The Laker/Lutz News

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Swamp Fest returns, and so does the fun

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This weekend’s Swamp Fest has actually been two years in the making.

But the organizers weren’t behind schedule.

The event had to skip a year because of renovations underway at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lanes Blvd.

Since 2009, Swamp Fest has been a local event, with games, rides and family-oriented fun. And according to organizer Doug Hutchinson, it will always stay that way. File photo
Since 2009, Swamp Fest has been a local event, with games, rides and family-oriented fun. And according to organizer Doug Hutchinson, it will always stay that way.
File photo

That $2.4 million project is now complete and the park is ready for Swamp Fest again, which will be held Oct. 30 through Nov.1.

This year, the festival will be held on new and improved grounds, and the event promises to deliver the kind of fun that has drawn thousands each year since it started in 2009.

“I think it’s just a nicer layout that they’re going to have,” explained Mike Walcott, recreation supervisor for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. “The access to the facility is much improved.”

The disabled parking area is away from the dirt and grass, and a short walk from the parking lot to the Swamp Fest entrance means a paved area for vendors and less time walking through uneven areas.

Organizer and co-founder Doug Hutchinson is thrilled to bring Swamp Fest back.

“The improvements that they’ve made are fantastic. The park is beautiful,” Hutchinson said. “We’re really excited. We just missed it so much last year.”

They’ll make up for lost time with a full weekend of activities and entertainment. That itinerary includes several music acts with different styles, including Christian rock, classic rock and folk music. Dancers will be on display Sunday, and vendors representing a variety of businesses and groups will be open all weekend.

The midway also makes a return, with rides up and running throughout the event.

While the fun to be had would alone make the event worthwhile, there’s more to it.

A lot more.

The event actually is a fundraiser for various groups and organizations.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club hosts Swamp Fest, but funds are distributed across several local schools and clubs.

Various clubs help by selling unlimited-ride arm bands in advance, assist with parking and participate in other activities.

More than $20,000 went back to community organizations as a result of 2013’s Swamp Fest, according to Hutchinson.

So, it isn’t just a good event to attend, Hutchinson said. It’s also an event that does good for the community.

“We’re trying to make Swamp Fest more of a community fair-type event where all kinds of non-profit groups can come in,” he said.

In addition to Land O’ Lakes High School, other participants include Sunlake High School, Pineview Middle School, Denham Oaks Elementary School, Connerton Elementary School and Sanders Memorial Elementary School.

Tickets for Midway rides will be sold individually, or event-goers can purchase armbands for unlimited rides. For more information, visit LoLSwampFest.com. File photo
Tickets for Midway rides will be sold individually, or event-goers can purchase armbands for unlimited rides. For more information, visit LoLSwampFest.com.
File photo

This year the event will feature two contests that are expected to be popular.

Since the festival includes Halloween, a Halloween contest will be held on Oct. 31.

And, the Mr. and Mrs. Swamp Fest pageant, which includes a wide range of ages, will make a return as well.

The event’s website contains the quote “Always in Land O’ Lakes,” and it’s not there for decoration.

As coordinator for the Flapjack Festival years back, Hutchinson saw that event get moved to Dade City and then fade away when it left the community.

He pledges that won’t ever happen with Swamp Fest.

It’s supported by the area and will remain in the area.

“You can’t have a community event if you don’t have it in the community,” Hutchinson said. “It’s got to be Land O’ Lakes, or nothing.”

And Walcott agrees.

“It’s not a state fair or a county fair. It’s a Land O’ Lakes event. It’s for this community,” he said. “Obviously, we get people from all over the county that come to it. But it’s just nice to have something that you can kind of lay claim to, that this is yours.”

Swamp Fest is open Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., Oct. 31, from noon until 11 p.m. and Nov. 1 from noon until 6 p.m.

Admission is free and parking is available for a $5 donation.

Midway rides require tickets, which can be purchased individually or as part of an all-you-can-ride package.

Unlimited armbands cost $22 for Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 and $25 on Oct. 31, and can be purchased at the gate.

Pre-sale armbands cost $16, and are available from local businesses and groups.

For a complete list of groups selling armbands and for more information, including pageant applications, visit LoLSwampFest.com.

Published October 28, 2015

Enrollment growth in Pasco highest since recession

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Drive through Pasco County and it’s easy to see the signs of growth.

New houses are popping up in subdivisions. New apartment complexes are being built, and land is being cleared for more development.

And now that school is back in session, some of that growth is beginning to show up in classrooms, too.

These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school. (Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School)
These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school.
(Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School)

For the first time since 2007, the enrollment figures for the first day of school in Pasco County Schools increased by more than 1,000 students compared to the first day of school during the previous year.

Countywide, the district’s enrollment was 66,059, on the first day of classes, not counting four schools that had not yet submitted enrollment figures.

