Land O' Lakes High School

Partnership aims to counter rumors with facts

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

As the 2015-2016 school year begins this week in Pasco County Schools, the school district and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office have formed a new partnership to give parents timely, accurate information when threatening situations occur on or near a school campus.

The partnership aims to give parents a place to turn when they’re hearing reports about potential dangers and they want to find out the facts.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning holds a smartphone and talks about how easy it is for information to spin out of control during a school emergency. To counter the spread of inaccurate information, the school district and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office have set up social media sites to provide timely, factual information to parents and the public during school emergencies, Browning said. Pasco County Sheriff’s Capt. James Mallo, at right, also took part in the news conference.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

“Safety of our students is our top priority,” said Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, at a news conference last week to announce the partnership.

Efforts by law enforcement and school personnel can be undermined when inaccurate information begins circulating in social media, Browning said.

“One of the challenges that we face is the instant communications that the students have, and we all have, as a society. It’s a reality and certainly a challenge.

“What we have found is, that when we get into these types of situations, the social media, the texting, the cellphones really wreak havoc,” Browning said.

“It’s important for parents to have accurate information in an emergency or a potential emergency situation,” the superintendent said.

So, the school district and the sheriff’s office have established social media sites where parents can obtain accurate information.

“It’s important for parents join us in this partnership, for the sake of their children’s safety,” Browning said. “We created social media sites that we want parents to turn to first for information during these times of emergencies.

“It’s also important that principals in schools and staff have the ability to concentrate on their school, not answering questions at this time from parents in their community,” he added.

When parents come to campus during an emergency, they can put themselves at risk, Browning said.

The idea is to get a unified message out, said Capt. James Mallo, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The posted message will be approved by both the sheriff’s office and school district.

Mallo gave an example of an incident that occurred last year, when this kind of system would have been useful.

“We had a bank robber that left the bank and ran across the school property,” he said, but there wasn’t a system to let people know quickly what was happening.

Drew Patel and Maddie Toth, both students at Land O’ Lakes High School, think the social media sites set up by the school district and sheriff’s office will help dispel rumors, and give parents the information they need during a school emergency.

“We want to make sure that the parents and teachers and students and everybody have one place to go to get this message, so that when you do have something like that happen — and a bad guy running around the area of the school — we can put out a single message that’s unified,” he said.

That takes the guesswork out of what’s happening, Mallo said.

The combination of inaccurate information and social media can create significant distractions, as law enforcement and school personnel are trying to handle a potentially dangerous situation, both men said.

“I can’t begin to tell you what a challenge it is as a school community, when we have either a controlled situation on campus or a complete lockdown.

“Everybody that has one of these things,” Browning said, holding up a smartphone. “And students are texting moms and dads.

“You know how the game of Rumor goes. They heard there was a gun on campus. The next thing you know, they’re texting mom or dad that there’s a gun on campus — when there’s not a gun that’s been confirmed on campus,” Browning said.

“We now have the ability to provide that information very quickly and accurately, to keep moms and dads calm, and let them know that first and foremost, their students are safe,” the superintendent added.

Seventeen-year-old Drew Patel, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High School, said he likes the idea of the central clearinghouse for information.

“It provides a direct line of accurate information to the parents. They know what’s going on at the school where their kids are at,” he said.

“I think it’s a great idea,” added Maddie Toth, 17, a junior.

It will help prevent the spread of rumors, she said.

Parents will be able to go to the sites “and see the real information,” she said.

“I think it will work,” Patel said.

Social Media Resources
Here are the places where parents can go to get the latest information about school safety, crime prevention and public awareness information about Pasco County Schools:

Facebook: Facebook.com/pascosheriffschoolsafety
Twitter: @PSOSchoolSafety
Instagram:
Pasco Sheriff’s School Safety Internet Page: PascoSheriff.com/PascoSheriffSchoolSafety

What parents can expect in a school crisis
There are different kinds of school emergencies. Here is what parents can expect.

Crisis response: A coordinated response between the first responders and school personnel during an extraordinary event that could significantly impact the safety and welfare of school children and/or school staff. This kind of crisis can include, but not be limited to any overt act or threat of extreme violence, severe weather occurrence or a tragedy.

Controlled campus: This occurs when there is a potential threat or safety concern that requires a greater degree of control.

