Celebrating Dr. Ralph Massullo’s Impact on Florida Education

Thank you, Ralph!

Today, as the Florida Legislature concludes its 60th Day of Regular Session and adjourns ‘sine die’ for the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, it marks not just the conclusion of another legislative term but also bids farewell to Florida House of Representative Dr. Ralph Massullo, a stalwart champion of education. Dr. Massullo’s departure from the Florida House of Representatives leaves behind a legacy of profound positive impact, particularly in the realm of education. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Massullo has been a tireless advocate for students, families, and educators alike. His passion for education shines through in his relentless efforts to broaden career and technical education opportunities for Florida’s youth. Recognizing the importance of individualized education, Dr. Massullo has championed policies aimed at ensuring that every student has access to pathways that lead to success. In recognition of his exceptional service, in 2023, the Florida School Board Association (FSBA) bestowed upon Dr. Ralph Massullo the FSBA Friend of Education Award.

One of Dr. Massullo’s significant contributions has been his role as Chairman of the Florida House of Representatives Education and Employment Committee. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping education policies in the state, working diligently to enact reforms that benefit students across Florida. Dr. Massullo also serves on the powerful Appropriations Committee and the Health & Human Services Committee, bringing his expertise and experience as a successful dermatologist and entrepreneur to the table.

During the 2023 Florida legislative session, Dr. Massullo played an instrumental role in ensuring that our at-risk students in the Class of 2023 continued to have opportunities to graduate high school by maintaining concordant scores and opportunities for students who required alternative assessment options. His success in this matter has had a significant impact on students who have fulfilled all the requirements to graduate but had not yet passed the State Standardized tests required for graduation. This effort resulted in over 50 students from Citrus County alone and thousands throughout Florida in the Class of 2023 being able to graduate due to Dr. Massullo’s work.

Dr. Ralph Massullo’s dedication to education extends beyond statewide initiatives to include specific support for local educational programs in Citrus County. Notably, he has been a steadfast advocate for securing funding for the Citrus High School Construction Academy, recognizing the importance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences in trade skills. Additionally, in this session, Dr. Massullo has championed funding for the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, highlighting his commitment to expanding opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. By prioritizing local funding for these specialized programs, Dr. Massullo has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to empowering students with the resources and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

His unwavering support for career and technical education, coupled with his recognition of the diverse needs of students and families, has set Dr. Massullo apart as a visionary leader in the realm of education. He has publicly lauded exemplary school districts like Citrus County School District, acknowledging their role as models for educational excellence. Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Dr. Massullo’s dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the education community has been commendable. He has actively engaged with school board members and superintendents from across Florida, incorporating their perspectives into positive legislation that serves the best interests of students and families statewide.

As Dr. Massullo bids farewell to the Florida House of Representatives, his departure leaves a void that will be keenly felt by constituents in Citrus County and beyond. His impactful work may not always have been visible to the public eye, but its effects will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. Personally, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Massullo and witness his unwavering commitment to public education. His departure from the legislative arena will undoubtedly be felt deeply by those who have benefited from his advocacy and leadership. As we reflect on Dr. Ralph Massullo’s contributions to education in Florida, we are reminded of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping the future of our state. While his presence in the Florida House of Representatives will be sorely missed, his legacy as a champion for education will continue to inspire and guide us in the years ahead.

Visit the following link to watch Dr. Massullo’s farewell address to the Florida House of Representatives and view his farewell video: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/3-6-24-farewell-representative-ralph-massullo-r-district-23-inverness/

 

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2024 4-H Public Speaking Contest, 4^th & 5^th Grade

Today, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 4-H Public Speaking Contest for the 4th and 5th grade division, a longstanding event sponsored by Citrus County 4-H and the Rotary Club of Crystal River, made possible by the Citrus County UF | IFAS Extension University of Florida. This event underscores the belief of the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Program that mastering public speaking is crucial, especially at a young age.

Among the standout performances, Joseph Fernandez from Lecanto Primary claimed the first prize with his speech on “Field trips in Student’s Education.” His clear delivery and compelling argumentation left a lasting impression on the audience. Ella Cooley from Inverness Primary secured the second spot with her speech titled “Kids Vaping,” shedding light on a pressing issue affecting today’s youth. Nora Eustace from Seven Rivers Christian School clinched the third position with her insightful discourse on “Best and Worst Ways to Drink Coke.” Additionally, Scarlet Capahi from Central Ridge Elementary received an honorable mention for her speech titled “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” showcasing her creativity and passion.

The significance of public speaking cannot be emphasized enough. Beyond formal presentations, it shapes daily interactions and holds considerable sway in personal and professional realms. Equipping young people with the ability to express themselves clearly and react swiftly lays the groundwork for their future accomplishments.