District schools gained a total of 1,138 students, while charter schools operating in the county picked up 441 — bringing the total to 1,579.

The increased enrollment exceeded the district’s expectations. Officials had projected an increase of 1,490.

Elementary schools experienced the biggest gain, picking up 672 more than last year. Middle schools experienced a slight decline, tallying seven fewer students than the previous year, and high schools gained 526.

The district’s education centers also saw a slight decrease, dropping by 53 students.

Some schools experienced increases, while others saw declines across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The opening of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School, with 718 students, in Land O’ Lakes had an impact on enrollments at several area schools.

Connerton Elementary School’s first day enrollment was 770, down from last year’s first-day count of 890.

Oakstead Elementary also experienced a decline from its enrollment of 1,123 on the first day of school last year, compared with 1,000 this year.

Pine View Elementary, also in Land O’ Lakes, reported an opening day enrollment of 530, down 100 students from the prior year.

Lake Myrtle Elementary, also located in Land O’ Lakes, had a decline of 73 students, going from 639 last year to 566 this year.

Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz, saw its enrollment drop by 56 students, going from 669 last year to 613 this year.

Other schools experienced enrollment declines as Quail Hollow Elementary reopened in Wesley Chapel, with 380 students on its first day.

Watergrass Elementary School’s first-day enrollment of 592 reflects a decrease of 114 students from its first-day figure last year.

Wesley Chapel Elementary’s first-day enrollment dropped by 191 students, as compared to last year.

Two elementary schools reported enrollment gains of 50 students or more. Sand Pine Elementary, in Wesley Chapel, increased by 51 students and Woodland Elementary, in Zephyrhills, experienced an uptick of 83 students.

Most of the middle schools in the central and east portions of Pasco County saw changes that were within 25 students of last year, plus or minus.

Pine View Middle School was the only school that experiencing a bigger change. Its first-day enrollment decreased by 65 students, compared to last year.

Among high schools in central and east Pasco, those charting the largest gains were Land O’ Lakes High, with an increase of 155 students, Zephyrhills High, with a boost of 119 students, and Sunlake High, with an uptick of 78 students.

Charter schools in the newspaper’s coverage area also reported gains. Academy at the Farm picked up 119 students, Imagine School in Land O’ Lakes reported 50 additional students, and Countryside Montessori, also in Land O’ Lakes, increased its first-day enrollment by 29.

The largest elementary schools in the newspaper’s coverage area are Oakstead, with an enrollment of 1,000; Seven Oaks, with an enrollment of 1,065; and Woodland, with an enrollment of 929.

The largest middle schools in central and east Pasco are John Long, with an enrollment of 1,665; Rushe, with an enrollment of 1,299; and Weightman, with an enrollment of 1,102.

All of the high schools in east and central portions of the county having enrollments exceeding 1,450, with Wiregrass Ranch High topping the list, with an opening day count of 2,272.

Published September 2, 2015

Chalk Talk 08-19-15

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Meet the Teacher days
These elementary schools will host a Meet the Teacher Day on Aug. 20, in the cafeteria:

  • Connerton Elementary, 9300 Flourish Drive in Land O’ Lakes, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can meet the teachers, visit the classrooms, get bus passes, pick up car line tags, pay student fees and join the Parent-Teacher Association. For information, call (813) 346-1800.
  • Double Branch Elementary, 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can purchase planners, pay school fees, get transportation information, drop off school supplies and meet the teachers. For information, call (813) 346-0400.

Liberty Middle Open House
Liberty Middle School, 17400 Commerce Park Blvd., in New Tampa, will host an Open House on Aug. 20. Sixth-graders can attend from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and seventh- and eighth-graders from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Homeroom assignments and bus information will be mailed prior to Open House.

For information, call (813) 558-1100, or visit Liberty.mysdhc.org.

Sneak a peek at reopened schools
Both Sanders Memorial and Quail Hollow elementary schools have been closed for more than two years for rebuilding and remodeling, and will host open houses to showcase the new looks.

  • Aug. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes
  • Aug. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Quail Hollow Elementary School, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., in Wesley Chapel

PHSC offers engineering technology program
Pasco-Hernando State College now offers degree and certificate programs in engineering technology. Courses will be available beginning Aug. 24.

The program is designed to prepare students for employment in high technology fields such as advance manufacturing.

The engineering technology associate in science degree will teach engineering principles that solve complex manufacturing problems using computer-aided design and evaluation, and simulation techniques.

For information, call (855) 669-7472, or visit PHSC.edu.

Home-school event at MOSI
The Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, will host a Home-school Educators Open House Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guests can meet MOSI’s home-school educators, discuss upcoming programming, participate in STEAM activities and watch an educational film. Proof of home schooling is required. Admission is free. The film is $5.

For information, visit MOSI.org.

