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Weightman Middle School

Creating a culture for success at Wiregrass Ranch High

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Wiregrass Ranch High School Principal Robyn White was just 13 when she decided her path in life.

“The only question I had, honestly, was whether I wanted to teach music or math,” said White, who went on to teach mathematics at the middle and high school levels, before stepping into school administration.

Next month, on March 13, White will mark her 15th anniversary at Wiregrass Ranch High, at 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Wiregrass Ranch High School Principal Robyn White has seen a lot of change through the years, but she said students essentially remain the same: ‘They just want somebody to care. They just want to know that they’re making somebody proud.’ (The principal had been wearing a mask as a precaution due to COVID-19, but she removed it for this photo). (B.C. Manion)

The educator joined the school as an assistant principal, under the direction of Ray Bonti, the school’s first principal. Later, she was promoted to the school’s top post, to replace Bonti when he ascended to become an assistant superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

White said Bonti was one of the most important mentors in her career. He gave her a chance, she said, to learn about all aspects of school administration before she took the helm at Wiregrass Ranch.

Bonti, now executive director of the Hillsborough Association of School Administrators, said White excelled, and was his logical replacement.

“Robyn is one of the smartest administrators that I’ve worked with over my almost 30 years working in Pasco County Schools,” Bonti said. “Not only was she one of the smartest that I’ve worked with — she was a tireless worker. She put 100% effort into it.”

She also provides sound guidance, Bonti added.

“I learned a lot from her. A lot of people learned a lot from her. She mentored many teachers. She mentored many students,” Bonti said.

Over the years, Wiregrass Ranch High has developed a reputation for excellence, and during the 2019-2020 school year, White was selected as high school principal of the year by the Pasco County Council PTA.

Denise Nicholas, president of the council at the time, said White is known for running a tight ship, and for welcoming student ideas.

“She has an open-door policy for her students,” Nicholas said.

White listens, she said.

“The number of activities and groups for students, with whatever different interests — if they  have a plan and they have a sponsor, and it makes sense, she absolutely will support that.

“There is a tremendous number of clubs, for every different interest, which is phenomenal,” Nicholas said.

Bonti said that White “has always maintained that really good balance of setting high expectations and creating a culture that (makes) people want to be there.”

She didn’t set out to be a principal
When White was beginning her career, her only ambition was to teach.

“I just remember being in awe of teachers, and what they did and what they taught me,” White said, noting she was particularly influenced by Marita Noe and Shirley Holm, two of her high school math teachers.

White knew she had a knack for helping her friends and other students learn.

At one point, her mom recognized her math skills and suggested she pursue a career in accounting.

But, White didn’t want to sit behind a desk, she wanted to be personally involved in helping others.

So, after graduating from the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, White landed her first job, teaching mathematics at Dunedin Highland Middle School in Pinellas County.

Students across the nation walked out of classrooms on March 14, 2018, in a protest against gun violence and a call for greater action by Congress to keep students safe. The walkout was sanctioned at Wiregrass Ranch High. ‘I believe that students should have a voice to express their concerns, their opinions,’ said Wiregrass Ranch High Principal Robyn White. (File)

After that, she worked four years in a dropout prevention program, before returning to the classroom to teach sixth-grade mathematics.

Her next teaching stop was at Dunedin High School.

“I loved being a part of the classroom,” White said.

It never occurred to her to pursue a job in administration.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that I would have been a principal of a school. I wouldn’t have even given it a consideration,” she said.

But, gentle nudging from Dr. Mildred Reed, her principal at Dunedin High School, changed that.

White was very involved at Dunedin High. Besides teaching, she was the athletic director, she sponsored multiple clubs and she chaired a committee involving small learning communities.

Reed came to her and said: “I don’t understand. You do all of this and don’t get any pay for it, Why wouldn’t you go back to school and consider getting into administration?”

White went on: “I really hadn’t thought of it, to be very honest. I loved being in the classroom.”

But Reed had planted a seed.

White began taking a class here and there, thinking perhaps someday she might explore an administrative role. After all, she already had a master’s degree and would just need certification.

When an assistant principal retired, White became an acting assistant principal — allowing her the chance to give it a try.

“I did that for a semester, thinking that position would be open the following year and it would be a nice, easy transition,” White said.

It didn’t play out that way.

“That was the year that Pinellas County cut 23 assistant principals, so, I went back to the classroom,” she said.

That didn’t bother her, because she loved teaching.

But because she had served as an acting assistant principal, she found herself being called upon repeatedly to fill in when another assistant principal was out.

“That got a little bit old,” White said, so she decided to apply in Pasco County, which was advertising for administrators.

Her first interview was for a job at Zephyrhills High, which she didn’t get.

Her next interview was for a job at Wesley Chapel High, which she landed.

“I’ll never forget the day I got the call. It was a Friday afternoon,” she said.

She was at a conference wrestling meet.

“I thought, ‘My goodness, how am I going to tell these kids that I’m leaving?

“I can just remember, going back and sitting up in the bleachers and literally putting up a newspaper in front of my face and crying.

“Mr. (Andy) Frelick (principal at Wesley Chapel) was very kind. He allowed (me) to have some flex days in finishing up at Dunedin High School, because I was involved in so much.”

She went to work at Wesley Chapel High on Jan. 31, 2005, but her stay there was short-lived.

Wiregrass Ranch High was opening and students from Wesley Chapel were being reassigned to that school. White’s job at Wesley Chapel High was cut.

