March 2024 Family and Community Newsletter

The Outstanding School Volunteer Award is presented annually to school volunteers who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida. Award winners are selected based on character, type and breadth of volunteer service, and impact of volunteer contribution. Each year, Pasco County Schools recognizes outstanding volunteers in three categories – youth, adult, and senior.

Our Senior Outstanding School Volunteer is Ann Birch.

Ann has volunteered for Gulfside Elementary School, a community partnership school, since September 2020. She volunteers an average of 16 hours a week and has contributed 1,311 volunteer hours. Ann is the lead volunteer in the community market which includes the food pantry, clothing, and school supplies. She makes sure the area is organized and welcoming to the families and staff when they need resources. She is also the team lead for the Feed Tampa Bay food delivery and grocery box distribution where she coordinates 2,800 pounds of food that is delivered every two weeks. Ann has also assisted the wellness coordinator with students receiving services like dental screenings and eye exams in the school-based health center. Ann is always welcoming and creates a great climate, ready to provide support for those in need. Gulfside Elementary School is so grateful that Ann joined their volunteer team.

Our Adult Outstanding School Volunteer is Gretchen Frapwell.

Gretchen Frapwell is the definition of a volunteer. She has been volunteering at Veterans Elementary School for five years and has logged 220 volunteer hours so far. With two children attending Veterans, she serves on the SAC committee and is a PTA member which supports 91 staff members and 675 students. The PTA recently provided recess equipment for each grade level. She is there for every school event including book fairs, school carnivals, science nights, and holiday shops. Gretchen has shown her creativity by planting a pumpkin patch in the courtyard for the teachers and students to utilize. It was a great idea for learning purposes, but also brought beauty to the school. We appreciate everything she does for Veterans Elementary School to improve the overall morale for the teachers and students.

Our Youth Outstanding School Volunteer is Avery Hoskins.

Avery is a remarkable young woman who has chosen to give back to her community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. She is a part of the school-based program between Anclote High School and Gulfside Elementary School. As a Big volunteer, she is committed to meeting with her Little for one hour on a weekly basis. Avery has been in the BBBS program since 2022 and has had more than 40 visits with her Little. The program shows the outcomes of success in providing emotional support and helping to make a difference in her Little’s life. Her time with her Little gives the child one-on-one attention that can help increase his self-esteem and confidence to be a better student. Avery is an example of how a Big should be; consistent, caring, enthusiastic, and supportive.

As you know, if a student scores a Level 1, according to Section 1008.25(5) Florida Statute, the student is at-risk for mandatory retention and would need to repeat third grade if they do not meet a good cause exemption. At the end of quarter 3 you will receive a letter to let you know your child's current status towards promotion to 4th grade. Your child may have already met a good cause exemption, may be on-track to meeting an exemption or at-risk of retention at this time.   

If you would like to know which literacy intervention resources are available at home, please click on the link below for more information.  You can also access our Literacy and Math Family Guide to learn tips and strategies to support your child at home. If your child needs additional assistance, please contact your child's teacher or school administrator to learn how you can take advantage of our Extended School Day Program.

Literacy and Math Family Guides

Intervention Resources

March is recognized as Fine Arts in Our Schools Month. During the month of March, teachers will be doing activities with their students that focus on the arts in their schools and community. Connections will be made that broaden students’ understanding of how the arts are part of history and our lives. Students may engage in specific art activities such as art displays, music performances, dance exhibitions, and theatre productions. March is a time for all our teachers and students to promote their art and share in the beauty that makes us uniquely human. The fine arts are a celebration of the creative mind, soul and spirit.

January and February have been busy months for many of our fine arts students. Leading into Fine Arts in Our Schools Month, we have three all-county music events and one art display. Our All County Secondary Chorus Day saw participation from approximately 200 students and their teachers. The clinic day culminated with a group choral performance.

Our annual All-County Middle School and High School Band event was once again a huge success. We had more than 500 students audition for a spot in one of the All-County Bands. After several days of rehearsals, the students performed magnificently at their concert.

The All-County Elementary Chorus and Orff Ensemble is one of our largest events. We have students participating from nearly every school in our County. The 4 p.m. performance was held on Saturday, February 24, at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge. This is an extremely popular event, and these young musicians fill the house. We also have our first district wide art exhibit going on now. You can see all our talented young artists in the School House Building at the Pasco County Fair.