Spotlight on academic partnerships
Saint Leo University and TECO Energy will participate in the “Education Connection: Spotlight on Academic Partnerships” program Aug. 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at the University Club of Tampa, 201 N. Franklin St., in Tampa.

Panelists will discuss the impact of academic/business partnerships on the growth of the regional economy. Participants can learn about these collaborations and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Education Connection initiative.

Registration and breakfast are from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., followed by the program. Individual admission is $20.

For information and to register, visit Web.TampaChamber.com/events.

Volunteer for Bee Bully-Free program
Bee Bully-Free, a Zephyrhills-based project, is looking for volunteers for its new initiative, W.A.S.P. — Woodland Academic Support Program. Volunteers will start working with students at Woodland Elementary School in September.

Trained volunteers will help students practice reading skills, approach math from a variety of angles, improve grammar, meet deadlines, polish organizational skills and more. Volunteers may also help in the classroom, cafeteria or media center, run errands, and assist with special events.

There will be a 30-minute Child Protection Training and BBF Orientation on Aug. 30 at 5 p.m., at Goin’ Postal, 4941 Fourth St., in Zephyr Park.

There will be a social hour with beverages and snacks after the program.

Interested volunteers must first be approved by the Pasco County School District.

For information, and instructions on registering online, call (813) 782-1500, ext. 104, or email .

PHSC expands internship program in Arts
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer Associate in Arts degree-seeking students an opportunity to participate in an internship course, beginning in fall term 2015.

For information about this and other internship programs, call (727) 816-3334, or email .

Oakstead leadership retreat
Oakstead Elementary School, 19925 Lake Patience Drive in Land O’ Lakes, recently hosted a Fifth Grade Leadership Retreat for students, administrators and teachers.

The day was designed to identify students’ leadership styles, explore student goals for the coming school year, and discuss school-wide issues and how the students can be involved.

Throughout the day, the retreat offered a meet and greet with music and chants, a team-building cups session, personality tests, a discussion on well-being and bully prevention, goal setting, and reflections at the closing of the session.

For more information, call C.J. Huffman at (813) 346-1503.

Open House at Denham Oaks
Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz, will host an Open House on Sept. 8 for students and parents as follows:

  • 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., for pre-kindergarten through Grade 2
  • 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for Grade 3 through Grade 5

Pizza will be served in the cafeteria. PTA members and their children get a free slice of pizza and a drink. The cost for non-members is $3 per person.

For information, call (813) 794-1600.

Get school immunizations early
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County reminds parents to have their children immunized early to avoid the back-to-school rush. Parents of kindergartners and seventh-graders are encouraged to review their children’s immunization record to ensure readiness for the upcoming school year.

If parents do not have a copy of the child’s immunization record, they should ask their provider about Florida Shots, the database that records immunizations. Students entering college also are encouraged to ensure their immunizations are up to date.

The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool and kindergarten through grade 12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox and hepatitis B. Students entering college should check with health services at their respective college regarding requirements.

For information on upcoming back-to-school immunization events, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov/.

Chalk Talk 07-22-15

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(Courtesy of Florida School Boards Association)
(Courtesy of Florida School Boards Association)

Cindy Stuart becomes certified board member
Cindy Stuart, a Hillsborough County School Board member, was recognized as a certified board member at the annual summer conference, in June, sponsored by the Florida School Boards Association. Stuart earned the distinction by completing a minimum of 96 hours of training in 12 areas focusing on the governance roles and responsibilities of school board members.

PHSC names building after Katherine Johnson
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a dedication ceremony in June for the Katherine M. Johnson Administration Building at the Porter Campus of Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees selected the Porter Campus administration building to honor Johnson in consideration of the significant role she played in establishing the Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

Community members, faculty, staff and students attended the event honoring Johnson in recognition for her decade of excellence in serving the college.

Johnson retired on June 30 after serving as college president since 2005.

POP 21 bus making stops for students
Pasco County school students who are taking advantage of the free summer lunch bus meals also will get free books.

The POP 21 bus (Power on Pasco) will depart from Pasco Middle School at 9:35 a.m., July 28, to hand out free books to those students.

Schools and individual staff members donated thousands of used books, and the district purchased around 700 new books from Scholastic.

The stop locations are:

  • Arbours Apartment Complex, near 12861 Stately Oak St., in Dade City, from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
  • Dade Oaks Apartments, near 37455 Acorn Loop in Dade City, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
  • Lake George Apartments, near 15246 Davis Loop in Dade City, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Lecture-style art workshop
The Encore Academy at Pasco-Hernando State College is offering a travel art workshop on the East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road. The lecture-style workshop on July 30 will focus on the must-see art of France.

PHSC art instructor Charlene Jones will highlight paintings, sculptures and other works for those planning to travel abroad or for armchair travelers.

The workshop costs $12. Registration deadline is three days prior to workshop date.

