Land O’ Lakes, FL – (February 24, 2014) – Pasco County Public Schools is live streaming the Florida Standards (Common Core) community meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25.
This will be the 11th meeting since January 14, at which district experts on the new Florida Standards share information about what parents and students can expect when middle and high school students are required to meet the new standards next year. The presentation also addresses misconceptions about the standards and curriculum, as well as the assessments that will apply next year to all students. The second hour of the meeting will consist of a question and answer period.
Parents and community members are encouraged to attend the meeting in person at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Those who can’t attend in person can watch the live stream via the district website or Facebook page: www.pascoschools.org or www.facebook.com/pascoschools.
All students in elementary schools have been learning under the new standards this year. The district does not want students or parents to be caught off-guard next year when students in 6th through 12th grades also will fall under the updated standards and curriculum.
After Tuesday’s meeting, there will be two more opportunities for families to learn more about the Florida Standards. On Thursday, February 27, Ridgewood High School will host a meeting in the media center, 7650 Orchid Lane, New Port Richey. Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, will host the final meeting in the Business Learning Community Area on Tuesday, March 4. Both meetings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Florida Standards Community Meeting to be Live Streamed
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Dr. Seuss Passport to Reading Night at Calusa Elementary
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (February 26, 2014) –Calusa Elementary School students will travel through literature to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
Children who attend will create a "passport" and receive stamps at each reading station they visit. Activities include reading and dialogue about the book, hands-on crafts, and related snacks. Calusa Elementary PTA will hand out free books as well as door prizes to those who attend. For even more excitement, the night will be rounded out with a stargazing event hosted by amateur astronomer Joe Colontonio.
For more information contact Andrea Morrow at Calusa Elementary School at (813) 794-3727 or (727) 774-3727. Calusa Elementary is located at 7520 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey.
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2014 Art of Recycling Contest
The Pasco Art of Recycling Contest was formed 18 years ago as collaboration between Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Recycling and the Pasco Arts Council. The purpose of this annual event is to promote environmental awareness, recycling and an appreciation of the arts.
Art work is submitted by Pasco County High School Students and is judged during the first week of February. Fifteen winners are chosen in various categories such as Best Use of Plastic, Best Environmental Concept, and People’s Choice, as well as, overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Cash awards that range from $100 to $500 are also awarded thanks to generous donations made by community sponsors.
Here are this year's winners:
All artwork is on display at the West Pasco Government Center on Little Rd in New Port Richey through Feb 28. The 15 winning pieces will move to the lobby of building 3 at the District Complex on Highway 41 through the month of March.
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Gulf High Students to Get Texting and Driving Lesson, Kick-off Battle of the Belts Competition
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (February 26, 2014) – Steve Augello will bring his personal story about the dangers of texting and driving to Gulf High School students on Monday, March 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
In 2008, Mr. Augello lost his 17-year-old daughter in what is believed to have been a texting and driving crash. He fought for five years to get the Florida Legislature to pass a law making it illegal to text and drive, and in 2013, a bill passed giving law enforcement the ability to cite drivers who commit other traffic infractions also for texting while driving.
Students also will kick-off Battle of the Belts, which includes a poster contest, essays, and pod casts urging students to wear their safety belts. Last year, GHS won the overall Battle of the Belts competition, and they’ve won the essay contest each of the last three years.
Mr. Augello will speak to 11th and 12th graders at 8:30 a.m. and to 9th and 10th graders at 9:30 a.m. Both presentations will take place in the gymnasium at Gulf High, located at 5355 School Road, New Port Richey.
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Pasco School Board Formalizes Support for Common Core
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (November 5, 2013) – The District School Board of Pasco County voted unanimously today in favor of a resolution supporting the Common Core State Standards and urging the governor and Legislature to “remain steadfast in their support” for moving forward with implementation.
