Who: Parents, students, faculty, and staff from Ridgewood High, Chasco Elementary and Middle, and Calusa Elementary schools; and community partners
What: Parent University with free breakfast, keynote speakers Dee Reed and Judge Shawn Crane, and raffle prizes
When: 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 3
Where: Ridgewood High School, 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey
Why: To provide parents resources for fostering growth, resilience, integrity, and tenacity (GRIT) in students.
How: The day will begin with breakfast and registration, followed by the keynote address by Dee Reed and Judge Crane. Reed will tell his story of excelling as a football star at Pasco High School, and how his poor choices nearly derailed his future success. Judge Crane will reinforce Reed’s message.
Breakout sessions will follow on Raising Successful Children, Connecting to Community Resources, Active Parenting, and Changes in Schooling: Helping parents understand the challenges and demands that students face. Representatives from more than 20 community agencies and businesses will take part, some of which are providing giveaways and raffle prizes. The raffle will take place at the end of the day, and will include gift cards for Publix, four single-day admission packets to Sea World, four single-day admissions to Aquatica, a gift card to Outback Steakhouse, and two certificates for massages. Childcare will be provided.
CONTACT:
Linda Cobbe, Director
Communications & Government Relations
(813)794-2717/(727)774-2717/(352)524-2717
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True G.R.I.T. on Tap at Ridgewood High’s Parent University
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Wesley Chapel Elementary Wins Bealls $10K Black Friday Contest
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (December 19, 2013) – Bealls Department Store’s Karen Filips, director of marketing operations and media, and Kimberly Highland, promotions and graphics supervisor, surprised Wesley Chapel Elementary School Principal John Abernathy today with a $10,000 check for getting the most votes in the Bealls Black Friday promotion.
After Mr. Abernathy received the check, he escorted Filips and Highland, along with School Board Member Allen Altman and Assistant Superintendent Ray Gadd, to the media center to share the news with a group of teachers meeting for professional development. After cheers and high-fives, they all moved to the TV studio where they made an announcement on closed-circuit television to the entire school. Cheering could be heard throughout the facility.
Assistant Principal Chris Twardosz and the teachers shared with the Bealls representatives that they campaigned to win the prize. Wearing school pride shirts and armed with chocolates and coupons, teachers greeted Wesley Chapel Bealls store customers and urged them to cast a vote for the school to win.
According to Filips, Wesley Chapel Elementary School had the most votes of any school out of the 84 Bealls Department Store Florida locations. The funds will be used to purchase much-needed technology for the school.
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Canvas Training Opportunities in May
Sponsored by:
We would like to thank Pasco eSchool for scheduling (and funding) the following May online trainings in Canvas. These trainings are open to ALL interested teachers!
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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Schrader Elementary May Events
Who: Pasco County Public Schools middle and high school students who have found direction and motivation to achieve, and the staff members who helped them turn around their lives; Superintendent Kurt Browning; and School Board Members
What: 26th Annual Pasco Schools Turnaround Achievement Awards luncheon
When: 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 7
Where: Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
Why: To reinforce the good decisions the students have made and acknowledge the teachers and staff members who motivated them to change.
How: Each year, schools identify students who had been on a path leading them to failure, but who found a teacher, subject, activity, or personal desire that put them on the right path. You will meet a student who had spotty attendance and poor grades, until he was introduced to football and gymnastics. He has set goals and aims to attend college. You also will learn about a graduating senior who attended a dozen schools in six years, many of which were juvenile justice facilities, who has been a model student and mother in the Cyesis program. These are just two samples of more than 30 students who have been nominated by their schools. Each student will be introduced by a school staff member, then will be given the chance to tell their story to the audience. The event is sponsored by the Pasco Education Foundation, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, and bright house.
CONTACT:
Linda Cobbe, Director
Communications & Government Relations
(813)794-2717 or (813)361-8349
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Richey Elementary Presents “The Littlest Mermaid”
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (May 6, 2014) – Richey Elementary School 3rd through 5th graders will present The Littlest Mermaid at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in the school cafeteria.
Students have been working since October preparing for a production of the Hans Christian Andersen play. The students have been involved in making costumes, creating and building scenery, and rehearsing. The creative collaboration of students, teachers, and community will culminate in the May 8th production.
Richey Elementary School is located at 6850 Adams St., New Port Richey. For more information contact Sclena Brantley at (727) 237-6899.
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Students to be Honored for Turning Lives Around
Who: Pasco County Public Schools middle and high school students who have found direction and motivation to achieve, and the staff members who helped them turn around their lives; Superintendent Kurt Browning; and School Board Members
What: 26th Annual Pasco Schools Turnaround Achievement Awards luncheon
When: 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 7
Where: Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
Why: To reinforce the good decisions the students have made and acknowledge the teachers and staff members who motivated them to change.
How: Each year, schools identify students who had been on a path leading them to failure, but who found a teacher, subject, activity, or personal desire that put them on the right path. You will meet a student who had spotty attendance and poor grades, until he was introduced to football and gymnastics. He has set goals and aims to attend college. You also will learn about a graduating senior who attended a dozen schools in six years, many of which were juvenile justice facilities, who has been a model student and mother in the Cyesis program. These are just two samples of more than 30 students who have been nominated by their schools. Each student will be introduced by a school staff member, then will be given the chance to tell their story to the audience. The event is sponsored by the Pasco Education Foundation, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, and bright house.
CONTACT:
Linda Cobbe, Director
Communications & Government Relations
(813)794-2717 or (813)361-8349
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Pasco School Board Considers Gallup Survey Results
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (February 4, 2014) – The District School Board of Pasco County conducted its first Gallup student poll and employee engagement survey in October, November and January, with results to be used as a baseline measure for comparison of future years to current and previous year survey data.
