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Land O' Lakes High Gator Gazette
May 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the end of the school year, a crucial testing period is just getting started. The final days are dedicated to various exams, including FAST English, BEST standards for math, social studies, and science, as well as AP, IB, and Cambridge assessments, and Pasco's District Finals. It's essential for students to attend and give their full effort, as these tests impact graduation, college credits, and final grades.
Preparations for the next school year are underway. We're hiring staff and finalizing course offerings, so please inform us promptly if your student's class selections need adjustments. Parking applications for 2024-2025 will soon be available, with priority for the Class of 2025. Students must complete the Safe Behind the Wheel course before applying for a parking tag, meeting academic criteria and clearing any financial obligations.
Thank you for your continued support. Have a wonderful summer!
Best regards,
Ric Mellin - Principal
During the month of May, students may redeem their PBIS points at our Swamp Store by placing an order online using the QR code. Orders will be delivered at the end of the week every Friday through May during 5th or 6th period. Picking up an order is also an option. All orders must be submitted by 9:00 am on Friday to be delivered the same day. Our last delivery date will be on the last day of school, May 24.
US 41 Intersection & Gator Lane Road Project
As you are aware, Pasco Schools, along with coordinating county and state agencies, are involved in a construction project for Gator Lane and the intersection of US 41 to alleviate traffic issues. Upon completion of the project, there will be dedicated left turn, straight, and right turn lanes for exiting traffic, which will facilitate the flow of vehicles leaving the school and the district’s office complex.
The coordinating agencies have tentatively scheduled completion for August 2024.
Textbook Returns
All library books are due by May 13, 2024. Textbooks checked out are to be returned before the last day of school, May 24, 2024. Students can come before school, during lunches, or after school to check their library accounts. Any lost or damaged books can be paid for in the Media Center. Senior accounts need to be cleared before the Senior Breakfast on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Students with overdue books remaining on their account will not be able to check out books for the 2024-25 school year until account is in good standing.
2-D Art
Students that take art gain critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression skills. Through time in the studio, they deepen their understanding of artistic techniques and materials. These course fosters experimentation, encouraging students to explore their unique artistic voices. By articulating their intentions and engaging in dialogue, students prepare for future academic and professional endeavors in the arts and beyond. At the highest level, AP Art can empower students to use art as a tool for personal growth and social change.
Yearbooks are in! This year, we considerably increased the number of books we purchased from last year. Incredibly, we had a lot more students purchase books than we expected, even after we submitted our final count to the publisher. That means we will have a VERY LIMITED supply to sell if you did not pre-order yours. This year, we've sold the most books ever, and we cannot wait for you all to see them!
Distribution will take place during the week of May 6th, during lunch hours in room 522, for students who have PRE-ORDERED.
If there are extra yearbooks, they will be sold on Wednesday, May 8th, to seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $85. If any are left after Wednesday, we will offer them to all other students.
Of special note: We do have a limited number of books from LAST YEAR available for sale at $85 each as well. These are books that were either duplicate purchases or refunded for one reason or another. If interested, please email Ms. LaBarbara at llabarba@pasco.k12.fl.us.
Remember, yearbooks go on sale each year mid-July on RYCOR. So, make sure to order yours early to get the best price!
Attention Class of 2025! It is never too early to take your senior pictures for next year! Contact Gigante to schedule your appointment for this summer, starting as early as May 7th. You will need to take your photo (both a formal and casual pose) for the yearbook. We do not accept submissions from other photographers for the yearbook. You have until December 7th to get your photos taken to be included in the book. Do not wait until the last minute, as they book up quickly and may not be able to accommodate you. (Scan the QR code or visit their website https://www.giganteproductions.com/senior-packages-samples to get started.)
Class of '25 College Application Prep
During the month of May, Ms. Colon will be hosting four Lunch and Learn sessions for current 11th graders who will be applying to college in the fall. Students are encouraged to bring their lunch to the College & Career Lab to participate in discussions covering important topics such as "Preparing for the Application," "Crafting the Essay," and "Understanding Transcripts and SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Record)." These sessions aim to provide valuable guidance and insights to help students navigate the college application process successfully.