Lockdown: This occurs when there is a direct threat to the school campus itself, or the student body.

Parents are not allowed on campus and will be provided instruction as to a reunification time and location, if necessary. Parents are advised to use the social media sites to obtain information.

Published August 26, 2015

Trip to Tokyo offers new perspectives

August 26, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Colby Tomasello recently returned from Tokyo, Japan, where he took part in the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy.

The Land O’ Lakes High student was among a group of eight students and four teachers from the United States who were selected to make the trip.

Colby Tomasello (back row, third from right) joins other participants at the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo. (Photos courtesy of Toshiba) — Colby Tomasello (back row, third from right) joins other participants at the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo.
(Photos courtesy of Toshiba)

He spent a week working in collaborative teams with Japanese students, to tackle challenges that required thinking outside of the box.

He also did some sightseeing and had a chance to see firsthand what life is like on the island nation of Japan.

The pace of activities was busy, said Tomasello, who won an essay competition to receive the expenses-paid trip.

Each day began around 7 a.m., with lights out around 10 p.m., he said.

“We had a lot of work to do,” explained Tomasello, who was still attending Pine View Middle School, when he was selected for the U.S. team.

Besides the challenges he and other students tackled, he also had the chance to ride on one of the world’s fastest elevators, master the technique of eating with chopsticks and check out the way people live in Tokyo.

His biggest surprise was how similar Tokyo is to major U.S. cities.

“The layout was very modern,” he said.

Colby Tomasello, right, receives a congratulatory handshake from Toshiba America Inc. executive R. Steven Tungate for his participation in the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo.

The number of people he encountered who speak English surprised him, and he was impressed by the way Japanese people, in general, treat strangers.

“People are very polite. They’re very respectful. They bow a lot,” Tomasello said.

He also observed that the Japanese lifestyle appears to be more environmentally friendly than the American way of life.

“Only 20 percent of their vehicles are all gasoline,” he said.

At the hotel where he was staying, the beds were smaller than a typical bed in the U.S., and turning on the room’s lights and running the air conditioner required the room key.

During the week, he took part in a contest to build a tower out of straws and tape that would withstand a simulated earthquake.

“We designed future communities. They’re supposed to be smart communities,” Tomasello said.

“We also saw a SMART home designed by Toshiba,” he said, which featured solar panels and other self-sustaining features.

He worked with a team that was made up of Japanese and American students. One Japanese student on his team was fluent in English, and the other wasn’t.

They worked well together, he said. When the student who spoke little English had trouble understanding, the other student translated, Tomasello said.

Bill Nye, a representative for the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy, speaks to this year’s participants at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

Tomasello noted that both Japanese students were much more fluent in English than he is in Japanese.

One lesson he learned during his trip had nothing to do specifically with the challenges at hand, he said.

He learned that the American approach to tackling a problem isn’t necessarily the only approach, or always the best approach.

Tomasello’s selection for the essay competition was based on his previous participation in the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision program.

Students in grades eight through 11, and high school teachers who are members of the NSTA (National Science Teacher Association), were eligible to apply.

Their Japanese counterparts were selected from high schools that promote strong achievement in science and mathematics, as well as have strong international student exchange programs.

Tomasello isn’t the only member of his family who has fared well in the ExploraVision competitions.

“My sister (Catie) has won four times, and I have won twice,” he said. One of those wins came when he was on a team with his sister.

Published August 26, 2015

Gators’ goal: A return to its winning ways in football

August 26, 2015 By Michael Murillo

The Land O’ Lakes High School football team dipped to 4-6 record last year, after posting an 8-2 record the year before.

Head coach Brian Wachtel doesn’t blame bad luck or a lack of talent for the decline. He said it came down to execution.

Senior safety Colton Smith is ready for a leadership role this season.

“I don’t think we reached our potential last year,” Wachtel said. “There were a couple games that were close, but we just didn’t execute well in a half of that game, and that put us in the position that we were in at the end of the game.”

Half of the team’s six losses last year were by a touchdown or less, and only two were by more than 10 points.

The Gators also suffered some injuries last season, but Wachtel isn’t interested in excuses. He preaches a “next man up” philosophy, with the next player expected to contribute when the starter is unavailable.

And that philosophy will be put to the test this season at the most prominent position on offense.