Student Poll
The Gallup Student Poll is a 20-question survey that measures the hope, engagement, and well-being of students in grades 5 through 12. Research supports the idea that hope (ideas and energy for the future), engagement (involvement with and enthusiasm for school), and well-being (how we think about and experience our lives) are actionable targets linked to student achievement, retention, and future employment. The Gallup Student Poll was conducted online during the school day from Oct. 15 through Oct 31, 2013, with 31,740 students completing the survey.
During a workshop today, the School Board received the results and discussed their meaning. District students’ results showed 52% Hope, 53% Engagement, and 63% well-being, compared to average results nationwide of 54% Hope, 55% Engagement, and 66% well-being.
“When you look at district overall results (for students), they look very similar to U.S. overall data,” said Tim Hodges, Ph.D., director of research for Gallup. He explained that results are expected to be in the same range when looking at large-scale surveys.
Employee Survey
Based on more than four decades of research, Gallup has identified definitive employee attitudes that correspond with the most successful workplaces. Employee engagement — involvement with and enthusiasm for work — is measured by Gallup in a 12-question employee survey. An employee’s level of engagement links to various school outcomes, including employee retention, parent engagement, student retention, and student achievement. The employee engagement survey was conducted online from Nov. 15 through Nov. 22, 2013, and Jan. 13 through 17, 2014, with 3,896 employees registering their opinions (79% response rate). For this year, school-related personnel and non-represented, non-bargaining personnel did not participate in the survey.
Pasco School Board employees’ results indicate 26% of staff are engaged compared to 30% of U.S. workers; 53% of staff are not engaged compared to 52% of U.S. workers; and 21% of staff are actively disengaged compared to 18% of U.S. workers. Counting only the district-level staff, 33% are engaged, 56% are not engaged, and 11% are actively disengaged.
During the school board workshop, Dr. Hodges said, “If there was one word to describe today, it’s ‘baseline.’ The most important place to look is where we are compared to last year. This is the first year we’ve worked with Pasco schools, so we consider this a baseline measurement.” He also reassured the board that, “To look at the rest of the U.S. working population, this is what we tend to see as a starting point.”
“We will use these results as a foundation on which to build employee and student engagement,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning. “We have to ask ourselves as an organization, ‘What do we need to do to foster an environment where people feel valued and respected?’”
Assistant Superintendent Amelia Larson said, “By collecting the right data, we can keep our finger on the pulse of our employees and students and continue building their engagement.”
“We must be intentional about improving engagement by providing staff the tools and supports they need to prepare students for college, career, and life,” said Superintendent Browning.
This is a long-term project, not a one-time survey. The district is working with the Gallup organization to build employee engagement, thereby increasing student engagement, which ultimately should improve student achievement. Future surveys will be administered and the results will be compared with this year’s scores to gauge whether the district’s efforts have improved employee engagement and student hope, engagement, and well-being.
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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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Wesley Chapel Elementary Wins Bealls $10K Black Friday Contest
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (December 19, 2013) – Bealls Department Store’s Karen Filips, director of marketing operations and media, and Kimberly Highland, promotions and graphics supervisor, surprised Wesley Chapel Elementary School Principal John Abernathy today with a $10,000 check for getting the most votes in the Bealls Black Friday promotion.
After Mr. Abernathy received the check, he escorted Filips and Highland, along with School Board Member Allen Altman and Assistant Superintendent Ray Gadd, to the media center to share the news with a group of teachers meeting for professional development. After cheers and high-fives, they all moved to the TV studio where they made an announcement on closed-circuit television to the entire school. Cheering could be heard throughout the facility.
Assistant Principal Chris Twardosz and the teachers shared with the Bealls representatives that they campaigned to win the prize. Wearing school pride shirts and armed with chocolates and coupons, teachers greeted Wesley Chapel Bealls store customers and urged them to cast a vote for the school to win.
According to Filips, Wesley Chapel Elementary School had the most votes of any school out of the 84 Bealls Department Store Florida locations. The funds will be used to purchase much-needed technology for the school.
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MTEC Students Medal at SkillsUSA State Competition
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (May 14, 2014) – Students from Marchman Technical Education Center (MTEC) recently competed in this year’s state SkillsUSA competition in Pensacola, bringing home four gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.
Unprecedented rain and flooding did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of contestants representing high schools, colleges, and technical centers throughout Florida. Competitors went head to head in more than 100 occupation-related skills and business leadership challenges to earn slots in the 50th Annual SkillsUSA national competition, which will be held in Kansas City from June 23 to June 27.
MTEC students and their honors are:
Kelly Harrison- Hair Weaving - Post Secondary Gold
Devin McWilliams- HVACR - Post Secondary Gold
Justin Howie- Electrical Wiring - Post Secondary Gold
Jesse Marangi- Electrical Wiring - Secondary Gold
Adam Fairfax- Electrical Wiring - Post Secondary Silver
Brandon Matzke- Electrical Wiring - Secondary Bronze
David Bowden-Cosmetology - Post Secondary Bronze
Haley Eberly- Advertising Design - Post Secondary Bronze
Bryan Benz- Computer Maintenance - Secondary Bronze
Don Blake has been MTEC’s Electricity instructor since 1987 and over the last 10 years has sent many successful high school and adult competitors to SkillsUSA at both the state and national levels. Four of the nine MTEC medal winners in Pensacola were Electricity students. Quoting the legendary Vince Lombardi, Mr. Blake said of their performance, “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
MTEC’s SkillsUSA Advisor and Cosmetology instructor Kellyann Haudricourt said, “Once again, we are super proud of ALL of the students that represented MTEC. They all gave it 100% and were extremely professional.”
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations to ensure America has a skilled workforce.
