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Lake Myrtle Elementary School

‘Traditions’ goes on, despite rain

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Traditions on the Green didn’t let the forecast of a rainy day wash out the Dec. 1 event. Instead, it shifted from its planned location at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park to  Sanders Memorial Elementary School, at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Diana Journy, left, and her daughter, Elizabeth Richardson, browse the dozens of raffle prizes up for grabs during the ‘Traditions on the Green’ program. The Land O’ Lakes residents were at the concert to watch a performance by Elizabeth’s daughter, Journy — whose name honors the family’s name. She is a cheerleader at Pineview Middle School. (Christine Holtzman)

The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, which hosts the free holiday event, made the call to bring the concert indoors — instead of cancelling it.

Sandy Graves, who has been involved with the event for its 11-year history, said this was the first time it has been held at a different venue.

“The school district worked well with us to make sure that we had a place to hold this event,” Graves.

And, she told the audience that it would still be OK to call the event ‘Traditions on the Green,’ because the benches in the auditorium were green.

The change in location didn’t deter the crowd or its enthusiasm.

Hundreds of people were there to enjoy performances from Denham Oaks, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Lake Myrtle Elementary schools, Pine View Middle School and the Land O’ Lakes High School. Santa Claus dropped by, too.

Those attending could buy chances on raffle prizes, such as gift cards and gift baskets. Among the items up for grabs were two cookbooks donated by Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and an official flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol, which was donated by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Proceeds from the chance drawings benefit schools taking part in the event.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

The Land O’ Lakes High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jonathan Mulder, performs ‘Deck the Halls’ during the Traditions on the Green concert on Dec. 1.
While her father, Darnell, records the Pine View Middle School dance club performance with his cellphone, 10-month-old Aubrey Meadows, of Land O’ Lakes, explores the crowd from over her dad’s shoulder. The family, including mom Jennifer were in attendance to see Aubrey’s older sister, Danaye, perform with Pine View Middle’s dance club.
The Pine View Middle School afterschool dance club, directed by instructor Nicole James, delighted the audience with several high-energy performances during the evening, including a dynamic routine set to Earth, Wind, & Fire’s hit song, ‘September.’
Ten-year-old Nicholas Hunter of Land O’ Lakes, center left, and his 8-year-old cousin, Keegan Price, right, are focused on the stage as they watch Keegan’s sister, Savannah, perform with the Pine View’s afterschool dance club.

 

Cardel Homes Introduces The Enclave At Lake Padgett

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There are more lakes in Land O’ Lakes than anywhere else in Pasco County. And, of its dozens of lakes, none is more desirable than Lake Padgett, a spring-fed, 200-acre lake that is the largest in central Pasco.

Lake Padgett has been home to beautiful waterfront homes for over 50 years, where residents enjoy boating, water skiing and long views of cypress-lined shores, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

There are only a handful of homesites remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be introducing the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “We’re thrilled to be offering eight beautiful lots directly on the Lagoon, all that are large in size.”

The Enclave At Lake Padgett is a secluded, gated community of just 18 homesites, with easy access off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41). All of Cardel’s homes will back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett.

“All of our homesites can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats,” said Phillips. “Plus, none of our docks are shared between homeowners.”

Homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett must be a minimum 3,000 square feet, and Cardel’s floor plans are as large as 4,260 square feet.

For families looking for a new home, Cardel has an inventory home that is available now — the elegant one-story St. Lucia, which has 3,336 square feet and offers four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage.

“Our St. Lucia model has an open floor plan that is very attractive to families of all sizes,” said Phillips.

This one-story beauty features 12-foot ceilings, a den off the entry, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, expansive great room, huge bonus room, and a master suite with a sitting area and private lanai at the back of the house. Interior features are fabulous, and include white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile throughout, and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The home is on a wooded lot and has a large front porch, and covered lanai in the back. An oversized dock is just steps away from the backyard, and is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“This home is ideal for the family wanting to move up to an exclusive, private community with no CDD,” said Phillips.

“It’s the best of both worlds — enjoying all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers, without the boat noise and traffic directly in your backyard. If you want to start the new year in a beautiful new home, this is one of the best waterfront values in all of Tampa Bay,” he adds.

The St. Lucia inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is listed at just $650,000.

If you prefer to choose your homesite and select a floor plan, colors and finishes, currently, Cardel is offering buyers up to $50,000 off in its design center, for homes contracted before the end of the year. A Cardel home in the Enclave begins at $494,900.

