May the Fourth Be With You: Supporting Students in Citrus County, a Galaxy of Giving

As Star Wars fans across the galaxy celebrate ‘May the Fourth’, a day infused with the Force’s spirit, Citrus County lights up with a different kind of power – the power of education and compassion. Today isn’t just about lightsabers and space adventures; it’s a day where two stalwart organizations, the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) and Citrus County Blessings, wield their fundraising sabers for a noble cause – supporting our students’ journey through the cosmic realms of learning.

Imagine yourself on the greens of the 25th Annual Superintendent’s Golf Classic, a gathering of Jedi-level golfers and philanthropists at the Citrus National Golf Club in Homosassa. Here, the Force of community support collides with the precision of golf swings, raising essential funds that fuel educational excellence across Citrus County. This event isn’t just about sinking putts; it’s about sinking roots of support deep into the educational soil, ensuring every student has the tools to soar among the stars.

Meanwhile, at the Birdies Fore Blessings Golf Tournament on the Quarry Course at Black Diamond, another epic saga unfolds. Here, the mission isn’t just about making birdies on the course; it’s about making a difference in the lives of children facing the dark specter of weekend hunger. Citrus County Blessings arms these young heroes with food backpacks, turning weekends from battles against emptiness into opportunities for nourishment and strength.

As a proud member of the Board of Directors for both CCEF and Citrus County Blessings, I stand in awe of the galaxy of support our community provides. The Citrus County Education Foundation (www.citruseducation.org), channels the Force of community mobilization and creative programs to ensure every student thrives in their educational odyssey. The Annual Superintendent’s Golf Classic serves as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between our generous community and the classrooms where dreams take flight.

Across the starry expanse of Citrus County, Citrus County Blessings (www.citruscountyblessings.org) fights the hunger wars. Their mission isn’t just about filling packs; it’s about filling hearts with hope and ensuring no child faces a hunger-fueled battle during the weekend. They are the Jedi of nourishment, empowering young minds to conquer academic challenges with full stomachs and focused spirits.

To all who have sponsored, contributed, and volunteered for these galactic events, your impact reverberates across our educational constellations. If you’re still feeling the Force’s pull to contribute, the links below await your hero’s journey:

• Citrus County Education Foundation – https://www.citruseducation.org/donate
• Citrus County Blessings – https://citruscountyblessings.org/how-to-help/donate

Together, we are the Force that propels education forward, that vanquishes hunger, and that ignites the starlight within every student. ‘May the fourth’ be with you all as we navigate the cosmic seas of giving and ensure a brighter tomorrow for our young Padawans of Citrus County.

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Insights from End-of-Year School Advisory Council Meetings

This week, I participated in the final meetings of three School Advisory Councils (SACs) for the school year, which were held at Crystal River Primary, Crystal River High School, and Central Ridge Elementary. These crucial meetings marked the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort dedicated to improving school performance and engaging the respective school communities.

SACs, mandated by Florida Statutes since the early 1990s, serve as forums where parents, students, educators, community members, and administrators come together for comprehensive discussions on school-related matters. Having served as both a SAC member and Chairman at Citrus Springs Elementary and Central Ridge Elementary before my tenure on the school board, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of SACs in shaping our educational landscape for almost two decades.

The essence of SAC meetings lies in the meticulous review of student performance data, discipline metrics, staffing considerations, and other pertinent aspects. State law underscores the pivotal role of parents and community representatives within SACs, ensuring a diverse array of perspectives that enrich decision-making processes. These discussions culminate in the formulation of the School Improvement Plan—a strategic blueprint crafted collaboratively by stakeholders, leveraging student assessments and input from surveys conducted among parents, students, and staff.

Historically, SACs received funding through various channels, with initial allocations per student gradually evolving. While funding guarantees have shifted, the ethos of valuing SACs’ contributions remains unwavering in Citrus County Schools. Unused funds from Teacher Classroom Supply Assistance are redirected to SACs, empowering these councils to tailor initiatives that align with the School Improvement Plan’s objectives.

The summer months herald a pivotal period as school administrators, educators, staff, and SAC leaders converge for intensive school improvement planning sessions. These sessions serve as crucibles for innovation, where data-driven strategies are harnessed to elevate educational outcomes and address identified areas of improvement. The School Improvement Plan becomes not just a document but a roadmap for collective progress, with measurable goals guiding our educational endeavors.