Since 1984, MTEC has offered the Pasco County community affordable post-secondary adult education programs with a proven track record of producing employable, well-trained, highly-skilled graduates in high-demand fields. MTEC currently offers 14 vocational certificate programs, most of which are eligible for federal financial aid through Pell Grants to qualified adults. MTEC is part of the District School Board of Pasco County and the Florida Department of Education. The District School Board of Pasco County is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). MTEC is accredited by the Commission for the Council on Occupational Education (COE). MTEC, 7825 Campus Dr., New Port Richey, FL 34653, 727-774-1708, or visit www.DiscoverMTEC.com.
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Are u-Ready for the WCES i-Ready® Celebration?
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (May 15, 2014) – Wesley Chapel Elementary School is having an i-Ready celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 16, to reward students for meeting the Go For The Gold challenge.
During the third quarter of the school year, teachers challenged students to “Go For The Gold” in i-Ready. This was an eight-week challenge for the students to dedicate time to completing lessons at their level in i-Ready.
Staff opened the computer lab in the mornings for students to work on lessons, and teachers made sure those who didn’t have computer access were given the opportunity to complete lessons before- and after-school. Thermometers were placed on the cafeteria windows tracking the grade levels and their progress, so students were able to see the lessons (and lessons and lessons) that were being completed.
One third grade class logged an average of 18 hours PER STUDENT for the challenge, almost exclusively while school was not in session. One fourth grade class logged an average of 15 hours per student outside of school time.
The entire third grade won overall with a total of 1,510 reading lessons completed in eight weeks.
The celebration will revolve around water games. Food, refreshments, and a special surprise for the students will be provided by i-Ready representatives.
i-Ready is an online instructional tool that delivers engaging and motivational lessons at each student's learning level. Wesley Chapel Elementary is located at 30243 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.
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Pasco School Board Considers Gallup Survey Results
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (February 4, 2014) – The District School Board of Pasco County conducted its first Gallup student poll and employee engagement survey in October, November and January, with results to be used as a baseline measure for comparison of future years to current and previous year survey data.
Student Poll
The Gallup Student Poll is a 20-question survey that measures the hope, engagement, and well-being of students in grades 5 through 12. Research supports the idea that hope (ideas and energy for the future), engagement (involvement with and enthusiasm for school), and well-being (how we think about and experience our lives) are actionable targets linked to student achievement, retention, and future employment. The Gallup Student Poll was conducted online during the school day from Oct. 15 through Oct 31, 2013, with 31,740 students completing the survey.
During a workshop today, the School Board received the results and discussed their meaning. District students’ results showed 52% Hope, 53% Engagement, and 63% well-being, compared to average results nationwide of 54% Hope, 55% Engagement, and 66% well-being.
“When you look at district overall results (for students), they look very similar to U.S. overall data,” said Tim Hodges, Ph.D., director of research for Gallup. He explained that results are expected to be in the same range when looking at large-scale surveys.
Employee Survey
Based on more than four decades of research, Gallup has identified definitive employee attitudes that correspond with the most successful workplaces. Employee engagement — involvement with and enthusiasm for work — is measured by Gallup in a 12-question employee survey. An employee’s level of engagement links to various school outcomes, including employee retention, parent engagement, student retention, and student achievement. The employee engagement survey was conducted online from Nov. 15 through Nov. 22, 2013, and Jan. 13 through 17, 2014, with 3,896 employees registering their opinions (79% response rate). For this year, school-related personnel and non-represented, non-bargaining personnel did not participate in the survey.
Pasco School Board employees’ results indicate 26% of staff are engaged compared to 30% of U.S. workers; 53% of staff are not engaged compared to 52% of U.S. workers; and 21% of staff are actively disengaged compared to 18% of U.S. workers. Counting only the district-level staff, 33% are engaged, 56% are not engaged, and 11% are actively disengaged.
During the school board workshop, Dr. Hodges said, “If there was one word to describe today, it’s ‘baseline.’ The most important place to look is where we are compared to last year. This is the first year we’ve worked with Pasco schools, so we consider this a baseline measurement.” He also reassured the board that, “To look at the rest of the U.S. working population, this is what we tend to see as a starting point.”
“We will use these results as a foundation on which to build employee and student engagement,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning. “We have to ask ourselves as an organization, ‘What do we need to do to foster an environment where people feel valued and respected?’”
Assistant Superintendent Amelia Larson said, “By collecting the right data, we can keep our finger on the pulse of our employees and students and continue building their engagement.”
“We must be intentional about improving engagement by providing staff the tools and supports they need to prepare students for college, career, and life,” said Superintendent Browning.
This is a long-term project, not a one-time survey. The district is working with the Gallup organization to build employee engagement, thereby increasing student engagement, which ultimately should improve student achievement. Future surveys will be administered and the results will be compared with this year’s scores to gauge whether the district’s efforts have improved employee engagement and student hope, engagement, and well-being.
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Summer Learning Expedition
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (May 20, 2014) – More students will have more time to boost achievement and bridge the summer learning gap in the Pasco County Public Schools 2014 Summer Learning Expedition extended school year program. Teachers also will benefit from summer learning opportunities, where they will have time to master new content, plan for and reflect on lessons, and hone instructional methods.
Approximately 1,800 more students will be served by this year’s summer programs than were served in 2013. Using a blend of Title 1 and state categorical funding, the district has allocated nearly $1.3 million to continue its commitment to college, career, and life readiness for all students through expanded learning time in academic classes and enrichment activities.
Pilot Programs
The district will introduce pilots for kindergarten and first graders focusing on literacy, and for second graders focusing on mathematics numeracy, in targeted Title I schools. The new literacy and mathematics pilots will serve approximately 865 additional students, and will be offered Monday through Thursday, June 16 through July 24, for 3.5 hours each day.
“It’s important to focus on building foundational literacy and numeracy in the early grades,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning.