For more information about this and other Encore Academy workshops and memberships, call (352) 797-5167, or visit PHSC.edu/encore.

Teacher boot camp at Saint Leo
The undergraduate Education Department at Saint Leo University will host local school district teachers at its annual Beginning Teacher Boot Camp program July 31 from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Student Community Center at the campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Beverly Ledbetter, a 37-year veteran teacher, will lead the training, which will include:

  • classroom management strategies
  • contract rights and responsibilities
  • workplace acronyms new teacher don’t yet know
  • what new teachers can do to find out how school support personnel and fellow teachers work together on practical matters

To attend, email with “Beginning Teacher Boot Camp 2015” in the subject line.

Stuff the Bus volunteers needed
The United Way of Pasco County will host the 5th Annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers July 31 to Aug. 2, at various Walmart and Publix locations, and is looking for volunteers.

There are three-hour shifts available: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/stuffthebus2015 or UnitedWayPasco.org.

For information, call (727) 835-2028.

Volunteer day at Sanders
The community is invited to take part in the STEAM Team Volunteer Day at the new Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, on Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. Volunteers will help new teachers set up their classrooms.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event.

For information, call Sandy Graves at (813) 817-3011.

Sponsors needed for Back to School Bash
Cobb Theatres Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel is looking for sponsors for its seventh annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 15. The event, themed after the movie “Fantastic Four,” will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Programs at the event include activities like face painting and games to haircuts, health screenings and school supply giveaways.

If interested in becoming a sponsor or partner, call Demene Benjamin at (813) 948-5445, or email .

Academy at the Lakes tours
The admissions office at Academy at the Lakes, 2331 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will offer campus tours throughout the summer. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday during school hours. There are small group tours on a weekly basis. Children are welcome. Tour groups are limited to 10 people. For information, call (813) 909-7919.

Preventing that summer slide
Fox Hollow Elementary School teachers are volunteering their time and hosting a Summer Slide camp every Tuesday during the summer from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is designed to prevent the summer slide of academics for students.

Using the American Reading program, teachers meet with individual students, collect reading data and set power goals so students have a purpose for reading.

Students also can check out books from the media center, have independent reading time, and complete 30 minutes of I-ready lessons. I-ready is an online program that offers personalized instruction to unique areas of need.

Fox Hollow also is part of the summer feeding program, and serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday to children up to 18 years of age. Breakfast is available 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and lunch is available noon to 12:15 p.m.

Pasco County Schools provide free summer lunches
Pasco County Schools and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and local agencies are partnering for the 2015 Summer BreakSpot Summer meal program.

The program was established to ensure that low-income children receive nutritious meals when school is out for summer. Meals and snacks are provided at no charge to children ages 18 and younger.

To learn more about Florida’s Summer BreakSpot sites and to find a location, visit SummerFoodFlorida.org.

Matthew Tapie is new director for Catholic-Jewish Studies
Saint Leo University President Arthur F. Kirk Jr., has appointed Matthew A. Tapie as director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at Saint Leo University, effective July 16.

Tapie comes to Saint Leo from The Catholic University of America, where he was a visiting professor of theology and religious studies, and a research fellow at CUA’s Institute of Interreligious Study and Dialogue.

Tapie succeeds Michael Anthony Novak, who has served as interim director of the center for the last year.

Renovations wrapping up at Land O’ Lakes Community Park

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The $2.4 million renovation project at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is just about completed. It features new fields, a playground, a concession stand and restrooms. There’s even a walking trail for walkers and joggers that goes around the park.

But there’s another improvement that gets Mike Walcott, a recreation supervisor for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, really excited.

The parking.

A proposed stage where special events can be held would cost $150,000 or more, but would create a permanent platform for community productions and performances. (Image courtesy of Heritage Park Foundation)
A proposed stage where special events can be held would cost $150,000 or more, but would create a permanent platform for community productions and performances.
(Image courtesy of Heritage Park Foundation)

“I think the thing a lot of people are going to like is the paved parking,” Walcott said. “Because when you park in a dirt lot in the middle of July and you have those storms come rolling though, it creates a mess.”

Walcott has endured the mess associated with dirt lots long enough to know how bad it can be. He’s been with the county parks department for 15 years, with about eight of them at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

Small improvements can make a big difference, and they can enhance the experience of visiting the park.

And, with all the bigger improvements ready to be unveiled to the public, he expects a lot more visitors in the future.

The improved fields are good for the park’s existing users like their adult softball league and Police Athletic League youth football. The latter will now have their home games at the park, instead of just using it as a practice facility.

In addition, the park now has a special event area that will be a gathering place for a variety of community events. Walcott sees movies in the park, a farmer’s market and company picnics as just some of the possible uses.

The annual Swampfest event, which was canceled last year due to a conflict with the park’s renovation schedule, is also back on for this November.

And with a potential addition in the future, the possibilities are even greater.

