Summer break

No more pencils ...

Well, you made it through another school year. Hopefully you have learned a lot of great things throughout the year, and now you are ready for a well-deserved break. This is the last week of school for Tampa Bay area students and teachers. Tell us about your summer plans.

And speaking of summer plans, be sure to participate in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper in Education/Tampa Bay Rays Reading with the Rays program this summer. You can earn cool Rays rewards just by reading. Look for your “Reading with the Rays” section in the Times on Saturday, June 6. Or, you can pick up your copy, along with your game card, at your Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco or Pinellas library. Check out tampabay.com/nie for more details about how to read your way to the ballpark.You can participate in the Reading with the Rays blog by clicking on the 2009 Reading with the Rays category on the left side of the NIE Blogging Zone.

Honoring fallen soldiers

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the day when Americans honor those who have died fighting in the country’s wars. The holiday began after the Civil War, in which approximately 800,000 people died. Will you do anything to remember fallen soldiers on Memorial Day? Who will you remember and honor on Memorial Day? Share your thoughts here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Celebrate National Fitness Month

You've got to move it; move it!

Every kind of exercise is helpful in achieving a healthy lifestyle, if you do it regularly. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Bam.gov Web site for inspiration and information to get you moving. You even can create your own fitness schedule. Share your fitness ideas with others here
 on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Eye in the Sky

 

STS-125 mission

Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. Now comes the last mission to repair the Hubble telescope. Check out the St. Petersburg Times Special Report, where you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are. Click on the 2009 Hubble category on the left to learn more and discuss this topic.

Teacher Appreciation Week

President Barack Obama introduces the 2009 National Teacher of the Year, Anthony Mullen of Greenwich, Conn. 

Appreciating teachers

We all have had teachers in our lives who changed our way of thinking or encouraged us to succeed. This is teacher appreciation week, so it is a great time to tell your favorite teachers how they changed your lives. Share your teacher's name and special story here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

One small step for man ...

One giant leap for mankind

Friday, May 1 is Space Day. Check out www.spaceday.org for fun ways to celebrate Space Day in your neighborhood and classroom. You can learn all about space and space travel, as well as see some cool photos at nasa.gov. Share your ideas for celebrating Space Day here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Photo: The gaseous outer layers of a Sun-like star glow in space after being expelled as the star reached the end of its life. Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Celebrate Earth Day

Protecting Earth

April 22 is Earth Day. “Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet,” according to Earthday.gov. Check out Earthday.gov to find ways you can think globally and act locally to help the environment. Share your ideas for helping protect the environment here at the NIE Blogging Zone. For more topics about the environment, click on the "2009 Recycling" category on the left side of the page.

Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson

The creative Thomas Jefferson

Born April 13, 1743, Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence and was the third president of the United States. In addition to being a great writer and statesman, Jefferson was an inventor and architect. Check out Jefferson’s home at www.monticello.org and the activities at http://classroom.monticello.org/kids/home.Tell us what features you would like to see when you build your perfect house.

Earth month

Reduce your use!

April is Earth month, and the perfect time to think about the environment, especially conserving water. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has three words for you: “Reduce your use”. Check out the classroom challenge for helping alleviate Florida’s drought conditions at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/classroom_challenge. Share your ideas here about how you and others can conserve water.

Eating healthy

 

Read those labels!

March is National Nutrition Month, and it is the perfect time to start eating well. You can help your family by creating a healthy menu. Using the USDA food pyramid at mypyramid.gov, create a weekly plan that includes a balanced diet. Look in the St. Petersburg Times’ e-edition for nutritious ideas and use its archives to find articles from Saturday’s Personal Best section. Share your healthy choices and thoughts about what you learned during your research here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Celebrating Sunshine Week

Happy FOI Day! 
That's Freedom of Information, and today marks the U.S. recognition of the importance of protecting that freedom. Today is part of "Sunshine Week" as well, as in government that operates "in the sunshine" instead of behind doors closed to the press and the public results in better, safer democracy. Look in today's St. Petersburg Times  to find a story about the Florida Legislature meeting about a proposed law. Tell the readers of the NIE Blogging Zone why the public should know what is being said about that issue.