Accessing Your Child’s State Test Scores
After your child has taken state assessments, you can access the results through the Pasco Parent Portal. Log in by going to http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/parents. Scroll down to School/Classroom Resources and click on myStudent. Log into the system.
- To access basic information, click on your child’s picture/first name on the left-hand side of the screen. Then choose Test History. A list of tests will appear. To view the results of a test, click on the light gray arrow to the right of the name of the test. Your child's testing information will appear.
- To access an Individual Score Report (if available), click on Portal at the top of the left-hand navigation column. In the middle of the page, under your child’s name, you will see several tabs and an icon that says Florida Statewide Assessments. When you click on this icon, you will be taken to the Florida Statewide Assessments Family Portal icon. From here, you will be able to download Individual Score Reports. Using the drop-down at the top, you can access previous years' score reports.
Tech Expo
A group of LOLHS students attended Pasco Schools annual event “Beyond: Career and Tech Expo” where they were able to practice their communication and interviewing skills with over 30 different employers and attended break-out sessions on resume writing and budgeting/finances. What a great learning experience for them “Beyond” the classroom!
Forensic Science Class
Have you ever wondered what it takes to solve a crime, analyze evidence, and uncover the truth? Students are embarking on this exciting journey through our forensic science class. Led by a passionate instructor, Ms. Gordon, the class offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the science behind criminal investigations. From analyzing fingerprints to studying blood spatter patterns, students learn how to apply scientific principles and techniques to solve mysteries and uncover evidence.
Commissioner's Academic Challenge
Congratulations to the 6 Land O’ Lakes IB students, Saptashwa Banerjee, Pravar Chapagain, Lief Frazier, Aditya Nair, Ryan O'Connor, and Sunaina Patel, who competed in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge this past April. They went to the semifinals in this competition with Academic Challenge Teams from across the state of Florida.
Signing Day Event
On May 1st as we are gathering to celebrate the exceptional achievements of ten outstanding athletes during our Signing Day event! These seniors have showcased their dedication, talent, and relentless drive, earning themselves spots in collegiate athletic programs across the nation. Their accomplishments speak volumes about their commitment to excellence. Our shining stars include:
Soccer:
- Isabella Gesmondi - University of South Carolina Aiken
- Wesley Craven - Valdosta State University
- Eve Garrett - Harding University
Cross Country/Track:
- Aileen Castillo - Ohio Dominican University
Softball:
- Kiersten Stevens - Jacksonville University
- Lauryn Christian - Hillsborough Community College
Baseball:
- Austin McCormack - Savannah State
- Gavin Jusino - Savannah State
- Ryan Chase - Santa Fe College
- Nate Betancourt - Montreat College
Their journey to this moment has been filled with countless hours of hard work, and we couldn't be prouder to see them soar to new heights. We wish them continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their athletic careers.
National Honor Society Induction
We are thrilled to celebrate the induction of our students into the prestigious National Honor Society. They have demonstrated outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character, embodying the pillars upon which NHS stands.
Congratulations to Nicholas Fernandez and Cody Nguyen, the Boys Tennis Number 1 Doubles team, on advancing to States! They will be competing in Altamonte Springs from May 1st to May 3rd. Let's all wish them the best of luck!
Softball Award - Makenna Bellaire
Congratulations to Makenna Bellaire on an incredible achievement! We are thrilled to announce that Makenna has been named the FACA District 10 Softball Player of the Year! Dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent have set her apart. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the positive impact she's had on our team.
Sunshine State Scholar
Gates Scholarship
Brooke Carpio was recently named a winner of the prestigious Gates Scholarship. The scholarship, which is awarded to only a few hundred students nationally, awards exceptional students with funding that covers the full cost of tuition and fees at universities across the country.
Earth Day
Last Saturday, members of our Environmental Club made a significant impact in the community at the Pasco Earth Day Celebration held at Crews Lake Park in Shady Hills. They showcased their commitment to environmental stewardship through a successful plant sale and even organized a delightful ladybug release. It was an inspiring display of their passion for global conservation efforts.