“We’re looking forward to possibly a stage being put out into the park, so we’ll be able to do concerts,” Walcott said.

That project is being spearheaded by the Heritage Park Foundation. And the group’s president, Sandy Graves, believes it would be an artistic feather in the park’s cap.

“I think it will complete that park,” Graves said.

The plan includes a structure that takes up around 2,000 square feet with a back room, electrical hookup and wide steps for people to bring up instruments or other bulky equipment.

The foundation would like to collaborate with local government to help raise funds for the project, which could exceed $150,000. For now, foundation members are raising money on their own, as they try to find a government partnership that works for everybody.

While the park will continue to thrive as a destination for local teams, Graves sees more opportunities for the park as a local hub of community activity.

“Sports is just one facet,” she said. “I think it’s good for the community to have a central gathering space where it can have the festivals that bring a community together.”

Meanwhile, the Land O’ Lakes Community Park is taking advantage of another construction project to enhance users’ experience. When Sanders Memorial Elementary School reopens later this year as the county’s first STEAM magnet school, its proximity to the park invites a natural sharing of facilities. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

They’ll be able to share event space, parking, basketball courts and other facilities.

That collaboration, as well as the existing renovations and potential future improvements, means the park will continue to maximize its resources. At just 16 acres, it’s not a large park, but the new layout will use the area efficiently.

“I think they came up with a great multi-use community park,” Walcott said. “As far as the size that we have here, I think everyone’s going to get something out of it.”

For now, it seems like everyone wants to hear about its progress. Walcott gets residents coming by every day asking about project updates and wanting to see how things are going. And he’s pleased to report that some facets of the park will be available within the next couple of weeks, and the fields are being prepared for use in the coming months. Soon residents will be able to enjoy the new amenities, like the walking trail, concession stand and event area.

And the parking, of course.

“It sounds ridiculous that I keep going back to the paved parking. But oh my goodness, that was the biggest thing. Just getting stuck in the mud,” Walcott said. “I know when people come out here and get a good look at the place, they’re really going to like it. They’re really going to enjoy being out here.”

Published June 10, 2015

Chalk Talk 06-10-15

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East Pasco Realtors giving back
Christopher Shaheen, president of the East Pasco Association of Realtors, will present scholarships to three local high school graduates at a noon luncheon on June 12 at the American Legion Hall, 37745 Church Ave. in Dade City.

The awards will go to Shelbie Elizabeth Pollock, Zephyrhills High School; Joumana Mehrab, Zephyrhills High School; and Samuel Newlon, Pasco High School.
For information, call (813) 783-3794.

Nursing degree information session
Pasco-Hernando State College will have an information session on its bachelor of science in nursing degree on June 15 at 6 p.m., at its West Campus, 10320 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The online BSN program provides additional management, leadership, theory and research training to licensed registered nurses.

Advisors and program faculty will provide information on admission requirements and prerequisite courses, available at all five PHSC campuses.

Admission is free. To RSVP, visit PHSC.edu/rsvp.

Interested students must apply for admission no later than July 24 to be considered for the August class. For more information, visit PHSC.edu/BSN.

Free summer VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is offering a free summer voluntary pre-kindergarten program for eligible families and their children. The program is for those who have not yet used their VPK voucher.

Applications are being accepted. Classes begin on June 15 and run through Aug. 10.

VPK hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour of rest at 12:30 p.m.

For information, call Angella Hart at (813) 242-7800.

Retirement receptions for Katherine Johnson
Pasco-Hernando State College will host retirement receptions for president Katherine Johnson at each of its five campuses. The upcoming farewell receptions are:

  • June 17 at 9 a.m., New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road
  • June 17 at 12:30 p.m., Brooksville campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
  • June 17 at 4 p.m., Spring Hill campus, 450 Beverly Court
  • June 18 at 9 a.m., Dade City campus, 36727 Blanton Road
  • June 18 at 12:30 p.m., Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd.
  • June 18 at 4 p.m., New Port Richey campus, 10230 Ridge Road

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Summer career camps
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer academic career-themed summer camps for middle and early high school students.

Each camp will run for four half-days, Monday through Thursday, at the East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road.

  • Fine Arts Career Camp: June 22 to June 25 from 9 a.m. to noon
  • STEAM Career Camp: July 13 to July 16 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Fire Science Career Camp: July 27 to July 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Each camp session is limited to 15 students. Additional camps are available at the West Campus in New Port Richey.

For information and costs, or to register, visit PHSC.edu/summercamp, or call (727) 816-3256.

Middle school math workshop
Sarah Christiansen of Yes You Can Tutoring is hosting her second annual All Aboard! Math workshop June 29 to July 10 at the Historic Atlantic Coastline Train Depot, 32735 Railroad Ave., in San Antonio. The workshop is free and will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Activities could include team outdoor games, constructing floor plans for a home, playing Derailing the Train (a game similar to Battleship), hearing how to use math in business from a local architect and engineer, and art projects with recycled materials.