Just in time

Tick tock!

Okay, 'fess up: Were you late to school today because you forgot to set your clock ahead to daylight saving time? Find a story in today's Times about someone who will benefit by having the extra hour of daylight the switch causes. Tell us about that person or share your own clock story here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

In the know. In the Times.

Cyberbullying on the rise

Although the Largo Middle School students are laughing in this photo, cyberbullying is a serious issue. Read Donna Winchester's article about cyberbullying in the March 3 edition of the St. Petersburg Times. Cyberbullying is on the rise in school districts across the country. According to school officials, anyone with access to a cell phone or a computer could be a victim. That's why Pinellas and Hillsborough school officials have gone to extra lengths this year to crack down on cyberbullying, sometimes referred to as online social cruelty or electronic bullying.

Have you ever been a victim or known a victim of cyberbullying? Have you ever tried to intimidate or threaten another student using the Internet or e-mail? Share your thoughts about this article and the subject matter here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women taking the lead

 

March is the month designated for special honoring of women's contributions. This year's National Women's History Project's theme is "Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet." Check out http://www.nwhp.org/whm/honorees.php and then look in the St. Petersburg Times for stories about women who could be included in the list of honorees. Make your own nominations at here at the NIE Blogging Zone.  Example: Put "Andrea Hildebran" in the search box at tampabay.com or the e-Edition to read about her community garden outreach.

In the know. In the Times.

Obama pledges bold recovery

Did you watch President Obama's speech to the joint session of Congress on television? What do you think of the President's ideas? You can read all about the main points of his speech in today's St. Petersburg Times. You also can read the speech word-for-word by going to this link on Tampabay.com.

You also can read the details about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on the recovery.gov Web site.

Share your thoughts about President Obama's words, the joint session of Congress or the economy here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

The 'CAT

No more pussyfooting around

We don't have to tell you FCAT time is near, but we want to stay positive! Tell us something good or interesting you have learned while studying for the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test.

In the know. In the Times.

Driving under the influence

As this mock DUI crash shows, the effects of drunk driving can be tragic.

In today's Times: "New DUI case affects Summer Moll: her dad’s" -- Last fall, 5-year­ old Summer Moll suffered a frac­tured skull and lost her mother in a crash that police blamed on a drunken driver. Yesterday morning Jessica's father was arrested for DUI.

On Tampabay.com: "WTVT-Ch. 13 anchor Russell Rhodes makes brief apology on air for DUI arrest" -- Today, television anchor Russel Rhodes is back on the air after making a public apology for his DUI arrest on Jan. 16.

Did you know that in 2007, an estimated 12,998 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes? In 2007, 311 children under the age of 16 died in alcohol-related crashes, while 1,529 people between the ages of 16 and 20 died in alcohol-related crashes. The dangers of driving under the influence are well known and well documented, yet people continue to drink and drive on a daily basis. What do you think can be done to stop people from drinking and driving? What are your thoughts about the article in the Times and on Tampabay.com today? Share your views with others here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Historic proportions

Celebrating Black History Month

Tampa resident Mary Alice Dorsett has been active in the Civil Rights Movement in Florida for most of her life. In 1965, Dorsett became the first black woman to run for the Florida House of Representatives and continues to be active in getting people out to vote

There's obviously more than a month of history to celebrate, but because February is designated as "Black History Month," today's blog prompt is meant to get you thinking. Tell us why Black History Month also could be called American History Month.

In the know. In the Times.

What do you think of A-Rod now?

Check out the article "Hard Time for Heroes" by Michael Kruse on the front page of Today's Times. Read what kids in Tampa think about Alex Rodriguez and the use of steroids in sports. Share your thoughts about this controversial topic here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

UPDATE: Check out A-Rod's apology in the Times on Wednesday, Feb. 18, "‘A stupid mistake’: An emotional A-Rod blames himself, seeks forgiveness for steroid use."

