Curriculum and Instructional Services Department
Welcome to the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Services. These pages will provide you with information regarding the District School Board of Pasco County's curriculum and related programs. Please visit often for the latest information and links to other valuable sites.
CIS Core Beliefs- We will filter all decisions and actions through our commitment to high standards that empower all students to succeed.
- We will conduct ourselves with integrity when working with all stakeholders.
- We will value the contributions of each member and strive to work collaboratively and interdependently in an effort to achieve our goals.
- We will support and provide teaching and learning experiences that ensure optimal academic success.
- We will effectively communicate within and beyond our department to all stakeholders.
- We will use data to develop, implement, and evaluate programs for student success.
- We will embrace the ideas and practices that are currently effective while exploring, initiating, and promoting new ideas.
- We will collaborate to optimize the services we provide to all stakeholders.
Department News
Moon Lake Elementary Literacy Breakfast, A Dragon Tale
On October 12th, the 4th and 5th grade students of MLES and their families enjoyed breakfast together in the school's cafeteria, while learning and practicing through literacy strategies at the Kenny and the Dragon Literacy Breakfast.
Posted by Rebecca Musselman on 10/12 at 11:23 PM
Curriculum • Site • Permalink
Pasco County Scientists Recognized at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
The District School Board of Pasco County is proud of the achievements of students in the area of science. We have increased student participation at both the elementary Young Scientists Fair and the Secondary Regional Science and Engineering Fair. We had twenty-four students participate in the state competition held in Orlando in April. Eleven of the students were recognized with special awards and category place awards. This year we had two students compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair that was held in Los Angeles, California. There were more than 65 countries that came together to recognize the accomplishments of student scientists as they competed globally. The caliber of the projects and the level of excitement for science was demonstrated throughout the week. Science fair provides us with another opportunity to focus on all of the areas of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - which is critical in ensuring our students are prepared for the needs of the 21st century global marketplace.
There were two students from Pasco County who represented Florida. Sophia Sokolowski from Academy at the Lakes and Aubrey Jones from J.W. Mitchell High School both stood out among the 1,400 other participants. In Sophia’s project titled, “Audio Perception: Plotting the Pathway of the BK Channel,” she investigated proteins in the sensory cells of the inner ear to obtain a better understanding of the role that they play in hearing loss. Aubrey completed her scientific research on “Why Diabetics Need to Know the Complexity of Carbohydrates.” This is the first time in more than fifteen years that we have had a student receive an award at the International Science Fair. Sophia also brought home two special awards from the Army and Navy worth almost $5,000.
We would like to join the other districts, states, and countries in recognizing the achievements of these two scientists. We would also like to recognize their teachers, Dr. Amy Jordan (AATL) and Edwin Braddy (JWMHS) for the countless hours of support they give their students in the area of science.
“When we consider the role that science and technology have played throughout history, it is clear that students with a deep understanding of scientific thinking are well prepared to lead the way forward,”said Superintendent Heather Fiorentino. “Competing and being recognized for excellence at the regional and International Science Fairs is an admirable achievement for Pasco’s 21st century learners,” she added.
For more information on Science programs, please contact Laura Hill at lhill@pasco.k12.fl.usor phone (727)774-2257.
Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 06/14 at 11:25 PM
Communications • Curriculum • Permalink
Title I Technology Summer Camp
We are excited to announce the return of the nationally recognized Title I Summer Technology Camp. This exciting program will give students the opportunity to work one-on-one with state of the art technology, including SMART Boards, MacBook laptops, iPod Nanos, and iPod Touches. Students will use this technology to produce and edit his or her very own video podcast. Integrating this technology with writing standards will help to increase academic proficiency.
The Title I Summer Technology Camps are offered to our economically neediest students throughout the 24 Title I Schools, which now includes Bayonet Point Middle School and Anclote High School. These camps will follow the regular summer school schedule from June 15th – June 30th, 2011.
The Title I Summer Technology Camp was recently awarded the 2011 Grand Prize Magna Award by the National School Board Association in recognition of outstanding programs that advance student learning. The Title I Summer Technology Camp will once again be both a rewarding and educational experience that will help children gain a better understanding of the use of modern technology.
