Land O' Lakes High Gator Gazette

With just a few weeks left in the first semester, it is time to ensure your student completes all of their school responsibilities. Check myStudent for the most up-to-date information on attendance and grades. All inquires regards grades should go directly to the teacher. Final grades for the first semester are posted on myStudent January 17.

If your student failed Math, English, Science or History for Quarter 1, or if they are currently failing one of those subjects, standards-based recovery is an option after school. This would allow your student to complete work in order to improve their grade. This opportunity is assigned by the teacher, so please reach out to your student’s teacher for more details. The staff email directory is here.

Adjustments to the school year calendar have been made because of the two hurricanes that effected our area. The Winter Break is from December 23 - January 3. School resumes for all students on January 6. Additionally, January 10 is the last day of the first semester, and January 13 is a Teacher Planning Day. You can assess the school calendar here.

Ensure your student’s attire complies with the Pasco Schools rules for dress and appearance. You can access the entire Pasco Schools Code of Student Conduct here. The rules for dress and appearance start on page 27.

Happy Holidays from everyone at the school. We hope you prosper through 2025.

Ric Mellin - Principal

Monday, December 2 at 7:06 AM

Location: Media

BEST Geometry EOC

Tuesday, December 3 at 7:06 AM

Locations: Lower Café and Media

BEST Algebra 1 EOC

Wednesday, December 4 at 7:06 AM

Locations: Lower Café and Media

BEST Algebra 1 EOC

Thursday, December 5 at 7:06 AM

Locations: Lower Café and Media

FAST Reading Retakes (juniors and seniors)

Friday, December 6 at 7:06 AM

Locations: Lower Café and Media

FAST Reading Retakes (juniors and seniors)

Monday, December 9 at 7:06 AM

Location: Media

US History EOC

Tuesday, December 10 at 7:06 AM

Location: To Be Determined

Make-Up BEST Algebra 1 EOC

Wednesday, December 11 at 7:06 AM

Location: To be Determined

Make-Up FAST Reading Retakes (juniors and seniors)

Thursday, December 12 at 7:06 AM

Locations: Lower Café and Media

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE) or students who need a retake or took the course online.

Friday, December 13- No testing Planned

Monday, December 16 during 3rd period

Location: Media

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2 for students who are taking English online.

Tuesday, December 17

Period 3 alternative bell schedule

Location: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Tuesday, December 17

Period 4 alternative bell schedule

Location: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Wednesday, December 18

Period 2 alternative bell schedule

Location: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Wednesday, December 18

Period 5 alternative bell schedule

Locations: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Thursday, December 19

Period 1 alternative bell schedule

Location: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Thursday, December 19

Period 6 alternative bell schedule

Locations: varies

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses

Gr 9/10 FAST Reading PM 2

Florida Civics Literacy Exam (FCLE)

District Finals for Semester Classes

Friday, December 20

Location: Media

Make-up for District Finals

NWEA Algebra 1 and/or Geometry courses, window closes on Friday, December 20.

Make-Up FCLE, window closes on Friday, December 20.

Each year we give our staff and community members the opportunity to sponsor a student for the holidays. Students are identified through a referral based on their needs. We then reach out to these students and let them know they’ve been selected for this special activity, and have them complete a wish list of items they want and need.

The students are assigned a number to keep their identity confidential. Their sponsor then receives the student's wish list. Sponsorship can be split between multiple sponsors too. Wrapped gifts should be brought to the College & Career Lab in room 501 by Monday morning, December 16.

Gifts are distributed to the students during the last week before winter break.

Please contact Stephanie Colon, College & Career Specialist, if you’d like to be a part of this special initiative. She can be reached at sfraneco@pasco.k12.fl.us.

1. Semester 1 Grades: Semester 1 grades will be posted in January. It's crucial that seniors are passing their current classes. ALL students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to graduate! As we approach the final month of the second quarter, please be sure to check your student’s grades and encourage them to turn in any missing assignments.
2. GRAD Plans: Ms. Garcia has met with every senior to review their individual GRAD plan. This important document shows if they are on track for graduation. Please ask your child to share their plan with you, as it will highlight any unmet requirements.
3. Testing Requirements: If your senior has not yet met the testing requirements for graduation, time is running out! Students must pass the 10th grade ELA test and the Algebra 1 EOC exam to graduate. Those who haven't passed have been given ongoing opportunities to meet these requirements. We are offering study sessions, boot camps, and study guides to all students still needing to pass these tests. There are several opportunities in December for seniors to earn their concordant score:
• Saturday, Dec 7: CLT will be offered at LOLHS.
• ELA Retakes: Thursday, Dec 5 and Friday, Dec 6 at 7:06 am. Eligible students have been emailed.
• Algebra 1 Test: Tuesday, Dec 3 at 7:06 am. Eligible students have been emailed.
4. Cap and Gown Orders: All cap and gown orders must be placed by Feb 1, 2025. Orders can be made through the Herff Jones website. If you purchase a graduation package that includes a cap and gown, the walking fee is also included. On the order form, Line 41 covers both the cap and gown as well as the walking fee for this year. The walking fee includes the cap and gown, diploma, diploma cover, a medallion given at graduation, and the use of the Yuengling Center. All students must purchase a new gown this year, as the students have designed a new gown that will be unveiled at graduation. Gowns from previous years cannot be borrowed. For questions about cap and gown orders, announcements, or tassels, please contact Herff Jones directly.