A new STEAM Pilot (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) for approximately 45 third and fourth grade Fox Hollow, Schrader, and Gulf Highlands students will be held at Gulf Highlands Elementary School. The focus will be on building STEAM competencies through integrated and engaging instruction in a project-based learning environment. The STEAM camp will be held at Gulf Highlands Elementary School, Monday through Thursday, from June 16 through July 1.
Reading, Migrant, and PEACE Camps
The Summer Reading Camp will continue to target third graders, and focus on building strong comprehension skills through daily reading and writing instruction, research projects, and targeted goal setting for every student. Summer Reading Camp will be offered Monday through Thursday, June 16 through July 24, for 3.5 hours each day and will continue to serve about 700 students, as in previous years. Media Centers at each Summer Reading Camp site will be open to all students during these dates.
Migrant Camps at Pasco Elementary and Pasco Middle schools will focus on increasing reading achievement through content-area studies to help close the achievement gap and assist with credit recovery efforts in the higher grades. Approximately 45 children will be served in the four-week program, an increase of about 15 students from last year. Migrant Camps will be Monday through Thursday, from June 16 through July 24 for elementary students, and June 16 through July 1 for middle school students.
The PEACE Camp (Pasco Environmental Adventure Camp Experience) will target 25 elementary students, 15 middle school students and 10 high school students from each Title I school. Approximately 600 students entering fifth and eighth grades, and those taking biology next year, will build and strengthen their science knowledge through experiential environmental education enhanced with technology. Students will spend one week each at Safety Town, Energy Marine Center, Starkey Ranch, caves, and the Florida Aquarium. Elementary PEACE Camp will take place Monday through Thursday, June 16 through July 10. Middle school camp is June 9 through 12.
Course, Credit Recovery
Middle school students not meeting requirements to be promoted to the next grade will receive tiered supports to recover one or more courses. Course recovery programs have been extended from half-days to full-days in order to provide students more time to master essential content. Up to 50 middle school students per non-Title I school and 100 students per Title I middle school will be given the opportunity to get back on track. All middle schools will offer full day sessions from June 16 through July 1, with targeted, flexible supports to students needing additional practice time until July 24.
High school students who need to make-up credits in order to graduate, with seniors receiving priority, can take credit recovery courses. The 10-day program will serve up to 250 students per non-Title I high school, and up to 350 students for each Title I high school. Credit recovery supports are expected to serve an additional 700 students over last summer. The high school program will run June 16 through July 1, but program hours and dates are flexible, and will be set by each school based on need.
Superintendent Browning emphasized, “We must work together to address a key challenge -- designing and implementing learning opportunities leading to more successful futures for all students.”
ESE Programs
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) summer programs also will be offered at schools throughout the district for students whose individual education plan includes extended school year. ESE summer programs will run Monday through Thursday, June 16 through July 1.
Food and Transportation
Meals will be provided at sites with more than 50 percent of students eligible for free or reduced price meals during the regular school year. Food and Nutrition Services will serve breakfast, lunch, and a snack, and those sites will be considered “open” sites under federal guidelines, which will allow all children through age 18 to receive a free meal.
Transportation to summer programs will be provided for eligible students. Schools are making arrangements for bus transportation for those eligible students.
Schools also may be offering fee-based summer programs. Parents should contact individual schools to determine camp themes, and where and when those camps will be offered.
Learning Opportunities for Teachers
The Secondary Literacy Symposium for targeted 6th through 12th grade teachers will take place at Charles S. Rushe Middle School from July 21 to July 24. Teachers will work in collaborative groups to identify and deepen their learning related to the English Language Arts instructional shifts of the newly-adopted Florida Standards in order to build, jury, and vet grade-level units to ensure alignment and rigor.
The 2014 K-8 Mathematics Institute will support teachers in two cohorts at Wesley Chapel High School from June 16 to 19, and at River Ridge High School from July 14 to 17. The High School Mathematics Institute will take place for Algebra 1 and Geometry teachers July 28 and 29, and for Algebra 2 and other rigorous course teachers July 30 and 31. All sessions will focus on teacher content knowledge of the standards as well as creating a shared image of the mathematics classroom.
“To ensure that our students graduate as globally competitive young men and women, we must provide our teachers with the tools and resources necessary to meet the demands of more challenging standards, increasing accountability, and shifting demographics,” said Superintendent Browning.
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3rd Grade FCAT Reading and Math, and 4th, 8th, and 10th Grade Writing Results
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (May 23, 2014) – Pasco’s third grade students generally performed the same on FCAT 2.0 reading and math assessments this year, secondary students’ FCAT 2.0 Writing scores were similar, and fourth graders’ writing results were lower than last year.
“Our writing scores fell short of what we would desire, but we focused on English Language Arts and math this year, and that is evident in these scores,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning.
Writing
Thirty-eight percent of 4th grade students scored 3.5 or higher, 48 percent of 8th grade students scored 3.5 or higher, and 60 percent of 10th grade students scored 3.5 or higher on the 2014 FCAT 2.0 Writing exam.
In 2014, Pasco’s 4th grade students scoring at 3.5 and above and at 4.0 and above on the writing exam decreased in comparison to 2013. The percentage scoring at 3.5 and above decreased by 15 percentage points and the percentage scoring at 4.0 and above decreased by 13 percentage points, falling to 38 percent of students compared to 53 percent in 2013. In addition, 20 percent of 4th grade students achieved a 4.0 and above in 2014, a decrease from 33 percent in 2013.
Eighth grade students posted similar writing scores compared to 2013. The percentage scoring at 3.5 and above did not change (48 percent). The percent scoring 4.0 or higher increased one percentage point from 2013, with 29 percent of students performing at 4.0 and above compared to 28 percent in 2013.
Overall, Pasco’s students in 10th grade scored slightly lower in writing in 2014 compared to 2013. The percentage scoring at 3.5 and above decreased by 3 percentage points and the percentage scoring at 4.0 and above decreased by 4 percentage points. In 2014, 60 percent of students in grade 10 were performing at 3.5 and above, compared to 63 percent in 2013. The percent performing at 4.0 and above decreased to 36 percent from 40 percent.
