been encouraging parents to get the information in as soon as possible,” she added, so the school can reserve a spot for their child or children.

“What sets us apart is really the design of the school,” she said. “Instead of having separate classrooms, there are learning communities.”

For example, all third-graders are in a single learning community. There also will be learning labs within those learning communities.

Some learning labs will accommodate groups of around 25 students, which allows a teacher to focus on a particular learning standard; others are designed for smaller groups, to encourage collaboration between students.

The furniture is different, too. Instead of traditional desks and chairs, children will have choices.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., will use a technology-rich, nontraditional approach to schooling.

“They can work at high tables, for instance, or can sit with their legs crossed on the floor, with a little stand to use their iPad in front of them. The tables that we have are actually writeable surfaces on their top,” she said.

Teachers in each learning community will work together as a team, sharing the entire group of students. That arrangement fosters the opportunity to tailor instruction to each individual student, Ware said.

Teachers and students work together to create a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). The plans are used at each grade-level and are designed to track an individual student’s strengths, weaknesses and progress in attaining a year’s worth of learning (or more), according to information provided by the school.

This process empowers students to establish and track learning goals, conduct student-led conferences, and make informed decisions as learners. Most importantly, students are challenged with the responsibility of understanding their data and learning needs in meeting or exceeding grade-level standards.

Ware, who spent the past five years in Abu Dhabi, is excited about opening the new school in Wesley Chapel.

Many parents have told her they’re pleased to have a new school within walking distance, she said.

Teachers will help children discover how they learn best, she said. The idea is to identify their learning styles and give them opportunities to embrace it, she said, “versus a more traditional way of doing school.

“There’s one-on-one technology for third grade and up,” she added.

The school will have certified teachers, and students must meet all of Florida’s standards. The school also will follow Pasco County’s school calendar and will use the school district’s meal service.

After school, there will be many options for children, she said, including a variety of clubs which could include theater, music, cooking, karate or other pursuits.

“We’ll send a survey to find out what the children’s interests are,” she said.

“Parents have asked for a little time for homework,” Ware said, so that will happen.

The school day lasts an hour longer than the district’s school day, so children attending Union Park will receive an extra hour of instruction, she said.

The before-care program starts at 6:45 a.m., in response to parent feedback, she said.

Dismissal starts at 2:45 p.m., for kindergarten through second-grade and their siblings. It begins at 3 p.m., for third grade through sixth grade.

“We’ll work with the local day care programs,” she added.

“The ultimate goal is innovation. I want our children to be given the opportunity to create. I also want teachers to be empowered to make decisions based on the children that are in front of them right now, what their needs are, how to best pull from all of this technology,” Ware said.

The school wants to set a tone that encourages parents to be involved in the Parent Teacher Cooperative, Ware said.

The aim is to create a culture that invites a close working relationship between the school and parents, said Ware, who noted that it’s already evident that parents want to be involved.

“Parents are ready. They want to participate,” the principal said.

For more information about the school, visit UnionParkAcademy.org.

Published April 25, 2018