Pasco Announces 2 New Magnet Schools

LAND O’ LAKES, FL – Pasco County middle schoolers with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math will soon have two new magnet schools to choose from.

The school district announced Monday it is converting Bayonet Point and Centennial middle schools into STEM magnet schools. The decision to expand STEM offerings was based on a parent survey conducted Oct. 9-Nov. 6, the district said in a media release.

Bayonet Point is already undergoing renovations with its classes currently being held at Fivay High School and Chasco Middle School. Principal Shelley Camino, the district said, is “fully committed to this initiative.”

On the east side of the county, Centennial Principal Rick Saylor has been “looking for new, rigorous, engaging programs for his students,” the district explained. The creation of the STEM magnet is hoped to fulfill that goal.

“Students who presently attend the schools will continue to be assigned there,” the district said. “BPMS will have seats available for magnet students. Additional seats will be added at CENMS for students who would like to attend through magnet choice.”

Current teachers at both schools are included in the initiative and will receive professional development over the summer, the district said. Teachers who aren’t interested will have the option of transferring to a different school, the district noted.

Transportation will be provided to the two schools using a hub system similar to that employed by Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes, the district noted.

More information will be posted on the district’s website soon. Visit it online at http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ed_choice/magnet/.

The district’s International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Education programs are also joining the magnet schools program. That includes the IB programs at Gulf and Land O’ Lakes high schools and the Cambridge program at Pasco Middle and Pasco High.

The timeline for the district’s implementation of the changes is as follows:

• Parent meetings - Jan. 11 through Jan. 20 (Feeder Patterns)
• Magnet Application Lottery for students - Jan. 18 through Jan. 31
• School Choice will open February 1 through March 1
• Common selection announcement for students at all magnet programs - Feb. 12

More information will be announced soon.

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