Hoping for the best

(2/14/18 update to this story...we fnally won the lottery!!!)

Thousands of applications have gone in recently for the Pinellas County District Application Program. This program is done once a year where parents can put an application in to the school of their choice for Magnet, Fundamental or Career Academy for  the following year. It's a lottery system and this year on February 14, parents go back and log into their application and see if they were one of the lucky ones to get in. This application program has been going on for years at least as long as my two girls have been in school and they are 12 and 13 now. The problem is there aren't enough seats for every student to get their first choice, so the district does it by a lottery system.

This year, I asked how many applications were put in for the schools in Pinellas and was told 11,215 unique students completed the application. That's a lot of students!

Some of the schools around our area where parents want their children to go to are the fundamental schools like Madeira Beach Fundamental and Osceola Fundamental High. These schools are highly sought after by parents because there are almost no discipline problems at fundamental schools because if there is a discipline problem the student is not allowed to go to that school anymore. Also parent involvement is mandatory at fundamental schools. There is also a stricter dress code for students. This year there were 1,414 total applications for Madeira Beach K-5 and 1,106 for Madeira Beach 4-8 grades. 

You could almost make another school for the amount of students that want to go to this school. I remember trying to get my kids into Madeira Beach Fundamental when they were in elementary school. One time we were 450 on the list and one time number three on the list. We never got in and after a few years of trying, I decided I liked the school we were zone for which was Seminole Elementary and didn't want to move them.  I am also very happy at their middle school which is Osceola Middle.

I hear great feedback about the fundamental schools from parents and from teachers. Teachers love working at fundamental schools. My brother-in-law Mark works at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental and says it's so nice to not have the discipline problems you would have in the regular schools. Most teachers who are at fundamental schools don't want to leave. Plus parents are involved with the school because they have to be or their child can't attend the school. Obviously parents don't mind or we wouldn't see the numbers we are seeing to get into these schools.

Osceola High Fundamental is another school many parents try to get their children into for high school. This year there are 1225 applications. The school has a good reputation in the area and was the first fundamental high school in Florida and one of only a handful in the country.

My oldest daughter Randi is going into high school next year and it's a big decision of where you want your child to go their four years of high school. In my opinion a school has a big impact on kids from the teachers to the staff to the other students. I want my child going to the school I think is best suited for them. I am thankful for this application process, I just wish it wasn't a lottery system.  A new school is opening up this year in Seminole I think would be the perfect fit for Randi. It's called Tech High. This school is smaller with 150 kids only being accepted for the freshman class and has exactly what she wants to do as far as a career. They offer a vet assisting program. They also offer other programs to like building trades and construction design, commercial and digital arts, electricity, game and simulation programming and nursing.   The school is being built right now and will be ready for the 2018-2019 school year. It's seems like an ideal place for my daughter, but there are 715 applications for just a few spots. I am praying and crossing my fingers she will get in.

If you are a new parent or new to the area, you should really look into all the options you have as far as schooling for your child. I only highlighted a few schools, there are quite a few more with different opportunities for kids. There are so many choices today. A lot more than when I went to school. Parents do need to be involved though because if you aren't you will miss the opportunity to at least apply.

If you did apply don't forget on February 14-21 to log on and see if your child got into the school of their choice. You must go online and accept your invitation to the school if you received an invitation. If you don't accept it, you lose your spot.

Even Pre-K3 and VPK students can put an application in. They have until February 2. For more information about the District Application Program log onto the Pinellas County School website at www.pcsb.org or click here to go directly to the student reservation system.

Good luck!!!  

One local business investing in our youth

Seminole Elementary School students bowling with their
principal Nanette Grasso for receiving all A's on their
report card.

For the past 35 years the owners of Seminole Lanes have been giving back to Pinellas County elementary schools by opening up their bowling alley to free bowling for students in grades third through fifth making principals list or all A's on their report card.

Graci and me at
the bowling alley

Recently 65 kids from Seminole Elementary were treated to bowling at Seminole Lanes for making straight A's this past grading period. The students got to bowl with their new principal Nanette Grasso. My youngest daughter was one of the students invited to go bowling for her grades, so I helped chaperone the event. The kids had a blast bowling with their friends and were treated to pizza for lunch by the school's PTA. Not only did Seminole Lanes provide the bowling, but bus transportation to and from their school.

As a mom, it is encouraging to see companies like Seminole Lanes making a difference in the community and rewarding students who are doing well in school. What a great incentive to get students to strive for A's.