Happy Birthday Abe!

Happy 200th, Abe!

Abraham Lincoln was born 200 years ago on Feb. 12. In honor of our 16th president, go to the Lincoln Bicentennial Web site and check out the cool information there. Then come back to the NIE Blogging Zone to write a letter telling President Lincoln about something in your world that is different from when he led the nation.

Monday rewind

Super Sunday review

So, how was your Super Bowl Sunday? How about those commercials? Or Bruce Springsteen's halftime show? Or that huge bowl of French onion dip you made disappear as you watched? How about the excitement of the game? Tell us the best part of your Super Bowl Sunday.

In the Know. In the Times: Special Report

A barrel of monkeys

No matter how bad things got for Lex Salisbury, no matter how many officials called for his job, no matter how swiftly his zoological empire came undone, it is not fair to blame the monkeys. Check out the St. Petersburg Times Special Report Escape from Monkey Island. Share your thoughts about this story here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Hazardous Weather Awareness Week

Be Prepared!

     Gov. Charlie Crist has declared Feb. 1-7, Florida’s Hazardous Weather Awareness Week. Hazardous Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events. 

     Each day, more than 17-million people call the Sunshine State their home. Florida is a great place to live, work and play. But with this beautiful place comes a personal responsibility for each of us to be prepared for the hazards that affect our state.

     In Florida, natural events such as thunderstorms and lightning are common.The key to your family’s safety is being aware of hazardous weather conditions and knowing how to prepare for them.

     You can learn all about the various weather hazards at the Florida Division of Emergency Management's hazardous weather Web site.

     Check out the NIE Blogging Zone 2009 Hazardous Weather Awareness Week category by clicking here.

Super duper

Welcoming football fans to Tampa Bay

Even if you're not a football fan, it'll be hard to miss the hoopla going on in Tampa Bay this week surrounding the Super Bowl, taking place at Raymond James Stadium next Sunday. Tell a Super Bowl visitor what's cool about your hometown here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Dear Mr. President

Our new President

President-elect Obama will get to drop the "elect" from his title Tuesday, Jan. 20 after he takes the oath of office during inaugural ceremonies. Send Obama your  good wishes, and even your advice, as he takes over the mighty big job of running the country. 

Celebrating King Day

Reflecting on Dr. King's words

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day, it is a good time to reflect on some of the principles in which King believed. Here are three quotes from his speeches:

• "Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
• "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
• "Life's most persistant and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

Think about what these quotes mean. Look for articles in this week's St. Petersburg Times that depict people whose actions represent the messages in these quotes. Share your thoughts about the quotes and articles you find in the newspaper here on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Cool school advice

Giving advice

President-elect Obama's two daughters are in  week two at their new school. Have you ever had to change schools? Give Malia and Sasha Obama some advice about how to cope. Share your thoughts with them here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

It is 2009!

Welcome back to school!

You're returning to school this week, and we know you have a few opinions about that! Tell us what is the hardest thing about ending your winter break, or what is the best thing about being back in the classroom. Share your thoughts here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Happy New Year

A new year is coming

We're about to welcome 2009 to the fold! What will you do different this year? What do you look forward to? Share your New Year's resolutions with us here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Another zoo story

What do you think?

Have you been keeping up with the news about Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo? You can read the latest news about this story and past articles on the electronic edition. To find past articles, log onto the electronic addition, click on archives, and then fill in the search information. Also go to the St. Petersburg Times NIE Web site to find NIE resources for last year's nine-part series about the zoo.

Share your thoughts here about what's been going on with Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and the resignation of its president, Lex Salisbury.

Winter break

Happy holidays!

Just because school will be out in a few days doesn't mean you should take a break from the NIE Blogging Zone. What are your plans for the winter break and the holidays? Charlie Brown and Linus are contemplating their plans for Christmas in the photo. Do you have any special Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or New Year's Day traditions? Share your holiday and winter break plans with us here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Winter's Tale

When empathy drives ingenuity

Check out the story about Winter, the dolphin with a new tail. This four-part series starts at Tampabay.com today and in the Times on Sunday. Read the story, then join the conversation with Tampa Bay students and teachers by clicking on 2008 Winter's Tale category on the left side of the NIE Blogging Zone.