Class of 2025 Dates

Grad Bash April 5, 2025

Prom April 26, 2025

Graduation June 5, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Please reach out to Mrs. Wall, senior class assistant principal if you have any questions. hwall@pasco.k12.fl.us

The start of a new semester and new year is a wonderful time to send in all unused LOLHS textbooks. If you have finished a class, dropped a class, or have re-discovered an old textbook, please return it to the Media Center. This will provide future students with the necessary materials for their upcoming classes. Students can come to the Media Center before school, during lunches and after school to check their library accounts. Textbooks checked out for the 2024-25 yearlong classes are to be returned by the last week of school.

This month our Resiliency focus is on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Critical thinking means gathering information to think through and determine the best solution to simple or complex issues. Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to simple or complex problems. Students should understand the importance of character and the need for grit to achieve successful outcomes. As educators and parents, we must partner together to help teens learn to solve problems and resolve conflict on their own as well as learn strategies to avoid or de-escalate conflicts when they are facing those tough situations.

Here is a link from the Florida Department of Education with Resiliency and Mental Health Resources.

https://www.fldoe.org/mental-health/

Yearbook

DEADLINE APPROACHING - Senior photos!!!

Senior photos that go in the yearbook MUST be taken at the Gigante Productions studio in order to make the yearbook. There is a $29 sitting fee that includes items for the formal pose and a casual pose in clothing that meets the school's dress code. There is no obligation to buy these photos, but you will be able to choose both a formal and casual photo for the yearbook as both pictures are included in our book. The deadline for senior pictures to make the yearbook is December 7, 2024.

Contact Gigante by phone (813-907-1078) if you are unable to schedule an appointment online now before they fill up. https://www.giganteproductions.com/senior-sessions

Yearbooks are now on sale through RYCOR for $75. Prices will go up one more time on March 1, 2025 for the last chance sale. Buy yours early to get the best price. You can also purchase a yearbook through the Walsworth Yearbook website where you can order plastic book covers, book stamping, or itags for your student. See www.yearbookforever.com to order.

Senior tribute ad space is SOLD OUT. We exceeded the ad space we have and do not have anymore space available.

Swamp Talk News Show

Stay informed by subscribing to our Swamp Talk news show on YouTube. New episodes drop each Wednesday and Friday with additional special content as well. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/@LOLHSSwampTalk/featured

There are several financial aid and scholarship opportunities for current seniors. It’s strongly recommended that students check their email regularly as opportunities will be sent via email.

Here are a few important applications for current college-bound seniors:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support

Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA): This single application is for 14 state scholarships and grants including Bright Futures, Jose Marti Scholarship, Florida Student Assistant Grant, and more! Read more about the scholarships and apply here: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome?url=home

Pasco Education Foundation Scholarships: One single application just for Pasco County graduating seniors! This application is open from December 1st – January 31st. See the LOLHS specific scholarships and apply here: https://www.pascoeducationfoundation.org/students/

There are still spots open for the FL College Tour for current 11th and 12th graders, but you need to act now to register.
For this tour we will be taking 3 days (January 29 – 31) to visit and tour 10 universities across the state. All meals, transportation, tours, activities, and supervision are included in the price. Email Mrs. Colon with questions: sfraneco@pasco.k12.fl.us or Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/tnk8N6eB6H

Mrs. Stephanie Colón
College & Career Specialist
LOLHS College & Career Lab, Room 501

Twitter: @LOLHS_CRC
Facebook: LOLHS College & Career
Instagram: lolhs.college.career

Generous donors to the Pasco Education Foundation help make these scholarships possible for students. A committee of application reviewers award scholarships to graduating seniors in Pasco County Public Schools who have applied and met certain criteria through a competitive process.

Scholarship applications for the Class of 2025 now open. Click here to begin application.

Scholarship applications open December 1, 2024 and close January 31, 2025

The NHS recently helped out a lot by giving over 400 items to a local food pantry. They donated things like canned foods, dry goods, and personal care items to help families who need it. This big donation shows how much the NHS cares about the community. The local food pantry was very thankful and said these items will help many families get the food and supplies they need. This kind act shows how important it is for everyone to work together to help those in need.

The Hope Ambassador Club is conducting a donation box of personal items for migrant workers for the upcoming holiday season. These items will help migrant workers who move around often to find work. In Florida, these are the migrants working the strawberry harvest. The organization is with HCPS Migrant Education Program Hope Boxes. Boxes to drop off items can be found in room 311 and near Corporal’s Office in the commons. The last day for donation drops off will be Wednesday, December 11th .The image shown lists what is needed. Thank you for your generosity.