She joined Bonti’s staff on March 13, 2006.

When the new high school opened, it had a total of 700 ninth- and 10th-graders, White said, and it operated in portables behind Weightman Middle School. Wiregrass Ranch relocated to its current campus over winter break.

By its third year, the high school was operating at its 1,650-student capacity.

Its enrollment has swelled through the years, causing the school to add portables, and for two years operated on a 10-period day — to limit the number of students on campus at one time.

Its enrollment also has been reduced with boundary shifts — which were adamantly opposed by parents and students, alike.

Now, the enrollment stands at 2,078 — but the campus feels more spacious this year because about 800 students have opted to learn remotely due to concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19.

Lessons she’s learned through the years
Besides being an educator, White has been a learner, too.

As a teacher intern, her supervising teacher gave her two pieces of advice.

“Piece No. 1:  Stay out of the teachers’ lounge because that’s where negativity breeds.

“And, Piece No. 2: When you don’t enjoy it anymore, get out.

“I tell people to this day: ‘If you’re not enjoying it, why are you staying?’”

She also learned how to manage her emotions.

When she was an acting assistant principal, she said, “I remember multiple times I got very emotional and she (Dr. Reed) told me, ‘Principals don’t cry.’”

White said she has a slightly different message for the people she mentors: “I say, ‘Principals do cry, but with the door shut.’”

She thinks her years in the classroom have helped her to be a better principal.

“You need to be able to relate to what teachers are going through,” she explained.

And, as a leader of a large school, she understands the importance of teamwork.

“There’s no way that I can do this job without the team I have around me. That’s everybody from my custodial, my non-instructional staff, my teachers,” White said.

She has confidence in them.

“They’re all smart people. So, they know what’s going to work for them and what works for their kids. So, I give them the autonomy to decide how that’s going to work,” she said.

Myriad decisions must be made, but White said: “Ultimately, it’s about what’s in the best interest of the kids.”

So much has changed over the years, but students are essentially the same, the principal said.

“They just want somebody to care. They just want to know that they’re making somebody proud.”

Published February 03, 2021

School projects address district needs

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A global pandemic has cast uncertainty regarding what will happen in the coming school year, but the work goes on to build, expand and renovate schools in the Pasco County school district.

Rapid growth in recent years has caused school crowding. And, anticipated residential construction has created a need for schools in previously undeveloped areas.

Cypress Creek Middle School in Wesley Chapel will have its inaugural first day of school when the 2020-2021 school year begins. (B.C. Manion)

Across the district, enrollment is expected to increase by slightly more than 1,900 students for this coming school year, and that includes charter schools, according to Chris Williams, director of planning for the school district.

It remains unclear if that projection will come to fruition, in light of impacts from COVID-19 on residential construction.

The district’s enrollment will grow — but, it’s not clear how much, Williams said during a school board workshop on the district’s capital improvement plan.

Numerous projects are planned in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, according to Williams’ presentation.

The planning director also provided an overview of schools expected to face another crowded year in 2020-2021.

Construction is underway at the Starkey Ranch K-8 School, near the intersection of Long Spur and Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa. The project, which includes private and public partners, will feature a school, a library and a cultural center, next to a district park. The public will be able to take advantage of the library, cultural center and park. (B.C. Manion)

Williams said he expects Odessa Elementary to be “just slammed full,” for the upcoming school year. “I don’t know (if) we could put any more students there,” he said.

“Fortunately, the relief for Odessa Elementary is the Starkey K-8, which will open, of course, next year. So, Odessa, we’re just working with them to get them through this coming year.

“Oakstead Elementary continues to be a little bit over capacity.

“I don’t know how much opening Starkey K-8, as mostly a magnet, will impact Oakstead (Elementary), but certainly it could have some impact on Oakstead Elementary, as well.

“Connerton (Elementary) continues to be over capacity,” he said.

But, he said, Connerton is experiencing “slow growth,” so the district will monitor the situation.

Wesley Chapel Elementary is expected to be slightly over capacity, but two new charter schools opening this year in Wesley Chapel — Pinecrest and Innovation Preparatory (inPrep) — are expected to have an impact, Williams said.

An additional classroom wing has been added to Bexley Elementary in Land O’ Lakes, to increase its capacity to meet growing enrollment needs. (File)

At the middle school level, the construction of Starkey Ranch K-8 will provide relief to River Ridge and Seven Springs middle schools, and also will likely have some impact on Rushe Middle School, too, Williams said.

A magnet 6-12 school will be opening in 2023, in the upcoming Angeline development in Land O’ Lakes, Williams said. He expects that to have an impact on Pine View and Rushe middle schools, and perhaps on River Ridge Middle, too.

“By then, Ridge Road will be complete,” the planning expert said, creating access to the new 6-12 school from all of those areas.

“Finally, after many years, we finally provide some relief to John Long Middle, with the opening of Cypress Creek Middle,” Williams added.

“Weightman Middle certainly is in a growth area,” he said, but charter schools in the area are expected to have an impact.

Williams added: “Also, we are planning in 2024 to open a magnet school, K-8, over in Wesley Chapel that also will provide relief to some of those schools.”

Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes also has a new classroom wing this year, to accommodate enrollment growth. (File)

At the high school level, Williams said additional capacity was added to Land O’ Lakes High School during its renovation. A new classroom wing added to Sunlake High School will be ready for occupancy this year.