In the Know. In the Times

Harry! Harry! Harry!

Read In 'Beedle the Bard,' Harry Potter magic lives on" by Times Book Editor Colette Bancroft in today's Times. Have you bought the newest installment in the Harry Potter genre yet? Are you going to buy it? Share your thoughts about the stories in the book here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

In the know. In the Times.

And speaking of the economy ....

Check out "To tip or not to tip; it’s a tricky question" in today's St. Petersburg Times. What are your thoughts about this article? Do you go out to eat a lot, stop for coffee order take out? Or, maybe you work in a restaurant, coffee house or fast food joint? Share your thoughts about this article and tipping here.

Schools in need

Money, Money, Money

It seems every day there is a story about budget shortfalls or the possibility of schools being closed to save money. What's the deal? Tell us what you think about the state of money for education. To read about all things education, check out the Gradebook blog.

Thank goodness

Giving thanks

No excuses! You have some time off from school this week to think about reasons to be thankful. Tell us why, even in this gloomy economic time, you are grateful for something.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

In the know. In the Times.

Is it all about the Benjamins?

Foreclosure, tuition hikes, stocks plunging, unemployment rising ... OH MY!

Although the price per gallon of gasoline has dropped in the last few weeks, the cost of the basics - food, shelter and clothing - is still on the rise. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, there was an article in the Times about the financial struggles of Lazydays RV SuperCenter in Seffner, the world's largest single-site RV dealer.

The front page of today's St. Petersburg Times has it all. You can read about "Foreclosure stalks BayWalk," "Lines drawn on tuition," "Wall Street fright returns; jobless claims soar" and "'A piece of humble pie.'"  Check out Annie Lesso's (pictured in chair) story written by Leonora Lapeter Anton. What are your thoughts about Ms. Lesso's struggles? Do you think the issues she faces will affect you, if you are looking for an afterschool, winter break or summer job?

How is the economic crisis in the country affecting you and your family?  Share your thoughts here.

Ready to Gobble Fame

The Greater St. Petersburg Area Awesome Original Second Time Arounders Marching Band is heading for the legendary Thanksgiving Macys Parade in New York City next week. Here is a short preview of the band's dress rehearsal and a few of the band members' comments. Stay tuned for more video highlights as the Rounders prepare to rock the Big Apple!

Read more about the Rounders at tampabay.com.

Time to quit

Great American Smokeout

-- from the pages of Parade magazine and Parade Classroom.

On Thursday, November 20, thousands of smokers across the country will take part in the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout, by attempting to go the entire day without lighting a cigarette. Each year, smoking is responsible for more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 45 million adults smoke—about 21 percent of the U.S. population.

Do any of your friends or family members smoke? Do you think these people are addicted to smoking? Have they ever tried to quit? Have you ever tried to help someone quit smoking? What’s the best way to convince a young smoker to quit? What’s the best way to convince teens who don’t smoke never to try? Do you think images of people smoking, in the movies and on TV, help lead kids to smoke? Are more images in the media pro- or anti-smoking? What messages about smoking do you see in the newspaper. Share your thoughts here.

Be sure to check out the St. Petersburg Times this week to look for articles about the Great American Smokeout.

In the Know. In the Times.

"What is ‘careless’ versus homicide?"

In today's column, Howard Troxler writes, "How can a man with 21 previous traffic citations in Pinel­las County drive onto a side­walk in St. Pete Beach, kill a 33-year-old mother of three and be cited for nothing more than careless driving?"

Read this article and share your thoughts here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Be Heard

Kids Voting

Kids Voting Tampa Bay is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is working to secure the future of democracy by preparing young people to be educated, engaged voters. The program is unique because it combines civic learning in the classroom with an authentic voting experience that reflects the adult process. See how students in the Tampa Bay area voted at the Kids Voting Web site.