James Pensyl, the standout lefty who helped Land O’ Lakes rank No. 1 in the district in passing yardage last season, graduated and signed on to play for Eastern Michigan University. That leaves Spencer Childress as the next man up, and Wachtel understands that means changes for his offense.

“As a coach you’d better adjust, and we’ve adjusted offensively,” Wachtel said. “We want to put our kids in a position to be successful. We’re going to put in our quarterback this year and play to his strengths.”

Land O’ Lakes coach Brian Wachtel focuses on limiting mistakes when his team suits up, including during hard-hitting practice drills. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photos)

While he doesn’t have Pensyl’s name recognition, the coach said Childress is an effective runner, which adds another dimension to his skill set.

Wachtel expects Childress to manage the game effectively, and they’re looking for a high completion percentage to keep the offense on the field.

The coaching staff also will rely on the team’s returning players to provide leadership.

Seniors, like Colton Smith, feel up to the task.

“The maturity level has risen for all of us, especially the seniors who have been here for day one of freshman year,” Smith said.

Being a leader for Smith means holding players accountable but not having a negative attitude toward his teammates. The safety and the rest of the players will depend on each other to get through the season successfully, and he wants to do that by staying positive and helping raise the bar for everyone.

“You see some people who just yell, yell, yell. And sometimes that doesn’t fix it. You’ve got to give them some confidence,” Smith said. “It’s all about making sure that they’re going to do what it takes, and not get them more angry with themselves so that they do worse.”

Now entering his fifth season as head coach for the Gators — and around 11 years in coaching overall — Wachtel still has the enthusiasm of a newer coach.

The offseason, the game film, the seven-on-seven practices and the daily drills still keep him engaged and eager to see his younger players develop, and his older players execute and reach their potential.

“I love doing it. It’s exciting to me. I love seeing the guys be successful. You get them for four years, and it’s fun to watch them grow,” he said.

Sometimes the progress is dramatic.

Wachtel singled out Jordan Ferrante, a defensive end who graduated last season, as an example of watching a player develop into something special.

When he entered the program, Ferrante weighed 130 pounds. But hard work and a lot of time in the weight room became a ticket to continuing his football career.

Ferrante will suit up for William Jewell College this fall, a school with a Division II football program in Missouri.

Wachtel’s current team might have other players who follow that path, but he isn’t letting them think about it just yet. They aren’t thinking about the playoffs, either. He wants them focused only on what’s ahead of them each week, so they can limit mistakes and realize their full potential this season.

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time, because we know where we want to be when it’s all said and done. But we also understand what we have to do to reach that, and its all about the process and taking the little steps to reach the end goal,” Wachtel said.

Land O’ Lakes Gators regular season schedule
(all times at 7:30 p.m.)

Aug. 28 at Wesley Chapel

Sept. 4 vs. River Ridge

Sept. 11 at Anclote

Sept. 18 at Sunlake

Oct. 2 at Lakeland Christian

Oct. 9 at Tampa Catholic

Oct. 16 at Springstead

Oct. 23 vs. Pasco

Oct. 30 vs. Mitchell

Nov. 6 vs. Fivay

Published August 26, 2015

Volunteers help Sanders gear up for first day

August 12, 2015 By B.C. Manion

A group of volunteers showed up at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School last week, eager to help the school gear up for its first day of classes as Pasco County’s first magnet school.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce sent out a call for volunteers, and people responded.

Lots of volunteers turned out to pitch in at a volunteer day organized by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The crew included neighbors, parents, chamber members and a school board member, too. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Lots of volunteers turned out to pitch in at a volunteer day organized by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The crew included neighbors, parents, chamber members and a school board member, too.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

There were chamber members, parents of children who will be attending the school, community residents and other community volunteers.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong was among those ready to get to work.

“We’re so excited about this school opening. It’s a long time coming, to have a magnet school in Pasco County,” Armstrong said.

“Seeing the outpouring of support for it — the number of students that applied to go to this school — just really lets us know that’s what the parents want, and we’re here to make sure that we offer the educational opportunities that they want for their students,” Armstrong added.

Sandy Graves, a member of the Central Pasco Chamber and a Land O’ Lakes resident, has a special place in her heart for Sanders.

