GREAT HOPE PRESCHOOL OPENS AT PHSC The Great Hope Preschool opened up at Pasco- Hernando State College in the middle of a pandemic on August 19 , which was no easy task . The safety of the children attending preschool became priority one while ensuring they still received a top of the line education . Heidi Honea is the owner of Great Hope Preschool and she is quick to remind people it is not a daycare . “ Daycare makes us cringe because we are using preschool as the stepping stone into elementary education and beyond . We have an upgraded curriculum that is research-based and we focus on the family aspects of learning and use the tools the curriculum offers .” In fact , the center around family is one of the things Honea says helps the students become more successful . The more the parents are involved , the more the children will succeed . Family events are frequent and interactive .
Honea says they have weekly guest speakers talking about a variety of topics such as government , gardening and animals . When Great Hope students had the opportunity to learn about pets , it was more than just some basic instruction , it was hands-on learning . Pet supplies and different kinds of animals were brought in to show the students how to properly care for them . Another thing Honea says is a big hit with the kids is the family-style eating . During lunch , the students learn about the food they are eating , table manners , and how to set the table and clean up afterward . Turning lunchtime into learning time and a time to communicate with one another gives the students a greater sense of community .
Great Hope Preschool is open to infants , toddlers , 2 ’ s and 3 ’ s , and VPK students and is located on the West Campus . “ It ’ s a huge blessing for these students to have the resource of the preschool with the pricing tiers . We want to meet the mission of the school and connect with the students , faculty , community ,” says Honea . And at the end of the day , she says the greatest gift is how excited her students are to go home and tell their parents about the day they had . “ That is the most rewarding thing .”
PHSC STUDENT APPOINTED TO BOARD
OF TRUSTEES The District Board of Trustees recently approved Zachary Kleisley as the first PHSC student to serve on the Board . Kleisley is among only a few students serving as an honorary trustee in the Florida College System .
TRUSTEES REAPPOINTED TO DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Gov . Ron DeSantis announced the reappointments of Robin Schneider , John Mitten and Lee Maggard to PHSC ’ s District Board of Trustees . Robin Schneider , Spring Hill , is the marketing coordinator at the Medical Center of Trinity and a former PHSC student . Previously she was director of marketing at Spring Hill Regional Hospital and has volunteered her time with the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central , American Cancer Society , Leadership Pasco and Hernando County Crimestoppers .
John Mitten , Brooksville , is owner of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Spring Hill and a former Chairman of the Hernando County Commission . He is active in the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce , United Way of Hernando County , YMCA of Hernando County , Hope Children ’ s Home and Jericho Road Ministries .
A PHSC alumnus , Lee Maggard , Zephyrhills , is an associate vice president and commercial relationship manager with CenterState Bank . He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and serves on the board of the Academy at the Farms .
Thank you to Trustees Schneider , Mitten and Maggard for their dedication and continued service on the board .
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