Several schools demonstrated improvement on the FCAT 2.0 Writing in 2014 compared to 2013. The following schools reported increases of five percentage points or more in the percentage of students scoring at 3.5 or higher:
Grade 4: Lacoochee, Longleaf, New River, Trinity
Grade 8: Charles S. Rushe, Chasco, Hudson, Pasco eSchool, Pasco, Imagine School
Grade 10: Fivay, Hudson, James Irvin
“We have been looking long-term at our approach to professional development for teachers and their focus on instruction in the classroom,” Browning said. “What we need to remember is that we are generating increased student excitement and interest by creating engaging learning environments, not by teaching the test,” he added.
Reading
Overall, Pasco’s 3rd grade students maintained proficiency on the FCAT 2.0 Reading exam in 2014, with a slight decrease to 58 percent of students performing at or above Achievement Level 3 in comparison to 2013 (59 percent). The percentage of students at achievement level 1 remained at 18 percent.
Three schools demonstrated significant improvement in 2014 compared to 2013. The following elementary schools reported increases in the percentage of 3rd grade students scoring at achievement level 3 (satisfactory) or higher of at least 10 percentage points:
M. P. Locke, Richey, R. B. Cox
Mathematics
Overall, Pasco’s 3rd grade students maintained proficiency on the FCAT 2.0 Mathematics exam in 2014, with a one percentage point decrease in the percentage of students performing at or above achievement level 3 in comparison to 2013. In 2014, 50 percent of students were performing at or above Achievement Level 3 (Satisfactory), a decrease from 51 percent in 2013.
Several schools demonstrated significant improvement on the math exam in 2014 compared to 2013. The following elementary schools reported increases of at least 10 percentage points in the percentage of students scoring at or above Achievement Level 3 (Satisfactory):
Centennial, Lacoochee, M. P. Locke, Odessa, R. B. Cox, Athenian
Lacoochee Elementary School, which restructured its administration and staff last summer under Differentiated Accountability requirements, saw significant improvement on the writing exam, increasing the percentage of students scoring 3.5 and higher from 26 percent to 52 percent, and those scoring 4 or higher from 10 percent to 33 percent. Lacoochee’s reading proficiency (level 3 and higher) remained at 26 percent, and math proficiency (level 3 and higher) increased from 16 percent to 37 percent.
A complete summary of the Pasco school district’s 3rd grade reading and math, and 4th, 8th, and 10th grade writing scores is attached. It also contains details about what FCAT 2.0 measures and how the tests are scored. Complete school-by-school scoring tables are included, as well.
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WIREGRASS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL ON THE TEEN DRIVER SAFETY FRONTLINES WITH THE IKNOWEVERYTHING PROGRAM
WESLEY CHAPEL, FL ⎯ Today, Wiregrass Ranch High School hosted the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s IKnowEverything teen driver safety program game show for a school assembly with the help of the local Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter. IKnowEverything is an integrated teen driver safety program that highlights the issues of drunk driving and distracted driving, and reiterates that parents have the most influence on their teen’s driving behaviors. The program also reinforces that teens already “know everything” about how to be a safe driver and covers critical topics including drinking alcohol underage and driving, distracted driving, late night driving, speeding, number of passengers, and license restrictions.
The assembly, which included 100 students from the 9th – 12th grades, consisted of a game show-style event in which the attendees used handheld devices to answer questions about safe driving practices. The student participants’ answers are collected anonymously and will be part of a nationwide survey of teen drivers from high schools across the United States. The results will help the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility bring awareness to the gaps in new teen drivers’ knowledge and how we can best address that as a community.
“As a principal, I am always looking for ways to keep the students of Wiregrass Ranch High School safe,” said Robyn White, Principal, Wiregrass Ranch High School. “When the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility asked to host an IKnowEverything event on our campus I was excited and I hope that it helps students remember to pay attention 100 percent of the time.”
“Teen driver safety is a really important issue and we are excited to carry out this nationwide survey of teen drivers,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “The responses we received at Wiregrass Ranch High School and the rest of the schools nationwide will help us to better understand the gaps in preparedness of new teen drivers in the United States and we can work to address those gaps through education in the future.”
About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
Formerly known as The Century Council, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR) is a national not-for-profit that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. For more than 23 years, FAAR has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility. To learn more, please visit us at responsibility.org.
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IMPORTANT - 2014 Graduation Information
School Name: Anclote High School
School Colors: White, Royal Blue, Silver School mascot: Sharks
Principal Michelle Williams
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 252
School Phone: 727-246- 3000 Website: ahs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Brittany Elkins GPA: 4.5625
Salutatorian(s): Trent Crawford GPA: 4.5333
Class President: Zach Guevin
Class Sponsor: Cheryl Vinson
Notable Class Accomplishments:
Andrea Ferguson, National Merit Scholarship Program commended student
Anclote was the district champion in football.
Eight students will be playing sports at the college level (Austin Rumer , Willie Barrett, and Stephan Bucher – football; Dennis Morales, Tyler Evans, and Rubin Ramirez – baseball; Mia Lockhart – volleyball; Jamaree Ried - track.)
Graduation Speakers: Brittany Elkins, Trent Crawford and Zach Guevin
School Name: Fivay High School
School Colors: Navy, Silver, Red School mascot: Falcons
Principal Angela Stone
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Sunday, June 1, 6 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 235
School Phone: 727-246-4000 Website: fhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Jacqueline Meyer GPA: 4.7551 weighted
Salutatorian(s): Bianca Gallina GPA: 4.5306 weighted
Class President: Cole Manion
Class Sponsor: Dean Liptak and Matthew Bullwinkel
Notable Class Accomplishments: 15 graduates with 4.0 GPA or above; first class to attend all four years at FHS;
Lets give a HUGE round of applause to the first completing class of Fivay Culinarians!! These students have…
• Passed 2 formal, national exams
• Completed 400 or more industry hours (outside of school)
• Earned 2 industry certifications each
• Earned the National ProStart Certificate of Achievement!
