Pirate Press

Pirate Families,

Sunday marks the end of daylight savings time and clocks fall back 1 hour, so enjoy the extra hour of weekend, but also don't forget to change your clocks!

This week I want to highlight the upcoming Pasco Pathways Expo, which spotlights choices and innovative programs available in our county for the 25-26 school year. This event will take place Thursday, November 14th at Cypress Creek High School from 5 to 8pm. At the Expo, you can learn about the School Choice application process. In addition, all secondary schools in the designated area will be represented, as well as select elementary schools. Pasco Middle School will be represented, and we would love to see you there! To learn more information about the schools registered for each evening and registration information, please visit pasco.k12.fl.us/expo.

Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure that our children have every opportunity to become college, career, and life ready!

Sincerely,

Ms. Gilbert

AVID students in Mrs. Mackenzie and Mrs. Mickler's classes had the opportunity to learn about and experience the differences between Halloween and Day of the Dead this week. They engaged in critical reading and writing and class discussions to strengthen their knowledge of how the holidays originated and the customs surrounding them. The culminating activity was to create an ofrenda, where students were allowed to display photos and tokens of remembrance to honor loved ones who have passed away.

Our next Field Day event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19th! For this event, students need to qualify by attaining the following criteria:

1. No referrals from 10/21-11/15

2. No F's in any classes

3. 75 PBIS points

4. No more than 5 tardies from 10/21-11/15

What can you do as a parent or loved one to help your Pirate at home? Start with reminding them to write in their planner every class, every day. What should or could they be writing?

1) What they did in class

2) What they need to do at home

3) Learning objectives or benchmarks

4) Upcoming due dates or tests

5) Extracurricular activities

6) Missing assignments

7) Supplies to organize at home

8) Reminders about speaking with a teacher

9) Grade tracking

Wondering if it's too soon to start thinking about college? While exact plans don't have to be set, it's good to have an idea of what's available and what's required to make that goal a reality. From interest inventories to financial planning, it's a good idea to know things your family can consider now...because time flies, and high school graduation will be here before you know it!

Kendall is one of our 6th grade Pirates who knows what it means to have Pirate P.R.I.D.E.!

Congratulations, Kendall!

I have been teaching at PMS for almost 2 years, but part of the Pasco schools for 8 years! I live locally with my family, which is my husband, a son and a daughter. We have 4 dogs and 1 bunny. In my spare time I enjoy riding a bike, going to the beach and traveling. I love teaching Spanish to help enhance communication skills, help them further future career opportunities, appreciate other cultures, and make those life-long social connections with friends.

My name is Michelle Vasko and I have been a teacher at Pasco Middle School for 29 years. I graduated from the University of South Florida with bachelor's degrees in art education and studio art with a concentration in painting in 1995. I received my master’s in 2008 from National-Louis University in interdisciplinary studies. I have taught art, reading, gifted, course recovery, and various ESE positions in the co-teach and support facilitation models. I believe that all students can be motivated to do remarkable things, and I love to see our former students doing just that.

I sing karaoke, line dance, Jazzercise, garden, watch many movies and cook a lot. I just learned how to make cannoli shells from scratch, homemade ricotta cheese, vegan sausage lasagna, and homemade fettuccini noodles. I am taking a cooking class this weekend and will learn how to make vegan paella, tiramisu, ratatouille, and gambas al pil pil.

My passion is exploring and doing new things. I have partaken in the Mammoth Cave Wild Tour in Kentucky, ziplined through Belize and Roatan, hiked up Stone Mountain, rode a hot air balloon over Florida, snorkeled and participated in a kava ceremony in Fiji, and was able to rappel and cave swim in Rio Secreto earlier this year. I don't let my physical limitations stop me from adventuring. I believe that if you conquer your fears, you become invincible.

Fun Facts: Kristy Kassabaum and Jessica Sjolander are my former students.