Registration is open until June 20 for students in grades five through eight.

For information and a supply list, call Sarah Christiansen at (352) 585-6327, or email ">.

Dade City chamber awards scholarships
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce honored three area students with scholarships for their grade point averages, community service, school participation and essay writing skills. The students were Christian Yann, Courtney Nathe and Camryn Pitts.

The Pasco Education Foundation administered the scholarships.

Student Citizens recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized Student Citizens during a ceremony on May 19. Each month, one student from nine area schools is selected for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

The students honored were Aaron McHenry, Woodland Elementary School; Devin Echevarria, Chester Taylor Elementary; Victoria Pelfrey, Stewart Middle; Devon Bingham, Heritage Academy; Madison Reidenbach, Zephyrhills High; Roxana Guerra, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Priscylla Peek, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Josie Putney, The Broach School; and Savanna Sanders, Hope Ranch Learning Academy.

Area students earn degrees
Lauren Reid, of Wesley Chapel, graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree of fine arts, visual arts.

Matthew Coakley, of Lutz, graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor of art degree from the College of Education.

Samuel Garfunkel, of Lutz, graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor of science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Pasco Tax Collector’s Office raises money for Take Stock in Children
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announced that $1,081.68 was raised at the five tax collector offices in Pasco County during the month of March for Take Stock in Children.

Take Stock in Children’s mission is to provide a comprehensive program combining the elements of scholarships, mentors and hope to help break the cycle of poverty through education.

The money raised will be used for a six-hour ACT prep class and ACT prep workbooks for the 30 program scholars that will enter 11th grade in 2016.

Stanley Giannet elected to fellowship
Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch’s provost Stanley Giannet has been elected to the Distinguished Fellowship in the National Academies of Practice and the Psychology Academy as a distinguished scholar and fellow.

Distinguished scholars and fellows are elected by their peers for outstanding achievements, and significant and enduring contributions to their profession.

The National Academies of Practice scholars and fellows work together to advise governmental bodies on matters of health care; to influence national health policy and legislation; and to promote quality health care through cooperative advocacy, practice, education and research.

Giannet was provost of PHSC’s North Campus prior to his appointment as provost of the Porter Campus, which opened in January 2014.

Construction crews give shape to Pasco’s first magnet

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Construction crews are fully engaged in the project to give Pasco County its first magnet school, which is set to open this fall in Land O’ Lakes.

Jason Petry, principal of Sanders Memorial Elementary School, has been immersed, too, in the task of hiring teachers for the school, which will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Interest in the district’s first magnet is evident.

Principal Jason Petry, left, has been working to get staffing lined up for the inaugural year of Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, which will be housed at Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes. Jeff Wright, of Ajax Building Corp., is the project manager who is overseeing construction work on the project. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Principal Jason Petry, left, has been working to get staffing lined up for the inaugural year of Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, which will be housed at Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes. Jeff Wright, of Ajax Building Corp., is the project manager who is overseeing construction work on the project.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

There were more than 1,689 applicants for its 762 student seats.

Most of those seats have been filled, but some of those initially chosen have opted out, leaving some available for students lower on the list, Petry said.

Students aren’t the only ones expressing a desire to be at Sanders.

The school drew 180 to 200 applicants for its teaching staff.

The vast majority came from Pasco County Schools, but there were also applicants from Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois and Arizona, Petry said. He was surprised by the out-of-state applications, since the openings were only posted on the district’s website.

Hiring was nearly completed, as of last week.

“We’ve hired our 40 teachers. We’re working on P.E. (physical education), music and art this week,” Petry said on April 24.

While work is wrapping up on selecting the school’s staff, construction crews are still hard at work to complete the building.

Sanders’ roots in Land O’ Lakes date back to 1948.

The school district funded the redesign of Sanders in 2008, but the project was put on hold because the housing market crashed. The initial plans had to be updated because of changes in codes and to address the school’s curriculum needs.

When completed, Sanders — located at 5126 School Road — will be almost entirely new. Just three of the former school’s buildings remain on site. The rest were demolished.

Besides being the district’s first magnet, Sanders also will benefit from an agreement between the school board and Pasco County. The arrangement aims at providing more recreational opportunities for school children and the community at large, while also broadening learning opportunities and providing a venue to accommodate community gatherings.

In keeping with the school’s educational mission, classrooms will have wireless technology and large-screen televisions. There’s also a space designed to foster collaboration between students and between classrooms. And, there is storage space for student projects and sinks in classrooms, to accommodate experiments.

The school also will equip each student with technology. Kindergarteners and first-graders will have iPads, and second-graders through fifth-graders will have laptops.

While the district moves forward with its academic preparations for the school, considerable construction progress has been made.