That’s where she went to school for all but one year of elementary school, Graves said.

She said she’s excited about the opportunities awaiting children who will be attending the school, which will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Some parent volunteers were at the workday, too.

Nicole Bradshaw said her 5-year-old daughter, Emily, is just starting kindergarten.

She said her daughter has attended a voluntary kindergarten program that had a STEAM approach to education, and she’s thrilled that she’ll able to continue that approach to education.

Krystin Leonard was helping to sort and pack student planners. She said her daughter, Brielle, is in voluntary prekindergarten, and she hopes she’ll be able to attend Sanders next year.

“I like the immersive learning,” she said, noting that children are learning about the same themes, through different subject areas.

“When I saw they (Pasco County Schools) were opening a STEAM school, I jumped on it,” said Bradshaw, who lives near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway.

She also likes the hands-on approach to learning.

“They need to get their hands dirty. They need to touch stuff and not just be learning from a book, or being recited to. They need to be in there and doing it,” she said.

Debra Wheeler and her 10-year-old daughter, Madison, were also there to volunteer.

Madison will be a fifth-grader and is excited about going to a new school.

It was a difficult choice, Debra Wheeler said, noting her daughter has attended Connerton Elementary until now.

“It was a big decision for us, because so many years we’ve been going to the same elementary school,” she said. “So, that was the debate: Do you stay with something consistent, or do you try something new?

“When we saw what Sanders was offering — you can’t pass that up,” she said, noting all three of her children will be attending new schools this year. One will be Sanders, another at Pine View Middle School and another at Land O’ Lakes High School.

During the work session, volunteers were scattered about the school, helping to sort and deliver student planners; stapling maps of the school together to help parents find their way around; putting on laptop covers, to protect the laptops; and helping to assemble shelves and sort books.

There was a sense of camaraderie, as the volunteers pitched in.

Sanders Principal Jason Petry welcomed the help.

“When Sandy (Graves) called me, she was very adamant about getting out here,” Petry said. “I love it.

“We came up with a list of things that could be done that could take a lot of stress off of us,” he said.

“It’s good for the community to be involved in the school,” he added, noting that Sanders has been in Land O’ Lakes since 1948.

Dan Paasch, a district aide for U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, was pitching in during a volunteer work session at Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary School. He was helping to sort and deliver student planners.

The school has been closed for five years. The school district had planned to renovate and reopen it sooner, but the economy tanked and those plans were put on hold.

As the school reopens this year, it looks like a brand new school and is equipped with the latest in technology, has bright furniture, and is designed with teachers and students in mind.

Assistant Principal Kelly Edwards is excited about being at Sanders.

The school has many special features, including collaboration areas which are designed to foster collaboration in learning.

“It looks like you stepped into MOSI (the Museum of Science and Industry),” Edwards said. “It looks like you stepped into 2030,” she said.

School board member Armstrong is delighted by the community’s enthusiasm for Sanders.

“STEAM, all the way!” Armstrong said.

Sanders Open House
What: Open House
Where: Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet, 5126 School Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Aug. 20
Why: To give people a chance to tour Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school, and to see the school’s new buildings and renovated existing buildings.

Published August 12, 2015

Fresh faces on school campuses

July 29, 2015 By B.C. Manion

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

Soccer team is golden

July 29, 2015 By Kathy Steele

With American flags waving, the Land O’ Lakes High School Unified Special Olympics Soccer team boarded a school bus in their first part of their journey to Los Angeles and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

Hopes are high for a 12-member team that is the sole representative of the United States in unified soccer.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team pauses for a final group photo before they leave for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — The Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team pauses for a final group photo before they leave for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

“It will be beautiful if they bring home the gold,” said Marie Lambert. But win or lose, she said, “That whole team, I’m so proud of them.”

Lambert’s 19-year-old grandson, Andrew Ahearn, plays fullback for a team with seven Special Olympics athletes, who are intellectually disabled, and five partner players. He has played on the team since its inception nearly eight years ago.

“Soccer is his love,” said his mother, Adelle Ahearn.

In addition to Ahearn, team members are Christopher Hale, Kyle Lufcy, Hassan Shehab, Ordray Smith, Rufus Smith-Jones, Joseph Tramel III, Samantha Frahm, Thomas Guglielmello, Cameron Hilgenberg, Haley Eckel and Kyle Townsend. Vicky King is head coach. Phyllis Crain and Meghan McLean are assistant coaches.