The success of events like this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of numerous individuals. From student teachers to school specialists, volunteers, judges, and contest participants, each plays a crucial role in making the event a success. Special recognition goes to Dr. Marnie L. Ward from the UF/IFAS Citrus County 4-H Extension Service for her invaluable contribution.

Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the art of public speaking. Events like these not only showcase individual talent but also inspire and empower the next generation of communicators.

Below is a list of the 2024 elementary students and their speech titles who qualified as the top two finishers from their respective school levels:

4TH AND 5TH GRADE SPEAKERS

Saint John Paul II Catholic School

Brooklyn Jahnke “I Love Pigs”

Landon Gilpin “My Favorite NFL Team”

 

Homosassa Elementary

Rylee Monoghan “Ponyo”

Araya Young “Homosassa Elementary”

 

Inverness Primary

Ella Cooley “Kids Vaping”

Elizabeth Lewis “Traveling”

 

Lecanto Primary

Joseph Fernandez “Fieldtrips in Student’s Education”

Shelby Clark “Pancakes”

 

Pleasant Grove Elementary

Emma Williams “Annoying Abby”

Jade Napolitano “My Crazy Family”

 

Rock Crusher Elementary

Brinley Nippers “Competitive Cheerleading”

Casey Phillips “Rowdy Determination”

 

Central Ridge Elementary

Scarlet Capahi “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”

Demarco Evans “Black Holes”

 

Citrus Springs Elementary

Wyatt Wilson “Orangutans Vs. Dolphins”

Akasha Hopkins Capabianco “Dragons”

 

Crystal River Primary

Ainsley Glenn “Being a Staff Student”

Abby Kreusch “Privacy”

 

Floral City Elementary

Tyler Caraway “Cancer Awareness”

Riley Bledsoe “Nikki Haley”

 

Forest Ridge Elementary

Siya Barad “Ready, Set, Go Green”

Alondra Trochez Castillo “Life Challenges”

 

Hernando Elementary

Kayleigh Danner “Mental Health”

Jack Laughlin “My Brother’s Naval Journey”

 

Seven Rivers Christian School

Lucy Hart “Adventures in New York”

Nora Eustace “Best and Worst Ways to Drink Coke”

 

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Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: Math Field Day 2024

It was a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and intellectual challenge as students from their respective schools across the district gathered to participate in the 2024 Citrus Schools Math Field Day. Hosted at Citrus High School and supported by sponsors Suncoast Credit Union and the Citrus County Education Foundation, this event provided a platform for young mathematicians to showcase their skills, engage in teamwork, and foster a spirit of healthy competition.

Math Field Day is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of mathematics beyond the confines of the classroom. From problem-solving to strategic thinking, participants tackle a series of challenging tasks tailored to their respective skill levels. Whether they are exploring algebraic equations or unraveling complex geometric puzzles, each challenge encourages critical thinking and creativity.

One of the highlights of Math Field Day is the recognition of outstanding achievement. Students vie for top honors in their respective categories, with awards ranging from ribbons to gleaming medals. Additionally, the coveted high point award is bestowed upon the school with the highest cumulative score across all levels. This year, Lecanto Middle School and Seven Rivers Christian School emerged victorious, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within their ranks.

In addition to the exhilarating competitions, Math Field Day also celebrates artistic talent through its annual t-shirt design contest. Jeffrey Thomas, an eighth-grade student from Citrus Springs Middle School, captured the essence of this year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Accelerate,” with his captivating artwork created entirely on an iPad. His design not only adorned the event’s official t-shirts but also served as a visual representation of the participants’ enthusiasm and determination.

Behind the scenes, Math Field Day owes its success to the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations. From the tireless efforts of school coordinators to the invaluable support of district volunteers, every contribution plays a vital role in making this event possible. Special thanks are extended to CCSD Math Specialist Mindy Melito, Director of Specialty Programs Darrick Buettner, Chief Trish Kahler, as well as to all our students’ teachers, and families for their support of our students.

Last but not least, gratitude to our event sponsors, Suncoast Credit Union and the Citrus County Education Foundation, as well as Executive Director Shaunda Burdette, for making this event possible. A special thanks to Citrus High School, Principal Mark Kahler, and his team for graciously hosting Math Field Day on their campus, providing a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

As another successful Math Field Day draws to a close, it’s evident that the pursuit of excellence in mathematics goes beyond individual achievement—it’s a collective journey fueled by passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of the community. Here’s to inspiring future generations of mathematicians and problem-solvers through events like Math Field Day.

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