As the holiday season approaches and you embark on your shopping trips, we kindly ask all parents to keep our school's dress code in mind when selecting outfits for their students. Ensuring that they adhere to the dress code helps maintain a respectful and focused learning environment for everyone. Please refer to the graphic below as a helpful reminder of our dress code guidelines.

Here are a few specific examples to keep in mind:

Tops: Shirts should cover the midriff. Crop tops are not permitted.

Bottoms: Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be of an appropriate length, reaching at least mid-thigh. Avoid overly tight or revealing clothing. Pajama pants are not acceptable.

Footwear: Closed-toe shoes should be worn for safety reasons. Slippers are not allowed.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our school a great place for all students to be successful.

We are thrilled to announce that Grant Sallengs has been named the Class of 2025 Outstanding Senior at Land O' Lakes High School! Grant has excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. He has a strong GPA, has volunteered extensively in the community, and has been a key member of the golf, tennis, and basketball teams. This year, he was also crowned Homecoming King! Grant has shown exceptional leadership as the captain of the golf and basketball teams and as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has earned awards in both golf and tennis and plans to attend college after high school. We are incredibly proud of Grant and look forward to seeing all the great things he will achieve in the future. Congratulations, Grant!

As our season comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible support and energy that you, the heart and soul of this great community, have provided us throughout the year. Whether you were in the stands at home games or traveling with us to away games, your unwavering enthusiasm and passion were a constant source of motivation for our team.

One of my goals this season has been to make Friday nights at our stadium a special experience—not just for the football players, but for the band members, students, families, and the entire Land O' Lakes community. The atmosphere at our home games has been a testament to that effort. From the incredible sounds of our marching band to the cheers and excitement from our fans, it’s clear that Gator Nation is something truly special. The energy you bring each week makes our stadium a place where memories are made, and we are grateful for that. I am always open to student-led ideas and suggestions on how we can continue to make Friday nights even better and further grow Gator Nation.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to the teachers who were honored by our senior football players for making a lasting impact on their lives. Having these teachers join us at the coin toss was a powerful moment. It was incredible to see our teachers and staff standing behind our seniors and captains, locking arms in support of our players. It was an awesome sight and a reminder of the strong, supportive community we have here at Land O’ Lakes.

Looking back at the season, we finished with a 4-6 record, facing a tough and competitive schedule. While the results were not always in our favor, there’s no doubt that we have grown stronger as a program. Playing this tough schedule pushed our players to raise their level of play, and they were acknowledged by other schools in our conference with well-deserved recognition. We are proud to announce the following athletes earned All-Conference honors:

1st Team SAC All-Conference:

· Zach Campbell, TE

· TJ Morrow, RB

· Xavier Clemente, WR

· Brenden Thompson, OG

· Connor Purcell, LB

· Donovan Faria, SS

2nd Team SAC All-Conference:

· Chance Houston, QB

· Cole Greenwell, OT

· Ian Vazquez, K

· Jake Mason, Edge

· Christian Vollstedt, LB

A special congratulations to TJ Morrow, who was not only named to the 1st Team SAC All-Conference as a running back, but also voted SAC East Offensive Player of the Year. TJ had an incredible season, rushing for 1,329 yards, which ranked him 4th in 6A rushing across the state, and scoring 15 touchdowns. His hard work, dedication, and leadership were evident all season, and this recognition is a testament to his remarkable abilities on the field.

A true highlight of the season was our dominant 56-21 victory over Sunlake in the annual Butter Bowl. The win was a great moment for our team and for Gator Nation, showcasing the resilience and determination we’ve built this year.

The Gators Football Banquet is December 6th at 6:30-8:30 pm at Grace Family Church Players must RSVP to the link sent to them on Hudl. Parents have been emailed a separate email with Family RSVP information.

Thank you once again to everyone in Gator Nation. You made this season unforgettable. Your support is what drives us to be better, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Go Gators!

Sincerely,

Coach Goodspeed Head Football Coach

Congratulations to Senior Nathan Webb! Nathan was named SAC Runner Of The Year and he won the SAC Conference Meet with an amazing time of 16 minutes and 29 seconds. This is a huge achievement and shows how hard Nathan has worked in cross country. Great job, Nathan!

Monday Dec 2

Wiregrass (JV) Home 5:00

Durant (V) Home 7:00

Wednesday Dec 4

Berkeley Prep (JV) Home 4:00

Monday Dec 9

Pasco (V) Away 7:00

Wednesday Dec 11

Zephyrhills (V) Home 7:00

Monday December 16

Mitchell (JV) Home 6:00

Mitchell (V) Home 7:30

Friday December 20 Alumni night

Nature Coast (JV) Home 6:00

Nature Coast ( V) Home 7:30

Consistently recognized as one of America's Best High Schools. Rated B by the Florida Department of Education. An International Baccalaureate and Cambridge World School.

Website: lolhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Location: 20325 Gator Lane, Land O' Lakes, FL, USA
Phone: 813-794-9400
X: @lolhsprincipal