A new wing added to Bexley Elementary also is ready for the 2020-2021 school year.

The future 6-12 school in Angeline also will increase enrollment capacity in the Land O’ Lakes area, Williams said.

The opening of Cypress Creek Middle School this fall, will have a ripple effect on enrollments.

First, it allows Cypress Creek High School to house additional students in grades nine through 12, while Cypress Creek Middle School serves students in grades six through eight.

The additional capacity at the high school allows the school district to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High. The new middle school allows the district to relieve crowding at John Long Middle.

Wiregrass Ranch won’t feel the full impact for a couple years, Williams said, because the district grandfathered this year’s juniors and seniors at Wiregrass Ranch.

Construction continues on a remodeling project at Zephyrhills High School. (B.C. Manion)

And, of course, the planning director said, the Wiregrass area is still experiencing growth.

He also noted that Pasco High is over capacity. The area, however, isn’t experiencing much growth.

The district is evaluating projects that could add capacity at Pasco High in the future, he said.

Zephyrhills High’s capacity is being increased through a project now in progress at the school, he added.

When The Innovation Academy at Kirkland Ranch opens, expected in 2023, it likely will have a significant impact on enrollments in schools on the district’s east side, he said.

Besides work that has been wrapped up recently, is underway, or on the drawing board — the district also has been securing sites for future schools.

Previously, the district has found itself in the position of being unable to find affordable land for schools, Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told school board members.

It has resolved that issue, he said.

“As a district, we are in tremendous shape when it comes to land to build schools,” Gadd said.

Published August 05, 2020

Pasco County School is redrawing boundaries

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Turnout was light for a public workshop regarding school boundaries held last week at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

Thousands of students will be affected by the proposed changes, but the vast majority of changes relate to Cypress Creek Middle School, which is set to open in the fall of 2020.

The school district initially had planned to open both a high school and a middle school on the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road.

Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, explains proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle School, during a public workshop on proposed school boundary changes. (Christine Holtzman)

But, the district was short on funding, so initially the high school buildings were used to house students in grades six through 12.

When the new middle school opens next fall, students in grades six through eight will shift to the new building.

But, boundary changes are needed to fill up remaining capacity at both the middle school and the high school.

The proposed changes primarily affect the Seven Oaks neighborhood, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

Specifically, the school district is proposing that 613 students now zoned to Wiregrass Ranch High School be shifted to Cypress Creek High School, and seven students zoned to Pasco High School be rezoned to Cypress Creek High School.

If that’s approved, the estimated enrollment at Cypress Creek High School would be 2,080, in a school which has a permanent capacity of 2,090.

After the proposed shift, Wiregrass Ranch would have an enrollment of 1,606 students, in a school with a permanent capacity of 1,633. Pasco High would have an enrollment of 1,602, in a school with a permanent capacity of 1,491.

The proposed boundary changes also call for shifting over to Cypress Creek Middle, an estimated 446 students now zoned to John Long Middle and five students now zoned to Pasco Middle.

If those changes are approved, Cypress Creek Middle would have an estimated 1,554 students, in a school with a permanent capacity of 1,600. John Long Middle would have 1,167 students, in a school with a permanent capacity of 1,327. Pasco Middle would have 918 students, in a school with a permanent capacity of 875.

Under the proposal, seven students living along State Road 52, at the north end of Old Pasco Road, would be reassigned from Pasco High to Cypress Creek High.

That shift is being proposed because where they live is a straight shot to Cypress Creek High, Williams said. “We felt that made sense.”

Alex Morales, of Wesley Chapel, center, and his wife Jessica, speak with Wayne Bertsch, communications and government liaison for Pasco County Schools, about their concerns relating to proposed school boundaries. The Morales family lives in Seven Oaks, a neighborhood that is currently zoned for Wiregrass Ranch High School, but under the new proposal, will be zoned for Cypress Creek High School.

The district also is proposing to shift an attendance area with 17 students in San Antonio Elementary over to Quail Hollow Elementary.

“These kids currently go to San Antonio Elementary, Pasco Middle and Pasco High. So, now they’re going to go to Quail Hollow Elementary, Cypress Creek Middle and Cypress Creek High,” Williams said.

In another proposed change, an attendance area with 143 students now zoned to Wesley Chapel High would be reassigned to Zephyrhills High. That would bring Zephyrhills High’s enrollment to 1,780, at a school with a permanent capacity of 2,004. It would bring Wesley Chapel High’s enrollment to 1,438, at a school with a permanent capacity of 1,506.

Williams said the change addresses a previous boundary shift.

“We rezoned some kids several years ago out of Wiregrass and John Long into Wesley Chapel and Weightman. We kind of shifted these kids over to Stewart Middle, but there wasn’t room at Zephyrhills, so they went to Wesley Chapel.

“The bulk of these kids go to Chester Taylor Elementary, then they go to Stewart and then they go to Wesley Chapel,” Williams said.

The planning director also noted that “Wesley Chapel has all of this growth coming from Epperson Ranch.

“So, we think it makes sense to fix the feeder pattern. Elementary and middle doesn’t change: They’ll still go to Chester Taylor and Stewart Middle. But, now they’ll go to Zephyrhills (High),” Williams said.

Zephyrhills High has room because the district just built a new classroom wing there.

As of last week, Williams had not received any feedback on the proposed shift affecting Zephyrhills High.

