Help Name A New School

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — As a brand new elementary school in Wesley Chapel undergoes construction, the Pasco County School Board would very much like to give it a permanent name.

Slated to open in August on Mansfield Boulevard, just across from Dr. John Long Middle School, the new building is currently known only as “Elementary W.” Since school board policy encourages residents, educators and students to offer up naming suggestions, the board has opened the door on a proposal phase. Between now and Feb. 29, anyone can submit a suggested name.

“The Board prefers to name schools after the general location, features of the area, or historical information about the school’s location, and the suggested name must be descriptive and brief,” the district stressed in a media release about naming the school. “If submitting the name of an individual, the name should be of a person of prominence recognized for his or her outstanding civic or educational contribution.”

Schools are only named after elected officials or former school board employees if they have been deceased for two years or longer or left public office or employment more than two years ago, the district noted. Names, once adopted, are considered permanent.

Suggestions should include brief explanations. They can be emailed to lcobbe@pasco.k12.fl.us with the subject line “Elementary W,” faxed to 813-794-2716 or mailed to Linda Cobbe, Communications & Government Relations Dept., 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638. The deadline is submit naming suggestions is Feb. 29.

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