For information about the Title I Summer Technology Camps contact the District Office at (727) 774-2324, (813) 794-2324, (352) 524-2324.
Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 06/10 at 03:50 PM
Communications • Curriculum • Permalink
Pasco Offers Nationally-Recognized Program of Excellence to Neediest Students
We are excited to announce the return of our nationally recognized Title I Pasco Environmental Adventure Camp Experience (PEACE) for the 2011 summer program. This science themed camp will give students the opportunity to study the environment through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities while visiting 4 wonderful locations: the Energy and Marine Center (EMC), Starkey Environmental Education Center, and Crystal Springs Preserve.
A culminating activity will be visit to the Florida Aquarium. Secondary students will visit Dames Caves. While at these sites, students participate in a series of rotations designed to incorporate critical thinking skills into real world situations.
The Title I PEACE Camps are offered our economically neediest students throughout the 24 Title I Schools, which now includes Bayonet Point Middle School and Anclote High School. These full-day, action packed camps run from 7:30a – 3:30p for four different weeks over the summer.
The Title I PEACE Camp was recently awarded the 2011 Grand Prize Magna Award by the National School Board Association in recognition of outstanding programs that advance student learning. The Title I PEACE Camp will be both a rewarding and educational experience that will help children gain a better understanding of our environment while integrating adventure into their summers!
For information about the PEACE Summer Science Camp, contact the District Office at (727) 774-2312, (813) 794-2312, (352) 524-2312.
Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 06/10 at 03:43 PM
Communications • Curriculum • Permalink
Project Wild Weekend, Environmental Program Sponsored Event
Pasco County Schools’ Environmental Programs would like to extend a huge thank you to all the participants of our annual Project Wild Weekend that occurred April 8th-10th, 2011.
Elementary through high school teachers from schools and environmental centers all over the district spent the weekend reconnecting with nature. More importantly, they learned how to connect their students with nature through a variety of hands-on activities and presentations.
On friday night, participants learned about Project Learning Tree, Fire in Florida’s Ecosystems, and the Flying WILD Programs. The teachers learned about the Pasco Audubon Society and were treated to a presentation on predatory birds. We followed things up with a night hike and a huge campfire.
On Saturday, the teachers had an early breakfast and learned about the trees and ecosystems around Starkey Park and the Pithlachascotee River. They were then whisked to the Energy & Marine Center were they participated in a kayaking adventure, exploring the different behaviors of birds and other bird related activities. Upon returning to Starkey Park, teachers had dinner and were given a presentation on Pasco County Environmental Lands by Katie MacMillan of Pasco ELAMP.
Sunday started early with breakfast. Following breakfast, teachers learned about FIRE in Florida’s Ecosystems with local forester Arthur Clothier. Teachers then learned about dendrochronology, using tree rings to learn about the life history of a tree. The weekend ended with a geocaching course through one of Starkey Park’s recent burn sites to learn how ecosystems and organism adapt to fire.
Activities and Events Included:
Project Flying WILD
Project Learning Tree
Fire in Florida’s Ecosystems
Guided Nature Hike and Geocaching
Kayaking at the Energy and Marine Center
Night Hike and Campfire Circle
Live Musical performance by Dale Crider
Presentations by local and state professionals.
Overall, both teachers and facilitators had a great time learning more about their local environments, ultimately allowing them to share their experiences and new found knowledge with their students.
Posted by Rebecca Musselman on 05/25 at 11:16 PM
Curriculum • Permalink
Jazz’n it Up at GSES!
On A Mission, Blue Note Recording Jazz Artist, Eric Darius performed for a standing room only crowd of excited elementary school students at Gulfside Elementary School on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Amanda Romero, 5th grade Gulfside Elementary School student, is pictured with Eric Darius after the concert and following her interview of Eric which will play on PETV. The performance was filled with the smooth sounds of jazz and empowering words of dreaming, daring, and doing! Eric shared with the students that with hard work and dedication, your dreams are possible! To hear exerpts of this performance, click the following link! Thank you to Eric for giving of his time to our students!
