Oakstead Elementary's 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run Registration Open

The certified chip-timed races will be held Saturday, March 16.

Oakstead Elementary's 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run Benefit Health Programs

The certified chip-timed races will be held Saturday, March 16.

Spring is just around the corner and so is Oakstead Elementary's Spring Sprint for a Healthier Generation. The 5K and one-mile fun run on March 16 are hosted by the Land O' Lakes school to "increase physical activity within our generation" and promote awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, according to the event flier. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the one mile fun run. The 5K is certified chip timed, with awards in a variety of categories. Start time for the 5K is 7:30 a.m.; the fun run starts a 8:15 a.m. Proceeds benefit Oakstead Elementary's school-wide programs focusing on health and fitness, as well as the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Register online at Active.com or download the attached registration …

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Spring Sprint for Autism Is Just Around the Corner

International Junior Miss Rachel Barcellona and Sheriff Chris Nocco will be the honorary starters at the second annual 5K run.

Lace up your sneakers, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. It's time to hit the pavement. The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida (CARD-USF) has partnered with Oakstead Elementary School to hold the Spring Sprint for Autism 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, March 17. Pasco County Commissioners recently passed a resolution declaring March 17 “Spring Sprint for Autism Day,” event organizer Christine Rover of CARD said. Proceeds from the event support physical fitness programs at Oakstead Elementary and autism awareness in the community, Rover said. Oakstead Elementary "has a huge running club, and has such a great program to promote wellness," she said. Half of the funds raised will benefit …

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Meet Ava: Future Journalist, Dancer, Songwriter

The 11-year-old Oakstead Elementary student has penned plans for her future.

Ava Caudle, 11, may just be a famous reporter one day. For now, the Oakstead Elementary third-grader is content to create her own newspapers at home. She also writes songs. But that's not all. "I also like just having fun and dancing," Ava said. Patch caught up with Ava at a recent fundraising event for Pasco County Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino, which she attended with her grandparents Peter and Karen Hanzel of Wesley Chapel. Ava mixed and mingled with campaign directors, teachers and Fiorentino herself, flashing a beautiful smile and politely thanking all who complimented her pretty dress.  Ava enjoys school, she said. And her teacher? "I love her," Ava said. Ava is "so inspired every day," Karen Hanzel said. Do you have a …

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Land O’ Lakes ‘Honored’ by Biden’s Visit

While not everyone agreed with his politics, most in attendance at Vice President Joe Biden’s appearance Monday say it was an honor for the community to host him.

It’s not every day a sitting vice president pays a Land O’ Lakes school a visit. In fact, according to Summer Romagnoli, the Pasco County School District’s spokeswoman, it’ never happened before. The historic significance of Vice President Joe Biden’s stop in Land O’ Lakes wasn’t lost on those in attendance at his speech at Oakstead Elementary School on Oct. 4. Biden was there to speak about the American Jobs Act and the impact it could have on Pasco County schools and campuses nationwide. “It think it’s great for the county,” said Steve Luikart, a Pasco County School Board member. “I’m glad that he and his office think Pasco has the pulse of the state.” As for the $32 million for Pasco schools the act would provide if passed, Luikart said…

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Sherri Lonon

10:58 am on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Thanks, Laura. Yesterday was quite a day for Land O' Lakes.   more ›

Biden Says American Jobs Act Could Have Positive Impacts on Pasco

An estimated $32 million would go to Pasco schools.

Vice President Joe Biden came to Land O' Lakes on Oct. 4 to talk about the merits of the American Jobs Act. If passed, the bill is expected to infuse an estimated $32 million into Pasco County Schools. Biden told parents, teachers and students gathered at Oakstead that placing an emphasis on education is a must for keeping America competitive in the global market. He also said that putting an estimated 400,000 teachers to work nationwide would have positive effects on the economy. Watch the video of Biden's address and let us know what you think about the American Jobs Act in the comments or cast your vote in our ongoing poll.

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