Anne Frank Humanitarian Award
Ryan O'Connor was recognized by the Florida Holocaust Museum as the Land O' Lakes High School recipient of the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award. The award honors outstanding humanitarian efforts by high school juniors in public and private schools in the Tampa Bay area. Ryan developed an amazing program in our community to work with young people with various disabilities and challenges. The program, Tennis Starts With Love, is an adaptive tennis program that enables children with limitations to improve their dexterity, coordination, and confidence while socializing with other young people in a safe environment.
Travel Hockey Team Championship
Congratulations to 5 Land O’ Lakes students, Troy Bryan, Jason Abdullah, Colby Taylor, Gavin Hood and Tristan Hilliard, who all play together not only on the High School Varsity Team for Land O Lakes, but also for the U16AA Tampa Bay Crunch Travel Team. Their travel team recently won the FL State Championship in March, and, in April, they traveled to Dallas, TX for the National Championship. They played Alaska, Connecticut, Maryland, Nashville, and Seattle and went undefeated. The team won the National Championship!
Girl Scout Gold Award - Phoebe Ancer
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Phoebe Ancer for her outstanding achievement in being awarded the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award! This incredible accomplishment is a testament to Phoebe's dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Watch a local news story here.
Teacher of the Month - Ms. Kim Redgrave
Ms. Redgrave is a wonderful addition to the ESE staff. She works hard to help her students succeed and she uses her many years of experience to offer support and advice in classroom management. Ms. Redgrave joined our school in January with a tremendous amount of experience. She has quickly demonstrated her ability to connect with students and support teachers. She has been easily recognized as encouraging many positive transformations in classrooms, setting high expectations, and creating and implementing plans that improve student learning. Kim even supports the school community with extra events such as proctoring for Saturday testing and selling tickets for lacrosse. She goes up and beyond every day and we are so fortunate to have Kim as a teacher and school leader.
Staff of the Month - Ms. Alissa Canter
Alissa Canter is a pivotal figure in our student services office, where she manages a constant flow of students, parents, and staff with remarkable ease. Her demeanor is consistently kind, and she handles every task with a composed grace that is both admirable and reassuring. Handling the hustle and bustle of daily activities, Ms. Canter's presence brings a sense of calm and efficiency to our office environment. She embodies the spirit of kindness and competence, making her an indispensable member of our team.
Girls Volleyball
Summer Skill Sessions will begin this summer and are open to all current and incoming Land O' Lakes High School girls. Sessions will give each player the opportunity to learn the Gator style and best prepare for tryouts. All attendees must have a completed athletic packet, which includes the sports physical EL2 and additional sport forms El3, waiver.
Start Date: June 10th
Days: Every Monday and Wednesday
Time: 8:30am – 11:30am
Location: Land O Lakes HS Gym
Contact Coach Emily Frazer if you have any questions. Efrazer@pasco.k12.fl.us
Spring Football Game🏈
Get ready for an evening of excitement as LOLHS takes on Gulf HS in our Spring Football Game! Join us on Thursday, May 23rd at 7:00 PM right here at LOLHS. Let's pack the stands and cheer on our team to victory!
As we reflect on another remarkable school year, we are filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support of our parents, guardians, and the broader community. Since our founding in 1975, LOLHS has stood as a beacon of pride, and it's your continued support that helps us maintain that legacy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has played a role in supporting our school throughout the year. Your contributions, whether big or small, make a significant difference in the lives of our students and staff.
In particular, we want to express our gratitude to those who generously contributed to the success of our recent Staff Appreciation Week. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, every member of our staff received a gift card, and their smiles spoke volumes about how much they appreciated the gesture.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to humbly serving our students and nurturing an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your continued support makes this mission possible, and for that, we are truly grateful.
Land O' Lakes High School
Website: lolhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Location: 20325 Gator Lane, Land O' Lakes, FL, USA
Phone: 813-794-9400
Twitter: @lolhsprincipal