CREST Open House and EXPO on March 1, 2011
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I spent the better part of Wednesday, Feb 10th, 2011, at Withlacoochee Technical Institute (WTI). WTI is our vocational and adult education institution in the Citrus County School System. Withlacoochee Technical Institute is fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. WTI offers a wide variety of full and part-time programs in many different areas. WTI also is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI accredits over 13,000 schools and school systems throughout the United States and overseas and is the global leader in helping schools improve student learning through accreditation. (Click here for a listing of all Florida SACS CASI accredited schools.)
WTI offers over 18 different career and technical programs from nursing & medical, computers & technology, culinary, cosmetology, automotive, construction and much more. In addition, WTI is home to our county’s Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Academy, General Education Diploma (GED), Horizons, Teen Parents and other critical programs.
As I visited the classes, I was excited about the new career paths these students are embarking on. These students soon will be serving our community as nurses, deputies, massage therapists, auto mechanics, chefs and medical technicians.
At the Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Academy the next generation of deputies, police officers and criminal justice officers are being trained. Lt. Philip Royal, Academy Director, toured me through the classrooms and the different programs the academy offers.
Horizon is the drop out prevention program that is located at WTI. Horizon allows qualified students, including our teen parents, to participate in “virtual” courses to finish middle and high school. Upon completion of their courses, students can then participate in their home high school’s graduation.
What is always heart- warming to me as I visit our schools, departments, and programs are the teachers and staff that are dedicated to helping our students be successful. My time at WTI allowed me to see another clear example of that dedication and passion. These educators love what they do and share that enthusiasm with their students.
Related Links
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“I had the honor to first meet Mr. King about a year ago on my campaign trail. He was gracious and of course had many wonderful teaching stories to tell.” ~Thomas
When Lionel King first met the new pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hernando where he was choir director, he sized him up and then asked, “Do you know how copper wire was invented? Two Scottish men were arguing over a penny.”
“That was Lionel,” said the Rev. Kenneth Blyth in his native Scottish accent during Lionel’s memorial service Wednesday. “He had an endless supply of wit — and Scottish jokes. He was one of the world’s greatest storytellers, and he became your friend by telling stories. It was how he taught and how he communicated.
“There was truth and hope and grace and love in his stories, as well as in his music,” Blyth added.
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Visit the Citrus County School District new Daily District News Today page. It has postings from current and upcoming events and actives at our Citrus Schools. Visit by go here: http://www.citruseducation.com/news/district_rss.htm

Let the community know about your unique School news/event. Click on image above and submit your school news item or if you just wish to arrange to have your event documented with photos and/or video.
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“Below is from Citrus Schools Director of Student Services, Regina Allegretta.” ~Thomas
February 7-11, 2011 is Student Services Week in the State of Florida. Student Services consists of School Counselors, School Nurses, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, Attendance Assistants, and Career Education staff who offer support to Citrus County Schools. Student Services support system is an integral part of the total public education system that enables students to learn and teachers to teach, and strengthens the engagement of families to schools, thus maximizing student achievement. This week provides an opportunity for school personnel and other district personnel to focus attention and appreciation on those individuals who work with students, schools, parents, and local communities. We encourage your recognition of these front-line champions.
ATTENDANCE ASSISTANTS
Attendance Assistants provide support and direction for resolving attendance issues. They advise parents and students of their responsibilities with regard to productive attendance patterns, as well as encourage regular attendance and enforce procedures as indicted by the Florida Compulsory Attendance Law. The District Student Services Department has the support of the following agencies when students and their families need remediation plans for attendance problems: State Attorney’s Office, Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and Youth and Family Alternatives. If you have questions regarding Attendance Assistants, please call the Student Services Center, 527-0090.
GUIDANCE COUNSELORS
Guidance counselors promote student success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, student advocacy, and social/personal/emotional/career development. They work collaboratively with school staff, families, educational communities, and members of the local community to provide seamless transitions from school to school and school to career so that all students can be productive citizens.
HEALTH SERVICES
The goal of the Health Services Team is to provide a safe, healthy, positive learning environment that fosters student achievement. There is a school nurse for every two schools in our district and a designated health room attendant in all of our schools. Please see your school nurse for any health concerns you have about a student. Citrus County School Nurses will do everything in their power to assist him or her. If you have questions regarding Health Services, please call 527-0090 ext. 232.
PARENT FACILITATORS
The Citrus County School District has two Parent Facilitators who act as liaisons between families, schools and service organizations/agencies to help provide the basic necessities for students. To reach one of the Parent Facilitators, please call the Student Services Center, 527-0090 ext. 233.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
School Psychologists serve as an invaluable resource by serving as consultants regarding any child. Also, they provide direct intervention in academic, behavioral, and emotional concerns. They provide counseling to students as an intervention or to students in crisis situations. A key role of the school psychologist is the evaluation of all students referred for psychological assessments to determine eligibility for ESE educational programs. You can reach the Psychology Department at 726-1931 ext. 2338.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS
The Citrus County School District has four School Social workers. The School Social Workers provide crisis counseling for students, families, and staff when necessary. They also provide general counseling for students and their families, linking them to service organizations and agencies. Together, they closely work with Attendance Assistants and other staff on attendance issues, student neglect/abuse, and potential suicide. Citrus County School’s Social Workers provide training throughout the school year to staff on various topics, which affect students. If you have questions regarding School Social Workers, please call 527-0090.
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No more “mystery meat”Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 10:43 pm
These probably aren’t the lunches you remember from elementary, middle and high school.
In the age of rising obesity rates, Facebook and unlimited texting, the federal government and local schools are trying to make students’ lunches more nutritious.
Citrus schools strive to find a balance between nutrition and taste, said Roy Pistone, director of food and nutrition services for the Citrus County School District. Pistone said schools are incorporating more whole grains, low-fat items and vegetables into their meals. Menu items include yogurt parfaits, salads and wraps and it’s not uncommon for elementary school students to have raw fruits and vegetables on their plates.
“It’s amazing to me that there are kids at such a young age making good choices,” said Kimberly G. Rogers, Citrus County School District nutrition specialist.
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