Overall, he has received about three dozen comment cards regarding the proposed boundary shifts changes — the vast majority coming from the Seven Oaks neighborhood.

As is often the case, those commenting said they’d bought their home in a specific neighborhood because of the school their child would attend, or they objected to the change because the new school is farther away from their home than their current school.

When the district drew up the original boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle High, it announced it would likely be shifting the Seven Oaks neighborhood over when the new middle school opened.

But, apparently that word did not get out to everyone, Williams said.

Jessica and Alex Morales, who live in Seven Oaks, said they moved into the neighborhood so their daughter could finish high school at Wiregrass Ranch. But, it now appears that their son, who is a freshman at Wiregrass Ranch, will be reassigned to Cypress Creek High next fall.

They attended the public workshop to see if there was any possibility their son could stay at Wiregrass Ranch High.

“We had moved from New York. He met all of his friends in sixth grade,” Jessica Morales said.

Under the proposal, he’ll be attending a high school that’s different from many of his friends.

“We’re trying to lessen that blow,” she said.

The family also has a second-grader they need to think about, too, she said.

They are planning to learn more about what Cypress Creek High has to offer.

Williams said there are other boundary changes proposed that would affect an area near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway that is currently undeveloped, but has been approved for a massive development.

The proposal calls for assigning the entire area to Mary Giella Elementary, Crews Lake Middle School and Hudson High, Williams said.

Under the current boundaries, some of that future growth would have been assigned to Land O’ Lakes High, Pine View Middle and Connerton Elementary.

Anyone who wishes to comment on the district’s proposed boundaries can fill out a comment form by going to the district’s website, at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

The Pasco County School Board will have a public hearing on the proposed boundaries on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The final public hearing is set for the same location on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.

Published October 16, 2019

Ten-year-old uses home décor business to pursue Olympic dreams

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In the age of GoFundMe campaigns and other fundraisers — where someone is always seemingly always asking for a handout — 10-year-old Hailey Henderson is using her own hands to try to make her dreams come true.

The Wesley Chapel youth has launched a home decor business — Hailey Brooke Designs  — stamping personalized books for nearly every occasion.

Ten-year-old Hailey Henderson helps pay for her figure skating lessons through her home décor business, Hailey Brooke Designs, where she stamps personalized books. The business started in August after Henderson discovered her talent for crafting with her grandmother. (Courtesy of Melissa Nordholm)

Each sale helps pay for her figure skating lessons at Florida Hospital Center Ice, with her ultimate goal to compete in the Olympics.

Though she’s only been skating for a year, Henderson has experienced almost immediate success.

This past skating season, the Weightman Middle School sixth-grader won two competitions in her division — the 16th annual Labor Day Invitational, in Fort Myers; and, the 2018 Southwest Florida Fall Classic, in Ellenton.

She also earned a second place finish at the 2018 Orange Blossom Open, in Oldsmar.

The rink is Henderson’s happy place.

As she gracefully skates across the ice, she doesn’t have a care in the world.

“You don’t have to think about school, you don’t have to think about homework, you don’t have to think about anything else,” said Henderson, who skates for Champions’ Edge Skating Club, based out of Florida Hospital Center Ice.

“I like doing my jumps because you get a certain feeling where like you’re in the air and it just feels so cool,” she said. “I just love it.”

Hailey Henderson, 10, of Wesley Chapel, last month won first place in the 16th annual Labor Day Invitational, in Fort Myers. She also recently won the 2018 Southwest Florida Fall Classic, in Ellenton. She dreams of competing in the Olympics.

Henderson, however, understands figure skating is an expensive sport.

So, with some help from her mother, Melissa Nordholm, Henderson upcycles books and gathers other materials for the chic creations.

Her items are available on Etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies.

The business started in August after Henderson discovered her talent for crafting with her grandmother.

Nordholm said her daughter does most of the manual labor.

“She gets to sit there and stamp them all,” Nordholm explained. “The actual design of the books is pretty much independently her.”

The personalized book sets can be customized with family and pet names, as well as favorite quotes and song lyrics.

Henderson has also branched out to specific themes, for occasions such as Halloween and Christmas.

For example, her “Trick or Treat” handmade set comes wrapped with Halloween-colored raffia and a creepy-crawly spider detail.

Henderson’s catalog of items includes a wide assortment of handmade sets, including those themed for all branches of military and law enforcement and firefighters.

Her “Protect and Serve” handmade set, for instance, comes wrapped with natural jute and adorned with a resin police ornament on top.

“It’s just so much fun. It’s like another hobby,” she said.

Her favorite design is the Breast Cancer Awareness themed set.

It’s decorated with a pink awareness ribbon and wrapped in pink raffia, with quotes such as ‘Hope, Courage, Strength,’ ‘Stronger than Cancer’ and ‘I Can and I Will.’

The disease hits close to home to Henderson. Her great-aunt has been battling it for eight years now.

“She’s been fighting breast cancer for quite a long time, so it’s pretty meaningful,” Henderson said, also adding “and I like pink, so it goes together.”

The Wesley Chapel youth continues brainstorming to come up with other book set ideas for the future.

“We’re thinking about doing a Teacher Appreciation one for the teachers and some baking ones, like ‘Bakers Gonna Bake’ or ‘Watch Me Whip,’ because it’s funny,” Henderson said.

Nordholm smiles broadly, as she considers the sacrifices her 10-year-old daughter is making to run her own business. “It’s definitely very heartwarming,” she said.

