Being thankful

Giving thanks

Thanksgiving is a great time to think of what you are thankful for. Sappy? Maybe, but this week is a good time to reflect since you have some time off from school. Tell us what you are grateful for and why. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Celebrating our veterans

Honoring those who served

Veterans Day is the day when Americans honor those who have served in our armed forces. You can learn the history of Veteran’s Day on the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs Web site. Who will you honor on this Veterans Day? Share your thoughts here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Take flight

National Aviation Month

November is National Aviation Month. Learn about the history of flight at The National Air and Space Museum.We have come a long way from the days of the Wright Brothers. Read the St. Petersburg Times Special Report “Last Repair Mission to the Hubble”. Share your thoughts about what you have learned here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Happy Halloween

Celebrating All Hallows Eve

Did you know that Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in)? The history and tradi-tion of Halloween is rich and diverse. You can learn more about this holiday by going to www.history.com/content/halloween/. Will you celebrate Halloween this Saturday? Share your holiday traditions here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Safe schools Week

Being safe

This week is National Safe Schools Week. Throughout the week, students can help keep their schools safe by speaking up against school violence. You can celebrate this week by raising awareness of the important need to keep our schools and communities free from violence. Do you feel safe at school? What can be done to make you feel safer?  Share your thoughts here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Be part of the solution

Together we can move mountains

This week Parade magazine asked actor Matt Damon why giving is so important. The Oscar winner spends a lot of time working for charitable causes and reminds us that together we can move mountains. Do you volunteer your time or give to charity? Share your thoughts about giving money and time and why that is important.

National Newspaper Week

The role of newspapers

Thomas Jefferson said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." Newspapers tie the community together and form one of the most important underpinnings for democracy. Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts about the role of newspapers in society.

In the Know. In the Times.

Ignore all distractions

Read "Whoa! Eyes on the Road" by Times staff writer Arielle J.Stevenson in the Tampa Bay section of the October 2 edition of the St. Petersburg Times. You also can check out the video on Tampabay.com. What are your thoughts about the Action Against Distraction program? Are you driving yet? Are you anxious to get your learner's permit and earn your license? Do you consider yourself a careful driver? How about your parents? Share your thoughts here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

In the Know. In the Times.

Teens go to hospitals after party bus rides

According to the St. Petersburg Times article on September 29, students from both sides of Tampa Bay were sent to hospitals over the weekend after separate incidents involving alcohol, homecoming dances and "party buses." Read this article in the archive section of the e-Edition of the Times or on Tampabay.com. What are your thoughts about the article and behaviors of the students? Do you think this behavior is typical? How can this type of situation be prevented in the future?

Rescue a shelter dog

Adopting a best friend

October is Adopt a Dog Month. If you are looking for a new “best friend," check out the millions of dogs at local shelters. Remember though, responsible pet ownership requires more than simply agreeing to take an animal into your life. Tell us about your furry best friends and the important ways to be a responsible pet owner.

Give Peace a Chance

Being peaceful

September 21 is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. It is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. What are your ideas for promoting peace in the world, in your town, at school and at home? Share your thoughts here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

A Rich History

The United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, to celebrate the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This year marks 450 years since Pensacola was founded by Spanish explorers. Since then, Hispanic culture and history have enriched Florida's communities, economy and way of life in a wide variety of ways. Go to the Florida Hispanic Heritage Month Web page to learn more. What influences of these traditions do you see in the Tampa Bay area? Click below to share your thoughts.

Ticket to Rock

The Beatles: Rock Band

Promoters hope the release of The Beatles: Rock Band on Wednesday, September 9,  will both attract baby boomers to video games and introduce a new generation to the music of one of the most influential bands of all time. Cick here to check out the video.

Can you name all four members of the Beatles? Lots of folks in their 20s and 30s can't. But for many Baby Boomers, now in their 50s and even 60s, Beatles music defines the era they grew up in. What music defines your era?

In the Know. In the Times.

President Obama speaks to students

Did you listen to President Obama's speech in school today? If not, you can read the transcript of the speech on the White House Web site. What did you think about the controversy surrounding the speech? You can read "Obama speech exhorts kids" in today's St. Petersburg Times. You also can read what Gulf High School students are saying in the Gradebook blog.

Share your thoughts about the speech and about the speech being broadcast to students during the school day here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Attention students and teachers

Monitored Blogging Zone

The NIE Blogging Zone is a monitored blog. Due to school district concerns, anonymous postings cannot be posted. If you would like your voice heard, you must include a first name and e-mail address. Providing your school and/or county also is helpful, especially if you are posting information regarding your school. Since this is a monitored blog, there is a delay between postings being submitted and publication of those postings.

Going Green

All the news with none of the waste

No newpaper pile up. No messy ink. No deforestation. Are you going green by reading the electronic edition of the Times at home and in your classroom? We want to hear how your class is using the e-Edi-tion. What are the pros and cons of reading the e-Edition instead of the printed paper. Share your thoughts and tips here. For more topics about going green in your life, click on the 09-10 Largoing Green category on the left.

Are You Awake for School?

School Time

One of the great things about summer break is being able to sleep in and do things on your own schedule. Now that school has begun again, it is back to waking up early. How are you managing so far? Have you ever been so tired that it isn't until your second or third class that you are awake enough to actually learn something? Do you think students should begin school later in the morning, or do you prefer the schedule the way it is? How would your life be different if you went to school later in the morning and got home later in the afternoon?

Back to School

A New School Year

The weather is still steamy, but summer break has ended. Are you ecstatic? Are you so bumbed you're dragging your backpack on the ground? Are you happy to see your friends? How are your classes so far? Tell us about your experiences being back in the classroom.