Did you vote in your school or at the polls for this election? Share your experiences here.

Kid Scoop

Making a difference

Go to Kid Scoop on the NIE Web site  and read about how you can help make life better for poor children in the Philippines. Then, blog here about  stories in the Times that describe children who are less fortunate than you.

Election 2008

The home stretch

As we head into the final days before Election Day, there are a lot of people talking about politics. This is a history making year in terms of candidates and early voter turnout. What are your thoughts about the election? What are your thoughts about the television and radio ads? Have you checked out the accuracy of the candidates' statements on PolitiFact? Check out the "Voting 2008" category on the NBZ and share your thoughts with other students and teachers across the Tampa Bay area.

And, don't forget to cast your vote through Kids Voting polling locations. If you are a Hillsborough County student, you will have the opportunity to vote in school. All other students can cast their votes at a Kids Voting polling location in their respective counties. If you have participated in early voting, please share your thoughts about the process.

The boys of summer head home

A bitter end to a sweet season

The Rays have had a fabulous season. Even though they did not win the World Series, the team has a lot to be proud of. Check out John Romano's article, "Rays miracle season over, but its effects will last," in the October 30 edition of the Times. If you did not read the article on October 30, you can read the article in the archives of the electronic edition or on tampabay.com. Share your thoughts about Romano's perspective and the Rays here.

Know your amendments

Be in the know.

Election Day is a week away. There is a lot of talk about the candidates in the news: national and local. Florida’s 10.5 million registered voters will vote “for” or “against” six proposed constitutional amendments. You will have the opportunity to vote through Kids Voting on November 4.

You can read about the proposed amendments at VoteSmartFlorida.org. You can search for St. Petersburg Times articles on the amendments by using the archives on tampabay.com.  Choose a proposed amendment and discuss the pros and cons of that amendment here. Do you think the amendment is necessary to be added to the Florida Constitution: why or why not?

AMAZING RAYS!

9=2!

Now, according to John Maddon's new math, 9=2! It was the bottom of the ninth, and everything was riding on pitcher David Price, who entered the game in the eighth. When Akinori Iwamura fielded Jed Lowrie's hard grounder and tagged second base at 11:40 p.m., history was made. Share your thoughts about the amazing American League Champion Series here.

School safety

Be safe

There are many examples of violence on the pages of the St. Petersburg Times. Look through today’s newspaper for examples of different kinds of violence. What are your thoughts about the articles you have found? Have you seen any violence firsthand? Do you see violence taking place on your school campus or on a friend's campus? Do you think your school is safe?  Is your school fair with its consequences?  Are there procedures the school’s staff does to make you feel safe at school? Share your thoughts about school safety on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Class schedules

Is change good?

Next year all high schools are going to a seven class schedule. Do you think you will be affected by this?  Will it help or hurt you?  Do you like your classes now?  Do you think this will eliminate some of you electives and why? Look in the St. Petersburg Times for articles about other changes that are taking place in your school and community that may affect you. Share your thoughts with other students.

Rules!

Rules and consequences

There are rules everywhere: at home, in public, at school. Every day students are required to follow school rules. Zachary Sharples was suspended for breaking one of the rules at his school. Look for other school news and issues in the St. Petersburg Times. Do these rules effect you? Do you think they are fair to the student population as a whole? Is your school district and school fair with the rules that are in place? Is your school fair with its consequences?  Share your thoughts on the NIE Blogging Zone.

Dealing with bullies

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes

One kind of conflict that can affect adults at work and kids at school or in their neighborhood is a conflict with bullies. Look in the St. Petersburg Times for an article about bullying. Can you relate to the people or circumstances in the article? Is the bullying obvious, or is it subtle? Are their bullies in your class or neighborhood? Do you find boys or girls are doing more of the bullying?  Have you ever bullied anyone or been bullied yourself? How does your school handle bullies? How safe is your campus? Share your thoughts with other students.