I was a student at Pasco Junior High School (a.k.a. Pasco Middle)

I have taught at Pasco Middle School the longest....which doesn't seem right 😂

Mrs. Rio - 8th grade ELA students could not say enough wonderful things about Mrs. Rio! Her lessons are always "intriguing," and she makes sure her students are truly learning and not just focused on a grade. Jacqueline raved about Mrs. Rio, "I really appreciate that Mrs. Rio gives us time and opportunities to do well on assignments. She has slips in the back of the room we can fill out to re-take or re-do assignments, and she encourages us to always perform better even if we did well the first time."

Moriah R - Moriah is really pushing herself to grow in her learning and success. She advocates for herself when she needs something, and she does an excellent job of staying on top of assignments to get them completed on time, even if she misses a day of school.

Camila O - Camila is a disciplined AVID Scholar who completes her assignments and stays on task. She is an engaged and dependable learner!

Ar'moni J - Ar'moni displays leadership and discipline by holding herself and peers accountable for their learning. She wants to make sure she is engaged in the expected tasks and is able to monitor and redirect herself when she needs to refocus.

Hector V - Hector is a responsible AVID student who completes the work assigned to him and makes an effort to check on upcoming work. He is showing organizational skills regarding his assignments.

Payton H - As an 8th grader, Payton is challenging herself in high school credit Cambridge classes for the first time and is working hard to stay on track. She enjoys being challenged and is rightfully proud of herself when her performance meets or goes above expectations!

Juan E - Juan continues to push himself to learn both language and AVID content to the best of his ability. A bilingual scholar in the making!

Students will be selected at random using the spinning wheel. This selection will take place on a weekly basis. Spinning wheel prizes include: Pirate gear, snack coupons, PBIS points (25/50/75/100), Innovation Lab with 2 friends, Pirate Treasure Box, Kona Ice or Jackpot. We had several winners this summer and are excited to continue rewarding students for positive actions!

Parents, if you would like to get a detailed report of your child's FAST tests, please contact Mrs. Kassabaum at kkassaba@pasco.k12.fl.us to request an Access Code.

Visit this site https://fl-familyportal.cambiumast.com/#/ and enter the required information for the detailed Math & Reading report.

Students may only carry and self-administer medications with required documented authorization (medical provider & parent). The medication must be brought to school with the documentation by the parent. The child will be given a copy of the authorization to carry with the medication. The prescription labeled box or note from the medical provider is also required. Students may not carry medication that is not authorized or labeled.

Medication may also be accessible for your student in the school clinic, if needed. Parent should bring the medication, prescription label or note from the medical provider and then sign the parent medication authorization form. The student would then access the clinic for the medication.

Monday, November 4th :

"P" rotation day - 1,2,3,4,5,6 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

12:45pm-1:30pm- KRAI visit with 8th graders in Auditorium

1:30pm-3:30pm- Girls Basketball Practice

1:30pm-3:30pm- Boys Soccer Practice

Tuesday, November 5th:

"A" rotation day - 2, 3, 5, 4, 6, 1 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

7:30am-8:30am- PHS visit with 8th grade Cambridge students in Auditorium

6:00pm- Home Girls Basketball Game vs. Weightman Middle

6:00pm- Away Boys Soccer Game vs. Stewart Middle @ ZHS

Wednesday, November 6th:

1:30pm-3:30pm- Girls Basketball Practice

1:30pm-3:30pm- Boys Soccer Practice

Thursday, November 7th:

"C" rotation day - 5, 6, 1, 4, 2, 3 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

1:30pm-3:30pm- Girls Basketball Practice

1:30pm-3:30pm- Boys Soccer Practice

Friday, November 8th:

"O" rotation day - 6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 5 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

1:30pm-3:30pm- Girls Basketball Practice

You can now report an absence online. The link is below and is also on our school website.

Report an absence

Fortify FL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.

CLICK HERE to submit a tip.

Students can also report a tip in their mypascoconnect dashboard using the Fortify FL icon.

Central State Glass stopped by to deliver some wonderful giveaway items for our staff! Thank you for your generosity and partnership! 👏