School Notes: A Homecoming For The New Wesley Chapel High Principal

New Wesley Chapel principal Matt McDermott.

Matt McDermott is the new principal at Wesley Chapel High (WCH), replacing Dee Dee Johnson.

Johnson was selected to take over as principal at Pasco Middle School, where former principal Jeff Wolff was removed in September amid concerns about low teacher morale at the middle school in Dade City.

“I’m super excited,” McDermott says. “I’ve lived in the community since about 2000, and I was briefly an assistant principal there from 2009-2010, before I opened Fivay High (in Hudson).”

Some of the young Wildcats approve.

“The kids who live in my neighborhood have been by to say congratulations and tell me they’re excited to have me as their principal,” McDermott says.

McDermott has worked for Pasco County Schools since 1996 and has been a teacher, coach, athletic director and school administrator. He started as an AP environmental science and biology honors teacher and football and wrestling coach, and became the athletic director at Sunlake High in 2007 before a brief stay as assistant principal at WCH in 2009. He helped open Fivay in 2010, and returned to Zephyrhills as an assistant principal in 2015.

This is McDermott’s first appointment as a principal.

“You always think you’re ready to be a principal,” McDermott says. “I have good mentors and people I can reach out to if I need something. I’ve been in the principal pool for a while and prefer the southeast part of the county because that’s where I live. This is one of my dream jobs and I’m excited to be given the opportunity.”

Judy Choinski is a parent of two students at WCH, and a member of its School Advisory Committee (SAC). She says she’s happy for Johnson, the school’s now-former principal. “It’s a huge compliment to her that she was chosen to bring [Pasco Middle] back up to where it needs to be,” Choinski says. “She’s going to turn that school around.”

Choinski acknowledges that there’s disappointment in losing Johnson, and in having yet another new principal. But, she says there is just as much excitement about McDermott.

“His reputation is really good,” she says. “Some parents and teachers I talked to said they were hoping he would be selected, that he would be the perfect fit for Chapel.”

At our press time, McDermott had been recommended as principal by Pasco School Superintendent Kurt Browning and was expected to be approved by the School Board on October 16, with a start date of October 17.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Choinski adds. “Hopefully, everything will stay solid for a while.”

Good As Gold
At a Pasco County School Board meeting on Oct. 2, Browning and members of the Board were presented with the Florida Healthy School District Gold Flag by Florida Action for Healthy Kids.

The county received the Gold Flag “for establishing a culture and climate in which students and staff can reach their personal potential and for continuing to serve as a leader in the state in reducing and eliminating the barriers to learning, resulting in increased academic achievement.”

Pasco County Schools earned the Silver award in 2016, but this year is its first-ever gold. The district will hold the Gold award designation through 2020.

To earn the Gold designation, the district demonstrated high scores in areas like creating a healthy school environment, contributing to employee wellness and excellence in counseling, psychological and social services and health education.

The Florida Partnership for Healthy Schools is a grassroots partnership that advocates for school health issues and recognizes excellence among Florida school districts.

PTAs Honored Nationally
Double Branch Elementary and John Long Middle School have both earned recognition as a National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) “School of Excellence,” with a designation that lasts from 2018-20.
The National PTA School of Excellence recognition program “supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students,” according to the National PTA website.

Schools apply to be recognized, then complete a series of steps designed to improve relationships between schools and families, which are individual to each school. If they meet their goal, they earn the designation.

In addition, the county-wide Pasco County Council of PTAs (PCCPTA) was recognized for having the highest increase of membership in Florida for the 2017-18 school year. PCCPTA representatives Mahalia Surin, Denise Nicholas and Andria Roscart presented the trophy they received to Pasco School Board chair Cynthia Armstrong and Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning (photo above).

Teachers Wanted
Want to work as a teacher in Wesley Chapel? Pasco County Schools will host a fall instructional job fair on Wednesday, November 14, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., at Sunlake High in Land O’Lakes.

The district is looking for teachers in math, science, emotional and behavioral disorders/autism spectrum disorders (EBD/ASD), exceptional student education (ESE) and elementary education. They also have openings for guest teachers, behavioral analysts and school nurses.