Many families want to live in Land O’ Lakes because of its excellent schools. The Enclave is assigned to top-rated Sunlake High, Charles Rushe Middle and Lake Myrtle Elementary.

For families wanting to build in Hillsborough County, Cardel is introducing a new community in Lutz, located close to USF and I-275.

Oakwood Reserve offers 1-acre homesites on Clement Road – a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Like the Enclave at Lake Padgett, only eight homesites are available.

Cardel also builds homes in Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, along the State Road 54 corridor, next to the Suncoast Parkway.

“Cardel Homes is one of the few national builders to offers buyers communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley that offer many desirable family amenities, to those like the Enclave At Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve, which offer larger lots, more privacy and high-end custom features,” said Phillips.

Visit Cardel Homes at the Enclave At Lake Padgett, or at Bexley, Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Published November 28, 2018

Pinewood Derby offers Cub Scouts fast fun

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Cars zoomed down a 34-foot-long track at Lake Myrtle Elementary School on Feb. 24, during Cub Scout Pack 323’s Pinewood Derby Cup Series.

Reme Rovi-Garcia took first place; Aiden Gehle took second place; and, Wesley Swank took third place, overall. There were eight categories in the competition: Lions, Tigers, Wolf, Bear, Jr. Webelos, Sr. Webelos, Outlaws and Supercharge. (Randy Underhill)

Sixty-five Cub Scouts, from the Land O’ Lakes pack, tested their racing skills as they pitted cars they had designed against each other.

Contestants had to create their models from pinewood, add wheels and weights, and give them a paint job, too. Then, the vehicles were inspected and weighed, just like in a real race.

During the event, cars were lined up in three lanes at the top of a steep incline and then were released, letting gravity carry each car to the finish line, where official times were recorded.

Greg Mark, chairman of the event, said he enjoyed working on his pinewood with his dad when he was young and wanted to share the experience with his son, Ryder, who is 8.

“He did the majority of it this year,” Mark said. “I want him to learn how to build a race car.

The project begins with a box of wood, four wheels and four axles. Then, it’s fashioned into a car, which is painted. Weights are added to get as close as possible to the maximum weight, so it will perform well in the race.

Gabe Heinzmann, one of the starting officials, stands by as three cars are lined up to start the first round of racing.

“I think it’s an awesome thing for the boys to do with their dads,” he said.

To make the event enjoyable for families, there were other activities, too, including crafts. Food was also available.

“Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves,” Mark said.

The pinewood derby has been part of local Cub Scouts since around 1975.

The creation of a Pinewood Derby dates back much farther.

Dan Murphy, a Cubmaster from Ohio, came up with the idea in 1952. He wanted to do something for kids who were too young for the Soap Box Derby. The Pinewood Derby swept the nation in the mid 1950s and is still part of the Cub Scouts today.

Sponsors of the local event were Christian Brothers Automotive, Cameo Salon and Spa, Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, Jerry McCarthy State Farm, Russel Marine, Tampa T-shirts, Parker Pest Control, Accurate Signs On Time, 67 Design Co., and Studio 54 Tattoo.

By Randy Underhill

(B.C. Manion contributed to this report)

Published March 14, 2018

Nine-year-old Kenneth Huffman, of Land O’ Lakes, gets a helping hand from Joann Tabarres, of Land O’ Lakes, as they put together a toolbox, which was just one of many activities at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby race at Lake Myrtle Elementary School.
A collection of Pinewood cars used in previous derbies was on display during the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Cup Series held Feb. 24 at Lake Myrtle Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.
Starting officials, Gabe Heinzmann, left, watches as Rob Heinzmann, middle, releases the cars and Jon Urban talks with other starting officials at the annual Pinewood Derby competition.
Antonio Rivera’s Jumanji, right, is in the lead, with Michael O’ Conner’s lizard car, middle, close behind, and Jacob Caltron’s red racer trailing, during the Pinewood Derby at Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Denham Oaks offers patriotic welcome to veterans

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Denham Oaks Elementary School was awash in red, white and blue as children and staff offered a warm welcome to about 75 area veterans at a Nov. 10 celebration.

A group of Boy Scouts served as the color guard at the Nov. 10 tribute to veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

As they arrived, a series of signs posted outside the school honored the men and women who have served in the nation’s military.

