By Tamas Mondovics
Bloomingdale High School Hosts Parent University
Bloomingdale High School was pleased to play host to Parent University, a series of informational sessions that support the academic life of children in Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
In addition to the regular sessions offered, including tips for succeeding in middle school and information on Bright Futures, the event also highlighted Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM) in Tampa Bay.
Parents had a chance to learn STEM topics like how to support students in math, learn new ideas for bringing STEM activities into the home, as well as information on STEM Career Academies.
In one of two classes parents got a chance to experience the mathematics content standards for sixth, seventh, and eight grade Algebra in middle school.
This event included a special learning opportunity for high school students in the STEM field, including an introduction to engineering and volunteer/internship opportunities within the community.
On hand to meet parents and to promote STEM in Tampa Bay was Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins.
“I have enjoyed meeting so many parents,” Eakins said, adding, ”There is a future in STEM and we are preparing our students now for their future.”
Parent University is a collaboration of the Alliance for Public Schools, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association and United Way Suncoast. Visit all4schools.org/hillsborough or call 272-4443.
First Place Win Puts Bailey Elementary in Spotlight During Florida Literacy Week
For the sixth consecutive year, Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott has celebrated literacy week by reading to students in schools throughout the state. Promoting literacy and celebrating the joy of reading locally, Scott joined hundreds of Hillsborough County Public Schools students last month.
Scott’s schedule of the week included the kickoff event at Strawberry Crest High School.
Superintendent Jeff Eakins and Hillsborough County Schools Board Members joined over 700 students from Strawberry Crest High School, Tomlin Middle School, Orange Grove Middle Magnet School, Bailey Elementary School, Cork Elementary School, and Lutz Elementary School to launch the weeklong event, with the focus of recognizing the importance of literacy through songs, dance, skits, and oral interpretation of America’s founding documents.
According to school officials, the theme of the state’s literacy and civics-based week was Literacy Changes Our World, encouraging schools to get involved in promoting reading and good citizenship in schools and in the community. Students are encouraged to set aside 20 minutes every day to read.
After taking part in this year’s literacy-civics school service project, Bailey Elementary was pleased to learn that it placed first and is to be awarded by Scott and Chancellor Hershel Lyons, at the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.
“It was incredible to represent our collective students in Tallahassee at the Just Read Florida Celebrate Literacy Week Civics-Service Learning Awards Ceremony and walk away with the first place award,” Bailey Elementary School Principal Russell Wallace said. “Our Bailey students have really gone above and beyond to make a difference in our community and I simply could not be more proud of their efforts.”
For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