About 40 friends, family members and school faculty members waved flags and cheered as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team headed to the airport on the first leg of their trip to Los Angeles.

Lambert and Ahearn joined about 40 friends, family members and Land O’ Lakes High School faculty for an impassioned and patriotic send off on July 20. They lined the covered walkway outside the school, cheering and slapping high-fives as the team boarded the bus on their way to the airport and the world stage in Los Angeles.

The Special Olympics event will host more than 6,500 athletes from 165 countries from July 25 through Aug. 2, according to its website.

It is billed as the largest event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics. About 2,000 coaches and 30,000 volunteers will participate.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are among the honorary hosts of the world games. Michelle Obama is expected to attend the Opening Ceremony.

Marie Lambert, left, and her daughter, Adelle Ahearn, will be in Los Angeles to cheer Ahearn’s son, Andrew Ahearn, who is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team. With them are 4-year-old Ava Jo Ahearn, and 9-year-old Inez Ahearn.

About 80,000 spectators are anticipated daily at more than 20 venues in and around Los Angeles, including the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California.

Lambert and Ahearn will be in the stands along with 9-year-old Inez Ahearn. But for those who can’t make the trip, they can stay glued to ESPN for live coverage. Updates and photos also will be shared at Instagram.com/usaunifiedsoccer and at Twitter.com/pascophotos.

Latanja Timmons will be watching her nephew, Rufus Smith-Jones, on all of the above.

He will be a standout, with a blond Mohawk streak through his hair.

“He wanted to be sure we could find him,” said Timmons, who is the athlete’s aunt and legal guardian. “It’s unbelievable. We are so excited for him and the team. This has afforded him opportunities that he would never have had.”

For the 14-year-old soccer player, simply competing on the field with his teammates is what matters.

Team member Samantha Frahm leads the way as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team is given a patriotic send-off to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

“I don’t just stay home doing nothing,” Smith-Jones said. “Hallelujah!”

Special education teacher Geri Perchard came to the send-off, holding up a sign, reading “Good Luck,” spelled out in red, white, and blue. Many on the team are in her class and serve as peers to other students.

“It’s so exciting,” she said. “They’ve been practicing and sending pictures, and watching themselves on television.”

The team won the honor of representing the United States nearly a year ago after bringing home a gold medal in state competition, and being selected by Special Olympics Florida. Since then fundraising events, including a Breakfast of Champions, has helped collect an estimated $40,000 needed to pay for the trip.

Lambert and Ahearn helped with one event sponsored by the AmVets, Post 4. The Land O’ Lakes Moose Lodge, Pasco County firefighters and others also contributed.

Credit for dedication and hard work goes to the team, said their head coach, Vicky King.

“It’s not me,” she said. “It’s all about them. It’s probably the best thing that will happen in their lives.”

Valerie Lundin, Pasco’s co-director of Special Olympics, offered some parting advice for a team facing a few intense days of practice and hard play.

“Don’t forget the fun part of it.”

Published July 29, 2015

Rule requires new clarity for softball substitutions

July 22, 2015 By Michael Murillo

There’s now a specific definition for “projected substitute” in the softball rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The new requirement is spelled out in Rule 2-57, Article Four.

This may not sound like a very big deal, but it could have a big impact.

It could affect how high school coaches manage their softball games going forward.

Land O' Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins likes the idea of defining projected substitutes. Now that the definition is in place, his team, and all high school teams, will find the addition in the updated rules next year. (Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez) — Land O’ Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins likes the idea of defining projected substitutes. Now that the definition is in place, his team, and all high school teams, will find the addition in the updated rules next year.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

If a coach wants to substitute players, the coach is supposed to do it when those players are ready to become active.

On offense, that should be when the coach wants that specific player to bat.

On defense, it should be when the team takes the field when the other team comes up to bat.

But that’s not always how it’s worked during a game.

Some coaches would substitute a player, and inform the umpire of other substitutions they’re making for future at-bats.

Often the umpire would tell the coach to make each one at the appropriate time, but sometimes they would accept the group substitutions.

And that could cause problems, if the coaches made a mistake or changed their mind before the player was actually active in the game.

