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Wesley Chapel Elementary School

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

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

2017 had it all: A sinkhole, Hurricane Irma, wildfires and floods

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But, it also was a year of significant growth, notable achievements and touching moments, too.

It’s not often that Land O’ Lakes makes the international news, but it did just that in July when a massive sinkhole swallowed two homes in Lake Padgett Estates.

This is an aerial view of a giant sinkhole that developed in Lake Padgett Estates, swallowing two homes and causing several others to be condemned. (File)

Then, just a few months later in September, the world’s attention turned to Florida as a potential category 5 Hurricane Irma appeared heading straight toward Tampa Bay.

The year also was marked by severe flooding and wildfires in Pasco County.

It also was a year for the changing of the guard, as Dan Biles was named Pasco County’s administrator to replace Michele Baker, who retired.

Scores of headlines during 2017 involved stories about the area’s congested roadways — and projects that are planned, underway or being discussed to improve traffic flow.

Major road projects that have begun or are planned include improvements to Interstate 75 and state roads 54 and 52. A four-lane extension of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, is also under construction.

With its sustained wind speeds of 185 mph, Hurricane Irma was deemed to be one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Atlantic. At one point, forecasters said it appeared headed toward making a direct hit on the Tampa Bay region.

Another improvement, known as the diverging diamond, is planned to improve traffic flow at I-75 and State Road 56.

And, discussions continue over the best ways to reduce congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54, an intersection that handles roughly 100,000 vehicles per day.

The county also appears to be making progress in its quest to secure a permit for the extension of Ridge Road, a project it has been seeking for nearly two decades. While the project can’t come soon enough for supporters, its detractors remain steadfast in their opposition.

Increasing traffic is a symptom of Pasco’s robust growth
Housing developments, retail projects, restaurants, businesses and medical facilities are sprouting up on land previously occupied by citrus groves, farms and cattle ranches.

New schools continue to pop up, or expand, too.

Zephyrhills now has a permanent venue for community events, such as the Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, a popular event, which features blues bands and tasty barbecue.

In August, Pasco County Schools opened Bexley Elementary, in the Bexley subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes and Cypress Creek Middle High School, off Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. In the coming year, it plans to begin construction of Cypress Creek Middle School.

Also, on the same campus, the school district and Pasco-Hernando State College plan to operate a new performing arts center. That center will be built by the college with $15.5 million in state funds, but both the school district and the college will use it as a teaching facility.

Meanwhile, the school district continues massive renovation projects at Land O’ Lakes High School and at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.

More public school projects are expected, as funding for school construction gets a boost from increased school impacts fees adopted by the Pasco County Commission that will begin being phased in on Jan. 1.

On the private school front, North Tampa Christian Academy is expected to begin operations in Wesley Chapel in the fall of 2018.

Roy Hardy, of Dade City, who died this year, was known for his perfect Kiwanis attendance and his fish fry fundraisers for the Hardy Benevolent Fund to help cover medical costs for others in need.

And, a charter school also has announced its intentions to open in Wesley Chapel in 2019, but has not identified its location yet.

The year also signaled changes on the spiritual scene across the region, too.

Van Dyke Church in Lutz changed its name to Bay Hope and expanded the scope of its mission. North Pointe Church settled into its first permanent home in Lutz, and the Episcopal Church announced its intentions to branch into Wesley Chapel.

The region also added to its list of amenities during the past year.

In Wesley Chapel, the 150,000-square-foot Florida Hospital Center Ice opened in January, with its Olympic-size rink, three National Hockey League-size rinks and one junior rink. Several rinks can easily be converted to accommodate basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball and events such as corporate meetings, and parties.

In Land O’ Lakes, the Heritage Park Stage opened, off of U.S. 41. The project, which was years in the making, has already become a popular gathering spot for community events.

Starkey Park District Park also opened in Land O’ Lakes, off State Road 54.

Meanwhile, across the county, Zephyrhills added a permanent venue for community events, such as Pigz in Z’Hills, a popular barbecue and blues event.

A time of milestones and transitions
While new construction made the news, 2017 was also a year of big milestones, including R.B. Cox Elementary School’s 90th birthday, in Dade City, and the Dade City Garden Club’s 70th anniversary.

Andre Pamplona, general manager for Royal Lanes, said the closing of a bowling alley has an impact on the community. Royal Lanes, which opened in the 1970s turned off the lights for the final time in May. Lots of memories were made in that building, known for its bowling leagues and birthday parties.

