Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Reflection 6
After visiting with a Times multimedia producer via Skype last night, let's take a closer look at the role multimedia features play in modern-day journalism. Visit the Times and/or some other journalism Web sites and post links to 2-3 quality multimedia packages. Include the link and a 2-3 sentence description. We'll pick a few to highlight in class next week.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Little “Glee” is found outside show's musical numbers
Fox's new television show “Glee” is loaded with the contemporary pop culture references that would be expected from a comedy centered around a spanish teacher's struggles to run a Glee Club at the fictional McKinley High School.
Always using coercion, extortion, or bribery to get their way, most characters involved act like little Machiavellis. But none as much as the school's cheerleading coach, played by “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” breakout star Jane Lynch, who struggles for control of the Glee Club from the hapless Spanish teacher, played by Matthew Morrison.
Cynicism and pettiness is the norm for many of the students and faculty at the high school. It can make for some bitting humor and drama, but also could turn off an audience if there is not enough character development in the future.
The only respites from the constant maneuvering and treachery are the cartoonish musical performances spread throughout a typical program. At first the harmonious, professional song and dance performances by the students is a comical contrast to the tumultuous backstabbing offstage, both by the students and the two co-directors of the club. But after several performances in a episode, it can become tedious to anyone not devoted to either “American Idol” or the imitators it spawned.
Only time will tell if the writers can avoid relying on the multi-thread nature of the subplots to hide a script could leave an audience wondering where the substance is.
Always using coercion, extortion, or bribery to get their way, most characters involved act like little Machiavellis. But none as much as the school's cheerleading coach, played by “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” breakout star Jane Lynch, who struggles for control of the Glee Club from the hapless Spanish teacher, played by Matthew Morrison.
Cynicism and pettiness is the norm for many of the students and faculty at the high school. It can make for some bitting humor and drama, but also could turn off an audience if there is not enough character development in the future.
The only respites from the constant maneuvering and treachery are the cartoonish musical performances spread throughout a typical program. At first the harmonious, professional song and dance performances by the students is a comical contrast to the tumultuous backstabbing offstage, both by the students and the two co-directors of the club. But after several performances in a episode, it can become tedious to anyone not devoted to either “American Idol” or the imitators it spawned.
Only time will tell if the writers can avoid relying on the multi-thread nature of the subplots to hide a script could leave an audience wondering where the substance is.
"Glee"
Fox's new series "Glee" will sing and dance its way into your home this fall. Created by Ryan Murphy, known for "Nip Tuck" and "Popular", the show promises a twist on the typical musical. At first glance "Glee" seems better suited for Disney but its quick witted humor make this series just as much of a satire as a sing-along.
The show brings together a cliche group of High School misfits that share a passion for music. The struggling club is lead by an optimistic new teacher, Will Schuester, played by Matthew Morrison, who hopes to revive the dying program.
Threatened by the glee club's growing numbers, the vulgar and ultra feminist cheer coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) goes to extreme lengths to see the clubs demise. Backed by her army of "cherrios" Sue schemes her way to co-director where she can ruin the program first hand. The on-going duel between Sue and Will is the show's comedic highlight that is littered with dark humor.
The glee club provides more colorful characters with a naive diva, newly recruited football player, pregnant cheerleader, gay guy, an asian with a lisp and a boy in a wheel chair. Despite their differences they all struggle with High School drama that perpetuates subplots throughout the show. Regardless, when the outcasts ban together they erupt into an inspiring song and dance.
Beyond the show's sharp tongue and over the top dance numbers it is genuinely charming. At its core, "Glee" is a musical public service announcement about the importance of being yourself and following your dreams (que Journey's "Don't Stop Believing.")
Catch "Glee" every Wednesday night on Fox.
Glee- A New Kind of a Musical
Fox has come up with a brilliant way to compete against the regular television shows. Welcome to the world of bunch of high-school misfits, musicians and popular kids who try to hide the fact that they are a part of this world. Welcome to the Glee club at William McKinley High School . While being fictional, the school is set-up in Lima , Ohio
Will Schuester [played by Matthew Morrison], a very good-looking and passionate teacher is in charge of the sinking Glee club. In this particular episode [Episode 7, Throwdown] he gets very heated when Sue Sylvester [Jane Lynch] who is in charge of the school cheerleaders, also fondly known as ‘cheerios’ decides that she wants to be the co-advisor of the Glee club. He knows that she is up to no good, and is more surprised when she chooses all minority kids to be in her ‘Sue’s elite glee club’. Both these actors play their roles very commendably and it is very refreshing to watch them.
When we first meet the kids of the Glee club you form opinions of who would be popular and who would the stereotypically misfits. However, kids such as Quinn Fabray [played by Dianna Agron] or Finn Hudson [played by Cory Monteith] who are part of the popular crowd at school you realize that they have their own insecurities and secrets that keep them from being very honest with everyone else and in our mind they are the misfits rather than anyone else.
The language and the way the creators handle the comical as well as emotional situations is extremely hilarious! For example, Sue Sylvester is shown to come across as an extreme racist [Episode 7, Throwdown] she mentions that the students should only study Spanish if they want to be gardeners or washers however the situation is extremely funny and you take it light-heartedly rather than in an offensive manner.
Even though I was, vary of watching this show because it was labeled as a musical; however, when I watched the show I immediately loved the energy and storyline! The music and songs are not that from an opera or a classical symphony – they are new and popular songs that everyone will enjoy. The writers of the show do an amazing job with the storyline, because there is nothing that does not make this show relatable to different viewers.
Viewers can catch this show every Wednesday on Fox. If you miss the airing on television, here's a link to the website where you can catch full-length episodes.