Those projected substitutes aren’t allowed, but since there wasn’t an actual definition in place for what constitutes one, there was some leeway and inconsistency in how the situations were handled.

Now there won’t be any confusion, because a projected substitute is now officially defined as “a player who does not immediately participate in the game.”

The NFHS expects this will eliminate any ambiguity regarding projected substitutes.

“There was confusion about the rule,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials education.

“We’re trying to emphasize that (projected substitutions) is an improper procedure, and so coaches need to be more diligent in reporting their substitutes on offense.”

The offensive side was emphasized because everyone is active at the same time on defense, making everyone an immediate participant in the game.

Making a rule change, or even adjusting a definition, is a three-step process at the NFHS. State associations make proposals to add or change something in the rules, and an 11-person rules committee considers the proposal. If it passes, it goes to an internal rules review committee. After that, the NFHS board has the final say. If the board approves it, the change goes into effect and is added to the rulebook.

It takes a lot of steps just to clarify a definition, but Land O’ Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins thinks it’s a good move, and believes coaches should already be adhering to the spirit of the rule.

“It makes more sense to be clear to always substitute when the player is actually entering the game,” Wilkins said. “Whatever the situation is, you don’t make the substitution until the time that she’s going in to play.”

Technicalities with regard to substitutions can have a real-world impact on games, Wilkins explained. Last season he had a situation where he forgot to substitute a player in, and she had already faced a pitch. He informed the officials and, after a conference, they called the player out due to an improper substitution.

There was just one problem. That’s not how the rule works.

“I made the announcement before the defense caught it,” he said. In that case, as long as the defense didn’t protest before he informed the umpire, he was allowed to make the substitution without penalty. Wilkins informed the officials of the proper application and, after another huddle, they reversed their decision, and the out didn’t count.

Any clarification that eliminates doubt is a good thing, Wilkins said. And he credits umpires for working hard to get their calls correct.

“The umpires really strive to do a good job, and the umpire associations pride themselves on having educated umpires that do things the right way, and I think that’s very important. Coaches really appreciate umpires that work hard and know the game, and do it the right way,” he said.

And with a clear definition regarding projected substitutes, the NFHS believes everyone, including the coaches, will have an easier time getting things right.

“We’re hoping that those who are guilty of projected substitutes now become more conscious of what they’re doing and will be more thoughtful about the process,” Wynn said.

Published July 22, 2015

Growth spurs school construction

July 15, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When Pasco County School Board member Alison Crumbley considers anticipated growth along the State Road 54/56 corridor, she said, she is “taken aback.”

She worries about the school district’s ability to provide schools for all of the students who will be moving into the new communities that are taking shape along that corridor.

Construction continues at Sanders Memorial Elementary School, which is set to focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Construction continues at Sanders Memorial Elementary School, which is set to focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Superintendent Kurt Browning shares that sentiment.

“That 54 corridor concerns me greatly,” Browning said, during a recent school board workshop on the district’s construction plans.

“Our need certainly outpaces our resources,” the superintendent said. “When you look at the 54 corridor, from really, Little Road to just beyond Wiregrass, that’s Curley Road — there is so much growth and projected growth.

“Even up on Curley, there’s master-planned communities.

“As superintendent, it concerns me, because I know moms and dads don’t want their kids in crowded classrooms. And I don’t want their kids in crowded classrooms.

“Nor, do I want to build new schools and, the next thing you know, you see portables being pulled up on those school campuses,” Browning said.

The lack of revenue has prompted the school district to launch an impact fee study, which could lead to higher school impact fees paid for new construction of residential properties in Pasco County.

Meanwhile, the district is engaged in numerous construction projects and have others planned in the near future.

Chris Williams, director of planning, outlined those projects during the board’s workshop. He also provided additional details during a separate interview.

Crews at Sanders Memorial Elementary School work to ensure that the county’s first magnet school opens on schedule in August.

Sanders Memorial Elementary School is getting a massive makeover — and the Land O’ Lakes Elementary School is getting more than a brand new look. It is also becoming Pasco County’s first magnet school.

When Sanders opens in the fall, it will offer a curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Quail Hollow Elementary, set to reopen in August, has a new floor plan that established individual classrooms in the formerly “open” school. The school also will have updated building systems, technology on par with any new elementary school in the district and a new cafeteria with a stage.