But, it was also the year that Royal Lanes, a community fixture in Lutz since the 1970s for bowling leagues and birthday parties, turned out the lights for the final time in May.

On a more personal level, the region mourned the loss of some of its biggest champions, including Eddie Herrmann of San Antonio, Roy T. Hardy of Dade City and Ray Mason of Land O’ Lakes. All three men were known for their deep commitment to civic causes.

Others — who captured headlines for their excellence — included Margaret Polk, the Odyssey of the Mind team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School, and Courtney Urban, a volunteer for Gulfside Hospice who received a national award for her volunteer work.

Polk, a school nurse at Pasco High School, was named the Florida Association of School Nurses’ 2017 School Nurse of the Year.

Elaine Pittman, a Lutz gardener in her 80s, grows plants and sells them to raise money for Christian Social Services. She chose that cause because it feeds people who are hungry.

Wesley Chapel Elementary School’s “Catch Us If You Can” team, finished first in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held in May at Michigan State University. Members of the team were Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta. Teachers Veronica Acosta and Janet Heyman coached the team.

And, Urban, who initially began volunteering at Gulfside’s Thrift Shoppe in Lutz so she could hang out with her grandmother, went on to serve the organization in a variety of roles.

And then, there were the people who simply extended themselves to help others.

There was Elaine Pittman, a Lutz gardener in her 80s, who nurtures plant cuttings to create plants, which she sells to raise money for Christian Social Services, an organization that provides food for people who are hungry.

And, there was Whitney C. Elmore, who oversees Pasco County Extension.

Elmore reached out to help Frogmore Fresh Farm, outside of Dade City, after Hurricane Irma uprooted and toppled about 100,000 blueberry bushes. Elmore got the ball rolling, but hundreds of volunteers responded — stepping forward to help the farm.

Two Boy Scouts also made a difference in the communities where they live.

Michael Valenti of Lutz and Gabe Vega of Land O’ Lakes each spearheaded Eagle Scout projects.

Cypress Creek Middle High School students make their way to their second class the first day of school on the new campus in Wesley Chapel. Bexley Elementary School also opened for the first time in August, for the 2017-2018 school year.

Valenti spruced up the Lutz Memorial Park in Lutz, and Vega created a Rosary Garden at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes.

And, then, there was a trio of Wesley Chapel Girl Scouts in Troop 1263 who gave new life to Karina’s Garden, behind the administrative offices of Sunrise of Pasco County, in their quest to earn a Girl Scout Silver Award.

The girls — Paige and Kaitlin Trabouley and Alyssa Duran — added flowers, plants, butterflies and statuary to create a place of repose and refreshment in the garden which honors the late Karina Abdul, a former shelter director.

The garden now provides a place to take a break and enjoy nature, according to Vicki Wiggins, director of development for Sunrise, which is a domestic and sexual violence prevention and services organization.

The garden had been choked with weeds and had fallen into disrepair.

The girls and the volunteers they enlisted changed all that.

“It’s beautiful. I’m so happy they did this. They brought it back to life,” Wiggins told The Laker/Lutz News, when the project was completed.

Published December 27, 2017

They took on the world — and they won

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Wesley Chapel Elementary’s “Catch Us If You Can” team has returned as champions from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which took place at Michigan State University.

Front row, from left, Jake Piller, Rowan Heyman, Justin Acosta, Jason Sherman, Mina Melaika, Isabell Barrios and Sam Cappelluti. Back row, from left, Veronica Acosta, Matt Whaley and Janet Heyman. (Courtesy of  Joelisa Sherman)

The victory thrilled the team’s members — Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta, and the team’s coaches — Janet Heyman and Veronica Acosta.

Before heading to the international competition, the fourth- and fifth-graders had already demonstrated that they were contenders.

They won first place at the Gulf Coast Regional competition, and wowed the judges so much that they won the “Ranatra Fusca Award” for their exceptional creativity.

They also won first place at the state tournament at the University of Central Florida on April 8.

Still, it was the team’s first appearance on the world stage, so team members were hopeful, but also realistic.

“It was our first time going,” explained Jason Sherman, 10. “Most people on our team — like me and my friend, Jake — we knew we’d be OK if we didn’t win.

“When I was pin trading, I overheard people talking, saying, that they’d been there for over seven straight years, and they hadn’t won anything.

Coaches Veronica Acosta, left, and Janet Heyman pose with the trophy their team won at the Odyssey of the Mind World finals. The team scored 340.62 points, which is 22.55 points higher than the second-place team

“I was OK, knowing this was our first time, and we probably weren’t going to win anything,” he said.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that encourages students to use creative approaches to solving problems. The program emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Ten-year-old Justin Acosta said he thinks the team succeeded because of its experience in working together and continual efforts to improve.

“The first year, we practiced. The second year, we practiced some more,” he said, and the third year, it all came together.

Ten-year-old Jake Piller said winning the competition is a pretty big deal.

“I definitely think it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened in our school, and in our county,” he said, adding it’s “pretty big for Florida,” too.

Ten-year-old Sam Cappelluti said he was really nervous, as they awaited the results.

When they found out they had defeated China to win first place, they all screamed, he said.

“It was crazy,” said 11-year-old Isabell Barrios. “We all started crying.”

Barrios thinks the team stepped up its game for the competition.

“In the World performance, I think we did our best. We talked a lot louder and clearer,” Barrios said.

The ‘Catch Us If You Can’ team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School celebrates as it comes out of the spontaneous portion of their competition. During this part of the competition, the team enters alone without coaches and/or parents, and no spectators are allowed. The team excelled, scoring 98.16 percent from a possible 100 percent.

Barrios also noted that team members made sure they had all of their bases covered.

“This year, after we had everything done, we went through a checklist to make sure we had everything,” she said.

Sherman said the team turned it up a notch for the world competition.

“Right before we went on, we were all talking about adding more drama to it,” Sherman said.

Ten-year-old Mina Melaika thinks that the team’s ability to work well together, and to recover quickly when things didn’t go exactly as planned contributed to its victory.

“We all know each other really well,” Melaika added. Besides being teammates, many of them share the same classes.

Ten-year-old Rowan Heyman thinks a strong performance in the spontaneous portion of the competition was an important element in winning. “We worked as a team.”

As the winners were announced, the coaches kept hearing names of other countries and weren’t sure if their team would take home anything beyond the great experience it had at the competition.

So, they were ecstatic when they heard that they had won.

“I was crying,” Janet Heyman said, adding she’s proud of the team’s hard work and perseverance.

Coach Veronica Acosta said the kids have worked so closely together that “they’ve become one family.”

They’ve learned from mistakes, too, she said.

“That’s what Odyssey is about: Failing and picking up the pieces, and moving forward and going onto the next step. Not giving up —because these problems are not easy,” Coach Acosta said.

The coaches also thanked Freda Abercrombie, regional director for Odyssey of the Mind.

Without her, they said, their program wouldn’t exist.

Published June 6, 2017

Wesley Chapel team ready to take on the world

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They’re just in elementary school, but these children are already learning about the trade-offs in life.

They’re also getting a firsthand experience regarding the importance of preparation, and they’re finding out that even the smallest of details can alter the outcome in a competition.

These seven children are members of Wesley Chapel Elementary School’s “Catch Us If You Can” team, and they’ll be competing at Michigan State University May 23 to May 28, at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Members of the ‘Catch Us If You Can’ team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School are, from left, Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta. They’ll be competing at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University in May.
(B.C. Manion)

The team is made up of Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta — who are coached by Veronica Acosta and Janet Heyman. The coaches have children on the team and teach at Wesley Chapel Elementary.

Naturally, the kids and their coaches are excited.

“I still have to pinch myself,” said coach Veronica Acosta.

Some of the team members have been working together for three years, which has its advantages.

“They can finish each other’s sentences,” said coach Janet Heyman, noting that familiarity between team members lends itself to excellent collaboration on solving problems.

The team has also learned from victory and from defeat, coach Acosta said. “They know what it means to lose, and they’ve learned how it feels to win.”

Even though they’re elementary school students, some team members take a big-picture view on competing at Worlds.

“It doesn’t really matter if you win or lose. Just the experience — just going to Worlds — is a huge deal,” said team member Rowan Heyman.

Team member Isabell Barrios said she’s glad she decided to get involved in Odyssey of the Mind and thinks others should check it out. “Life is just trying new things. It can lead you to what you’d like to do in the future.”

Three of the team members, who are fifth-graders, will be missing their graduation ceremony, in order to compete at Worlds. They think it’s a trade-off worth making. Besides getting to travel out-of-state, they’ll be meeting kids from all over the word, testing their skills in a big arena and getting a chance to trade pins, they said.