Watching her daughter in skates, makes her proud, too.

“I love that she’s got that childlike wonder and her dream is to go to the Olympics. I love that she thinks she can achieve it. It definitely makes us feel pretty amazing as parents,” Nordholm said.

So far, most of the book set orders have come from Wesley Chapel and Pasco County, but a handful of orders have come in from other states.

With each order, Henderson writes every customer a handwritten ‘thank-you’ note.

“You are the reasons my dreams are coming true, XOXO Hailey,” each note reads.

To order one of Henderson’s designs, visit Etsy.com, and search for HaileyBrookeDesigns, or visit tinyurl.com/y9wqwjpc.

Published October 10, 2018

Two Centex Communities Ideal For First-Time Homebuyers

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Talavera now open in Spring Hill; Wesbridge coming to Wesley Chapel

Affordable housing can be challenging to find in a hot real estate market like Pasco County — especially new construction. But, that is changing with two new communities being developed by Centex Homes.

Earlier this month, Centex held the grand opening of its model in Talavera, a new-home community in Spring Hill that’s located on U.S. 41, just north of State Road 52.

While Talavera’s address is Spring Hill, the community is located in Pasco County and children are zoned to top-rated schools in Land O’ Lakes.

Coming soon to Wesley Chapel is Wesbridge, another Centex development with first-time homebuyers in mind.  Located on Wells Road, directly across from the Wesley Chapel public school complex, construction will begin in July, with models opening in early 2019.

“People looking to buy at Talavera and Wesbridge are typically first-time homebuyers, with many right out of college and moving from an apartment” said Sean Strickler, West Florida Division president for Centex Homes.

“Buyers like the openness of our floor plans, and appreciate Centex’s design that puts most of a home’s square footage in rooms where families congregate,” he adds.

Every Centex floor plan features a great room that opens to the kitchen, and a flex room that can be used as a dining room, library, playroom or office. Centex buyers can also personalize their homes with individual choices in flooring, countertops and colors, and even have a selection of pre-planned structural changes to enhance their home.

“Our homes truly offer more flexibility than many lower priced homes offered by the competition,” said Strickler

Large Lots at Talavera
Centex recently began selling homes in Talavera, a community of 760 homes that has been underway for two years. Centex has 100, 65-foot and 75-foot lots available in this community.

“The homesites in Talavera are very large — you definitely get more property with your home,” said Strickler. “People moving to Talavera want a nice home, and are a little bit more willing to sacrifice commute time to ensure for a larger home that meets their budget.”

Centex offers nine floor plans in Talavera, ranging from 1,675 to 4,248 square feet. Homes are one and two story, with prices ranging from $210,990 to $326,990.

With a floor plan that is truly consumer-inspired, the Palm is Centex’s new, fully furnished model in Talavera. Four quick move-in homes will be available beginning in May.

Amenities are in place at Talavera, and include a resort-style pool, cabanas, children’s playground, basketball court and dog park.

Wesbridge Has Premium Location
Wesbridge’s 104 acres of former timberland and pasture is located in the heart of Wesley Chapel — one of Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities.

It is located east of I-75 and north of State Road 54, between Boyette Road and Curley Road, and is less than a mile from Epperson — a master-planned community with a Crystal Lagoon that is attracting a lot of attention.

“Wesbridge’s location is perhaps its most desirable feature,” said Strickler  “This will be one of the most affordable new-home communities in the area.”

Another draw is the community’s top schools and close-by recreational facilities. Wesley Chapel Elementary, Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High schools are literally across the street on Wells Road. And, the 140-acre Wesley Chapel District Park is just a half mile away with its many baseball, soccer and football fields, tennis and basketball courts, fitness trail and picnic areas.

Wesbridge’s location also offers easy access to shopping and dining at The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets and the Bruce B. Downs corridor.

Like Talavera, Wesbridge also touts family oriented amenities, including a resort-style pool and splash zone, community clubhouse, children’s playground and dog park.

Many of Talavera’s two-story floor plans will be available at Wesbridge, where homes will be built on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot lots. Home prices will begin in the mid $200s.

More information about Wesbridge, including home designs, pricing, pre-sales and site, can be found by signing up for the community’s VIP registration at Centex.com/Wesbridge.

About Centex
Centex is a division of Pulte Homes, the third largest homebuilder in the U.S. Pulte understood the demographic boom coming for first-time homebuyers, and in 2008 bought Centex Homes, which was a national brand targeted to this first-time buyer. Today in the Tampa Bay area, nearly half of Pulte’s business comes from its Centex brand.

“In an era where many potential homebuyers are feeling priced out of the market, Centex is proud to be in Pasco with affordable homes that are within 20 to 35 miles of Tampa,” said Strickland.  “Our two Pasco communities offer first-time homebuyers family focused, suburban living close to the area’s major traffic arteries.”

Strickler also adds that Centex Homes are built using the same quality materials and workmanship found in its more expensive Pulte and Del Webb home brands.

“Our Centex buyers get the same quality construction materials and processes, just at lower cost per square foot,” he said.

