CHS Alumni Ryan Chandler: A Shining Example of Excellence from Citrus

Posted on August 26th, 2023 by

CHS Alumni Ryan Chandler: A Shining Example of Excellence from Citrus

2020 CHS & Citrus Golden Scholar (CTE) alumni, sworn in to PD, as well as awarded rank in USCG as PO2

Citrus County Schools has a proud tradition of nurturing individuals who go on to achieve remarkable success in various fields. Among these standout alumni is Ryan Chandler, a name synonymous with dedication, accomplishment, and service. Ryan’s journey from being the 2020 Citrus Golden Scholar winner to his current roles as a Police Officer and United States Coast Guard reservist highlights his exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment.

In 2020, Ryan Chandler was recognized as the Citrus Golden Scholar winner in the career and technical category, a testament to his exceptional aptitude and drive. This summer has proven to be a pivotal period in Ryan’s life. He embarked on a new adventure by taking the oath as a Police Officer for the esteemed Clearwater Police Department. His determination to uphold the law and serve his community led him to this significant milestone.

However, Ryan’s dedication doesn’t stop there. He also serves as a reservist in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Port Security Units (PSU) 307 Reserves. A recent highlight in his journey was his promotion to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E5) within the USCG PSU unit. A noteworthy achievement, this promotion underscores his commitment to excellence and leadership within the Coast Guard.

Impressively, Ryan’s skills extend beyond land as he is coxswain qualified within the USCG Port Security unit. This qualification grants him the authority to command his own boat and crew, showcasing his proficiency in maritime operations. This multifaceted expertise not only demonstrates his capabilities but also his versatility in various roles.

Ryan’s journey started during his time as a student at Citrus High School, where he worked as a drafter at Weber Glass Inc. in Lecanto. His contributions to the design of portions of the glass components for the Sanford Orlando International Airport’s $60 million expansion and rehabilitation project garnered recognition from the Citrus County Chronicle. This acknowledgment is a testament to his innovative thinking and ability to contribute to significant projects. (Source: https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/local-student-drafting-the-future-of-regional-airport/article_c132217a-a198-11e9-a825-5f30cf10a3a3.html)

What makes Ryan’s accomplishments even more remarkable is his achievement of an Associate’s Degree in Criminology from the College of Central Florida while still in high school at Citrus High School. This dual accomplishment speaks volumes about his dedication to learning and his capacity to excel in both academic and practical pursuits.

Ryan Chandler serves as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for the entire Citrus County community. His achievements not only reflect the quality of education and character development fostered within Citrus County Schools but also remind us of the remarkable potential that lies within all our students of Citrus County. As he dedicates himself to the noble tasks of safeguarding his community and serving the nation through his roles as a Police Officer and Coast Guard reservist, our thoughts and prayers accompany him. Ryan’s journey exemplifies the values of dedication, resilience, and service that Citrus County Schools aim to instill in all their students. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and contributions, confident that he will continue to shine as a true embodiment of excellence.

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School Visits to Hernando Elementary and Inverness Middle Schools

Posted on August 21st, 2023 by

School Visits to Hernando Elementary and Inverness Middle Schools

I had the privilege of visiting two of our vibrant schools today – Hernando Elementary School and Inverness Middle School. These experiences are among my favorite activities as a school board member, and they are truly enlightening. Stepping into the heart of these institutions, I had the opportunity to witness the dedicated efforts of educators and the boundless enthusiasm of students.

At Hernando Elementary School, I had the pleasure of visiting various classrooms, each serving as a hub of creativity and knowledge. One standout moment was spending time in Miss Sachewicz’s art class. Interestingly, I’ve known Miss Sachewicz since her own kindergarten days, and witnessing her channel her passion for art into fostering students’ creativity was genuinely heartwarming. The students were engaged and excited, eagerly participating in the assignment. The walls of Hernando Elementary School were adorned with a colorful tapestry of evidence showcasing the students’ mastery, a testament to their growth and development.

Moving on to Inverness Middle School, the enthusiasm remained palpable. I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Gatton, affectionately known as “coach,” interacting with his students. The positive relationships formed between educators and students were evident, creating an environment of positivity and care. Mr. Cummings was another educator who left a lasting impression, as students gravitated towards him with a sense of support and camaraderie. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students greeted both educators with high-fives and smiles.

An enriching aspect of my visit was stopping by the Citrus County Education Foundation‘s Supplies 4 Success free store at WTC, a collaborative effort with Suncoast Schools Credit Union. This initiative supports students by providing essential supplies at no cost to students and educators, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive in their educational journey.

The day spent in these schools underscored the power of education in shaping futures and fostering meaningful connections. Witnessing educators’ dedication and students’ eagerness to learn served as an inspiring reminder of the transformative impact of a nurturing learning environment.

 

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Welcome back, students!

Posted on August 10th, 2023 by

Welcome back, students!

Greetings, Citrus County School District students! We’re thrilled to welcome you back for the 2023-2024 school year. Your journey begins anew, filled with possibilities and growth. Here’s to a year of inspiring lessons, unforgettable experiences, and remarkable achievements. To our dedicated families, thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education. Together, we’ll nurture their dreams and guide them towards success. As we embark on this exciting adventure, let’s embrace learning, friendship, and creativity. Wishing each of you a fantastic and wonderful year ahead!