Justin Acosta said Odyssey offers lasting value.

“While you’re doing it, you’re getting experience towards life, problems you need to solve every day,” he said.

They know that the competition will be challenging, but they’re looking forward to it.

“I think it’s really exciting, especially for me, because I’ve never been out of the state before,” said Sam Cappelluti, 10. “It’s really exciting to go to a different place with all of your friends.”

The fourth- and fifth-graders already have demonstrated that they’re contenders.

They won first place at the Gulf Coast Regional competition, and wowed the judges so much that they won the “Ranatra Fusca Award” for their exceptional creativity.

They also won first place at the state tournament at the University of Central Florida on April 8.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that encourages students to use creative approaches to solving problems. The program emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

In Odyssey of the Mind, teams come up with their own ideas, engineer technical features, make costumes and props, and present their interpretation of the answer to a highly complex problem.

More than 825 teams from around the world are expected to compete in the 38th Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. The teams represent nearly every state in the United States and approximately 20 other countries.

It takes a lot of work, said 10-year-old Mina Melaika. The team meets every day, “adding small details” and re-reading the problem “to be sure that we’re getting everything right,” the fourth-grader said.

Ten-year-old Jason Sherman is excited about the competition, but he has another agenda, too.

“When I get up there, I want to try making a lot of friends,” he said.

Published May 3, 2017

New elementary option offers rigor

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Pasco County Schools has expanded its list of educational choices for elementary school children living east of U.S. 41 by adding the Cambridge Programme at San Antonio Elementary School.

The program is an advanced academics program, which means it has a more rigorous curriculum and is taught at a faster pace.

This brochure, available from Pasco County Schools, offers an overview of the Cambridge Programme, a new option at San Antonio Elementary School.
(B.C. Manion)

The district is adding this program, which will help prepare students who are entering the Cambridge Secondary 1 Programme, already offered at Pasco Middle School, and the Cambridge Secondary 2 and Cambridge Advanced programs, already offered at Pasco High School.

The University of Cambridge began the Cambridge Programme more than 150 years ago, with 370 candidates in seven English cities.

Since then, the program has expanded to include more than 8 million candidates in 160 countries.

The program seeks to develop learners who are reflective, confident, engaged, responsible and innovative, according to a PowerPoint presentation shown to interested parents at a meeting on Feb. 23 at Wesley Chapel Elementary School.

Applications for the programs at Pasco Middle and Pasco High are already closed for this year, but the elementary program is accepting applications, said Kimberly Anderson, principal of San Antonio Elementary School.

Anyone interested must complete the application by March 16. A timed writing test will be given at the elementary school on March 17. The times for the test will vary, based on the student’s age.

The program has made provisions to ensure that academically gifted students will work with academically gifted teachers. Gifted certified teachers will work with Cambridge teachers, and gifted teachers will meet monthly with students to monitor their progress toward their goals.

Pasco County Schools will provide transportation to children who will be transferring to San Antonio Elementary, through the use of satellite bus stops. Stop locations haven’t been determined yet.

Cambridge’s mission statement, in part, reads: “We prepare students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. Our programs and qualifications set the global standard for international education.”

A brochure distributed by Pasco County Schools says the Cambridge approach supports schools to develop learners who are:

  • Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and others
  • Responsible for themselves, responsible to and respectful of others
  • Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
  • Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference

By adding the program at San Antonio Elementary, students on the east side of U.S. 41 will now have an opportunity to pursue the Cambridge Programme at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Cambridge advanced level courses are considered to be equivalent to the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program classes, and Cambridge students can earn up to 45 hours of college credits.

Students receiving an AICE diploma through Cambridge and completing 100 hours of community service qualify for the maximum Florida Academic Scholar tuition scholarship.

Students who do not attend a Pasco County public school or charter school are asked to have the main office at their school send a grade history (transcript) and standardized assessment score history to:

Ms. Kimberly Anderson, principal of San Antonio Elementary School, 32416 Darby Road Dade City, Florida 33525.

The school will send out acceptance notifications in April.

If there are too many qualified candidates, a lottery system will be used.