Talavera
Land O’ Lakes schools
Fast access to U.S. 41 and Suncoast Parkway
760 home sites
Large lots
Prices begin at $210,990
9 floor plans; 1 and 2-story homes
1,675 to 4,248 square feet
Model Home – Palm
Resort-style pool and cabanas

Wesbridge
Wesley Chapel schools
Fast access to I-75
350 home sites
Models open in early 2019
Prices begin in the mid $200s
1,500 to 4,000 square feet
Resort-style pool and splash zone

Published April 25, 2018

Seeking a sensory room to serve students with autism

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Dan Reyes has often witnessed the benefits of a sensory environment for his 13-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism.

Each Sunday, his family attends LifePoint Church in New Tampa, which has a sensory room devoted to children with special needs.

“He absolutely loves going into that room,” Reyes said. “He’s happy in there. He’s active, and it’s a very engaging room when sometimes other environments are not.”

Weightman Middle School seventh-grader Jacob Reyes is one of many students with autism who could benefit from a sensory room. (Courtesy of Dan Reyes)

The caring parent also wants a similar setting made available for Jacob and his fellow classmates at Weightman Middle School, in Wesley Chapel.

So, earlier this month, Reyes launched a GoFundMe page to build a sensory room at the school, where his son is a seventh-grader.

Throughout the school year, Reyes worked closely with school administration and teachers to develop a budget plan for a fully equipped sensory room — something he hopes “will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

A sensory room is a specially designed room that combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. These can include lights, colors, sounds, sensory soft play objects, and aromas within a safe environment that allows the person using it to explore and interact without risk.

These rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as   developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence.

Such rooms often include a variety of items with vestibular input (items that allow users to spin, swing or hang), visual input and lighting, olfactory (smell), proprioception (items that allow the user to be squished or hugged), tactile, touch, feel, and auditory output.

Some examples include swings, bouncing chairs, lava lamps, fluorescent light filters, scented oils, scented playdoh, therapy balls, mini trampolines, textured puzzles, vibrating kids toys, sound pillows, and indoor wind chimes.

Several of those items will be purchased to meet the needs of current, as well as incoming, students.

As of April 16, nearly $4,000 of the $35,000 goal has been raised on the GoFundMe page.

Additionally, the school has held a beanie baby sale, sponsored dinners and set up other fundraisers at local restaurants to make the sensory room project a reality.

Weightman Middle has about 30 students in its Access Points Social Behavior Communication Program, geared toward students with severe and continuous behavioral needs, communication and sensory needs associated with autism spectrum disorder.

For the time being, the school is utilizing a makeshift sensory space that accommodates just one student at a time. It includes a handful of donated and purchased sensory items like a piano mat, drumsticks and tumble balls, along with some other handmade playthings.

But, Weightman staff hopes to have a full-size sensory room ready by the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

This is an image of a sensory room, which is specially designed to combine a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. The rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn how to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence. (Courtesy of Edutopia)

The designated room would take the place of a regular-size classroom situated in the school’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) unit, where it’s expected to exhibit a “nature theme” on walls and carpeting.

Teachers would have the possibility of scheduling classes in the sensory room, or could take students there, as needed. The room could also be utilized at the beginning of the school day or in 30-minute break periods.

Assistant Principal Laurie Johnson, who supervises the school’s ESE department, said such a space would allow special-needs students to self-explore and find items that best meet their sensory needs to calm their behaviors.

For instance, one student may relax by spinning. Another may enjoy a swinging motion. Others, moreover, may utilize a punching bag to release frustration.

“If their sensory needs are not met, then often they can start to experience behavioral problems,” Johnson said.

Without that sensory input and output, students with autism may exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as biting and self-harm, educators explained. Others may resort to crying or the inability to stop moving.

“It’s not that they’re acting out ‘just because.’ They are acting out because they have a need and it’s not being met,” said varying exceptionalities teacher Loretta Seekins.

Having those sensory needs met helps those students become more attentive during lessons, Seekins said.

“You’re not going to get any educational benefit by a student that can’t focus,” she said.

The teacher added a sensory room would also reinforce and enhance communication and socialization skills among the school’s autistic population.

Seekins said the idea is to help students become more acclimated to being in environments where others are doing things, talking and socializing.

“It’s not something that will happen overnight, but you’re building toward that,” she said.

School behavioral specialist Leslie Monticco agrees such a room is imperative for nonverbal students to better express themselves and self-regulate. “To have somewhere to go as an escape is huge,” she said. “It is a need.”

Weightman Middle Principal Rachel Fowler has fully endorsed the sensory room.

She stressed the importance for students to receive support for all their needs, not just academically.

“We do a lot for social interaction and having that space outside of a regular classroom is essential, so they can remove themselves and truly use those other senses to help their brain,” Fowler said.

To donate to the sensory room project, visit GoFundMe.com/sensory-room-for-children-wautism.

Published April 18, 2018

Mr. Bolt was a true ‘staple’ at Wesley Chapel Elementary

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Wesley Chapel Elementary School held an open house on March 16 to celebrate the life of Dan Bolt, a 44-year-old behavioral specialist who died suddenly on March 12.

Mr. Bolt, as he was known at the elementary school, joined its staff in 2003 as a music teacher. He remained in that role until this school year, when he became a behavioral specialist.

Dan Bolt was a foster parent, who recently was able to adopt his two boys. He is shown here with his family: Duane Guy, in back, Juan Guy-Bolt, left, and Jose Guy-Bolt, and Dan Bolt, kneeling.
(Courtesy of Dan Bolt’s familyWesley Chapel Elementary)

Wesley Chapel Elementary Principal Stan Mykita, who joined the school’s staff about 18 months ago, said he immediately thought of Mr. Bolt when he had an opening for a behavioral specialist.