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FSBA Friend of Education Award Recipient Dr. Ralph Massullo, M.D.

Posted on August 8th, 2023 by

FSBA Friend of Education Award Recipient Dr. Ralph Massullo, M.D.

I was incredibly blessed serving as the Florida School Board Association President for the 2023-2024 term at our Citrus County School Board meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, to help present and honor Dr. Ralph Massullo, M.D., our Florida House Representative for District 23.

This past session Dr. Massullo served as the Chairman of the important House Education and Employment Committee, playing a vital role in shaping education policies in Florida. Dr. Massullo also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Health & Human Services Committee, bringing his expertise and experience as a successful dermatologist and entrepreneur to the table.

Dr. Massullo’s passion for education is evident in his tireless advocacy for broadening Career and Technical Education opportunities and pathways for Florida students. As a dyslexic person myself, I additionally value Dr. Massullo’s belief that individualized education is vital to student success. His commitment to advancing education has made him a powerful leader in the state legislature, where he regularly demonstrates his willingness to collaborate with any legislator.

During the recent 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 have not yet passed the State Standardized tests required for graduation. This effort resulted in nearly 50 students from Citrus County alone and 1000s through Florida in the Class of 2023 being able to graduate due to Dr. Massullo’s work.

In recognition of his exceptional service, the Florida School Board Association is proud to bestow upon Representative Dr. Ralph Massullo the 2023 Friend of Education Award.

Citrus Chronicle Coverage – CLICK HERE

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Kennedy Receives FSBA Bridge Builder Award

Posted on August 8th, 2023 by

Kennedy Receives FSBA Bridge Builder Award

At the August 8, 2023, Citrus County School Board meeting, I was shocked and incredibly humbled to receive the first-ever ‘Bridge Builder Award’ from Andrea Messina, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida School Board Association (FSBA).

I am profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to serve in Citrus County, representing these exceptional students and collaborating with an inspiring group of educators, leaders, and school board colleagues. The mentorship I’ve received from FSBA and Andrea Messina is something I deeply appreciate.

Below is the article by the Citrus County School District that covers the event.

FSBA Bridge Builder Award

School Board member Thomas Kennedy was recognized during Tuesday’s school board meeting for his work as President of the Florida School Boards Association for the past year.  Chairman Doud Dodd highlighted 96 hours of training which current school board members complete through FSBA and then introduced the CEO of the FSBA, Andrea Messina.

Ms. Messina spoke on behalf of the FSBA and talked about the impact of Mr. Kennedy and how through his efforts – strengthened the FSBA organization and talked about how she identifies and connects Mr. Kennedy with the character of Ted Lasso from the HBO series. “Both of them are bridge builders who effortlessly connect disparate groups,” says Ms. Messina. “And just like that fictional football coach who won the hearts of a divided team, our FSBA president, Thomas Kennedy brought his own brand of positivity, warmth, and wisdom to our association. He transformed challenges into opportunities, and he cultivated an environment of inclusivity where diverse perspectives were not only welcomed but celebrated. And just like Ted Lasso, who believed in the best in people, our president (Thomas) saw the best in each of our members. And he encouraged them to be the best school board members they could be.”

In true Thomas fashion, Ms. Messina then showed board members and the public the online recognition of congratulatory messages from all his fellow school board members, including videos and heartfelt comments.

Ms. Messina then presented Thomas with FSBA’s first ever Bridge Builder Award. Congratulations, Mr. Kennedy! We are so proud of your continued dedication to the students, staff, and families of Citrus County!

Source: https://www.citrusschools.org/news/what_s_new/kennedy_receives_f_s_b_a_bridge_builder_award

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Launching a Stellar School Year: ‘Blastoff’ Welcome-Back Event

Posted on August 8th, 2023 by

Launching a Stellar School Year: ‘Blastoff’ Welcome-Back Event

Yesterday’s “Blastoff” welcome-back staff event at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium marked a fantastic start to the 2023-2024 school year. The event was made truly exceptional by the presence of Gerry Brooks, a nationally renowned educator, school principal, and educational comedian, who served as the Keynote presenter. Brooks delivered a blend of humor and poignant insights, inspiring educators to embrace their awesome responsibilities and set remarkable examples for students, families, and colleagues.

At the outset of the event, Superintendent Himmel took the stage to pay tribute to those who ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools. Joined by School Board Police Chief David Vincent, School Guardians, and School Resource Officers, the audience applauded the vital service that we are so grateful for. We also had the opportunity to meet our new “four-legged” School Guardian, “Sammy.” This addition to our team brings a unique form of safety and comfort to our educational environment.

The gathering provided an opportunity for staff members to reconnect and share their summer experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the educators. Gerry Brooks’ engaging message resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the vital role we all play in shaping young minds and futures.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to Mr. Bunch and Oysters for once again providing a delectable breakfast, enhancing the overall experience. Special thanks go to Director Laura Lindeman and her dedicated team, along with all contributors, for making the event exceptionally memorable. Their efforts ensured the event’s success and positive impact.

The event was made possible by the Citrus County Educational Foundation and their community partners, who generously sponsored and contributed financially, ensuring its success. As the new school year begins, the “Blastoff” welcome-back event has set a positive tone, igniting enthusiasm and determination among staff members to excel and make a lasting impact.

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