Florida students have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Medal of Honor Day every year on March 25. This day is set aside to honor recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, who have exhibited great bravery and patriotism while serving as members of our United States Armed Forces.   

Florida statute has designated Medal of Honor Day as required instruction for all students to teach the values of courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. These values are also aligned with those taught through the Resiliency Education standards of Character, Personal Responsibility, Mentorship and Citizenship, and Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.  This instruction has been embedded in student learning throughout the school year and will have a special focus in the days leading up to Medal of Honor Day. 

VPK acceptance and placement status notifications for the 2024-2025 school year will be sent March 4 through March 13 to all families that applied during the initial application period in January 2024.

The second VPK application period for the upcoming school year will begin on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 8 a.m. Families will have an opportunity to apply for remaining VPK vacancies or for placement on a waiting list. All schools will not be listed on the application, as some have already reached their capacity and will have an extensive waiting list when considering the applications that have already been received.

Summer VPK applications will be accepted beginning Monday, April 15, 2024. Families may apply for summer enrollment if their child did not use their 2023-2024 Certificate of Eligibility during the regular academic year. A summer Certificate of Eligibility will be required from the Early Learning Coalition.

Please continue to check our website for the most recent updates, www.pascoschools.org/ecp or email us at pascovpk@pasco.k12.fl.us

Steps:

1. Apply for the VPK Certificate of Eligibility at: elcph.org
2. Pasco County Schools VPK application: pasco.k12.fl.us/ecp

The PLACE programs participated in their annual Souper Bowl event that wrapped up on February 12, 2024. During the month of February, parents and students collected and donated food items to local Pasco County food pantries. This year, PLACE donated a total of 5,257 food products to give back to those in need all across Pasco County. The schools who participated include Odessa, Trinity Oaks, Oakstead, Starkey Ranch K-8, Veterans, Pasco Elementary, Woodland, Pine View, Longleaf, San Antonio, Denham Oaks, Schrader, Double Branch, Lake Myrtle, Dr. Mary Giella, Wiregrass Elementary, Sanders Memorial, Seven Springs Elementary, and Wesley Chapel Elementary. We are proud of our programs and hope that these donations help those who need it the most! 

Just a reminder that our 10-month sites are closed the week of Spring Break. Please check with your Site Manager if you will need care at a 12-month site during this week and they can direct you how to register for your designated location.

As our partner the Florida Prepaid College Plan Board celebrates 35 years of helping Florida families save affordably for college, they have lowered Prepaid Plan monthly prices by up to 25 percent during the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period from February 1 - April 30, 2024.

The reductions will bring Prepaid Plan prices to their lowest level in 10 years, starting at just $34 per month for a 1-Year University Plan for a newborn. The monthly cost of a four-year university plan for a newborn is down to $134 – that’s a monthly savings of about $50 compared to last year.

Our Prepaid Plans are made to fit growing families:

• Risk-free: Your investment is protected by the State of Florida.
• Flexible: Use in-state or out, at public or private colleges and universities, trade, and technical schools.
• Worry-free: Cancel any time for a full refund or transfer to another family member.

To learn more, visit the Florida Prepaid website.

Early Childhood Programs, in partnership with other agencies, is excited to offer a Community Baby Shower on March 13 at Richey Elementary School from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event will be for any expectant families and those with infants up to 6 months old residing in Pasco County. Families will have the opportunity to visit with vendors, receive maternal/child health education, community resources, dinner, games and giveaways!   

Anyone pregnant or who has a baby under 6 months can register to attend.

What: Community Baby Shower 

When: Wednesday, March 13, from 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 

Where: Richey Elementary School Cafeteria, 6850 Adams St., New Port Richey, FL. 34652 

Navigating digital platforms can sometimes be a challenge, but our dedicated staff is here for you. If you have any questions or need assistance, visit the FAQ section right under the login area of your myStudent Parent Portal. Or if you need some additional help, just click the green Let's Talk link from nearly every page of the Pasco County Schools website.   

We're here for you, and your active participation is the key to a successful academic year. Let's continue this journey together, fostering learning, growth, and shared accomplishments. Thank you for being an integral part of the Pasco County Schools family. 

