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Pasco welcomes students, new schools

Pasco County schools opened its doors to roughly 60,000 students Monday with few glitches beyond typical first-day bus delays.

By REBECCA CATALENELLO AND MICHELE MILLER
Published August 8, 2005

School started Monday in Pasco County without any major mishaps, officials said. About 60,000 students poured into classes, some departing their parents with tearful goodbyes and plenty of snapshots.

Some areas of the county experienced school bus delays of up to 45 minutes, but nothing Transportation Director Mike Park considered out of the ordinary.

"It's like this every year," Park said, crediting the tardy pick-ups and drop-offs to typical first-day traffic congestion. "It'll get a little better (Tuesday) and a little better Wednesday."

The county's two newest schools -- Longleaf Elementary in New Port Richey and Seven Oaks Elementary in Wesley Chapel -- reported strong debuts.

"We're so psyched. It's such a great feeling," said Longleaf instructional assistant Maria Vosilla. At 10 a.m., Vosilla still was out in front of the school directing late arrivals and relaying via walkie-talkie which buses had finally arrived.

Schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino split her time traveling between campuses. "I think it's going to be an exciting year," she said. "You can feel the enthusiasm."

[Last modified August 8, 2005, 17:06:18]