LARGO - Up until recently, students entered into the International Baccalaureate program at Largo High School on faith alone.
Until the school met the qualifications and became an International Baccalaureate World School in April, its current freshman and sophomore classes had to trust that school officials would follow through on their promise to earn certification.
To add to the challenge, the high school didn’t have a great reputation two years ago. Getting students enrolled and excited about the potential IB program at Largo was a hard sell, said Adam Lane, assistant principal and IB coordinator.
“Largo High School at that time was actually a D-rated school. And we had the lowest graduation rate in the county,” he explained.
Until Largo decided to pursue accreditation, Pinellas students who wanted to work toward an IB diploma would be enrolled at one of two high schools. Both boasted a well-established IB program; Palm Harbor University High School was accredited in 1995, while St. Petersburg High School became the first high school in the state to offer the diploma as far back as 1983.
LARGO The Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2013 Largo High School scholarship winners.
Recipients are Jacklyn Marie Spatzer and Louis Diaz.
Jacklyn Marie Spatzer is the daughter of Donald S. Spatzer. She has been accepted by the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida and is considering majoring in veterinary medicine, criminal justice, psychiatry, or psychology. She participated in numerous extra-curricular activities including JV volleyball, varsity soccer, Blue Band, National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. In addition, she serves as a volunteer at the Pinellas County Animal Shelter.
Louis Diaz is the son of Antonio Diaz and Carmen M. Diaz. He will attend the University of Florida, majoring in business.
SEMINOLE - Walter Weller, principal of Seminole High School, will leave the public school system for the private school sector at the end of the school year.
The announcement came on May 15 during the morning announcements at SHS, when he publically acknowledged his departure to the school’s students and faculty.
After seven years with the Warhawks, Weller will join the Golden Eagles at Indian Rocks Christian School as the new superintendent, a decision he’d made three months ago, but waited to share.
In addition to Weller leaving, Sam Roper will step down as head football coach after 28 seasons and band director Daniel Wood will leave to pursue his master’s degree after 14 years with the music program.
ST. PETERSBURG - The Florida Department of Health presented Sexton Elementary School in St. Petersburg with a silver level Asthma-Friendly School Award May 20.
The award recognizes the work done to create a safe and healthy environment for students with asthma.
DOH and the Florida Asthma Coalition, a statewide group that works to improve asthma outcomes and reduce associated costs.
Sexton Elementary, 1997 54th Ave. N., is the first school in Pinellas County to receive the award, and one of the first schools in the state. Participating schools are being recognized and awarded as part of Asthma Awareness Month in May.
CLEARWATER - When Jennifer Tollefson began meeting with her special needs students at Woodlawn Community Academy in Clearwater, many struggled with basic mathematical concepts, such as counting money, even though most were juniors and seniors in high school. But now, through her teaching and launching a student store that her kids run, her students are not only much better at their math skills, they also are learning many life skills that will help them in the “real world” after they graduate.
PALM HARBOR - Reaping the benefits of studying hard is nothing new for Aadith Moorthy, a junior at Palm Harbor University High School.
In 2010, as an eighth-grader, Moorthy learned 20 new facts about the world each day. That preparation resulted in him winning the National Geographic Bee and a $25,000 college scholarship.
Now at age 16, he has a cell phone, but only uses it for emergencies and seldom watches television. But he still sets goals. Moorthy wanted to make a perfect score on the SAT. He studied hard. He took more than 20 SAT practice test before attempting the test for the first time in March. He researched the origins and meanings of more than 5,000 new words.
PINELLAS PARK - Following Pinellas Park Middle School earning D grades for two years in a row, the state gave the Pinellas School District three options: close the school, turn it into a charter or implement a district-managed plan that would shake up the school’s teaching staff and administration.
The district chose the latter option, the “least drastic measure,” said Melanie Marquez Parra, public information officer for the district.
Ask a Nurse Wellness Clinics for Pinellas Park residents LEALMAN – Ask a Nurse Wellness Clinics, held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4364, are available free to Pinellas Park residents.
The clinics now are offered on second and fourth Saturdays, 3 to 5 p.m., at the post, 5773 62nd St. N., St. Petersburg. The clinics coincide with the VFW Burn Your Own Steak dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., which also is open to the public. The cost for the dinner is $10.