In approving the resolution, the School Board clarified that the standards do not dictate how teachers teach, but rather they define what students need to learn. The resolution confirms the Board’s belief that “the CCSS are a set of consistent, high-quality academic goals in English/language arts (ELA) and mathematics” that “create consistent learning goals for all students regardless of where they live or go to school, assuring parents that their children are learning the same rigorous academic standards as other students across Florida and across the country.”
Signed copies of the resolution will be sent to Governor Rick Scott and to each member of the Pasco County Legislative Delegation. Click here to view the resolution.
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Gulfside Elementary to Serve Meals During Break
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (March 6, 2014) – Gulfside Elementary School Principal Chris Clayton announces that the school again will serve FREE lunches to hungry kids over spring break (March 17 – 21) at the school and at Weston Oaks Apartments. Mr. Clayton also will deliver food to some of the school’s neediest families who can’t get to the school for lunch because they lack transportation.
Lunches will consist of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and milk. The school is accepting donations to help with the lunch program.
Lunches will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Gulfside Elementary, located at 2329 Anclote Blvd., Holiday. Lunches will start at noon at Westin Oaks Apartments, located at 1251 Weston Oaks Dr., Holiday (Alternate 19).
For more information contact Chris Clayton at 727-774-6000 or 727-424-8159.
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The Cinderella Project is back - 10 years and going strong!
New Port Richey, FL – (March 6, 2014) – Pasco County high school girls who have no budget for prom can once again receive fashion assistance from some real fairy godmothers as the Cinderella Project returns for its tenth year.
The Cinderella Project of Pasco provides brand new and gently used prom dresses and accessories at no cost to young ladies with financial need.
Girls from all Pasco County high schools can benefit from the Cinderella Project, according to head “Fairy Godmothers” and organizers, Julie Rockwell and Roberta Bartlett.
The Cinderella Project accepts donations of prom-style dresses and accessories (shoes, purses, costume jewelry) in excellent condition and contemporary styles. Donations are currently being accepted at any Pasco County high school.
Cash donations to the Cinderella Project are used to purchase brand new dresses and shoes when sizes are not available in the donated inventory. Since 2005 the project has supplied dresses and accessories to more than a thousand Pasco County girls with financial need. “Our goal is to be sure no young lady misses her prom because of lack of funds”, said Rockwell.
Girls can try on and pick out their ensemble on two Saturdays - March 22 and March 29 - from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. One boutique will be located at 9040 Tryfon Blvd., in the Trinity Town Center, on the corner of Little Road and Trinity Boulevard. A second boutique will be open only on Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.
Girls who wish to select a dress and accessories must bring their school ID badge. Call 727-463-4306 or 630-338-3681 for more information or to make a tax deductible cash donation.
Contact:
Roberta Bartlett - rbartlett2010@gmail.com
Julie Rockwell - Julie.rockwell@raymondjames.com
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WANTED - Volunteer Interpreters/Translators!
We are seeking people who have the desire to make a difference in the lives of our children and their families by assisting with interpretation (Bosnian, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, etc.) during meetings and phone conferences, and translating documents. If you wish to volunteer or need additional information, please contact Elizabeth Trevino, Communications and Government Relations Department, at (813) 794-2245.
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Taylor Elementary Students Are Rockin’ and Reading
Who: Chester W. Taylor Elementary School 2nd graders
What: Radio Disney “Reading Rocks” visit
When: 2:45 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where: CWTES cafeteria, 3638 Morris Bridge Road, Zephyrhills
Why: This is a great way to get kids excited about reading and learn reading concepts and strategies at the same time.
How: With the local support from the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, Radio Disney is visiting the school to present a fantastic and high energy program called "Reading Rocks" to second grade students. During the 45-minute event, Radio Disney’s Rock and Roll Crew will get the students pumped up about reading with dance and play, showing students how they can exercise their minds as they exercise their bodies.
CONTACT: Linda Cobbe, Director, Communications & Government Relations (813)794-2717/(727)774-2717/(352)524-2717
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2014 Benefits Open Enrollment Begins on October 7, 2013, and Closes on November 8, 2013.