• & will be graduating with their Culinary ‘fire’ cords!
Currently, we have 9 C.N.A. completers, and others are waiting to test
Dominated Girl’s Powder Puff football 2014
District PRIDE Award winners for Math and Social Studies are in the class.
Largest number of athletes to accept college scholarships in the history of the school.
Graduation Speakers:
Valedictorian: Jacqueline Meyer
Salutatorian: Brianna Gallina
Class President: Cole Manion
Student Council President: Katie Siciliano
School Name: Gulf High School
School Colors: Green & White School mascot: Buccaneer
Principal Ms. Kim Davis
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 6 p.m., Calvary Chapel Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, FL
Anticipated # of Graduates: 280
School Phone: 727-774-3300 Website: ghs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Josie Bready GPA: 4.61
Salutatorian(s): Evan Moore GPA: 4.35
IB Valedictorian(s): David Graniero & Julide Iye
GPA: 4.76 & 4.76
IB Salutatorian(s): Shane Gillen GPA: 4.74
Class President: Emilia Kalogiannis
Class Sponsor: Elizabeth Diaz
Notable Class Accomplishments:
Graduation Speakers: Valedictorians, Salutatorians and Class President
School Name: Hudson High School
School Colors: Red and Gold School mascot: Cobra
Principal Dr. David LaRoche
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 7p.m., Hudson High Gymnasium
Anticipated # of Graduates: 245
School Phone: 727-774-4200 Website: hhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Chad Batdorf GPA: 4.3913
Salutatorian(s): Nathan Binder GPA: 4.2045
Class President: Megan Boyer
Class Sponsor: Rose Martin, Sherry Scott
Notable Class Accomplishments:
Graduation Speakers: Chad Batdorf, Nathan Binder, Megan Boyer, Gary Peterson
School Name: Land O’Lakes High School
School Colors: Blue and Gold School mascot: Gator
Principal Ric Mellin
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 4 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 399
School Phone: 813-794-9400 Website: lolhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s):
Traditional (1): Courtney Saba GPA: 4.6956
Traditional (2): Matthew Hickok GPA: 4.6956
Salutatorian(s):
Traditional: Nicholas Hiller GPA: 4.49
IB Valedictorian(s):
Monic Amin (1) GPA: 4.738
Krystin Demsher (2) GPA: 4.738
IB Salutatorian(s):
Dana Frayne (1) GPA: 4.7142
Blake Lash (2) GPA: 4.7142
Class President: Vincent Trang
Class Sponsor: Teresa Blankenship
Notable Class Accomplishments:
Graduation Speakers: Valedictorians and Salutatorians
School Name: JW Mitchell High School
School Colors: Black and Vegas Gold School mascot: Mustangs
Principal Jim Michaels
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Saturday, May 31, 5 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 400
School Phone: 727-774-9200 Website: jwmhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Cory Hansen GPA: 4.6346
Salutatorian(s): Colin Gaynor GPA: 4.6041
Class President: Connor Murchie
Class Sponsor: Vicky Besack
Notable Class Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist – Colin Gaynor; Color Guard State Champions; Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer Regional Finalists; Girls Volleyball Regional Finalists; Baseball and Softball District Champions; Boys Golf in the Top Ten in the State and Regional, District, and SAC Champions;
Graduation Speakers: Valedictorian, Class President
School Name: Pasco High School
School Colors: Black and Red School mascot: Pirates
Principal Kari Kadlub
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 7:30 p.m., W.F. Edwards Stadium at Pasco High School
Anticipated # of Graduates: 275
School Phone: 352-524-5500 Website: phs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Alexandra Newlon GPA: 4.7555
Salutatorian(s): Daniel Robin GPA: 4.5795
Class President: Katherine Sartain
Class Sponsor: Tammy Riendeau and Cindy McCarthy
Notable Class Accomplishments:
Graduation Speakers: 5 Student Speakers- Katherine Sutton, Mackenzie Griffin, Katherine Sartain, Alexandra Newlon, and Daniel Robin
School Name: Ridgewood High School
School Colors: Blue and Orange School mascot: Ram
Principal Angie Murphy
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 6:30 p.m., RHS Gymnasium
Anticipated # of Graduates: 206
School Phone: 727-774-3900 Website: rhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): My Nguyen GPA: 4.67
Salutatorian(s): Tiffany O’Brien GPA: 4.51
Class President: Carly Ross
Class Sponsor: Leslie Hibbs, Kim Theurer
Notable Class Accomplishments:
My Nguyen graduated from Pasco Hernando State College with her AA and a perfect 4.0, and has been selected to study abroad in Belgium for 2014/2015.
Colton Sedlak will be attending Jacksonville University on a full-ride as a member of NROTC.
Alexis Dewalt will be attending St. Leo University on a full ride as a Take Stock in Children (TSIC) recipient.
Matthew Wishon will be attending college as a TSIC recipient.
16 seniors graduated from the Health Academy and 9 of these students earned their CNA license.
The Class of 2014, consisting of approximately 200 students, received more than $500,000 in scholarships.
Graduation Speakers: My Nguyen, Tiffany O’Brien, Carly Ross
School Name: River Ridge High School
School Colors: Purple, Silver, White School mascot: Royal Knights
Principal Maria Swanson
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 6 p.m., RRHS Gymnasium
Anticipated # of Graduates: 300
School Phone: 727-774-7200 Website: rrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Andreas Burgess GPA: 4.666
Salutatorian(s): Baylee Lewandowski GPA: 4.612
Class President: N/A
Class Sponsor: Barb Dukeman
Notable Class Accomplishments: Andrea Burgess was named Pasco County’s 2014 Outstanding Senior; Alicia Wichmanowski was named Pasco County’s 2014 CTE Student of the Year.