Still, much work remains.

Jeff Wright, project manager for Ajax Building Corp., is confident the project will be finished on time.

“The stuff that makes it look done — that’s the easiest part,” Wright said. “There’s a lot that happens very quickly in the finishing steps.”

Initially, Sanders’ lottery system gave preference to students living in the Connerton and Oakstead elementary schools to help relieve overcrowding at those schools.

In the coming year, the school will be serving primarily Central Pasco, but there will be students coming from as far away as Zephyrhills and New Port Richey, Petry said.

“I’m real excited about this school,” Petry said.

“This school is like a pillar in the community. Everybody that I come across is like, ‘I used to go to Sanders’ or ‘My grandmother used to go to Sanders’ or ‘My dad went to Sanders.’ ”

Petry said he’s looking forward to leading a school that will emphasize the four Cs: collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking.

Students need to learn how to work in teams, share ideas, take chances, and when they fail at something, to persevere, Petry said.

Being willing to take chances and to fail is part of how the world works, he said. The important thing is to learn from failure and be persistent.

“People who create ideas at Google and Apple, they get shot down a lot. They just keep on having to move forward. Even though their ideas aren’t making it, they’re still persevering,” Petry said.

Seeking expert help

Sanders Memorial Elementary School is gearing up to become Pasco County’s first magnet school. The school, which will open this fall in Land O’ Lakes, will have a curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

It is seeking experts in those subject areas to help enrich the learning experience for its students.

At the moment, the school is specifically looking for experts in computer coding, robotics, drones, and the arts, said Principal Jason Petry. But he expects to continue adding to that list.

Anyone who wishes to share their expertise would need to register with Pasco County Schools, Petry added. If you’d like to help out, contact Petry at .

Published April 29, 2015

Chalk Talk 01-07-15

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(Courtesy of Woodland Elementary School)
(Courtesy of Woodland Elementary School)

Super Kids named for DecemberThe Kiwanis Club of Zephyrhills has named its Super Kids for December. Given the recognition from Woodland Elementary School were, from left, Morgan Griffith, Jack Dixon, Jasmine Vasquez, Desiree Schoelzel, Justin Hicks, Carlos Torres and Yovanni Gordillo. The club chooses one student per grade level and one exceptional student education student for good citizenship and consistently following the rules.

Application period nearly over for magnet school
The application period for Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, runs through Jan. 15.

The school is located at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes and is scheduled to open August 2015.

The focus of the school is on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

For information, and a virtual tour, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Sanders banner at the top.

Open house at Countryside
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students and families can tour the campus, and learn more about the school and how to apply for the upcoming school year.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSMontessori.com.

Civil Air Patrol at teach-in
Squadron mascot Bodhi Price and 2nd Lt. Warren Osceola, members of the Zephyr Airport Cadet Squadron ER-FL 459 of the Civil Air Patrol, addressed more than 300 students at West Zephyrhills Elementary School’s Great American Teach-In.

Price is a student at Woodland Elementary School, and Osceola attends Zephyrhills High School.

The presentation covered topics of airplanes and flying, leadership, integrity, striving to attain personal best in all aspects of life, self-discipline, following directions and learning how and when to be a leader.

For information about the Civil Air Patrol, email .

Library foundation launches website
The Pasco Library Foundation recently launched its new website, making it easier to learn about the library foundation and support the Pasco County Library System.

Donations to the library foundation make great gifts for anyone who loves books and the library.

Donations can be dedicated to a certain type of purchase or a particular program.

Personalized bookplates also can be inserted into a book of your choice.

The library foundation will also send a holiday card to inform the gift recipient that a donation was made in their name.

For information, visit PascoLibraryFoundation.org.

Chamber recognizes Student Citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recently had a ceremony to recognize Students Citizens for December.

These students are honored for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to school, family and community.

Students honored were Cadence Uzarraga, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Kierstin Bolhuis, Chester Taylor Elementary; Gracie Cameron, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Laila Fleming, The Broach School; Emily Hoskins, Woodland Elementary; Victoria Noelle Perez, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Nicholas Dester, The Monarch School; Jacob Navarro, Heritage Academy; and Kayla McCarter, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School.

Scholarship endowment helps veteran students
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received a $1,000 scholarship endowment gift from The Florida Suncoast Chapter of Military Officers Association of America.

The scholarship is awarded to eligible PHSC military veteran students and their families.

To date, the organization has contributed $14,000 to its scholarship endowment.

For information on the PHSC Foundation, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation.

Chalk Talk 12-24-14

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(Courtesy of Watergrass Elementary School)
(Courtesy of Watergrass Elementary School)

Interactive teach-in at Watergrass
Watergrass Elementary School in Wesley Chapel hosted a variety of presenters at the Great American Teach-In, including Linda and Ed Brunner of Tranquil Pawz Therapy Dogs. Nathanial Wright interacts with one of the therapy dogs.

Application period starts for magnet school
The application period for Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, runs through Jan. 15.

The school is located at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes and is scheduled to open August 2015.

The focus of the school is on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

For information, and a virtual tour, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Sanders banner at the top.

LOL students excel in WordWright
A team of students representing Land O’ Lakes High School excelled in a recent WordWright Challenge.

The school’s ninth graders placed eighth in the nation; the 10th graders placed second; and the 12th graders placed sixth.

The WordWright Challenge is a national competition in which more than 50,000 students across the nation analyze literature with a focus on perceptive interpretation, sensitivity to language, and an appreciation of style.

Students who excelled in the challenge were Tyler Visuvasam, Stutee Achaya, Joshua Brett, Josie Hidalgo, Roshan Kumaraswamy, Nana Kusi, Alison MacDonald, Sarah Bush, Michael Gendreau, Ben Martin, Shivani Saini, Albert Xing, Grace Alexander, Carter Bright, Isabella Brown, Nicholas Maci, Elizabeth May, Ashley Rocks, Jessica Twitmyer, Alexander Lewis, Tyler Ohnmacht, Hernando Torrealba, John Calahatian, Brandon Clark, Alexander Duty, Justin Mashhoff and Nicholas Suhlman.

David Berger, Margaret Higgins, Bryan Babij and Ramona Quave supervised the teams.

For information about the challenge, visit WordWrightChallenge.com.

Scholarship endowment helps veteran students
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received a $1,000 scholarship endowment gift from The Florida Suncoast Chapter of Military Officers Association of America.

The scholarship is awarded to eligible PHSC military veteran students and their families.

To date, the organization has contributed $14,000 to its scholarship endowment.

For information on the PHSC Foundation, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation.

Saint Leo a top school in MAE
Military Advanced Education has awarded Saint Leo University the designation of a top school in its 2015 MAE Guide to Colleges and Universities, measuring the best practices in military and veteran education.

The guide contains the results of a questionnaire of the military-supportive policies enacted at more than 600 institutions including private, public, for-profit, nonprofit, four-year and two-year colleges.

It also gives students information about institutions that go out of their way to give back to our men and women in uniform.

The guide will be released in the December issue of MAE, and will be available online at MAE-KMI.com.

Library foundation launches website
The Pasco Library Foundation recently launched its new website, making it easier to learn about the library foundation and support the Pasco County Library System.

Donations to the library foundation make great gifts for anyone who loves books and the library.

Donations can be dedicated to a certain type of purchase or a particular program.

Personalized bookplates also can be inserted into a book of your choice.

The library foundation will also send a holiday card to inform the gift recipient that a donation was made in their name.

For information, visit PascoLibraryFoundation.org.

 

 

Chalk Talk 12-10-14

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(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo honored for grounds maintenance
The Professional Grounds Management Society recently recognized Saint Leo University with an Honor Award in the Society’s 2014 Green Star Awards competition.

The award was given in the University and College Grounds category for exceptional grounds maintenance.

The building that houses the Donald R. Tapia School of Business at University Campus was built in 2011 and is LEED Gold certified.

The building’s landscaping is maintained with native plants and roof water irrigation, the beds were designed in-house with plants from an on-site nursery, and the multi-colored rock border keeps the mulch in place and off the pathways.

The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscaping design and construction.

Peace poster contest winners
The Lutz Land O’ Lakes Lions Club has announced the winners of this year’s Peace Poster Contest. The club worked with the art department students at Academy at the Lakes.

The top winners were Dion Loutas, first place; Nataley Riggs, second place; and Victoria Yanez, third place.

Schools interested in participating in next year’s contest can call Jeanine Talbot at (813) 355-3452.

Still time to enroll in spring classes
Students who are currently enrolled or returning to Pasco-Hernando State College are encouraged to register for spring classes as soon as possible. Classes begin Jan. 12.

New students interested in spring classes should visit PHSC.edu/wise for admissions information.

The application fee is $25, with an additional $20 fee assessed during the late registration period, Jan. 12 to Jan. 16.

All PHSC locations will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 4 for winter break.

The last day for students to register in person at the Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill or Wesley Chapel campus for spring classes is Dec. 17.

Current students can register online during the winter break.

Application period starts for magnet school
The application period for Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, runs through Jan. 15.

The school is located at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes and is scheduled to open August 2015.

For information, and a virtual tour, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Sanders banner at the top.

Scholarship endowment helps veteran students
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received a $1,000 scholarship endowment gift from The Florida Suncoast Chapter of Military Officers Association of America.

The scholarship is awarded to eligible PHSC military veteran students and their families.

To date, the organization has contributed $14,000 to its scholarship endowment.

For information on the PHSC Foundation, call (727) 816-3410, or visit PHSC.edu/foundation.