There were posters and other artworks all over campus carrying the same message of gratitude.

Fourth- and fifth-graders expressed their appreciation through a gallery of patriotic artworks. Second-graders made ornaments for the veterans to take home, and third-graders made them greeting cards.

All of the school’s students learned patriotic songs to sing at the event.

“As you can see, our whole school is decked out to celebrate our veterans,” said Principal Mardee Kay Powers, who leads the elementary school at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

Principal Mardee Kay Powers chats with Sgt. Maj. Daniel Billiott, of Wesley Chapel, before the tribute to veterans began.

Music teachers Amarilys Barbosa and Jodi Mark, art teacher Lee Taylor, and physical education teachers Fred Cornelius and Justin Partain organized the event, which included all 725 students and the school’s staff.

Mark brought the event to Denham Oaks two years ago, from Lake Myrtle Elementary, where she used to teach.

Veterans attending the celebration were clearly touched by the school’s gesture.

Some came wearing military uniforms, while others dressed more casually.

They took turns at the microphone, telling the crowd what branch of the military they served in and where they served. They also gave shout-outs to their sons or daughters, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or others who had invited them.

A crowd of school children and spectators paid tribute to men and women who served in the nation’s Armed Services.

Several expressed gratitude for the obvious preparation the school had made for the day, for their appreciation of the armed forces and for their reverence toward the American flag.

Teachers involved in putting together the program seemed pleased to play a part.

“It happens to be my favorite performance because it’s teaching them (students) the respect for their country, the respect for the veterans. It’s also the only event where we can get the entire school — because of the numbers — all together at the same time,” Mark said.

“All of the kids are getting into it,” Partain said.

Cornelius agreed. “It’s special because they see the value of what our vets did for us.”

A line of first-graders makes its way to a celebration for veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School.

Barbosa also noted: “When we’re teaching these songs, we’re teaching them what it means to be a veteran. We’re teaching them why this country is so great and what makes it so great.”

Edwin Aguiar said he couldn’t resist attending the ceremony.

“My granddaughters (Lilliana Nazar and Gracey Jayska) — you cannot say ‘No’ to them, so I decided to take the day off and come in,” Aguiar said.

Derrick Jayska, another Army veteran, is Gracey’s dad. He said he also has a niece and nephew at the school.

“It’s awesome to come out and see all of the stuff they did.”

Army veterans Edwin Aguiar and Derrick Jayska view artwork created by Denham Oaks Elementary students to thank veterans for their service.

“It’s nice to see that they’re teaching them the history behind things.”

Caryl Wheeler, a spectator, from Lutz, was pleased that her husband and other veterans were honored.

She also was impressed by the ornament and greeting cards the children made for veterans to take home.

“They thought enough to give this to our veterans, the people who served our country — when there is so much hatred now for the American flag,” Wheeler said.

“I’m glad that this school and other schools throughout Pasco County are doing a great job of promoting the flag and the country,” she added.

Published November 15, 2017

Local volunteer wins national award

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When Courtney Urban began volunteering at the Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe, at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, it was just a way to spend some extra time with her grandmother.

“The big thing in the beginning was just going with her,” said Urban, who began her volunteer work in 2013.

Courtney Urban now volunteers at the front desk at Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills. She used to volunteer at the Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe in Lutz. Recently, she received a national honor for her volunteer work. (B.C. Manion)

“But then it became my own thing. I loved going there. When I got to be the cashier, it was fun to interact with all of the customers. I kind of took it into my own hands, rather than just to be there with grandma,” the now 19-year-old said.

Over the years, she has logged more than 800 volunteer hours, and recently, Urban was honored with the Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, at a conference in San Diego. Urban was recognized in the Young Leaders category.

The University of South Florida student was both surprised and delighted to be singled out.

When she started her volunteer work, she was sorting clothes and having fun with her grandma. Then, she began cashiering and enjoyed interacting with customers, she said.

Most recently, she has been pitching in at Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, at 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

Initially, she served as a compassion companion volunteer, and now she’s helping at the front desk.

Her work as a volunteer has changed her.

“It’s helped me come out of my shell. I was very shy in high school. I was the kid that hated when I had to speak in front of the class. I wasn’t good at making friends.

“Now, I can walk into a room and instantly strike up a conversation with a patient or their family. I enjoy speaking with people, now. I feel like I opened up,” Urban said.

It also has broadened her perspective.

