Sleeping later

Changing high school to later times

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? Read the quote below to see what Cheyenne at Largo High School thinks. Here are her thoughts:

What about starting high school later in the day?  Yes, we would get out later but at least we would be a little more rested so we can concentrate better. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think that the school day ending around 1:30-2:00 p.m. gives you more opportunities to participate in activities after school such as employment, sports or clubs?  Being the ages of 14-18, we are mature enough to understand that if we start early in the day then we have to go to bed earlier too.

Now that Cheyenne has shared her thoughts, it is time for you to share yours. Do you think high school students should begin school later in the morning, or do you prefer the schedule the way it is?

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.

Education and the President

Think about it

During his first press conference, President Barack Obama stated the following:

Education -- yet another example. The suggestion is why should the federal government be involved in school construction. Well, I visited a school down in South Carolina that was built in the 1850s. Kids are still learning in that school, as best they can. When the railroad -- it's right next to a railroad, and when the train runs by, the whole building shakes and the teacher has to stop teaching for a while. The auditorium is completely broken down; they can't use it. So why wouldn't we want to build state-of-the-art schools with science labs that are teaching our kids the skills they need for the 21st century, that will enhance our economy and, by the way, right now will create jobs?

So we can differ on some of the particulars, but again, the question I think the American people are asking is, do you just want government to do nothing, or do you want it to do something? If you want it to do something, then we can have a conversation. But doing nothing, that's not an option from my perspective.

What do you think about the President's comments. Do you think the federal government should be involved with local schools? If so, how? With the country in a budget crisis, how can the federal government afford to help local entities? Share your thoughts about Obama's words and your views here at the NBZ.

Sports, drama, art, music ....

Budget cuts and extracurricular activities

Almost every day there are stories about budget cuts for counties and schools on the pages of the St. Petersburg Times. Budget cuts may affect the number of schools, students in a classroom, supplies, teacher salaries and extracurricular activities as well as elective classes. What are your thoughts about the budget cuts in your schools? Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? What do you think about the possible elimination of extracurricular activities? Share your thoughts here at the NBZ.

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.