“I knew he was perfect for the job. I knew he had a passion for kids with trauma. He’s done an unbelievable job with those kids,” Mykita said.

“Whatever it took to get kids involved, he was going to get kids involved,” Mykita added.

The school set aside two hours for the celebration of life open house, to allow those who wanted to honor Bolt to come to the cafeteria, leave cards and letters, console one another and express their sympathy to Mr. Bolt’s family.

A video played on a continuous loop, featuring the many roles of Mr. Bolt.

One portion of the video featured him singing a solo, from the musical “Newsies,” during a performance at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

Frame after frame in the video shows Mr. Bolt smiling — surrounded by children, colleagues, family and friends.

In one shot, he’s wearing a Ghostbusters costume. In another, he’s working the book fair.

Another frame featured a letter by a former student, Trunk Nguyen. In the handwritten note, she says Mr. Bolt has been part of her life since she was in second grade. She credits him for helping her to build her confidence and for encouraging her to join the Weightman Middle School band.

When Mr. Bolt died, she wrote, it “truly almost broke all of my heart, seeing a big inspiration to me leave the world.”

His colleagues describe him as someone who was always helping with something.

Staff members shared their thoughts about Dan Bolt on a poster near the entrance of the cafeteria at Wesley Chapel Elementary, where a celebration of life was held on March 16. (B.C. Manion)

People didn’t realize how much Mr. Bolt did, said Denise Tucker, a fifth-grade teacher.

“He would organize the kickball game, the fifth-grade picnic,” she said.

For the end of the year field trip, he would collect the money, purchase the tickets and order the T-shirts, she said.

He did all of those things, “so we could teach,” Tucker said. “He took care of the details. Whatever was necessary, he did.”

School counselor Jennifer Asaro said Mr. Bolt “touched so many people.”

“He was always an advocate for the kids, the teachers.

“Any function that we had here, he was part of — whether it was dances, the character parades, the Christmas musicals, chorus. He ran clubs. He just really cared about all of the kids,” she said.

He also was involved with the school’s All Pro Dad’s club and the school PTA.

Cindy Harper, the first principal at Wesley Chapel Elementary, hired him to join the elementary school’s staff. She recalls the enthusiastic recommendation he received from his former supervisor, who encouraged her to hire Mr. Bolt.

It was a decision she never regretted.

“He made the music classes fun,” said Harper, who drove from Dade City to attend the celebration of life in Wesley Chapel.

People of all ages were at the gathering to honor the teacher.

They hugged one another. They waited in line to offer condolences to the family.

Before the celebration, many wrote notes or signed posters that were on display near the entrance of the cafeteria.

Dan Bolt, in the white shirt and tie, poses in a group shot with Wesley Chapel Elementary students. (Courtesy of Dan Bolt’s family/Wesley Chapel Elementary)

A poster, created by students, offered a glimpse of how much he mattered. ‘Thank you for being the best teacher, ever,’ one student wrote. ‘We miss you,’ wrote another. ‘You were the best music teacher,’ another added.

Staff members also praised their former colleague. “I will always remember your smile and positive energy,” one wrote on a poster. “You were a great team player,” added another. “Thanks for all you did for our children, our community,” wrote a third.

Mr. Bolt was named the teacher of the year at Wesley Chapel Elementary in 2016 and went on to become one of the three district finalists for Pasco County Teacher of the Year.

In a video featuring his accomplishments, he was credited with setting up a 21st century music classroom with embedded technology at the school. He also helped institute the schoolwide Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) clubs, and helped to raise $100,000 for technology in the school’s classrooms.

He was known for his commitment to offering an engaging learning environment, where all children felt welcome.

He also was a generous colleague.

When Kim Mahoney was named Wesley Chapel Elementary’s teacher of the year, she said Mr. Bolt “kind of took me under his wing.”

He helped her prepare her packet for the district’s competition, and she — like Mr. Bolt — was named a district finalist, too.

“He was an amazing man. He did everything and anything around this place,” Mahoney said.

He was loyal, positive and passionate.

“He was a staple to our school,” Mahoney said.

Mr. Bolt was survived by his spouse, Duane Guy; his sons, Jose Guy-Bolt and Juan Guy-Bolt; his sisters, Sherry Bolt, Carol Sedoris and Robin Bolt; and his brothers, Robert Bolt and Thomas Bolt.

Revised March 23, 2018

Pulte to build 350 homes in Wesley Chapel

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Pulte Group’s West Florida Division plans to build 350 single-family residences on the south side of Wells Road, east of Boyette Road, according to a news release from BoardroomPR.

The development will be a Centex-brand community, known as Wesbridge.

Pulte recently purchased about 104 acres for the project.

Sean Strickler, Pulte’s division president in west Florida
(Courtesy of Boardroom PR)

Wesbridge will be targeted to first-time homebuyers, with sales prices starting in the low $200,000s. There will be three different home designs on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot wide lots. Several homes will back up to open space, preserved land and water, according to the release.

Floor plans will range from 1,500 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. Homebuyers can choose designs with three to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms and two to three car garages.

Wesbridge also will feature a resort-style swimming pool, splash playground, tot lot and dog park.

“This is an assemblage of four different pieces of property in a prime location,” Sean Strickler said, in a written statement. Strickler is Pulte’s division president in west Florida.