Graduation Speakers:
School Name: Sunlake High School
School Colors: Teal, Black, Gold School mascot: Seahawk
Principal Steve Williams
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Saturday, May 31, 1 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: approx. 375
School Phone: 813-346-1000 Website: slhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Gabriella Rivera GPA: 4.59
Salutatorian(s): Emily Higgins GPA: 4.49
Ryan Talburt GPA: 4.49
Class President: Kristen Solt
Class Sponsor: Maura Craig
School Name: Wesley Chapel High School
School Colors: Navy and Columbia Blue School mascot: Wildcat
Principal Carin Nettles
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Friday, May 30, 8 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 331
School Phone: 813- 794-8700 Website: wchs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Tierney Irwin GPA: 4.4523
Salutatorian(s): Nicole Nielsen GPA: 4.4404
Class President: Savnannah Renberg
Class Sponsor: Bridget White, Wendy Nielson
Notable Class Accomplishments: This is the first graduating class of the 9th grade academy at Wesley Chapel High School. Their leadership as a class has created a spirit-filled culture throughout Wesley Chapel High School.
Graduation Speakers: Tierney Irwin, Nicole Nielsen
School Name: Wiregrass Ranch High School
School Colors: Maroon, Silver, White School mascot: Bulls
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 504
School Phone: 813-346-6000 Website: wrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Chelsea Chitty GPA: 4.7727
Salutatorian(s): Nikhil Thota GPA: 4.6785
Class President: Grace Olsen
Class Sponsor: Ashley Sims
Notable Class Accomplishments: Chelsea Chitty is WRHS’s second National Merit Scholar Finalist
Graduation Speakers: Chelsea Chitty, Nikhil Thota, Grace Olsen, and Brianna Swain
School Name: Zephyrhills High School
School Colors: Orange & Black School mascot: Bulldogs
Principal Andrew Frelick
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Sunday, June 1, 1 p.m., USF SunDome
Anticipated # of Graduates: 275
School Phone: 813-794-6100 Website: zhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): Jessi Barnett GPA: 4.7000
Salutatorian(s): Zachary Winters GPA: 4.6195
Class President: Leah Melquist
Class Sponsor: Tammy Hochstetler
Notable Class Accomplishments: Four graduating seniors received an AA degree from PHSC before receiving their high school diploma. More than 20 scholarships were awarded to seniors just from the Pasco Education Foundation, not counting many others from other organizations and associations.
Graduation Speakers: Valedictorian (Jessi Barnett); Salutatorian (Zachary Winters); Class President (Leah Melquist)
School Name: Pasco eSchool
School Colors: N/A School mascot: N/A
Principal JoAnne Glenn
Graduation Date, Time, Location: Saturday, May 31, 5 p.m., USF SunDome (with JWMHS)
Anticipated # of Graduates: 20
School Phone: 813-346-1900 Website: eschool.pasco.k12.fl.us
Valedictorian(s): We don’t rank student but the highest weighted GPA is 4.2
Salutatorian(s): N/A
Class President: N/A
Class Sponsor: N/A
Notable Class Accomplishments: N/A
Graduation Speakers: N/A
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Superintendent Browning Thanks Governor, Sen. Legg for Regional STEM Funding
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (June 2, 2014) – Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning today thanked Governor Rick Scott for approving $1.5 million to support a regional aviation academy at Sunlake High School. He also credited Sen. John Legg for shepherding the funding through the Legislature and working with the governor’s staff to secure the funding.
“By signing the budget today with the $1.5 million regional STEM/aviation academy funding intact, the governor is supporting the Tampa Bay region’s workforce development, economic security, and future of developing aviation professionals,” said Browning.
As chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Legg played a crucial role in securing the $1.5 million, as well as $500,000 in recurring revenue for the aviation academy at Sunlake High School. The academy was launched in January in a partnership with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, with an inaugural class of 31 students.
“Sen. Legg was a rock star getting this funding,” Superintendent Browning said. “With his leadership, I never had any doubt that we would get the funding and be able to move forward with this unique opportunity to partner with our neighboring school districts, Tampa International Airport (TIA), and of course, Embry Riddle,” he added.
The funding will be used to establish a tri-county training program for Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties simultaneously with the transformation of TIA. This program will be set apart from all others by offering opportunities for students to get an industry certification in airport management through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). To accomplish this, the goal is to work with TIA to get an airport executive with a master’s degree to teach classes and manage the internships. This person would serve in an adjunct capacity at Sunlake High School via Embry Riddle.
The Sunlake course offerings will be expanded with the addition of three satellite schools - Anclote, Hudson, and Zephyrhills high schools. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in two introductory courses at their home school and exercise school choice options to enroll at Sunlake to complete the program.
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2nd Annual Community Youth Summit #Pasco2Gether
Who: Superintendent Kurt Browning, School Board members, Facilitator Dr. Roy Kaplan, principals, students, parents, district staff, and community partners
What: 2nd annual Together We Stand Youth and Community Summit
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 10
Where: River Ridge Center for the Performing Arts
11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
Why: School and student leaders will be working together with district and community leaders to learn about and develop action steps for creating safer, more inclusive schools and communities.
How: Four students from each high school and two students from each middle school will join district staff, parents, and agency partners like Baycare, Sunrise, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, PACE Center for Girls, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, Eckerd Community Alternatives, and New Port Richey Public Library, among others, for the all-day summit. Superintendent Browning will open the summit, and will be followed by student performances and art displays, student speeches, videos, group discussions centered around “Weight of Words,” and break-out sessions. Session topics will include the effects of poverty; links between hope, engagement, and wellbeing; and action planning for next school year. The day will culminate with a youth panel discussion. A program is attached.