The school district also is in the process of designing three new schools, Elementary W in Wiregrass Ranch, Elementary B in Bexley Ranch, and High School GGG on Old Pasco Road, which will open as a school for sixth grade through 12th grade.

The district also is planning additional schools in the Wesley Chapel area.

“Elementary W is the first of potentially three or four in Wiregrass,” Williams said during the board workshop.

The district is working on a new design for Elementary B in Bexley Ranch, because it wants the school to accommodate more students than a typical district elementary school, Williams said.

Bexley Ranch will provide substantial relief for Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, Williams said.

Other future schools are proposed for the Bexley Ranch area, and a future elementary school is planned for Starkey Ranch. A future middle school is also proposed for Starkey Ranch, Williams said.

The district also already has purchased land for a future school on the south side of State Road 54.

The biggest concern about middle school capacity is in the Wesley Chapel area, Williams said.

High School GGG, which will serve grades six through 12, will provide significant relief to Wesley Chapel area middle schools and high schools.

Wiregrass Ranch High has so many students, it is going to a 10-period day for the next two years to manage the number of students on campus at one time.

High School GGG will have a capacity of 1,900 students. It is expected to draw students from areas now assigned to Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel high schools, and Weightman and Long middle schools.

The district is using this approach because it can’t afford to build both a high school and a middle school. As population grows and demand increases, the district plans to build Middle School HH at the same location.

The boundary process for High School GGG and Elementary School B is expected to begin in about 18 months, the planning director said.

Williams said he is concerned about the ability of Mitchell, Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools to absorb anticipated future enrollment.

“Land O’ Lakes (High), hopefully, when we remodel that school, we can add some capacity. It’s not going to be enough for long-term,” Williams said.

“We do have a high school site promised to us in Bexley Ranch. That potentially is going to have a big impact, especially on Sunlake.

“I continue to look for two additional high school sites, one in the Land O’ Lakes area and one in the (State Road) 54/Suncoast Parkway area,” Williams said.

But he added: “Those are hard to come by.”

“There is a high school site promised in the River Landing area, that could potentially impact Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass and Zephyrhills,” Williams said.

“It would be along the extension of State Road 56. It would be east of Mansfield, but on the west side of Morris Bridge Road. Zephyr Egg Property, if you’d ever heard of that,” he said.

School Board member Allen Altman said he’s worried that the increasing need to spend money on new construction will make it that much harder for the district to maintain the buildings it has.

It’s a known fact that proper maintenance saves taxpayers money in the long term, but the district doesn’t have a choice. It must spend money to provide school capacity, he said.

While the district considers its long-range plans and short-term needs, construction continues.

Elementary W, being built between John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, is set to open in 2016.

When it opens, it will be possible for students to attend elementary school through college on the same street, since Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch is just down the road.

Williams expects the school boundary process for Elementary W to begin in October or November.

That school will help relieve crowding at Seven Oaks and Double Branch elementary schools, but the particulars of how that will be achieved have not been determined yet.

“Seven Oaks really popped this year,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, in East Pasco, the school district will be building a new cafeteria, and doing parking and traffic improvements at Cox Elementary.

Pasco Elementary also is getting some improvements, as plans call for remodeling several buildings, Williams said.

Published July 15, 2015

Barnes & Noble showcases local authors

May 27, 2015 By B.C. Manion

If you enjoy stories about second chances, about family life or about history, a selection of books by local authors at an upcoming authors’ event may be right up your alley.

Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting its annual Local Author Signing on May 30 at 2 p.m., at the bookstore, at 28152 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Book lovers will have a chance to meet the authors, chat with them and get their books signed.

Some of the authors scheduled to be at the Barnes & Noble annual Local Authors Signing have taken part in the event in previous years. Shown here, from left are Susan Noe Harmon, Madonna Jervis Wise, Evelyn Taylor and Jamie Elizabeth Tingen. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise) — Some of the authors scheduled to be at the Barnes & Noble annual Local Authors Signing have taken part in the event in previous years. Shown here, from left are Susan Noe Harmon, Madonna Jervis Wise, Evelyn Taylor and Jamie Elizabeth Tingen.
(Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

Local authors featured at the event offer a wide range of titles.