All education interns, teachers, student services employees, and those who have a Bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming certified educators are invited to attend. Applicants can meet with administrators and hiring managers for on-the-spot interviews and job offers.

Anyone interested in attending should register at https://pascofalljobfair2018.eventbrite.com, visit http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/hreq/ or contact work@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Former Wiregrass Ranch Hoopster Stephanie Brower Surprised To Earn U-F Scholarship

Former Wiregrass Ranch High girls basketball standout Stephanie Brower, a 2017 walk-on at the University of Florida, reacts with her teammates to being told by the Gators women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer that she had earned a scholarship for this season. (Photo: Screengrab, UF video)

Former Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) girls basketball player Stephanie Brower was never one of the most recruited players in Pasco County. But, she was always one of the hardest working and, after one season as a walk-on at the University of Florida, it is probably no surprise that, well, she no longer is a walk-on.

On Oct. 8, Brower received the surprise of a lifetime when, surrounded by her teammates, she was told by Gators head coach Cam Newbauer that she had officially earned a scholarship.

Brower could only cover her mouth in shock as her face slowly turned red with tears. Her teammates mobbed her in celebration.

The Gators team had gathered at the Delta Zeta house, which is Brower’s sorority, under the guise of promoting the team and drumming up attendance by inviting the sorority sisters to come to games this season.

After Newbauer made his pitch to support his team, Brower took the floor to loud cheers. Newbauer then interrupted.

“Come on now, how loud do you cheer for a Delta Zeta?,” he asked a gathering of about 50 sisters, which then erupted into even louder cheering.

After they stopped, Newbauer continued: “How loud would you cheer for a Delta Zeta…that earned a scholarship?”

Brower covered her heart with her hands — “Oh my God, are you serious?” — and then covered her face as her teammates jumped into the celebration.

It was the second time this summer that Newbauer surprised one of the Gators with a scholarship. Brower joined Corey Staples, who was surprised with a scholarship after a carefully orchestrated scavenger hunt.

“It’s been really cool for me to see Steph’s growth and development,” Newbauer says. “When I was coaching at Belmont (University) she actually came out to our elite camp and was really interested, but at the time we didn’t have any scholarships available or room on our roster. Then when I got here to Florida, she reached out about a walk-on opportunity. I was really excited to hear from her because I remembered how hard she played. She will do anything to add value to the team.”

Brower, a 2017 WRH grad, averaged 15.1 points and 10.5 rebounds as a 5-foot-11 guard. She led the Bulls to the school’s first district title in 2016, surpassing the 1,000-point career mark with a 15-point, 16-rebound performance in a 59-47 district championship win over Freedom.

Brower finished her Wiregrass Ranch career with 1,493 points. 1,059 rebounds and 514 assists.
She walked on at Florida on Dec. 12, 2017, appearing in six of 30 games during the 2017-18 season, including four Southeastern Conference games. She played 24 of her 45 minutes against No. 15 Tennessee in February, scoring 2 points with three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Local Schools To Benefit If Half-Cent Education Sales Tax Passes Next Month

The heat isn’t going away. Neither, then, are the uncomfortable conditions still being faced by many students in Hillsborough County, where the air conditioning systems at some schools appear to be held together by staples and duct tape.

Looking to address that situation, as well as many others, the Hillsborough County School Board (HCSB) voted to place a referendum on the General Election ballot on Tuesday, November 6, to help fill a gap in funding that has led to myriad of problems in our schools.

A half-cent sales tax increase referendum was hurried and approved in late August by the School Board, despite concerns the chances of passage would be hurt by competing against a transportation referendum already asking for a one-cent sales tax increase.

The education referendum for Hillsborough County Public Schools, the eighth-largest school system in the country, would raise an anticipated $131 million annually, or $1.3 billion over 10 years. Nearly half of that would go to fixing or replacing air conditioning systems in roughly 200 of the county’s 250 schools.