Beyond their statutorily roles, SACs embody the essence of parental involvement and community partnership in education. They bridge the gap between policy formulation and grassroots insights, ensuring that decisions resonate with the diverse needs of our educational ecosystem. As we reflect on the accomplishments of this past academic year, SACs stand as beacons of collaborative excellence, driving continuous improvement and nurturing a culture of educational empowerment.

If you’re interested in getting involved in School Advisory Councils (SACs), start by looking for information at the beginning of each school year. Within the school community, teachers, education support staff, and parents elect their respective representatives. Student elections are held in high schools and may also occur in middle schools. According to Florida Statute, a majority of each SAC must be non-district employees, even if they are parents at the school and work elsewhere in the district. These elections typically take place after the school year starts and before September SAC meetings, with notices provided. The principal remains a permanent member of the SAC, while business and community members are appointed. To ensure diversity according to Florida Statute, the school board reviews the elected members and may appoint additional representatives to reflect the school’s ethnic, racial, and economic diversity.

Their legacy of informed decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic planning underscores their indispensable role in shaping the educational trajectory of our community. Looking towards the future, the enduring commitment to SACs remains steadfast—in Citrus County Schools, I am proud that SACs are a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in education.

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Celebrating Success of Two Young Swimmers Heading to Swim In College

This week marked a special celebration I was honored to participate in for two exceptional young men of the Sun Coast Swim Team (SCST) at the Bicentennial Pool in Crystal River: Justin Rieck and Danny Pontrelli. Their dedication and talent have led them to remarkable achievements in competitive swimming and now college.

Justin Rieck, a standout athlete from Crystal River High School, has made a commitment to furthering his athletic career by joining the Barry University NCAA Division II Buccaneers Swim Team. This decision not only signifies Justin’s prowess in the pool but also his academic ambitions, as he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Barry University. Justin’s achievements are further underscored by the fact that he has been awarded the esteemed Barry University Presidential Academic Scholarship worth a total of $80,000, a testament to his outstanding academic abilities and potential. His journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable, and his dedication to both his sport and academics is truly commendable.

We also celebrated Daniel “Danny” Pontrelli II, a phenomenal senior from Nature Coast Tech High School in Brooksville. Danny has committed to swimming for the St. Thomas University (STU) Bobcats Men’s swim team in Miami Gardens, Florida. The STU Bobcats Men’s swim team recently secured their first Swimming National Championship at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Swimming & Diving Championship, showcasing the caliber of talent and dedication within their ranks. Danny’s decision to join such a successful program speaks volumes about his own abilities and potential to excel at the collegiate level.

Justin is the twenty-seventh SCST student-athlete to go on to swim collegiately, and Danny is the twenty-eighth. What makes Justin and Danny’s achievements even more special is the support and camaraderie they have for one another and the support they received from their teammates, coaches, and families. At Justin’s signing ceremony, Danny, his club teammate from Hernando County Schools, drove up to show his support—a gesture that highlights the strong bonds formed within the SCST community. Likewise, Justin returned the favor by attending Danny’s signing the day before, demonstrating the mutual respect and encouragement shared among SCST members.

The impact of Justin and Danny’s success extends beyond the pool. They are not just exceptional athletes but also role models and leaders within their high school teams and the SCST club team. Their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the overwhelming pride and support shown by their swim families and coaches. Among those present at the celebration were SCST Head Coach Michelle Dickemann, Coach Beth Penn, Coach Cliff Dyer, and Coach Chuck Gatton, School and District Leaders & Administrators, Citrus County School Athletic Director Robert Verlato, all who have contributed to Justin and Danny’s development as athletes and individuals.

I often emphasize the value of high school extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, arts, JROTC, and more. These opportunities give young people a chance to learn teamwork, fair play, camaraderie, and how to navigate both successes and failures, providing them with lifelong learning opportunities. These activities are instrumental in shaping great young individuals, and if we can occasionally help a young person continue these activities in college or after high school, that is a bonus.

As a volunteer administrative coach for SCST, I am immensely proud of Justin and Danny’s achievements and the positive impact they have had on our team and community. Their success serves as a testament to the values of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that we strive to instill in all our athletes. Congratulations to Justin Rieck and Danny Pontrelli II on their remarkable accomplishments, and here’s to a bright future filled with continued success both in and out of the pool.

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