Author Leigh Kenyon tells an adventure story about a girl who trains Zebras in her book, “The Zebra Riders.”

She wrote that book while attending Centennial Middle School.

Now a student at Land O’ Lakes High School, Kenyon has written a second book, “The Essence of Fear,” a young adult fictional account that explores darker themes.

Local author Susan Noe Harmon transports readers to mid-19th century Appalachia in her book, “Under the Weeping Willow.” The book features three generations of women whose strength prevails despite poverty, floods and tragedy.

In another book, “To Hide the Truth,” the author tells a story about a disturbing relationship between a daughter and her father during an era when family abuse and alcoholism were taboo topics for discussion.

Author Jamie Elizabeth Tingen writes about making the most of second chances in her book, “Butterfly Messages.”

Author Madonna Wise shares her knowledge of local history in a book she wrote about Dade City for Arcadia Publishing’s iconic Images of America series.

Wise, a retired educator, has written a number of other books, including “Tapestry,” “Wildcat Creek Kids,” “Sam & Company,” and “Juanita in Blue.”

She’s also co-author of “Kachina and the Bully.”

Wise said Barnes & Noble does an excellent job of giving local authors a place to sell books, sign books and chat with readers.

The writers enjoy meeting each other, too, Wise said.

Wise also enjoys meeting aspiring writers who drop by to ask questions about writing and get advice on publishing their work.

Other authors who will be featured at the bookstore’s event include Federico and Ruby Agnir, Jenice Armstead, Shelby Bender, Liz Dunham, Shea Ford, Chonta Haynes, Jack Hipple, C.M. Johnson, Evelyn Johnson-Taylor, Jim Kay, Judie McCarty, Ria Prestia, Elizabeth Rivera, Dave Robbins, Telisha Thompson, Jamie Elizabeth Tingen, Vincent Vinas and Paul Wartenberg.

Annual Local Author Signing
More than 20 local authors will be on hand to sign copies of their books and chat with patrons.
When: May 30 at 2 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble at Shops at Wiregrass, 28152 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
How much: Free admission

Published May 27, 2015

Land O’ Lakes student captures top art prize

May 20, 2015 By B.C. Manion

For the second consecutive year, a Land O’ Lakes High School student has won top honors in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.

By winning the competition, Izzie Brown will receive two free airline tickets to Washington D.C., to attend a reception, and her work will be on display at the Capitol building for a year.

Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition. (Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis) — Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.
(Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis)

Last year, Trevor Nichols won the honor for a pencil drawing of Coach Kris Keppel, who was suffering from pancreatic cancer at the time. Keppel died on Jan. 25, and the portrait that Nichols did was on prominent display at the coach’s funeral at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes.

The Congressional Art Competition included artworks by students in Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties.

Brown won Best of Show for a work entitled “Moods of Izzie.”

Bilirakis commented on the annual contest, in a news release.

“I believe the arts are an important component of a well-rounded education, as they stimulate creativity and innovation while allowing students the opportunity to express themselves in a meaningful way,” he said.

“I am glad to be able to bring this special opportunity to the students in my district,” Bilirakis added.

Besides her artistic pursuits at Land O’ Lakes High, Brown also has her own business called Word Tangles.

That business grew out of an assignment from her eighth-grade art teacher at Rushe Middle School. The teacher asked her to create a portrait of the Jamaican singer Bob Marley, which Brown did — using the titles of Marley’s songs to form his image.

Since then, Brown has created portraits of numerous famous personalities using words or, in the case of Albert Einstein, numbers, to shape the image.

Brown said she hasn’t had much time to devote to her business lately because she’s been quite busy doing the work she needs to complete for her Advanced Placement Art class.

She credits her teacher, Cynthia Smith, for helping her manage her time to meet the Advanced Placement workload requirements.

Brown is looking forward to her trip to Washington D.C.

“My mom will be with me in D.C., for the ceremony,” said the high school sophomore, who plans to spend some additional time in the area for vacation.

After leaving Washington D.C., she’ll travel to the national Future Business Leaders of America competition.

While she still has two years left of high school, Brown is already thinking ahead to college.

At the moment, she’s interested in studying abroad at the University of Oslo.

She thinks that would be her ideal school. However, she knows that the competition will be stiff.

“They only accept 60 international students,” she said.

Published May 20, 2015