“I also didn’t realize how many different kinds of people are out there in the world. When I come here, I talk to all kinds of people, from different backgrounds,” she said.

She’s listened to patients reminisce, she said.

“Some patients can’t talk for an extended time, so I’ll tell my story to them. But most of them, they love talking about the good old days, when they were younger, what they used to do,” she said.

The volunteer work has influenced her career path.

She’s studying health science at USF, with plans to continue her education and pursue a career in hospice nursing.

“I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field,” said Urban, who attended Sunlake High School, Rushe Middle School and Lake Myrtle Elementary.

She had considered possible careers in anesthesiology or public health.

But, when she began volunteering at Gulfside, she realized she wanted to become a hospice nurse.

“I always knew I had a connection with elderly people. My time here, in just a few weeks I realized that I loved it here. I loved the atmosphere. I loved talking with the patients. I thought, ‘Hey, this is something I want to do.’,” she said.

“I come in here and I talk with the patients a lot. I just feel like I fit in.

“Yes, it is very sad, when I come back the next week and there isn’t a patient that I talked to, but I feel like I have a calling here. I can do the work here, so I need to be here,” she said.

She attended the conference in San Diego with her mom and her grandmother.

Her grandmother is Carol Antrim, of Lutz.

Her parents are Suzette Urban, the principal’s secretary at Sand Pine Elementary, and her dad, Joseph Urban, an electrical inspector for Pasco County. Urban lives with her parents in Land O’ Lakes.

The young woman encourages anyone who has ever considered volunteering, to give it a try. It doesn’t matter whether the volunteer is young or old, or what kind of work they do, she said.

“You could volunteer at the animal shelter, at the hospital, youth centers, rec centers, anywhere. “It really helps you find something that’s greater than yourself,” Urban said. “You get that satisfaction: You know you’ve helped somebody.”

Published November 1, 2017

Boundaries approved for new schools

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The Pasco County School Board has approved boundaries for the new Cypress Creek Middle/High School, despite considerable controversy.

The board also adopted boundaries for Bexley Elementary School, without any opposition from the public.

Boundaries have been set for Bexley Elementary School, which is under construction off of State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. The school, scheduled to open in the fall, will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Cypress Creek Middle/High School, being built off Old Pasco Road, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. Initially, it will be for students in grades six through 11, but it will add grade 12 during the second year.

There won’t be a senior class the first year because this year’s crop of juniors will be allowed to complete their high school career at their current school.

The board adopted Cypress Creek’s boundary on a 4-1 vote, with Steve Luikart dissenting. Luikart said he thinks the district can find a better way to reassign students that would avoid disrupting students’ lives.

“Have we done the very best we can in looking at rezonings? I have reservations there,” Luikart said.

But, board vice chairman Cynthia Armstrong, and board members Colleen Beaudoin and Alison Crumbley said they have to do what’s best for the majority of the district’s students.

Beaudoin said: “It’s our job on the board to look at the big picture.”

“No decision that we make is going to make everybody happy,” Armstrong said.

Crumbley said she doesn’t want to move students at all, but the district’s robust growth gives it no choice.

Board Chairman Allen Altman also noted he had received hundreds of emails and heard scores of proposals.

Altman added: The one thing they had in common is that no one suggested a plan that involved moving his or her own child.

Ultimately, the board adopted Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recommendation.

The boundary changes affect Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake highs schools and John Long, Rushe and Weightman middle schools.

The rezoning aroused deep emotions.

Most of the controversy stemmed from Browning’s support of an option to keep all of the Seven Oaks students at John Long and Wiregrass Ranch, and to move part of Meadow Pointe students to Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High.

Speakers alternately praised or skewered the superintendent, depending on where they live.

Some criticized Browning for failing to follow the boundary committee’s recommendation. They questioned his motives. They challenged the school district’s data.

Meadow Pointe parents urged board members to allow their children to stay at Wiregrass Ranch High.

Seven Oaks parents, on the other hand, praised Browning’s approach, saying it made the most sense.

Parents pleaded with board members not to disrupt their children’s lives. Students urged board members to let them stay at the school they love.

While Browning deviated from the boundary committee’s final recommendation, even the boundary committee changed its recommendation during the process.

In the end, though, the majority of board members rejected Luikart’s proposal to gather more information before voting, and agreed with Armstrong’s assessment that a decision must be made.

No one signed up to speak during the public hearing on the Bexley boundaries.