  

Kevin Krauss and Jerry Krauss,
owners of Seminole Lanes

 I have had the pleasure of knowing Jerry and Joan Krauss, the owners of Seminole Lanes. They are wonderful people and do so much for our community. They have owned Seminole Lanes for almost 60 years. It's a family business now being run by their son Kevin and grandson Cory. I am in awe of their generosity to schools and students. Jerry and Kevin have told me they enjoy introducing kids to this family sport by providing this opportunity to bowl with their principal during the school year. On a side note, Seminole Elementary has a special place in the Krauss' heart because all four of Jerry and Joan's kids attended Seminole Elementary.

Rewarding kids for straight A's isn't the only way Seminole Lanes honors students for their hard work. Each year they also host a Turnaround Achievement Award Breakfast for Pinellas County students who have achieved the most significant turnaround in his or her life nominated by their school principal or teacher. This event is organized by the Pinellas County Drop Out Prevention Department and is sponsored by the Krauss family. The turnaround can be anything from turning their grades around, their attitude around or overcoming substance dependence.

I had the opportunity to attend one of these breakfasts about two years ago and I was amazed at the students and their teachers and counselors who helped them turn their lives around to make better choices. What a gift the Krauss family provides to these students and their families by recognizing positive behavior.

This a family using their business to make a positive impact on our youth. As a parent and community member, I want to thank them for taking an interest in our children.   

  

Too much testing in schools causing anxiety and illnesses

I don't know about your child, but both my daughters have been tested so much in school, it is amazing they learn anything besides how to take a test. These tests are not the normal tests teachers give to quiz the kids on what they have learned in class. What I am talking about are the state tests.

Just to give you an idea, let's take my fourth grader. Here is what her testing schedule looks like. February she has testing for writing, March it's mathematics, and April it's English. These are the Florida Standards Assessments, or FSA. Along with the state tests throughout the year, students also have ELA module testing, running record testing, mathematics and science testing.

Recently, my fourth grader had to take the mathematics part of the FSA tests. Usually my daughter, who gets straight A's in all her classes, is not too worried about testing. For some reason, this time, she was really nervous and anxious about it. The night before the test, she was looking over papers here teacher had gone over with them.

My daughter said she was worried she didn't know it enough. For weeks, the teacher has been preparing the students. The school even sent home a sheet with a link where kids could go to for practice questions. The morning of the test, my daughter was about in tears over taking this test. I didn't know why, because I don't put any pressure on the girls for test-taking. I even tell her these tests don't matter. I told her if she didn't do well and still makes straight A's, there would be a problem with the test, so not to worry.

Still, she was anxious. I asked other parents what they thought of the testing. I even asked some teachers. I think everyone's in agreement the students are tested way too much.

What I have found is more and more kids are having anxiety issues.  Kids are feeling the pressures of
testing and physically getting sick. It's not fair to the kids, parents or teachers to put this much stress on young children. Really? Why? We have seen in the past year: tests have had mistakes. Parts of tests were missing last year and scores weren't accurate.

My daughter told me the computers went down one day while they were doing testing. It's frustrating for the students and the teachers.

Last year, all tests were going to be done on computers. The state changed that after determining it could be a challenge for kids who don't know how to type. All testing will eventually be on the computer, so a typing class will probably be added to the students' curriculum.

More and more friends of mine are pulling their kids out of public schools and homeschooling their children. I have talked to teachers who are seriously considering leaving the teaching profession. Even teachers in preschool who teach voluntary pre-kindergarten, or VPK, are now mandated with more testing they have to do for four-year-olds. What happened to having fun in preschool and playing?

I think it's important to test students, but not to constantly being testing them. It's important for schools to be a place for teachers to teach and students to learn.

Going out to eat on a budget by capitalizing on free meals for kids

Are you like me, working during the day and than running your kids to all their extracurricular activities in the afternoon and by the time you get home, it’s already dinnertime and you don’t have anything ready to eat? As a mom on a budget, knowing what restaurants offer free kids’ meals can help out when you are on the go or when you want to go out for a nice dinner. The savings can add up. I did some checking and found at least one restaurant a day, if not more, offering free kids meals.

Monday

On Monday all day long, you can visit the Mexican restaurant Carmelita’s, with locations in Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg, for a free meal for kids 10 and younger when you purchase an adult meal. Also on Monday and Tuesday, Cody's Original Roadhouse Bay Pines offers free kids meals for children 10 and under. You can get 2 kids meal per adult entrees purchased. Plus they have a person who will make balloon figures for the kids! Also Lee Roy Selmon’s offers a free kids meal. Quaker Steak & Lube has kids meals for kids 8 and younger form 5 p.m. to close with an adult meal purchase. They also have free games for kids.


