October 2024
Student Run Newsletter
Main Editor: Amyah Ilnicki
Designer: Leonardo Farias
Contributor(s): Amyah Ilnicki, Colleen Jakubowski, Heather Campbell, Natalia Brophy
EPEA NEWS
Congratulations to Our Honor Roll Students at EPEA!
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of 18 outstanding students who made it to the honor roll this semester! Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence have truly paid off. Each student has demonstrated perseverance and a passion for learning that inspires us all.
Keep up the great work, and let this accomplishment motivate you to continue striving for success in your studies! We are proud of you!
Voting Simulation
Voting matters, and this month our students took part in a mock election. They were introduced to voter registration, voter ID and the steps involved in the voting process.
The YES Program Progress
The Young Entrepreneurial Students (YES) program is a lively space where young people come together to share and develop their creative business ideas. When students gather around the YES program table, the energy is high, filled with excited conversations and sharing.
These students are not just learning about starting businesses; they are actually doing it. Each student brings their own unique ideas and experiences, which helps create a rich mix of concepts. Some are thinking about products that solve everyday problems, while others are looking at ways to help their communities through business.
Red Ribbon Week Activities
We are excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a time dedicated to promoting drug awareness and healthy choices, with a variety of fun activities and dress-up days! This week-long celebration brings our school community together to raise awareness about the importance of staying drug-free and making positive lifestyle choices.
Each day of Red Ribbon Week has a special theme, encouraging students and staff to express their commitment to a drug-free life through creative outfits.
Professional Development
Our teachers are committed to continuous improvement and actively participate in professional development activities to enhance their skills and teaching methods. This month, they had the opportunity to engage in an exciting Kagan activity, facilitated by Ms. Spinney.
During the session, teachers explored innovative strategies for cooperative learning that can be implemented in their classrooms. The Kagan approach emphasizes teamwork and student engagement, encouraging teachers to use structured group activities that promote collaboration and critical thinking.
Ms. Spinney led the teachers through various interactive exercises that demonstrated how to create an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Boss' Day
This month we celebrated Boss’s Day. to our fearless leaders! We express gratitude for all the hard work and dedication Ms Carrino and Ms Mitch put into supporting the teachers, staff, and students. Their leadership inspires everyone every day, and the community is incredibly thankful for their guidance and vision. These leaders create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best. Their unwavering support helps the staff overcome challenges and strive for excellence in everything they do. The staff appreciates the way they lead with compassion and integrity, always prioritizing the well-being of the school community. Thank you for being the driving force behind success and for always encouraging everyone to reach their full potential. Here’s to these amazing leaders on Boss’s Day! Their hard work truly makes a difference, and the community is grateful to have them at the helm!
STUDENT'S CORNER
Red Ribbon Week
By Amyah Ilnicki
October is a spooky month, but what's even spookier? Drugs. Thankfully, every October, schools across the country celebrate Red Ribbon Week to raise awareness about drugs and drug-related deaths. Red Ribbon Week began after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who, in 1985, was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki's sacrifice. Every year, schools across the nation dedicate a week to promote drug prevention and awareness. Students are encouraged to wear a red ribbon to show their opposition to drugs and to participate in drug prevention activities. Wearing red ribbons during October represents our pledge to live drug-free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs. Schools also introduce daily themes, such as "Wear Red Day," "Put a Cap on Drugs (Hat Day)," and "Team Up Against Drugs (Wear Sports Jerseys)." These themed days make participation fun and engaging for students while promoting a consistent anti-drug message. Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your community and raise awareness for living a drug-free life.
STAFF CORNER
HEALTH COLUMN: How Marijuana Affects a Teenager’s Body
How Marijuana Affects a Teenager’s Body
Marijuana is a drug that some people use, but it can be really harmful, especially for teenagers.
Here’s what happens when teens use marijuana:
Brain and Thinking
Your brain is still growing until you’re about 25 years old. Using marijuana can mess with this growth. It can make it harder to remember things, pay attention in class, and learn new stuff. Imagine trying to do your homework but feeling really foggy and forgetful—that’s what marijuana can do to your brain.
Breathing and Lungs
If you smoke marijuana, it can hurt your lungs just like smoking cigarettes. This can make it hard to breathe and cause coughing and other lung problems. Think about how hard it is to run and play when you have a bad cough—that’s what it can feel like.
Mood and Feelings
Marijuana can also change how you feel. It might make you feel really sad or anxious, and sometimes it can even make you see or hear things that aren’t there. It’s like when you have a bad dream and wake up feeling scared, but this can happen while you’re awake.
School and Friends
Using marijuana can make it tough to do well in school. You might find it harder to concentrate and get good grades. It can also affect your relationships with friends and family because it can change how you act and make you less interested in things you used to enjoy.
Addiction
Some teens who use marijuana can get addicted, which means they feel like they need to use it all the time. This can make it really hard to stop, even if they want to.
It’s important to make healthy choices and stay away from drugs like marijuana. If you or someone you know is having trouble with marijuana, there are people who can help, like school counselors and teachers.
College/Career Newsletter
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ABC/TLC Program
Contact Information
School address - 35830 County Road 52 Dade City, FL 33525
Phone Number - 352-524-5700
Fax Number - 352-524-5791
Principal - Shelley Carrino E-mail - scarrino@pasco.k12.fl.us
Assistant Principal - Jessica Mitch E-mail - jeawilli@pasco.k12.fl.us
School Counselors - Sherri Harris E-mail - ssharris@pasco.k12.fl.us & TBA
Career Counselor - Natalia Brophy E-mail - nbrophy@pasco.k12.fl.us
Behavior Specialists - Jose Olmo (Dr. J) E-mail - jolmo@pasco.k12.fl.us and Travis Wisdom (SBP) E-mail twisdom@pasco.k12.fl.us
Social Worker - Michael Brooks E-mail - mlbrooks@pasco.k12.fl.us
Social Services Coordinator (Attendance) - Leslie Cinnante E-mail - lcinnant@pasco.k12.fl.us