A Palm Staffing, based in Palm Harbor, provides the clinic. Consult with a nurse for blood pressure checks, medication questions, diabetes information and dietary concerns. Wound care is offered, along with mini health evaluations that can be shared with your doctor. Lab work can be done on-site with doctor’s orders.
Cello concert
SAFETY HARBOR – Concert cellist Theresa Villani will share her newest musical masterpieces from her album, “Music for Meditation and Reflection” on Saturday, May 25, 1 to 2 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N. Call 724-1525, ext. 4112.
Piano accompaniment will be provided by Dr. Anne Marie Scotto. The concert is made possible through the sponsorship of the Friends of the Safety Harbor Library, and it is free and open to all ages.
An art show that showcases the repurposed art and 3D hanging wood sculptures of Villani will also coincide with this concert and will be on display through Sunday, June 30.
Clearwater Gateway Farmer’s Market CLEARWATER – The Clearwater Gateway Farmer’s Market is open each Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Cleveland Street east of Missouri Avenue. Parking is available at Fifth Third Bank, 1150 Cleveland Street; Greektown Grille, 1230 Cleveland St., and Maxa Enterprises, 1275 Cleveland St.
This family friendly event welcomes customers with children, bikes and dogs as they shop for local food, produce, artisan goods, and enjoy the free entertainment.
Visit www.myclearwatermarket.com or email myclearwatermarket@gmail.com.
Open air market LARGO – The open air market continues every Saturday through May 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center.
Browse through a variety of fresh local produce and food vendors, crafters, and jewelry artists. There will be entertainment and plenty of family fun. The market is located at 400 Alt. Keene Road.
For more information, call 518-3131 or go to our website at LargoCommunityCenter.com.
Police equestrian speed show
PINELLAS PARK – Pinellas Park police will hold its monthly equestrian speed show on Saturday, May 25, 6 to 10 p.m., at Helen Howarth Park, 6301 94th Ave. N.
This event is free and open to the public.
The show will include exhibition, hairpin, jackpot and Texas barrels, poles, and flags. Event proceeds will go to the Pinellas Park Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit and Volunteer Mounted Unit.
Call 547-8495 for more information.
SYAA fundraiser
SEMINOLE – Seminole Youth Athletic Association will hold a fundraising night at Sweet Tomatoes at the Largo Mall, 13101 Seminole Blvd., Saturday, May 25, 6 to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit www.syaasports.com.
Wildflower Garden Club meeting
TARPON SPRINGS – The Wildflower Garden Club will meet Saturday, May 25, 8 to 10 a.m., at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road. Call 453-6800 or visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org.
The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve will get their gardening hands dirty in the preserve’s wildflower garden. Attendees are asked to bring garden gloves and a hat. Morning snacks are usually provided. The activity is free. Registration is required.
Zumba classes
PINELLAS PARK – Zumba classes are offered at Broderick Recreation Center, 6101 66th Ave. N., every Saturday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Cost is $5 per person. Call 204-0973 or email michelle@zumbastpete.com for more information.
Zumba is a high-energy cardio, Latin dance fitness class designed to be fun and easy on the body. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Wear comfortable workout clothing and sneakers, and bring water.
Alateen meetings for teens CLEARWATER - Al-Anon for teens is offered Sundays, 10 a.m. at the Serenity Club, 631 Turner St., Clearwater. Al-Anon members who are interested in becoming an Alateen sponsor are also needed, and they must meet three requirements. They must have been in Al-Anon for three years and attend regular meetings. They must be at least 23 years old, and they must attend training with details of the WSO Safety and Behavioral Requirements. An Alateen sponsor is a trained AMIAS who facilitates the Alateen meeting. They do not sponsor Alateens. Only trained AMIAS’s are allowed in Alateen meetings. It is not open to adults.
For information, contact Laurie at alateenlaurie@yahoo.com or 954-3607.
Corey Fresh Market Sundays
ST. PETE BEACH - Corey Fresh Market continues on Sundays, 9 a.m. To 2 p.m., through the end of May. Average 40 local vendors including organic produce, plants/orchids, specialty foods, arts/crafts and live music. Corey merchants open during market hours. Free parking. Located just off Gulf Boulevard in downtown St Pete Beach. Call 727-498-8778 or visist www.coreyave.com.
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