Posted by Rebecca Musselman on 05/25 at 10:51 PM
Curriculum • Permalink
Spotlight on the Arts
This February marked the conclusion of this year's Very Special Arts (VSA) Art Experience for students from two middle schools within our district. Students from Seven Springs Middle and Hudson Middle received visual arts instruction within their core curriculum for 9 weeks ending in a culminating experience with each student's very own artwork displayed in the Progress Energy Art Gallery in downtown New Port Richey. We are very thankful for this opportunity to highlight our student's artwork and have them experience what the joys of the arts can bring to their education.
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What a wonderful Partnership fostered through the Very Special Arts, the District School Board of Pasco County, and Progress Energy Art Gallery. - Pictured from left to right: Rebecca Musselman, Supervisor of Fine Arts; Mindy Egert, VSA Artist in Residency; Nancy Ciesla, Progress Energy Art Gallery Director
Posted by Rebecca Musselman on 04/30 at 02:52 AM
Curriculum • Permalink
Science Exploration
The following video link features students from River Ridge Middle School exploring within their Science Curriculum. Enjoy this great adventure!
Posted by Rebecca Musselman on 04/30 at 02:40 AM
Curriculum • Permalink
Bridging the Digital Divide
The District School Board of Pasco County is delighted to announce the first annual Title I Summer Technology Camp for Pasco’s most economically disadvantaged students. This exciting program will give students the opportunity to work one-on-one with state of the art technology. Specifically, students will be given the opportunity to produce and edit his or her very own video podcast. Integrating technology with writing standards will help to increase academic proficiency while reinforcing the 21st Century learning skills they need for future success.
“This is just one of the many ways we are working to bridge the digital divide for our economically disadvantaged students,” stated Superintendent Heather Fiorentino. “We strive throughout the year to foster supportive learning environments that provide access to cutting edge technology and create equity of opportunity for all students. This camp is an extension of those efforts and will enhance the quality of services these students receive,” she added.
The Title I Summer Technology Camp is offered to qualifying students throughout the 21 Title I Elementary Schools. These camps will follow the regular summer school schedule from June 21 – July 2, 2010. For more information about this exciting new program, please contact the District Office at (727) 774-2324, (813) 794-2324, (352) 524-2324.
Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 06/18 at 02:56 PM
Curriculum • Permalink
Pasco Students to Enjoy Hands-On Summer Science Camp
The District School Board of Pasco County is excited to announce the 2010 Science Pasco Environmental Adventure Camp Experience (PEACE) program. This camp will give students the opportunity to study the environment through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities while visiting five wonderful locations: the Energy and Marine Center (EMC), Starkey Environmental Education Center, Safety Town’s Environmental Center, Crystal Springs Preserve, and the Florida Aquarium. One important focus area of the camp will be exploring the Gulf Coast oil spill and its impact on Florida’s delicate ecosystem.
“This applied learning project reinforces innovative, problem-solving skills while giving our most needy students the chance to discover the fascinating world of science,” stated Superintendent Heather Fiorentino. “By gaining a strong foundation in science, these students are acquiring the skills needed to develop solutions for the challenges of tomorrow- a skill set that will prove to be a competitive advantage in the 21st Century global economy,” she added.
The PEACE Camps are offered to qualifying students throughout the District’s 21 Title I Elementary Schools. These full-day, action packed camps run from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. over a span of three weeks, with a rotation set up each week to cover the different locations.
The PEACE Summer Science Camp will be both a rewarding and educational experience that will help children gain a better understanding of the environment while combining adventure into their summers! For more information about the PEACE Summer Science Camp contact the District Office at (727) 774-2312, (813) 794-2312, (352) 524-2312.
Dates of PEACE Camp
PEACE – Week 1 – June 14-18
PEACE – Week 2 – June 21-25
PEACE – Week 3 – June 28-July 2
List of Schools Attending Each Week
PEACE – Week 1 – June 14-18: LES, RBCES, PES, WZES, SHES, MGES, CWTES
PEACE – Week 2 – June 21-25: MLES, NWES, GHES, HES, SES, FHES, RES
PEACE – Week 3 – June 28 – July 2: CAES, CHES, MPLES, JMMES, AES, SRES, GSES
Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 06/15 at 03:13 PM
Curriculum • Permalink