The elementary school, being built off State Road 54, is scheduled to open this fall. It is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. The proposed boundaries also provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Published January 25, 2017

 

Proposed Bexley Elementary boundaries raise concerns

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Parents raised concerns about potential impacts from proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary at a Nov. 1 meeting at Oakstead Elementary School.

Parents raised questions about such issues as school choice, transportation and programming for the new school, which draws its name from a subdivision under construction off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The new school, set to open in the fall, for the 2017-2018 school year, will provide relief for both Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools, which are operating well above capacity. Odessa is at 131 percent capacity, and Oakstead is at 144 percent. The proposed boundaries will also expand Lake Myrtle Elementary, an older school operating at about 80 percent capacity.

Some parents were dismayed at the likelihood their children will be rezoned to Lake Myrtle, a “B” rated school built in 1984.

This is what Bexley Elementary will look like upon its completion.(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
This is what Bexley Elementary will look like upon its completion.(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“I know their school rating isn’t as high as Oakstead Elementary,” said Sarah Davis, whose daughter will attend Lake Myrtle. “I don’t know much about it, so all I can do is my research online, and since it’s not as great as a school, my concern is that she won’t get the help that she needs that’s she’s already getting.”

Dave Scanga, area superintendent for Central Pasco schools, said Lake Myrtle is “a great school.”

“It is an older building,” Scanga said, however, he added, “in terms of the traditions that Lake Myrtle has had, for a long time it’s always been top-notch.”

“I think all of our schools are good,” added Richard Tonello, planning supervisor for Pasco County Schools. “Maybe grades aren’t a reflection of the school. You go to any of our schools, you’re going to see a great group of teachers, and they’re going to look after your child.”

Other parents expressed frustration over Bexley’s current unknowns, such as staffing dynamics and school schedule.

Scanga said potential teachers will be identified in March and April, after a new principal is named in December and assumes duties in February.

“A lot will happen once we get to February, and then it’s the (principal’s) job to let them play out the rest of the hiring and selection.”

He added: “As we get closer to the start of school, there will be all sorts of opportunities for people to come in, see the building and meet the people that are going to be in the building, too.”

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent Pasco County Schools, anticipates several teachers from both Odessa and Oakstead to be reassigned to Bexley.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity for teachers to come in to open a new school, so we typically have a lot of interest,” Kuhn said.

“I think you’ll have a lot of interest from teachers outside our system, in our system, both experienced and new,” she added.

Sorting out transportation issues, too, was another focus of the hour-long meeting.

Scanga said bus routes will be reconfigured to accommodate the new school.

The Pasco County School Board provides free transportation to and from school for students who live more than 2 miles away from school.

Students who are selected to choose a particular school through open enrollment must provide their own transportation.

Pasco County’s school choice open enrollment period runs from Feb. 1 to March 1, for the 2017-2018 school year. Final determinations are expected around April or May. Extenuating circumstances and family hardships will also be considered, school officials said.

For example, students entering the fifth grade may have a greater chance to remain at their current school depending on the influx of school choice requests.

“It’s hard to make a decision until they know exactly how many students are requested,” said Chris Williams, planning services director for Pasco County Schools. “In every past experience, we’ve been able to accommodate fifth graders.”

“It’s a process we go through…to try to accommodate as much as we can,” he added.

Scanga said he understands the frustration from parents, especially those who deliberately moved to a particular community for their children to attend a certain school.

“School rezoning always catches many people off guard,” said Scanga, “and also in terms of not getting what we had planned for, or hoped for.”

Scanga also noted: “One of the challenges we have—and it’s unique—is just how fast the growth is happening right here on the 54 corridor. We’re like ground zero. Much of Florida, like much of the country, just doesn’t have this challenge…of how do we continually provide the best education to children in the best facility possible.”

Last month, a boundary committee recommended boundaries for Bexley Elementary.

The committee selected an option that would include Ballantrae, Suncoast Meadows, Suncoast Pointe, Hayman/Fuentes, Meadowbrook/Sierra Pines, and all of Bexley, which are east of the Suncoast Parkway.

Bexley Elementary also would include Swan View Townhomes, Ivy Lake Estates and Toscano at Suncoast, which are west of the Suncoast Parkway.

At nearly 96,000 square feet, the new school will have a capacity of 878 students, and is expected to have 706 students.