Tuesday

The biggest night for free kids’ meals is Tuesday. Beef 'O' Brady's allows kids 12 and under to eat free all day on Tuesdays with the purchase of a regular price adult meal. Also on Tuesday, Delosa's Pizza & Italian Restaurant in Largo offers a free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Clearwater allows children 10 years and under to choose an item from the kid’s menu with the purchase of an adult dinner. Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q offers a kids’ eat free night on the first Tuesday of the month after 4 p.m., but only at the Tyrone location. You can get 2 kids per adult meal over $8.99 from 4-8pm.

Also Slyce Pizza on Indian Rocks Beach will give kids 12 and under a slice of pizza with an adult food purchase. The new Texas Roadhouse in St. Petersburg also has a kids night on Tuesday.



Wednesday

CD Roma Restaurant in St. Petersburg has a free kids night on Wednesday with the purchase an adult meal. It is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and you can get up to two kids meals with an adult entrée.


Saturday 

On Saturday kids eat free with an adult meal purchase at Proino Breakfast Club in Largo from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. All weekend long kids can eat free at Steak ‘N Shake all day. For every $8 spent you get one free kid’s meal. You need to eat inside the restaurant.



Any day

Pick a day, if you like pizza, than take your kids to the Untouchables Pasta & Pizza in Largo. They offer a free kids’ meal every day with the purchase of an adult meal.

Personally, I have found it’s sometimes cheaper to eat out than cook at home when you get free kid’s meals.  I also enjoy not having to wash the dishes! One last money saving tip is to order water. Drinks can add up quickly. Enjoy!

Summer Fun on a Budget for Kids

What’s on your list of things to do this summer with the kids? I know a lot of kids go to camps during the summer, but what about the days the kids aren’t at camp?

I found some fun things for you to do with your kids that are either free or priced pretty reasonable.

If your kids like to bowl, you can register them for two free games of bowling a day all summer long. Yes, a day. This is part of the Kids Bowl Free Program. Bowling centers around the country participate in this.   Several new local bowling alleys are participating this year. Locally Liberty Lanes, Ten Pin Lanes, Countryside Lanes, Dunedin Lanes, Seminole Lanes and Sunrise Lanes participate.  You register online and print out tickets each week. I have registered my girls the past several years for this and they love it. The only thing you have to pay for are the bowling shoes, but if you have them than it is totally free. The website to register  click here  

I know my kids love the movies and recently the movie theatre we go to put in all new recliner seats. They are pretty awesome! Regal Cinema’s Largo Mall 8 and Park Place Stadium 16 offer movies for kids during the summer for $1. You can’t beat the price. There are some really good movies this summer. This summer starting June 9 you can see on the big screen, Annie, Dolphin Tale 2, Madagascar 3, Paddington, The Lego Movie, Alexander and the Very Bad Day just to name a few. The movies are G and PG rated and are offered on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am. To find out the movie dates and times at the theater nearest you click here. 

If you want to go to the movies on Friday and Saturday nights for free, Pier 60 in Clearwater offers fun family movies all year long. The movies begin at dusk. For a list of the movies click here  and click on Sunset Cinema.

Your kids can also go to a Tampa Bay Rays game for free over the summer if you have them read. The Rays Sponsor a reading program called Reading with the Rays. It starts on June 8. You need to go to your local library to get a score card to write down all the books your child reads during the summer. If they complete 24 hours of reading, they can get a free ticket to a Rays game. Both of my girls enjoy reading and love going to the Rays games, so this is extra incentive to read over the summer.  You can find out more by logging on here.  

If your kids like the water, the beach is a great place to take them. We are so fortunate that we live so close to the beautiful water. Take advantage of the beach over the summer. Check out your city’s recreation department too this summer. Most of the cities in Pinellas have aquatic centers with water parks and pools. The price to go for a few hours is usually a few dollars per child. One of my kids favorite places is Largo's Highland Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Avenue, Largo. They kick off their season on May 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. They have a 214 foot corkscrew water slide, 3-story speed slide and water area for little kids. It's a lot of fun and reasonably priced. If you have a Largo recreation card it is $12 for a family of five and without a recreation card it's $23 for a family of five.

I enjoy having my kids home during the summer, but I have to have some activities for them to do outside of  the house or they get bored. I also don't want to spend a fortune keeping them entertained. I hope some of these ideas help you kick off your summer.