In New Tampa, every school would have its air conditioning systems replaced or overhauled by 2023, with the exception of Hunter’s Green and Tampa Palms elementary schools and Turner/Bartels K-8, all of which would have theirs done between 2023-28.

Every school in Hillsborough County is expected to receive at least $500,000 of benefit from the tax.

School Superintendent Jeff Eakins has been on the town hall circuit this month and last, visiting schools across the county (see picture).

He held a town hall at Wharton High on Oct. 1.

Ahead of his New Tampa visit, the Hillsborough County School District released a list on Sept. 21 of 1,785 projects that would be funded by the tax increase.

Here are the projects for New Tampa schools to be funded by the tax:

Benito Middle School — Years 1-5:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Carpeting Replacement Project, Generator Project, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, Repave Athletic Tracks, Replace Security System, School Interior Repainting Project

Years 6-10:  Replace Fire Alarm System

Chiles Elementary School — Years 1-5:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Carpeting Replacement Project, Fire Evacuation Improvements, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, K-3 Playground Replacement, Replace Fire Alarm System

Years 6-10: Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement

Clark Elementary — Years 1-5: Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Carpeting Replacement Project, Fire Evacuation Improvements, Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, Replace Fire Alarm System

Years 6-10: Replace Aging Roof, K-3 Playground Replacement, Pre-K Playground Replacement

Freedom High — Years 1-5:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Carpeting Replacement Project, Elevator Modernization, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, Upgrade Classroom Network Infrastructure, Generator Project. 

Years 6-10:  Replace Aging Roof, Repave Athletic Tracks, Sand and Recondition Gym Floor, School Interior Repainting Project

Heritage Elementary —  Years 1-5: Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Fire Evacuation Improvements, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, School Interior Repainting Project, Upgrade Classroom Network Infrastructure

Years 6-10: Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement, K-3 Playground Replacement, Pre-K Playground Replacement

Hunter’s Green Elementary — Years 1 to 5:  Fire Evacuation Improvements, Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement, K-3 Playground Replacement, Replace Aging Roof, Replace Stage Lighting, Upgrade Classroom Network Infrastructure

Years 6-10: Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Exterior Paint and Waterproofing, Outdoor Court Replacement

Liberty Middle School — Years 1-5:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Exterior Paint and Waterproofing, School Interior Repainting Project, Upgrade Classroom Network Infrastructure

Years 6-10: Elevator Modernization, Replace Fire Alarm System, Replace Telephone System, Sand and Recondition Gym Floor

Pride Elementary — Years 1-5: Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Fire Evacuation Improvements, Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement, Pre-K Playground Replacement, Replace Aging Roof

Years 6-10: Elevator Modernization, K-3 Playground Replacement, Outdoor Court Replacement, Replace Telephone System

Tampa Palms Elementary — Years 1-5: Grade 4-5 Playground Replacement, K-3 Playground Replacement, Replace Stage Lighting

Years 6-10: Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Carpeting Replacement Project, Generator Project, Hard-Surface Flooring Replacement Project, Outdoor Court Replacement

Turner Bartels K-8 School — Years 1-5:  K-3 Playground Replacement, Pre-K Playground Replacement

Years 6-10:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Elevator Modernization, Outdoor Court Replacement, Repave Athletic Tracks, Replace Telephone System, School Interior Repainting Project

Wharton High — Years 1-5:  Air Conditioning Replacement or Overhaul, Fire Evacuation Improvements, Replace Aging Roof, Replace Fire Alarm System

Years 6 to 10: Carpeting Replacement Project, Repave Athletic Tracks, Sand and Recondition Gym Floor, School Interior Repainting Project

Explorations Program Broadens Students’ After-School Experiences

Students in Wiregrass Elementary’s Explorations program get after-school enrichment in topics they want to learn more about. This quarter, the students could choose from coding and robotics or a dance class. Pasco County Schools hopes to expand this after-school program to other schools in the district.

When the school bell rings at the end of the day, some kids head home while others go to an after-school care program.

At Wiregrass Elementary in Wiregrass Ranch, dozens of students head to something totally different — a new pilot program called Explorations, which offers them a type of after-school club to learn something new.