Here's to another month filled with educational milestones and achievements!

This month, we're thrilled to bring you insights into the enriching world of myStudent — the key to unlocking a successful educational journey. The myStudent Community Mobile App is your Parent Portal to real-time updates on your child's academic progress, attendance, and school-related communications. From your phone, PC, Mac, or tablet, always stay connected, stay informed, and actively participate in your child's learning adventure.

Enhanced Communication Channels: Explore new communication features on the free myStudent app, facilitating seamless interaction between parents, teachers, and the school community.

• Receive push notifications.
• Stay updated on school events and important dates.
• Communicate with your child's teachers in the app.
• Complete necessary forms and acknowledgements.
• Track your child's grades and academic progress.

Get myStudent on the App Store

Get myStudent on Google Play

Attention parents of current Pasco PK-12 students! Good news – your child is automatically enrolled for the upcoming school year! However, if you are New to Pasco County Schools, or your child is returning to Pasco having been enrolled before, don't worry; we've got you covered.

Start the registration process for the next academic term by visiting our enrollment web page. Follow the tailored path that suits your needs to create or access your myStudent Parent account. Get started now to ensure that your child is well-prepared for a successful start to the new school year.

Do you need assistance with enrollment? 

If you aren't sure where to start, or you need assistance with navigating the online enrollment process, we will offer our first in-person event!  On May 16, 2024 the enrollment team will be available (by appointment only) to assist you in person with all your enrollment needs. This includes support with Health Services (physicals and immunizations). If you need help, please request an appointment via our Appointment Request Form.

Plan ahead!  Please join us from 5 - 7 pm on March 13 to meet with leaders from schools throughout the county about their instructional (teaching) roles! Our school leaders are looking for dynamic educators to join their teams for the 2024-25 school year, please register for the event online! 

Did you know you are eligible to teach with just a Bachelor's degree? Inquire with one of our recruiters below for more information! 

• Kaley Aguilera, Elementary Schools- kaguiler@pasco.k12.fl.us 
• Kelly Smith, Middle & High Schools- kelsmith@pasco.k12.fl.us 
• Sabrena Torregiante, Non-Instructional Staff/District Departments- storregi@pasco.k12.fl.us 
• George Papaemanuel, Recruitment Manager- gpapaema@pasco.k12.fl.us 

Gulf High School is located at 5355 School Road, New Port Richey, FL 34652

Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams—just to name a few.

Criminals will gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly online, over the phone, and/or through the mail, or indirectly through the TV and radio. Once successful, scammers often keep a scheme going because of the prospect of significant financial gain.

Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers.

Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed. They might also be concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs. And when an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators.

With the elderly population growing in Pasco County and seniors racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually, elder fraud has remained a growing problem.

Common Elder Fraud Schemes

• Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.
• Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
• Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam where criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.
• Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
• Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”
• Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.
• TV/radio scam: Criminals target potential victims using illegitimate advertisements about legitimate services, such as reverse mortgages or credit repair.
• Family/caregiver scam: Relatives or acquaintances of the elderly victims take advantage of them or otherwise get their money.

Protect Yourself

• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
• Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.
• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
• Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
• Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.

How to Report

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

When reporting a scam—regardless of dollar amount—include as many of the following details as possible:

• Names of the scammer and/or company
• Dates of contact
• Methods of communication
• Phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, and websites used by the perpetrator
• Methods of payment
• Where you sent funds, including wire transfers and prepaid cards (provide financial institution names, account names, and account numbers)
• Descriptions of your interactions with the scammer and the instructions you were given

Whenever possible, you should keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of communications.

School Safety Department

Resources

• IC3 2022 Elder Fraud Report
• IC3 Public Service Announcement on "Phantom Hacker" Scams
• IC3 2021 Elder Fraud Report
• IC3 Elder Fraud Page
• IC3: A Warning About Technical and Customer Support Fraud
• IC3: FBI Warns of a Grandparent Fraud Scheme Using Couriers
• IC3: Perpetrators Use Various Methods to Deceive and Defraud Elderly Victims for Financial Gain
• Victim Support: Older Adult Financial Exploitation Brochure (pdf)
• Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative