January 2025 Family and Community Newsletter

The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application window is open Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8 a.m., through Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

During the controlled open enrollment window, the school choice application is available for parents via the myStudent parent portal.

This application window is for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, James M. Marlowe STEAM Magnet Elementary School, Centennial STEAM Magnet Elementary School, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Kirkland Ranch K-8, Skybrooke K-8, Angeline Academy of Innovation, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Programme and Career Pathways.* Please note that some schools, grade levels, and programs have extremely limited seats available.

*This does NOT include new to Pasco VPK students. For all VPK enrollments, visit the VPK webpage.

Mark your calendar with the following important dates:

• Pasco Pathways Application Window - January 8, 2025 to January 21, 2025
• Notification and Acceptance Window - March 3, 2025 to March 12, 2025

The programs and schools listed for each application window can be found on our Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice web page.

Pasco County Schools is engaging in a K-12 science adoption process for science instructional materials to be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year. The resources have been narrowed and schools will spend the month of January and February trying the resources within the classroom and voting on the resource they recommend to move forward for school board approval. We are seeking parent and community input. Please visit our current adoption page where you will find the narrowed resources and digital access login information. Additionally, you will find an input form to provide your feedback by February 19.

We also invite you to attend a virtual adoption event. The virtual Science Vendor Night will take place on February 4, from 5 p.m., to 7:30 p.m., where you'll get vendor overviews of their resources. Please RSVP to attend either event.

Pasco County Schools is committed to building Digital Literacy in all students. Pasco County provides students in grades 3-8 the opportunity to interact with digital tools, content, and assessments. Through this initiative, students can earn micro credentials, recognizing their proficiency in various digital literacy skills. This program not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them for a digitally driven future. 

What is Digital Literacy? Digital literacy involves the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using a range of digital technologies. It encompasses skills such as understanding how to use digital tools, recognizing credible sources, and engaging safely and responsibly online. 

Why is Digital Literacy Important? In today's digital age, digital literacy is essential for everyone. It empowers students to become informed citizens, enhances their academic performance, and prepares them for future careers. For parents and community members, digital literacy helps in understanding the digital world that children are growing up in, ensuring they can support and guide them effectively.

How to Enhance Your Own Digital Literacy:

• Stay Curious: Explore new digital tools and platforms.
• Learn Continuously: Take advantage of online courses and tutorials.
• Practice Critical Thinking: Evaluate the credibility of online information.
• Engage Safely: Understand privacy settings and safe online practices.

Examples of Digital Literacy Concepts:

• Online Research: Finding and evaluating credible sources.
• Digital Communication: Using email, social media, and other platforms effectively.
• Cybersecurity: Understanding how to protect personal information online.
• Digital Creation: Creating content such as blogs, videos, and presentations.

Let's work together to build a community of digitally literate individuals, ready to thrive in the modern world! For more information about Digital Literacy and Digital Tools, contact Taylor Constantino at taconsta@pasco.k12.fl.us.

FEMA is accepting applications for the National Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) until March 3. The YPCprogram brings teens interested and engaged in community preparedness together from across the nation.

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

During their one-year term, council members collaborate virtually to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members also engage with leaders within FEMA, the federal government and national non-profit organizations.

Jiaming Zhang, 2024-2025 YPC member and Team Lead of his project group, appreciates the impact of his time on the YPC.

“Being a part of YPC has been an enriching experience, but what I've enjoyed most is the opportunity to collaborate with [others] who share a commitment to community service and disaster preparedness. Engaging with FEMA officials allowed me to gain valuable insights into their expectations, priorities and suggestions for project planning,” said Zhang. “Having the chance to ask questions and receive guidance directly from seasoned experts was incredibly beneficial and has undoubtedly enhanced my understanding of effective project management in the realm of emergency preparedness.”

Teens interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than March 3. New council members will be announced by June 2025.

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Council visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.

It's time to make sure you're prepared! The best way to stay informed with your child's progress and communicate with teachers is to have a parent portal. Having a parent portal allows you to see your child's progress reports, report cards, attendance, and schedules. It also allows you to have direct communication with one or all teachers. The information below will guide you with the process.

To stay informed about your student's progress, it's crucial for parents to have their own portal and log in regularly. 

I don't have a parent portal, but need to create one: 

Use this link for step by step instructions. 

I have a portal, but need to be linked to my student: 

Use this link for step by step instructions.

I need to communicate with my student's teachers: 

Communication for Parents Video

Communication for Parents

You can also access your Parent Portal on your electronic device by downloading the myStudent app. When using the app, ensure you allow push notifications. Dwnload the apps from the App Store or Google Play.

Navigate the Pasco parent page  for information and resources to support student academics, student support services, important parent information, and community partner resources.

Within the "Navigating High School" and "Navigating Middle School" pages, you will have access to informational videos by grade level to support in planning for each student's transition into that grade level. Check out the videos directly at the links below.

Navigating Middle School

Navigating High School

The following services are offered on the Mobile Dental Van: 

• Cleanings 
• Fluoride treatments 
• Sealants 

The dental health services are provided to KG through 5th-grade students. If you would like your student to be seen, please complete the Premier Dental Mach Form. Upon completion of the Mach form, Premier will send you a consent form for dental services which will enable your student to be seen on the dental bus. Complete the Mach form and the electronic consent as soon as possible so your student can be scheduled for this important health service. Students must have a completed consent form to be seen on the Premier Dental Van. Paper consent will be available in your student's school clinic if needed. View the mobile dental van schedule.  

All students may be seen regardless of insurance status and in accordance with their insurance plans. For more information call Mobile Manager at 352-518-2000 ext. 9753.

Each year, the District School Board of Pasco County hosts the Pasco Science and Engineering Showcase. This science fair event is a deeply enriching experience for every student, regardless of prior experience. Through the scientific research process, students take ownership of their interests, explore pressing issues and problems that our world faces every day, and stretch their creativity in an attempt to design and implement powerful solutions. Several of these young men and women advance to state and national competitions and many ultimately pursue careers in specialized scientific and engineering fields. This year's theme for the Pasco Science and Engineering Showcase will continue to highlight the amazing work of our own Pasco County students. Our students are tackling real world challenges every day.

The 2024-2025 Pasco Science and Engineering Showcase event will be held on February 8, 2025 (NOTE DATE CHANGE) at Angeline Academy of Innovation. Both the elementary and secondary fairs will occur on the same day. The invite-only awards ceremony will be at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge High School on Friday evening (February 21, 2025) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (NOTE DATE & LOCATION CHANGE).

Please visit our Science and Engineering Showcase page for more information.

Eligibility for New Worlds Reading is as follows:

1. Students in VPK-Grade 2 scoring below the 40th percentile on FAST Star Early Literacy/Reading;  
2. Students in Grades 3-5 scoring below Level 3; and  
3. Students in Grades K-5 receiving Tier 2 or Tier 3 Reading Intervention Support (as reported by districts in Survey 2 and Survey 3).  

To see if your child qualifies, please reach out to their classroom teacher and fill out the application.

Celebrate Literacy Week is January 27 through January 31, 2025! The theme is Building Literacy: Constructing the Foundation for Success.

With this theme in mind, we are encouraging schools to participate in reading books related to workforce education (e.g., architecture, construction, engineering) in an effort to connect Governor DeSantis’ "Get There" workforce education initiative. Be on the lookout for how your child's school will celebrate the week with some fun activities and accompanying Beanstack Challenges!

Even with the holiday season behind us, online shopping remains one of the primary methods people are purchasing goods and services for their everyday needs. From clothes to appliances and even groceries, almost anything can be purchased online and many of us are doing just that. 95% of Americans have reported shopping online at least yearly. As we continue to shift toward this trend, the amount of fraud and/or identity theft incidences is increasing. In 2023 the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received a record number of complaints from the American public: 880,418 complaints were registered, with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. In fact, one (1) U.S. citizen falls victim to identity theft every three seconds.

Here are 5 tips to protect yourself while online shopping:

1. Shop from secure websites only

When you visit a website, the URL should begin with “https” instead of “http.” A secure website is encrypted, allowing you to complete a purchase and enter your personal and credit card information without being hacked.

2. Create a unique username and password for each account you have

Most online retailers allow you to create an account on their website. This way your personal information and credit card number are stored in their system. Many users create an account to see their order status, and order history and make reordering items easier. However, for each account you have, be sure to use a unique username and password. Think about this: if you have five accounts for five different retailers, but you use the same username/password for each, as soon as a hacker cracks your login, they now have access to every account in which you use that login.

3. Never provide your social security number

Plain and simple: online retailers do not need your social security number to complete a transaction.

4. Never click on links or images within a promotional email

This one is a bit trickier. Let’s say you receive an email from your favorite online retailer and they’re offering 50% off the entire website. However, before you click on that image or link in the email, it’s best to go directly to your web browser and type in their website URL. This way you guarantee you are visiting their secure site. Many hackers use phishing scams where they create fake emails and websites to attract consumers and steal their information.

5. Monitor your credit card activity and statements

Be proactive. Check your credit card activity every day and review your statements in-depth. Request to receive alerts for total purchases over a certain amount, such as $500, within a billing period. This way, if a hacker uses your card for multiple smaller purchases instead of one large purchase, you’ll be notified.

Safety and Security Department