Deadline for applying is March 16. Applications are available on San Antonio Elementary School’s website, SAES.pasco.k12.fl.us.
Applicants also must complete a timed writing sample on March 17 in the media center at San Antonio Elementary, 32416 Darby Road in Dade City.
The timed writing samples will be done for incoming first-graders at 9:30 a.m., and incoming second- through fifth-graders at 12:30 p.m. The writing sample is not something that requires study or preparation by students.
Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration, and alternate writing dates are available by contacting Principal Kimberly Anderson at (352) 524-5300.
While students are completing their writing sample, parents are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments in the school’s cafeteria.

Published March 8, 2017

Church uses prayer to help find a building place

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Grace Community of Wesley Chapel has completed its master site plan and a conceptual floor plan for the first phase of its main church campus, but it must raise additional funds before commencing construction.

The proposed 7,760-square-foot building will seat up to 200 worshippers, and will be constructed on a site of about 20 acres on Boyette Road, just south of Wesley Chapel District Park, said Pastor Jeff Olsen.

The property was acquired by the church in April 2014.

Pastor Jeff Olsen said Grace Community of Wesley Chapel prayed over several sites before finding the place where it will build its permanent home. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Pastor Jeff Olsen said Grace Community of Wesley Chapel prayed over several sites before finding the place where it will build its permanent home.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The church also will provide ample room for a full children’s program on Sunday mornings, and will host a Christian preschool and other programs during the week.

Dykes-Johnson Architects, of Brandon, designed the structure, which features a large cross in the middle of a glass entryway that will lead into the main gathering area.

Future phases have been planned, so the church will be able to grow along with the community surrounding it, Olsen said.

There will be space for fellowship events, outreach ministries, and recreation.

Plans call for a community park that would serve as a place not only for the church’s congregation, but also would be available for neighborhood use.

The building project’s theme is “Reaching Beyond Ourselves,” which reflects the desire to extend God’s love beyond the church walls and to make a difference in the local community, Olsen said.

The project is expected to cost about $1.2 million, in addition to the $430,000 the church already paid to secure the land.

The congregation currently meets at Wesley Chapel Elementary School, 30243 Wells Road, so its new home will be close by.

Its worship service includes traditional and contemporary Christian music, a Biblical message, and an interactive children’s program it calls “Grace Harbor” for children, from 3 months old to age 11.

Finding the site for the church was no simple feat, said Olsen, who has led Grace Community since its inception in April 2006.

Grace Community initially met at Kids R Kids preschool in Meadow Pointe, then moved to Wiregrass Ranch High School and now meets at Wesley Chapel Elementary.

“The hardest thing in a growing area, believe it or not, is finding places to meet,” Olsen said. “We asked 25 different places if we could meet,” he said, including restaurants, clubhouses and schools.

Although meeting in a temporary space has served the church, there was a desire to find a permanent home.

“Portable church — you know, setting up, taking down — is a great way to connect with people. You focus on ministry, outreach, community, in the early years. But over time, it creates some fatigue and some limits for growth,” Olsen said.

“So, we felt in order to set up something that was healthy and fruitful for the future, that we would look for a property.

“Boy, was that hard,” Olsen said.

The church began by praying for a new place to call home.

“We virtually canvassed every available plot,” the pastor said. “We had a 20-point checklist.

“This is what we want.: Ingress and egress. All utilities. No flood zones. High and dry. Clear and ready to build.

“This was the only one (site). We had looked for years and never found even five good acres on a paved road in Wesley Chapel.

“We held a prayer tour, where we went and prayed at various locations within the community, asking God, if he wanted our ministry to focus in a particular area that we would find a location.

“We prayed for property near the PHSC (Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch) property, if God wanted us to do college ministry.

“We prayed for property in Meadow Pointe, if God wanted us to do residential. We prayed for property on (State Road) 54, where there would be kind of the business (focus). I was involved in the chamber of commerce.

“And then we prayed for property up in the Wells Road and Boyette, where there were schools and a park,” Olsen said.

“That was the door that God opened. We prayed over a broad group of properties, and it was where we were meant to be,” Olsen said.

“We prayed. God provided a contract. We need to get it in cash. On our last day, we received $41,000, on the last day before we had to opt out,” Olsen said.

The building committee has cleared old agricultural fences and made the property usable.

“We’ve had prayer meetings. We’ve had some sports activities out there,” Olsen said.

The church hopes to raise $850,000 by Jan. 6, which is Epiphany, in order to have the first phase of the church ready for use by next fall.

“If we don’t have the money, we wait. If we have the money, we move forward.

“God is preparing a place for us, and he’s also preparing us for the place,” Olsen said.

For more information, call Pastor Jeff Olsen at (813) 994-9363, or visit ExploreGrace.com.

Published October 7, 2015

Hundreds turn out to remember Laura Hauser

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Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel was packed for a service held to celebrate the life of Laura Hauser, who waged a six-year battle with cancer but succumbed to the disease on June 8.

There were probably 500 people at the service on the evening of June 13, according to Trish Trout, a long-time friend who described the event, via email.

Emma White enjoys swimming in a dunk tank during a fundraiser to benefit the Hauser family. Laura Hauser lost her six-year battle against cancer on June 8. (Courtesy of Penny Foote)
Emma White enjoys swimming in a dunk tank during a fundraiser to benefit the Hauser family. Laura Hauser lost her six-year battle against cancer on June 8.
(Courtesy of Penny Foote)

Most of the people at the memorial, deemed a celebration of life, wore blue, which is the color worn as a sign of support in the battle against colon cancer.

“There were tears, there was a lot of laughter. There was so much love and support in the church,” Trout added.

“And, of course, there was a PSA (public service announcement) to get tested for colon cancer. This is exactly what Laura would want,” added Trout, who accompanied Hauser on some of her appointments when she was initially diagnosed.

Penny Foote, another friend of Hauser, also attended the service.

She knew her friend was special but had no idea her sphere of influence had been so broad.

Speaker after speaker told story after story of the positive effect she’d had in their lives, Foote said.

“I don’t even know how one person can change so many lives for the better,” said Foote, who coordinated a fundraiser for the Hauser family on June 13 at Harvester United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes.

The benefit raised $3,285.65, and Foote is planning to organize another fundraiser in the future to provide additional help for the family.

Hauser is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Noah, 14; and her daughter, Tatum, 12.

She was a warrior in her battle with cancer, friends said. She’d undergone more than 70 rounds of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.

The disease began in her colon but had spread all over her body, including her liver, lungs, spine and brain, said Stephanie Hardy, a family friend for the past four years.

Hauser had been to Seattle for treatment but had returned to Wesley Chapel to attend Noah’s eighth-grade graduation and Tatum’s dance recitals.

She made it to the graduation, but wasn’t able to go to the recitals. She was able to watch one — that was livestreamed — from her bed, Richard Hauser said.

The family had thought that potential treatment in Seattle offered Hauser her best hope and she had planned to return there, but she died at home, under the care of hospice.

Her battle was personal, but she wasn’t alone.

Her fight inspired family, friends, colleagues and strangers to step forward to show their support.

The family also is being helped by a GoFundMe account, established by Pamela Maurer Fay on May 23, which attracted hundreds of donations and sentiments of support.

“You are strong and you are loved. Find strength in the amount of people who wish to help your beautiful family. You are in our prayers,” Rick and Susan Coder wrote, when making their donation.

Hauser worked at Wesley Chapel Elementary School before her illness caused her to leave the job.

While she was working there in 2012, she received the award for School-Related Personnel of the Year for Pasco County Schools. The distinction goes to a noninstructional employee who makes outstanding contributions.

At the time of the award, Hauser’s title was media and technology assistant, but both her colleagues and her boss said her influence was far broader.

She was the campus photographer. She handled lunch duty. She shelved books and checked them out. She had a photography club for kids, put together the school’s yearbook and helped teachers with technical issues.

Principal John Abernathy, described her this way: “Laura is hands-down the most reliable, the most efficient, the most dependable, the most sincere person that I can say that I’ve run across in a really long time.

“In terms of the lives that I would say that Laura has touched – I couldn’t even put a number to it,” he said.

After learning of Hauser’s death, Pasco County Schools tweeted out a message: “Rest in peace, Laura Hauser. A great educator, mom, wife and friend to many. You will be missed.”

Published June 17, 2015

 

Laura Hauser inspired others during her cancer battle

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Editor’s note: This story reflects news we received on Monday about Laura Hauser’s death. An earlier version of the story was published in our Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills print editions circulated to readers on June 9 and June 10.

Laura Hauser waged a valiant war against cancer for six years, but lost the battle in the early morning hours of June 8.