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Pasco FCAT Results Mixed
Land O’ Lakes, FL – (June 6, 2014) – Pasco FCAT 2.0 Reading and Science scores improved overall, and Math scores were down in elementary schools but up at the middle school grades. FCAT scores reflect the district’s transition from teaching the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards to the new Florida Standards, and show that the FCAT does not measure all that is being learned in most classes.
“We are seeing that what we are doing is starting to pay off,” said Director of Teaching and Learning Vanessa Hilton. “We are starting to see strengths in the cohorts of students who have been receiving instruction based on the new Florida Standards as they progress from grade to grade,” she added.
READING
Several schools demonstrated significant improvement on the FCAT 2.0 Reading in 2014 compared to 2013. The percentage of Pasco students at Level 3 exceeded the statewide proficiency percentage in all but two grade levels. The following schools reported increases of at least seven percentage points of students scoring at Achievement Level 3 (satisfactory) or higher:
Grade 3: Chester Taylor, Gulf Highlands, M. P. Locke, Pasco, Richey, R. B. Cox
Grade 4: Chasco, Cotee River R. B. Cox, Mary Giella, Hudson, James Marlowe, Lacoochee, Longleaf, New River, Pine View, Richey, Schrader, West Zephyrhills, Woodland, Countryside Montessori
Grade 5: Cotee River, New River, C.W. Taylor, Trinity Oaks, Watergrass, Dayspring Academy
Grade 6: Chasco, Countryside Montessori
Grade 7: Academy at the Farm, Athenian
Grade 8: Pasco eSchool, Dayspring Academy
Grade 9: Pasco eSchool, James Irvin, H. Schwettman
Grade 10: Fivay, Pasco eSchool, Wesley Chapel, James Irvin
MATH
Several schools demonstrated significant improvement on the FCAT 2.0 Mathematics exam in 2014 compared to 2013. Overall, the percentage of Pasco middle schools scoring at or above Level 3 exceeded the percentage of students at or above Level 3 statewide in every grade. The percent of Pasco elementary students scoring Level 3 was below the statewide percentage at every grade level. The following schools reported increases of at least seven percentage points of students scoring at Achievement Level 3 (satisfactory) or higher:
Grade 3: Centennial, Lacoochee, M. P. Locke, Odessa, R. B. Cox, Schrader, Seven Springs, Athenian Academy
Grade 4: Chasco, Cotee River, Deer Park, Mary Giella, Lacoochee, New River, Pine View, Richey, San Antonio, Sand Pine, C.W. Taylor, West Zephyrhills, Dayspring
Grade 5: Cotee River, Pine View, Seven Oaks, Watergrass, Woodland, Athenian, Dayspring
Grade 6: Dr. John Long, Pasco, Countryside Montessori
Grade 7: Bayonet Point, Gulf, River Ridge, Academy at the Farm, Athenian Academy, Countryside Montessori
Grade 8: Pasco eSchool, Pasco, Athenian Academy, Imagine
SCIENCE
The percentage of students scoring at or above Achievement Level 3 (satisfactory) on the FCAT 2.0 Science exam increased 3 percentage points in 5th grade and 4 percentage points in 8th grade. The percent of 8th grade students scoring satisfactory exceeded the state percentage by 3 percentage points.
In 2014, 52 percent of students in grade 5 were performing at or above Achievement Level 3 (satisfactory) on FCAT 2.0 Science and 52 percent of students in grade 8 were scoring satisfactory. This is an increase in both grade levels compared to 2013 (49% grade 5; 48% grade 8). A total of 27 elementary schools maintained or increased the percent of students at or above Level 3, and 11 middle schools increased the percentage of students scoring at or above Level 3.
Several schools demonstrated significant improvement on the FCAT 2.0 Science in 2014 compared to 2013. The following schools reported increases of at least seven percentage points of students scoring at Achievement Level 3 (satisfactory) or higher:
Grade 5: Cotee River, Denham Oaks, Gulf Highlands, James Marlowe, Lacoochee, Lake Myrtle, Moon Lake, Odessa, Pasco, Schrader, Seven Oaks, Sunray, Trinity Oaks, Watergrass, Woodland
Grade 8: Pasco eSchool Franchise, Pasco, Pine View, R. B. Stewart, Seven Springs, Dayspring, Imagine
“This was a year of transition, and we know that our teachers have been focusing on the new Florida Standards in the classroom. It will be important for us to consider not only these scores, but also additional data that our schools have been collecting to make decisions as we move forward,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning.
A detailed school-by-school report for each exam can be found at http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/research/.
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2nd Annual Community Youth Summit #Pasco2Gether
Land O’ Lakes, Fla. – (June 10, 2014) – More than 200 principals, students, parents, and community members joined Superintendent Kurt Browning, district staff, and School Board Members Alison Crumbley (Chairman) and Cynthia Armstrong today at the Together We Stand Community Youth Summit to brainstorm ways to put an end to bullying in Pasco County public schools.
After greetings from the superintendent, students Marydin Llanto from Cotee River Elementary School, and Amberielle Conn from Rushe Middle School shared their Tropicana Contest speeches on making the world a better place and depression, respectively. The opening session culminated with an impactful performance of “The Weight of Words,” a short musical about the effects of bullying behavior, by River Ridge middle and high school drama students.
Participants then split into breakout groups based on regions of the school district to discuss the effects of poverty and links between hope, engagement, and wellbeing; and to strategize and plan for next school year’s anti-bullying efforts. After a lunch with community partners, additional breakout sessions took place to develop action steps for creating safer, more inclusive schools and communities. The day ended with a panel discussion that included the superintendent, students, law enforcement, and a school psychologist.
A video news clip from the summit by district Communications Department staff members Kristen Chavez and Andrew Dunn can be accessed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSMRs2fMLqg.
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