The ESS website is now available through the District's website by selecting "Employee" in the main menu bar, and then clicking on "Employee Self Service," or by clicking on the following direct link: https://mss.pasco.k12.fl.us/ess
Resources
Employee Self Service Login Directions
Empleado Autoservicio Acceso de Direcciones en Español
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WANTED - Volunteer Interpreters/Translators!
We are seeking people who have the desire to make a difference in the lives of our children and their families by assisting with interpretation (Bosnian, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, etc.) during meetings and phone conferences, and translating documents. If you wish to volunteer or need additional information, please contact Elizabeth Trevino, Communications and Government Relations Department, at (813) 794-2245.
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Superintendent Kurt Browning Earns Statewide Certification
Land O’ Lakes, Fla. – (September 13, 2013) – Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning today received his certificate of completion for the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) Florida Superintendent Special Certification Program.
The Special Certification Program is an extensive training program designed specifically for Florida Superintendents that includes training in school law, school finance, collective bargaining, the superintendent’s leadership role in improving student achievement, and core concepts of leadership. In addition, the superintendent is required to satisfactorily complete the Florida Superintendents Examination to demonstrate a firm understanding of the information and knowledge presented through the training course.
The certificate was presented to Superintendent Browning by FADSS President Dan Boyd, FADSS Chief Executive Officer Bill Montford, and Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart today at the FADSS fall conference. This special certification program is implemented in accordance with Section 1001.47(4), Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.551, FAC.
“Superintendent Browning should be commended for his efforts to expand and build upon the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the school system in today’s challenging and complex society,” states Montford. “The District School Board of Pasco County is fortunate to have a leader like Superintendent Browning who is committed to public education and to the continuous growth and enhancement of his own leadership skills in order to better serve the Pasco County school system,” adds Montford.
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Pasco District Sets Kindergarten Pre-Registration, Head Start/Early Head Start Application Date
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (April 2, 2014) – Parents can pre-register children for kindergarten at any Pasco County public elementary school, and submit applications for Head Start/Early Head Start at select elementary schools, on May 5.
Any child who turns 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2014, is eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2014-2015 school year.
Documents required for pre-registration:
· Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date
· Health examination – HRS Form 3040
· HRS Certificate of Immunization
· Proof of Florida residency such as: current utility bill (i.e. electric, water, etc.), lease agreement, or driver’s license.
For information about kindergarten pre-registration, parents can call the appropriate school or Courtney Lough, K-1 Specialist, Office for Teaching and Learning, at (727) 774-2780, (813) 794-2780, or (352) 524-2780.
Head Start/Early Head Start application requirements:
Expectant mothers and parents/guardians may submit applications for infants, toddlers, and children through age 5. Preference for Head Start is given to children who turn 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2014, and families must meet income eligibility requirements.
Required documentation:
· Certified birth certificate or other state approved document
· Child’s Social Security card or number (if available)
· Child’s health card (Medicaid, Kid Care or private insurance)
· Documentation of four to six weeks of most current household income, or 2013 W-2s/1040 Tax Form
· Proof of Florida residency within the last 3 months (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)
· Proof of child support (if applicable)
· IF APPLICABLE: Protective Services and/or foster care verification; documentation of parent or guardian attending school; documentation of disability for child, parent and/or guardian.
For information about Head Start/Early Head Start, parents may call Alexis Russell, Social Services Coordinator, Early Childhood Programs, at (727) 774-2236, (813) 794-2236, (352) 524-2236.
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Pasco High Teacher 1 of 8 in U.S. Going on South Korea Ag Tour
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (April 2, 2014) – Kelli Hamilton, a Pasco High School agribusiness and natural resources teacher, will spend a month in South Korea this summer learning about their agriculture programs through a University of Florida / Penn State program for undergraduate, graduate, and K-12 teachers.
Kelli joins three K-12 teachers from Florida, four from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, eight students from Penn State, and four faculty members from the two universities. The group will travel to see South Korea’s FFK program (based on FFA), and the various levels of education and agriculture. South Korea is one of the few countries that have a youth agriculture organization and higher education for agriculture educators. The trip will take place June 14 through July 13.
Kelli will teach a lesson to students in a college of agriculture education class and in a local high school. In preparation, she is teaching a Global Agriculture unit this week and next in her 4th period class (9:45 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.) at PHS. The lesson focuses on global agriculture and the connection to Pasco County and Dade City.
Pasco High School is located at 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City.
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Eckerd Partners with Pasco County Schools to bring Educational Success to Foster Youth
CLEARWATER, Fla. – (April 8, 2014) – Eckerd and Pasco County Public Schools have partnered together on an initiative called Fostering Education to bring specialized guidance counselors into local high schools and middle schools that are trained in child welfare issues to work with students in the foster care system with the primary goal of increasing graduation rates.
“Eckerd is confident a focused commitment to continuing the work of the specialized guidance counselors will continue to lead to increased education and well-being outcomes for children in foster care,” said Lorita Shirley Chief of Eckerd Community Alternatives.
Fostering Education began in Hillsborough County in 2010, and has since been expanded with approximately 400 middle and high school students in the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco County where high school senior Mark attends. Mark has been in foster care since 2007. His involvement in the Fostering Education program has deeply impacted him on a personal and an academic level. When Mark turned 18 in December, he literally had nowhere to live. A school secretary agreed to be his mentor and generously opened her home to him. Fostering Education is a support system for both her and Mark to best support his academic progress. Mark’s guidance counselor through the program has coordinated math tutoring, provided an opportunity to visit Pasco-Hernando State College and monitors his academic progress. Most notably, Mark expects to graduate with his class.
“The community partnership we have with Eckerd is essential to helping foster youth graduate high school as educated, productive citizens who have the social and emotional tools to succeed in life, college, and careers,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning.
Guidance counselors are co-funded in a cooperative effort between Eckerd and the school system. Eckerd provides office space for them where counselors are readily accessible to case management organizations to address the individual needs of the student. As school district employees, the counselors have the required skills and school-based access to meet with students and support staff at the students’ assigned school. All guidance counselors have in-depth child welfare experience in addition to their educational guidance expertise.
The Department of Children and Families publishes monthly scorecards that measure the 20 community based care lead agencies based on a series of performance indicators in child safety, permanency and well-being. Each scorecard has an educational component as part of the ranking system. Eckerd regularly places in the top 5 of the 20 Florida lead agencies and is currently in the top 3. Eckerd’s score is more than 80 percent, far exceeding the state goal of 65 percent success in the area of education.
“A top priority for the Department is educational success of our foster youth since that is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and abuse,” said Mike Carroll, SunCoast Regional Director for the Department of Children and Families.
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About Eckerd:
Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 150,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968. Eckerd serves over 14,000 children and their families each year through a full continuum of life-changing behavioral health, juvenile justice and child welfare programs in seven states. Eckerd’s mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance. To learn more visit www.eckerd.org.
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Students entering 7th grade can get a free Tdap vaccination on May 22, 2014
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The State of Florida requires students to submit proof of Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular-Pertussis) vaccination before the start of 7th grade.
This year, Tdap vaccinations will be available FREE-OF-CHARGE for current 6th grade students at all Pasco County middle schools.
Florida Department of Health in Pasco County will provide Tdap vaccinations at your child’s school, for any 6th grader with parents’ permission, on May 22, 2014. Click here to see the hours for each school.
Interested parents should review the vaccination information sheet and sign the permission form which can be found by clicking here. Please return this form to school by May 1, 2014.
If you have any questions please call:
The Florida Department of Health In Pasco County
727-861-5250 ext. 268 or 224
Or
School Health Services
727-774-2360
813-794-2360
352-524-2360
Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');
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Six Pasco Teams Are Going to World OM Finals
April 15, 2014 – (Land O’ Lakes, FL) – Six out of the 57 Pasco County public school teams that competed in the April 12 State Odyssey of the Mind competition qualified for the World OM finals May 28 through May 30, in Ames, IA. The district teams, their ranking, and their problem topic are:
Land O’Lakes HS, Team A – 2nd Place, Division 3, Driver’s Test
Pineview MS – 2nd Place, Division 2, Not So Haunted House
J.W. Mitchell HS – 2nd Place, Division 3, It’s How We Rule
Gulf HS – 2nd Place, Division 3, The Stackable Structure
Deer Park ES – 2nd Place, Division 1, Seeing Is Believing (Ranatra Fusca)
Seven Springs MS – 3rd Place, Division 2, Seeing is Believing (Ranatra Fusca)
Only six teams earned Ranatra Fusca Awards at the state competition. The Ranatra Fusca Award, named for the water strider insect, promotes and recognizes exceptional creativity. It is given to teams or individuals that display tremendous creativity at competition. This award serves as an incentive for risk-taking and out-of-the-box thinking for Odyssey participants.
Photos from the State OM competition are available on the district’s Flickr site, at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pascoschools/sets/72157643906453144/.
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Students entering 7th grade can get a free Tdap vaccination on May 22, 2014
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));
The State of Florida requires students to submit proof of Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular-Pertussis) vaccination before the start of 7th grade.
This year, Tdap vaccinations will be available FREE-OF-CHARGE for current 6th grade students at all Pasco County middle schools.
Florida Department of Health in Pasco County will provide Tdap vaccinations at your child’s school, for any 6th grader with parents’ permission, on May 22, 2014. Click here to see the hours for each school.
Interested parents should review the vaccination information sheet and sign the permission form which can be found by clicking here. Please return this form to school by May 1, 2014.
If you have any questions please call:
The Florida Department of Health In Pasco County
727-861-5250 ext. 268
Or
School Health Services
727-774-2360
813-794-2360
352-524-2360
Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');
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Canvas Training Opportunities in May
The following online trainings in Canvas will be available to all teachers in May:
Canvas Essentials (Profile, Notifications, Conversations Rich Text Editor)
May 8th 4:00pm
1. Go to:
https://learncanvas.webex.com/learncanvas/k2/j.php?MTID=tf06682ab0a5f9b076a824e1c9229ef28
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: This session does not require a password.
4. Click "Join Now".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Course Design (Speed Grader & Gradebook, Rubrics, Assignments, Pages, Modules, Quiz)
May 15th 4:00pm
1. Go to:
https://learncanvas.webex.com/learncanvas/k2/j.php?MTID=tc5cc743934e441d385e23fcdef78f0c7
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: This session does not require a password.
4. Click "Join Now".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Assessment & Grading (Assignment Settings, Creating Outcomes, Build Rubrics, Speed Grader)
May 22nd 4:00pm
1. Go to:
https://learncanvas.webex.com/learncanvas/k2/j.php?MTID=t89c7e4e6e6c433e580806c2f54694747
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: This session does not require a password.
4. Click "Join Now".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Collaboration (Creating Groups, Group Work, Collaborations, Conferences, Group Pages & Files)
May 29th 4:00pm
1. Go to:
https://learncanvas.webex.com/learncanvas/k2/j.php?MTID=tf9e66c19436715e4353bfa4568486e58
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: This session does not require a password.
4. Click "Join Now".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
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14th Annual Wesley Chapel Film Festival
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (April 28, 2014) – Wesley Chapel High School will continue one of its oldest traditions, the annual Film Festival, at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 1.
Drama teacher Sean Gaudet started the film festival in 1999, the year the school opened. The festival features films written, acted, directed, and edited by Wesley Chapel High School students. Based on judges’ scores, five student film entries will vie for the coveted title of “Best Picture.”
The film festival will be held in the Wesley Chapel Center for the Performing Arts, 40651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.
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