Oakstead, which had 1,095 enrolled students is expected to have 765 students, under the proposed boundaries. Odessa, which had 1,000 students, is expected to have 780, and Lake Myrtle, which had 587 students, is expected to have 616.

Students that would be shifting from Oakstead to Lake Myrtle live in these areas: Morsani, Woodville Palms, Cambridge/Lake Linda, Oakstead Area South, Cypress Cove/Village on the Pond, Meadowview/Country Close and Foxwood/Lake Heron.

The school board is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on the proposed boundaries on Dec. 20 and its second public hearing on Jan. 17, when it is expected to make the final decision on the issue.

While the committee recommends the boundaries, the Pasco County School Board has the final word on where the lines should be drawn.

Boundary guidelines are based on a number of factors, including future growth and capacity, socio-economic balance, school feeder patterns, and transportation.

“All of these guidelines we use, it’s a little bit of a balancing act,” Tonello said.

Bexley Elementary is the first of several schools (additional elementary schools, middle school and high school) planned within the Bexley development.

When those schools are built depends on the amount of growth within the community, as well as the amount of capital funding available, Williams said.

He noted the school district has accumulated nearly $500 million in debt capital, a hurdle in building new schools.

“One of the things that we struggle with as a district is our capital funding,” Williams said. “We are constrained—we can’t always build where we want to because of funding. It might mean adding a classroom wing at an existing school.”

Construction costs for Bexley Elementary total about $20 million.

For more information, visit PascoSchools.org/planning/rezoning.

Published November 9, 2016

Committee works on school boundaries

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A committee is scheduled to meet on the morning of Oct. 13 at Oakstead Elementary School to work on a recommendation for boundaries for a new Pasco County elementary school being built in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes.

The new school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2017, is now under construction at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd.

It is intended to relieve crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.

A new elementary school, now known as Elementary B, is under construction in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. It is intended to relieve overcrowding of Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
A new elementary school, now known as Elementary B, is under construction in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. It is intended to relieve overcrowding of Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

During boundary deliberations, the district may also consider recommending a shift in the boundaries between Oakstead and Lake Myrtle elementary schools, to provide additional relief to Oakstead and to help increase Lake Myrtle’s enrollment. Lake Myrtle is operating below capacity and can accommodate more students.

Oakstead Elementary, at 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes, has a permanent capacity of 762 students, with an enrollment of 1,095 students, and a total of 1,457 students living within its boundaries. That puts the school at 705 students over its capacity.

Odessa Elementary, at 12810 Interlaken Road in New Port Richey, has a permanent capacity of 762 students, but had 1,000 students enrolled last year, and a total of 1,058 students living within its boundaries. That puts the school at 296 students over its capacity.

Lake Myrtle Elementary, at 22844 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, on the other hand, has room to grow. Its permanent capacity is 736. It had 587 enrolled students, with 570 of those living within its boundaries. So, it is operating at 166 students below capacity.

While the district needs new schools to provide a place for students to learn, the practice of drawing boundaries for them always sparks controversy. Passions run high, as parents outline the various problems they envision if their child is reassigned to a new school, or — in some cases — is not. Sometimes the complaints are about academic opportunities, but often they involve day care or the ability to be involved in school activities.

Under district policy, when making recommendations, the school boundary committee should propose boundaries that:

  • Provide a balance of racial and economic diversity among populations served
  • Maintain school feeder patterns to the greatest extent possible
  • Provide room for future growth and the optimum use of schools within the proposed boundaries
  • Provide for safe and efficient transportations for students, to and from school
  • To the extent possible, incorporate complete neighborhood communities within the boundaries
  • To the extent possible, consider long-term construction plans to create as much stability as possible to areas affected by the proposed boundary changes

Anyone is welcome to attend the boundary committee meetings, but only committee members are permitted to take part in the discussions.

A parent meeting regarding the proposed boundaries has been scheduled for Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Oakstead Elementary School, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The meeting will be in the school’s cafeteria.

Those interested are invited to hear the presentation, offer input and ask questions at that meeting.

School boundary committee meeting
When: Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road, Land O’ Lakes
All are welcome. Only committee members are allowed to participate in the discussion.

Parent meeting on proposed boundaries
When: Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Oakstead Elementary School, 19925 Lake Patience Road, Land O’ Lakes. The meeting will be in the cafeteria.
Those interested are invited to hear the presentation, offer input and ask questions.