The location has easy access to Interstate 75, Interstate 275 and State Road 54, The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, and the newly opened Wesley Chapel District Park.

It will be located across from Wesley Chapel Elementary School, Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School.

Wesbridge is Pulte’s third community in Wesley Chapel.

The first, Country Walk, sold out in February 2017, according to the press release. The second is in Epperson, the community that features the Crystal Lagoon.

Pulte is in its second phase of home sales for Epperson.

Wesbridge sales are expected to begin in early 2019, with homes move-in ready by summer 2019.

For information, visit Pulte.com.

Published March 14, 2018

Pasco students share their special talents

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The ovations and cheers seemed endless.

The smiles, too.

Special needs students from four Pasco County schools shared their unique skills on Oct. 20 before more than 100 parents, peers, school faculty and community members.

The ninth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent was in the auditorium at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

Zephyrhills High’s Ryan Womack performed an impressive cover of ‘It’s Not Unusual’ by legendary Welsh singer Tom Jones. He was one of 25 acts during the 90-minute show. (Kevin Weiss)

The event allows all of the special needs students to come together as a community to show off their talents. It encompasses students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Down syndrome and so on.

From dancing and singing/duets, to lip-syncing and comedy skits, there wasn’t a dull moment.

This year’s hour-and-a-half show featured 25 routines from dozens of exceptional student education (ESE) students.

And, each exhibited skills with aplomb, unafraid of the main stage, bright lights or the large audience, that watched intently.

Clearly it was the students’ day to shine.

Performers hailed from Wesley Chapel, Ridgewood and Zephyrhills high schools, as well as Weightman Middle School. A large-scale digital backdrop recognized each act and the performers involved.

Wesley Chapel High’s Anthony Minnick and Ashley Mendez served as masters of ceremony during the talent showcase. They kept the show moving along with dialogue and introductions.

Wesley Chapel’s David Dixon started the show on a patriotic note, with his rendition of the National Anthem.

Ridgewood High’s Becky Bordeaux worked the crowd with her comedy, drawing hearty rounds of guffaws with every joke.

Weightman’s Mauricio Diaz and Noah Brooks kept younger members of the audience engaged, hip-hop dancing to “Bank Account” by rapper 21 Savage.

Zephyrhills High’s Ryan Womack, meanwhile, had older show-goers singing in unison with a stirring cover of “It’s Not Unusual” by legendary Welsh singer Tom Jones.

During brief breaks in action, Wesley Chapel High’s Anthony Minnick and Ashley Mendez served as masters of ceremony. They kept the show moving along with dialogue and introductions.

A grand finale was newly introduced this year. All ESE students were invited on stage to celebrate with a reprise song of Michael Jackson’s “Bad.”

The event ended about as well as it started.

It even elicited “tears of joy” from parent Dale Kimball, who also attended last year’s show.

Kimball’s 15-year son, Paul, has autism.

Paul was part of a Wesley Chapel High group ensemble that performed “Heigh Ho” from Snow White. He played the part of “Prince Charming,” while his teacher, Penny Ward, played the Evil Queen.

It created quite the paradox, Kimball said, as Ward “is so kind and wonderful.”

At the end of the showcase, all performers were invited on the stage to celebrate with a reprise song of Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad.’

The Wesley Chapel parent pointed out the annual showcase is the closest to a stage most ESE students will ever get.

He also mentioned the staff at the schools are very encouraging to get even reluctant students to participate in the annual showcase.

“These kids never will be on a field, ever. These kids will never be on a stage, ever, except for something like this. You see the joy (of the kids),” Kimball said.

“We’re so blessed to have this program,” he added.

Bridget White, an ESE teacher at Wesley Chapel High, coordinated this year’s showcase.

She concurred with Kimball’s assessment the event provides an important and worthwhile experience for special needs students countywide.

“They don’t always have the same opportunities to shine, and this is geared to them. They often are going to their siblings’ events, so this gets to be just for them,” White said.

In preparation for the showcase, participating students were offered two days of on-stage rehearsals, along with a few classroom rehearsals.

Beforehand, ESE teachers disitrictwide spread the word about the upcoming show with students and their families.

“Oftentimes, they have talents that we may not know about, that are (seen) at home,” White said.

Published October 25, 2017

Gearing up for Cypress Creek Middle School

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A new middle school is expected to open next to Cypress Creek Middle High School, allowing the existing school to focus on high school only.

The new middle school will accommodate 1,675 students on a 15-acre site, just north of the current school, which opened in August at 8701 Old Pasco Road, for students in grades six through 11.

The estimated construction budget is $43.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2018, with opening planned for August 2020.

The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with architects Harvard Jolly, to reuse the design of the 1,400-student station Innovation Middle School in Orange County, for the new middle school, according to school board documents.

Pasco school district staff members recently toured Innovation Middle School and found that the school “to be cost effective, attractive and extremely safe and a school that will successfully meet the educational needs” of the district, according to district documents.

“Many of the preferred features of this school are already found in a number of our educational facilities,” the document added. “Our version of the school will be expanded to approximately 1,600 student stations to accommodate future growth in this region of the district.”

Cypress Creek Middle High is slated to add a senior class next school year.

When the school opened, it affected boundaries for Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools.

The district initially had hoped to open Cypress Creek as a high school only, but was forced to use it for more grades because it lacked sufficient construction funds.

Published October 25, 2017