Offered for the first time this fall, parents could sign their children up for either dance classes or coding and robotics. The seven-week sessions give them an opportunity to dive into a new skill, get some exercise or maybe even make new friends.

Steve Williams is the principal at Wiregrass Elementary, which is in its third year. It opened as a new school in 2016.

“We have a really engaged and invested community,” explains Williams. “Many parents have said they were interested in enrichment opportunities both in and out of school to go deeper into a topic.”

He started looking for ways to do that and thought partnering with the organization that already provides before- and after-school care for Pasco County Schools, called PLACE — which stands for Pasco Learning & Activity Centers of Enrichment — might be a good fit for a partnership.

Williams says that he approached the district’s After School Enrichment Department, which came up with a plan to launch the program this fall.

Carlotta Mathis is the Enrichment Specialist in that department who now heads Explorations and other programs. She was previously the site manager for Wiregrass Elementary’s PLACE program, so she knows the school well.

Mathis explains that Wiregrass Elementary parents were surveyed to determine the level of interest and what topics parents wanted.

“Parents want their students to be in something extracurricular after school but didn’t necessarily need care for the length of time of PLACE,” says Mathis, “but they did want students to participate in special interest cubs.”

So far, Explorations has been a hit.

Wanda Cook is the school’s bookkeeper and her son, Ethan, is in the fourth grade at Wiregrass Elementary.

“My husband and I wanted Ethan to be able to learn more about coding and robotics,” says Cook. “We think long term that will be great for him.”

Ethan says he enjoys it.

“We are learning about algorithms and how to program stuff, and how to fix it if you do something wrong,” Ethan says. “I like it because I get to learn new things and I get to learn how to program robots.”

Parents love the convenience of having the Explorations program being offered on the school’s campus.

“It’s nice that he doesn’t have to leave the school and go somewhere else,” says Cook.

Julie Cocozziello says she moved to Wesley Chapel this summer. Since her daughter, Emma, who is in the first grade, is a new student, she thought Explorations would be a good way for Emma to have fun and meet more of the students at her new school. She chose the dance class for her daughter.

“It’s a wonderful program,” she says. “It’s a great way to get students involved and make friends and improve their self-esteem. It gives her a chance to have fun, and she even comes home and practices.”

The classes for the first quarter filled up quickly, and registration is now open for the planned second-quarter classes —Spanish and sports skills and drills.

“We selected the courses that would be offered based on the survey results and what the families want to see their kids involved in,” Mathis explains, noting that Wiregrass Elementary’s staff plans to offer one academic and one physical activity each quarter.

Sara MacKnight registered her two kids — Sophia, who is in first grade, and Adam, who is in kindergarten — for the coding and robotics class.

“My kids think they’re just playing games, but they’re learning about algorithms and sequences,” she says. “The fact that they’re getting exposed to this at such a young age — I love it and I wish they would offer it year round.”

Williams and Mathis agree that if parents want it — and they seem to — the program can be expanded at the school so that students can build on the skills they’ve learned in the first session. In addition, from the beginning, they’ve discussed how it could be replicated at other schools.

“It’s been a very positive program,” says Williams. “Many others at the district have seen this and love the idea.”

Mathis says other schools are welcome to survey their parents for interest, and if the survey shows that the interest is there, she is willing to work with the schools to bring the Explorations program to them, too.

To register for the next set of classes, which starts Tuesday, October 23, visit ExplorationsProgram.com.

Pasco School Superintendent Kurt Browning’s Back-To-School Updates

Pasco County Superintendant of Schools Kurt Browning meets with school safety guard Connie Novak, one of many to be stationed at schools all across the county. (Photo: Pasco County Schools

In the weeks leading up to school starting two weeks ago, school officials across the state have been preparing to comply with a new state law. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act was passed in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the high school in Parkland, FL, on Valentine’s Day of this year, and requires armed security on every public school campus.