Published October 12, 2016

Crews busy building schools in Pasco

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Wiregrass Elementary School is set to open this fall in Wesley Chapel.

Construction is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school.

That campus is expected to open in 2017-2018.

Construction also has started on a new elementary school that’s also expected to open in 2017-2018 in Bexley Ranch, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school. (Images courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school.
(Images courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Meanwhile, a major renovation project is planned for 2017-2018 at Land O’ Lakes High, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

In addition to renovating the school, the project calls for adding a wing to increase the school’s capacity.

The district is still considering various options for where Land O’ Lakes High School’s students will be housed during its major renovation.

“Anytime you’re doing construction with students on campus, it gets more expensive. The project takes longer,” Williams said. “It’s harder to do.”

The school district continues to search for a high school site and an elementary site between Sunlake and Mitchell high schools, off of State Road 54.

As the district prepares to open new schools next year, it will begin holding boundary committee meetings in the fall, followed by parent meetings, and then eventually the Pasco County School Board, to determine the boundaries for the new schools.

This is what the new high school being built on Old Pasco Road is expected to look like, at completion. The school initially will be used for a high school and a middle school, because Pasco County Schools needs to accommodate more middle and high school students, but cannot afford to build schools for both.
This is what the new high school being built on Old Pasco Road is expected to look like, at completion. The school initially will be used for a high school and a middle school, because Pasco County Schools needs to accommodate more middle and high school students, but cannot afford to build schools for both.

The new high school is expected to affect the boundaries for Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and potentially Sunlake high schools, Williams said.

The new middle school is expected to affect the boundaries for Weightman, John Long and potentially Rushe middle schools.

The new elementary in Bexley Ranch is expected to affect the boundaries for Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. Meanwhile, the district may also consider shifting the boundaries between Oakstead and Lake Myrtle elementary schools, to provide additional relief to Oakstead and to help increase Myrtle’s enrollment, since it can accommodate more students, Williams said.

While the district needs new schools to provide a place for students to learn, the practice of drawing boundaries for them always sparks controversy. Passions run high, as parents outline the various problems they envision if their child is reassigned to a new school, or — in some cases — is not. Sometimes the complaints are about academic opportunities, but often they involve daycare or the ability to be involved in school activities.

Published July 27, 2016

 

Fresh faces on school campuses

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As students head back to school this fall, they may see a few unfamiliar faces.

Pasco County Schools has transferred or appointed new administrators at several school campuses across the district.

In some cases, administrators are being promoted from another position, are returning to a campus where they worked before or are being elevated where they already work.

So, here’s a rundown on some of the recently appointed principals and assistant principals in schools serving Central Pasco and East Pasco schools:

  • Angie Stone, principal at Zephyrhills High School
  • Jeff Wolff, principal at Pasco Middle School in Dade City
  • Kim Anderson, principal at San Antonio Elementary School
  • Kara Smucker, principal at Quail Hollow Elementary School in Wesley Chapel
  • Jason Petry, principal at Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary in Land O’ Lakes
  • Phillip Bell, assistant principal at Sunlake High School
  • Deborah Collin, assistant principal at Dr. John Long Middle School
  • Trudy Hartman, assistant principal at Lake Myrtle Elementary School
  • Eric McDermott, assistant principal, Zephyrhills High School
  • Kyle Ritsema, assistant principal at Pine View Middle School
  • Shannon Schultz, assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High School
  • Scott Davey, assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High School
  • Nena Green, assistant principal at Pasco Elementary School
  • Timothy Light, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School
  • Heather Ochs, assistant principal at Sunlake High School
  • Pio Rizzo, assistant principal, Pine View Middle School

Students in the Pasco public school district will begin their first day of classes on Aug. 24.

Besides new administrators, there are a few other new things in store.

For one thing, the district is opening its first magnet school, which is located at Sanders Memorial Elementary and will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. The school building has undergone a massive renovation, which has included remodeling some buildings and constructing new ones. When it opens, the school will feature the latest in technology and will foster a collaborative learning environment for students and teachers.

Wiregrass Ranch High School also will experience some major changes this year, as the school adopts a 10-period day. The arrangement is aimed at managing a student enrollment that is expected to approach 2,500. By having more periods, the school can stagger student starting times to limit the number of periods when the entire student body is on campus.

Quail Hollow also will begin the school year with an entirely remodeled building, complete with classrooms that have doors and windows. It also will be equipped with updated technology.

Published July 29, 2015