Free summer food service program expands in Pinellas County

The Pinellas County School District, with assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture, is once again offering free breakfast and lunch throughout the summer to students 18 and under who live in geographic areas where 50 percent of more of the student population receives free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Called Summer BreakSpot, the program expects to serve more than 7,000 lunches to Pinellas County children this year, an estimated 1,000 increase over last year.

Hot and cold meal choices will be available at 130 locations, including schools, churches, community organizations and housing developments. Mobile food trucks also will travel to five locations throughout the county to better serve students near their homes.

Meal times are contingent on the location with breakfast typically served from 7-9 a.m. and lunch served from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. No registration is required to participate. Additionally, a pilot weekend meal program initiated last year, Nourish to Flourish, will continue at 10 locations. 

To find a meal location, visit www.summerfoodflorida.org, dial 211, or text FoodFL to 877-877 on a cellular phone.

Ways to keep your kids learning during the summer

School will be out soon and it’s important to keep our kids minds active during the summer. Here are some ways that I have been able to keep my two girls ages 8 and 9 learning while schools out. I try and make summer learning fun.

One of the places we like to start our summer off is at our public library. We go there to find out what programs are offered during the summer. The library is a great place to keep your children engaged in reading because of some of the incentives they offer to the kids for reading.  It is free to get a library card and your child can have their very own card. I know my girls love having their own card to check out books. If you haven’t been to a public library lately, most have a special section of the library for younger children with computers and crafts.

Each library has unique programs for students over the summer.  Most public libraries in Pinellas County run their programs from June 15^th - August 9^th.  A weekly program during the summer at Seminole Community Library is the reading with the dogs program. “This is where students are one on one with therapy dogs. Last summer it was very successful,” said Jill Storm, Youth Services Supervisor at Seminole Community Library.

One of my girl’s favorite programs in the past at the Seminole Library has been the Wonderful Wednesdays. This is where each week special guests come entertain the kids. In the past there have been magicians, balloon artists, musicians and more.

 Elementary school students who enjoy science can try e-magination which is where students get to do hands-on science experiments and have fun doing crafts. For the younger kids ages 3-6, on Monday nights at 7 p.m. there’s Slumber Stories, where children can come in their pajamas and read stories and do a craft.

Another great way to keep kids reading over the summer is with the Reading with the Rays program. Kid can pick up their Reading with the Rays game card at the library. Your kids will need to read a certain number of hours each week and as they read they move around the bases. After the get around all of the bases, they can turn their playing card in for a free ticket to a Rays game. My girls have done this the past few years and knowing they get to go to a Rays game if they read is fun for them.

If you are looking for camps to send your kids to, there are several that are fun and geared toward learning. St. Petersburg College, College for Kids Summer Camp offers unique summer programs starting June 9^th  and running through August 1^st.  College for kids has been around for 36 years. I remember going when I was a kid. They offer affordable camps for kids in elementary, middle and high school. What’s nice about this is you have credentialed teachers and there are nine different locations throughout Pinellas County where the camps are held.

 They also have before and after care. For incoming 10-11^th graders there is a weeklong camp offered for free called Career Pathways Academy. This helps students think about career choices. www.spcollege.edu/c4k or call 727-341-3000.

Another fun camp in Seminole is Bauder Elementary School’s 13^th annual Summer Science Camp. This is a weeklong camp from July 14^th-17^th . It is hands-on science activities, computer technology and arts and crafts. This is for K-5^th grade and runs from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Bauder teachers are the camp counselors.  If you are interested call Bauder’s office at 727-547-7829.

University of South Florida’s Continuing Education offers beginning reading programs throughout the county. Students meet once a week for five weeks for two hours. The cost for these classes is around $350 including materials.  You can find out more at usf.readingprograms.org or call 1-800-978-9596.

If you want to have your kids do some learning at home on the computer, the Pinellas County School Board’s web site www.pcsb.org offers quite a few learning programs on their web site. It is called Beyond the Classroom. “Our expectation is that students will spend a minimum of 30 minutes each week during the summer for grades K-2 and 60 minutes grades 3-5 in each application on the Beyond the Classroom web site. The purpose is to extend their learning from the school year,” said Pat Lusher, Director of Digital Learning for Pinellas County Schools.

 Lusher says students will need to have their Pinellas County School student username and password to log in. “Some of the most common sites are Ticket to Read, ST Math, FCAT Explorer and BrainPop.com,” said Lusher. This summer they will be adding a program for students to check out eBooks on their mobile devices or computers at home from several of their digital libraries. It’s called My Digital Backpack. There will be incentives for student participation to encourage students to become fluent readers.

Even though students are on summer vacation, make sure they don’t take a break from learning. Kids can have fun and learn at the same time.