The new law also comes as parents are reporting having more fear about sending their kids to school. Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International is a national professional organization for educators that has surveyed attitudes towards public education every year since 1969. This year’s poll finds that one in three parents fear for their child’s physical safety at school. PDK describes that as, “a sharp increase from 2013, when just 12 percent said they were fearful.”

In Pasco County, middle and high schools will continue to have Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) deputies serving as school resource officers.

In addition, Pasco County Schools has hired school safety guards for all elementary schools, with each one carrying a gun and a Taser, as well as handcuffs.

Simple security precautions are being emphasized, such as locking gates and classroom doors, using scanning software to check for sexual offenders/predators, and making sure everyone who comes on campus goes through the office.

With the new school year just underway, we asked Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning to tell us more about the changes in school security, and what to expect at Wesley Chapel’s schools this year.

WCNN: Now that kids are back at school, what are they seeing and experiencing that is different from previous years?

Browning: The elementary students are seeing armed safety guards for the first time.

The guards will be easy to spot, because they’ll be wearing black polo shirts with our safety guard logo on the sleeve, and a vest with the word “Security” on the back. Students may not see any differences related to mental health services, but there will be a better coordinated effort to respond to students in crisis between the school, the district, law enforcement and community mental health partners.

We are adding social worker, psychologist and school nurse trainers to help school student services staff (members) respond to student mental health issues.

WCNN: Tell us more about the changes to the way that mental health is addressed in schools, and will students or teachers notice those changes?

Browning: Student mental health needs will be broken out into three tiers of support.

Tier 1 is universal prevention for all students. Tier 2 is supplemental/at-risk services involving early identification and social, emotional and behavioral interventions based on need.

 

New River Elementary security guard.

Tier 3 is individualized, intensive counseling and intervention, including behavior support plans, intensive monitoring, and wraparound and crisis planning.

 

We are increasing the number of crisis intervention teams from four to five, increasing the number of trainers for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), creating a 3-year training plan, and expanding the use of social emotional learning in instructional practices.

In accordance with the new law, we also have revised our threat assessment procedures and coordinated threat assessments to include law enforcement.

We will have a new mental health managing entity, the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), which will provide a project manager to manage mental health services and assist with data reporting.

We are implementing the Sandy Hook Promise: “Know the Signs” programs, and creating a Parent University and other parent training opportunities.

WCNN: What are your thoughts about the changes in school security mandated by the new state law?

Browning: They’re a good start. Without significant funding increases, though, it is difficult to implement all of the safety measures we would like to. We are working within our means to do everything we can to make our campuses as safe as possible.

WCNN: What is the benefit to students and schools of having armed security guards on elementary school campuses?

Browning: Elementary schools will have school safety guards trained by the Sheriff’s Office on campus. These men and women will provide a level of security that elementary schools have not had in the past. They will be visible at drop-offs in the morning and during dismissal. They will patrol the grounds to make sure doors and gates are locked, and to assure that everyone on campus is checked in and accounted for. They also will be a resource for students and staff, and will become part of the school community.

WCNN: With all of the continued growth in Wesley Chapel, what rezoning plans are in the works?
Browning: We don’t currently have any rezoning in the works.

WCNN: What is the current timeline for opening Cypress Creek Middle School and transitioning the current Middle/High School to a high school only?

Browning: Cypress Creek Middle School is scheduled to open in August 2020. The transition will occur at that time.

WCNN: Are there any other new schools proposed or under construction in Wesley Chapel?

Browning: We are working on a plan to build a technical high school in East-Central Pasco in the next five years.

WCNN: On a side note, can you explain why there is a transition to call substitute teachers “guest teachers” instead? Does that apply to all substitute teachers or only those in a certain category? Is it expected that staff and students will address these teachers as “guest teachers” and not refer to the more common “substitute?”

Browning: We have some really great subs and are hoping this will enhance their credibility and better demonstrate the scope and caliber of their service to kids in classrooms….as opposed to the “just a sub” mentality.

We’ve also moved to professional guest teachers (formerly “professional subs”) as well as the daily and long-term guest teachers. All students and staff will be expected to use the title, although there will be a natural adjustment period.