Laura and Tatum Hauser at Contempo School of Dance. The dance moms there have made dinners for the Hauser families and had fundraisers to help support the family. (Courtesy of Stephanie Hardy)
Laura and Tatum Hauser at Contempo School of Dance. The dance moms there have made dinners for the Hauser families and had fundraisers to help support the family.
(Courtesy of Stephanie Hardy)

The disease started in her colon but had spread all over her body, including her liver, lungs, spine and brain, said Stephanie Hardy, a family friend for the past four years.

Laura had undergone more than 70 rounds of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, Hardy said.

Laura is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Noah, 14; and her daughter, Tatum, 12.

Laura had been to Seattle for treatment but had returned to Wesley Chapel to attend Noah’s eighth-grade graduation and Tatum’s dance recitals.

She made it to the graduation, but wasn’t able to go to the recitals. She was able to watch one — that was livestreamed — from her bed.

The family had thought that potential treatment in Seattle offered Laura her best hope and she had planned to return there, but she died at home, under the care of hospice.

Laura’s battle was personal, but she wasn’t alone.

Her fight inspired family, friends, colleagues and strangers to step forward to show their support.

This coming weekend, an event is taking place at Harvester United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes to help the Hauser family with expenses.

That fundraiser will go on as planned, Hardy said.

The family also will be helped by a GoFundMe account, established by Pamela Maurer Fay on May 23, which attracted hundreds of donations and sentiments of support.

“You are strong and you are loved. Find strength in the amount of people who wish to help your beautiful family. You are in our prayers,” Rick and Susan Coder wrote, when making their donation.

After learning of Laura’s death, Pasco County Schools tweeted out a message: “Rest in peace, Laura Hauser. A great educator, mom, wife and friend to many. You will be missed.”

Laura worked at Wesley Chapel Elementary School before her illness caused her to leave the job.

While she was working there in 2012, she received the award for School-Related Personnel of the Year for Pasco County Schools. The distinction goes to a noninstructional employee who makes outstanding contributions.

At the time of the award, Laura’s title was media and technology assistant, but both her colleagues and her boss said her influence was far broader.

She was the campus photographer. She handled lunch duty. She shelved books and checked them out. She had a photography club for kids, put together the school’s yearbook and helped teachers with technical issues.

Principal John Abernathy, described her this way: “Laura is hands-down the most reliable, the most efficient, the most dependable, the most sincere person that I can say that I’ve run across in a really long time.

“In terms of the lives that I would say that Laura has touched – I couldn’t even put a number to it. She’s a very passionate person herself, and I think she brings that passion to everything she does. It’s who she is.”

Even more impressive was Laura’s unbridled enthusiasm, despite chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, colleagues said.

Laura has been unable to work for some time, but Richard works three part-time jobs, in addition to being a firefighter and paramedic for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Colleagues and friends from the elementary school have continued to show their support for the family. Recently, Iris Barcelona and Christopher Gorman coordinated WCES Makes a Splash Water Day for Mrs. Hauser.

Rudy Dorough and Kristi Traver Dorough donated the water slide for the event.

Donations were accepted that day to benefit the Hausers.

Friends from the Contempo School of Dance in Lutz also have been in the family’s corner.

They raised money by selling refreshments and T-shirts, said Hardy, whose daughter has danced with Tatum Hauser at the studio.

The dance moms also got together and made dinner for the family for three months, Richard said.

“Strangers would come up and say, ‘Oh, here’s a lasagna.’ I heard about your wife.”

The support has been both tangible and intangible.

“One day, everybody she knew wore blue. Hundreds of people,” Richard said.

The cancer has caused enormous pain and sorrow for Laura and her family, but they also have experienced the incredible kindness of others, Richard said.

Laura’s cancer did not define her, her husband said. It galvanized her determination and demonstrated her strength.

“You don’t really appreciate life, until you face down the barrel of death,” he said.

Services for Laura, who was 40 when she died, are pending.

Benefit for the Hauser family
Where: Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 13
What: Garage sales, vendors, concessions, 50/50 raffle, raffle items from vendors, bounce house, slide, dunk tank, snow cones and popcorn.
Vendor spaces are 10-by-10 and cost $25, payable to Penny Foote. Each paid vendor is also requested to bring an item for the raffle valued at $20 or higher.
All raffles will be done at the end of the event, and winners do not have to be present to win.
All of the proceeds will go to help the Hauser family. Laura Hauser lost her six-year battle to cancer on Monday, but the benefit will go on.
For more information, call Penny Foote, event coordinator at (813) 996-6959 or (813) 309-9993.

Published June 10, 2015