Sources
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1327801/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glee_(TV_series)
Novel Glee
It is tricky to accurately characterize “Glee,” because it falls under so many categories. It encompasses adult situations within the high school dynamic while remaining a comedy and [part] musical with satirical charm.
The fact that Glee is a musical makes it the only show of its kind to be aired during primetime. In addition, it has a cliché storyline where reality blurs with fantasy. However unlikely, “Glee” is as successful at pulling off quirky as “Ally Mcbeal” was in the late 90s and the triumph lies in its execution.
A gifted roster of names casts the dynamic characters and the talent that comes out of them is enough to give you chills. Glee is inevitably the underdog of evening TV. Nonetheless it’s energetic, well scripted and funny.
Creator, Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) gives new flair to the conventional teacher-student roles. The combination satire and high school in the form of a musical gives the series uniqueness that can’t be matched, making its success all the more sweet.
-Arielle Hochman
Keeping us Gleeful
Fox’s new hit series, GLEE, brings something back that has been missing from the Airwaves for some time: the tv series that revolves around the dreaded high school years. Not since Judd Apatow’s “Freaks and Geeks”, has there been a show that so clearly grasps the awkward, terrifying and inspiring moments, that defined high school for us. The show’s creator, Ryan Murphy, (creator of the Hit-series Nip/Tuck) furthers his obsession wish pushing the envelope with his new prime-time network slot.
The show leaves no stereotypical stone unturned. The shows writers introduced the shows main student characters throughout a montage of each of their contributions (or them making a mockery of) Glee Club. The Soul-singing African-American girl, Mercedes, the flamboyant Musical-boy Kurt Hummel,
Rachel Berry, portrayed by Spring Awakening’s Lea Michele, leads the way as the school’s over-achieving, musical-loving nerd: “You might think that all the boys at my school would totally want to tap this, but my Myspace schedule keeps me way to busy to date.”
Perhaps Jane Lynch’s character, cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, puts the show over the top, with her speaking the pilot episode’s first piece of dialogue to her group of overworked, dehumanized cheerleaders, while they try to perfect a human pyramid: (whom she affectionately refers to as “cheerios”) “You think this is tough? Try being water boarded!” Later in the episode she yells through the bullhorn to her spiritually shattered team of teenage girls to improve their formation, adding at the end, “…and I want the agony out of your eyes!” These mannerisms quickly earn her the title of most loveable and hated character in the show. “I love minorities so much, I’m thinking of moving to California to become one!” Jane Lynch, an openly gay activist, takes her
In the first season of the show the creators have already thrown in teenage pregnancy, marital infidelity, bullying and bigotry into what seems like a perfect microcosm of current American society that is Anytown U.S.A.
My one gripe about this show is the musical numbers that are ever-so-cleverly slipped into scene transitions of the show. I know it’s a show about glee club and happy-go –lucky kids singing show tunes, but for 1 to 3 and a half straight minutes? And sometimes up to 3 times an episode? It may become a quickly-tired gimmick. Lets hope that GLEE keeps us “gleeful” for the rest of the season.
Step aside Broadway
Finally, a t.v. show that does not involve hospitals, housewives, heroes or pure havoc. Creator of FX hit series, “Nip/Tuck” Ryan Murphy takes a very different approach with his new show “Glee.” There is no blood, gore or surgeries The hour packed show features irresistible dance moves and impressive singing. The dancing and singing are not the only thing entertaining viewers.
Passionate spanish teacher, Will Schuester wants to prove that Glee club can be fun again -since it’s popularity has sunk. The club includes a variety of students, such as, jocks, punks,cheerleaders and superstars (including Lea Michele from Broadway hit, “Spring Awakening”).
Glee’s students also tend to stress over their stereotypical, high school problems . On episode 6, “Vitamin D,” it was very unrealistic how Schuester’s crazy wife Terri became a school nurse having no prior experience. As soon as Phinn got pseudo-ephedrine pills from nurse Mrs. Schuester he shared them with the other male members of the Glee Club to create an awesome mash up. When the girls were shocked by their performance they knew they had to get some so they could compete just as well.
The boy’s collaborated song was Bon Jovi’s, “It’s my Life” and Usher’s, “Confession Pt. 2.” It was not the best mix of songs, but the choreography was fun. The girl’s sang a more feminine mix of Beyonce’s, “Halo” and Katrina and The Waves, “Walking on Sunshine.” Lea Michele can make any song sound beautiful.
They learn an important lesson though. They realize that drugs should not be used as to get what they want.
Terri’s mission to end Emma and Will’s flirtations is partly completed when she gets Ken to propose to Emma. She follows through with her mission when she makes Emma feel lonely and unworthy of her husband Will; This causes Emma to accept Ken’s proposal.
Due to Schuester's wife handing out numerous amounts of pseudo-ephedrine pills, the Principal questions Schuester's involvement. The show’s ending leaves the audience shocked when Principal Figgins decides to let the evil Sue Sylvester become co-director of Glee club. What will that mean for the future of Glee Club? Will she follow through with her plans to destroy it?
Ryan Murphy proves to continue the aspect of drama from Nip/Tuck to Glee. Viewers can enjoy a different side of drama while they can sing and dance by their television sets unlike any other show. They can relate to the characters problems and enjoy their talented theater sides simultaneously. Find out what happens this wednesday on the next episode of Glee on Fox at 9/8c.
"Glee" Fox's Hit New Show
Fox’s new hit series Glee has everyone talking as well as singing. For those who normally do not like musicals, you’re in for a treat. For this show puts a new spin on the word musical. Unlike the typical musical, Glee brings more to the table. Glee is a show about a bunch of students who come from different backgrounds that bond together sharing no common interests other than their passion to sing and dance.
Although many think it is just another musical like High School Musical, it is not. Nip/Tuck director Ryan Murphy has made Glee’s storyline to mean more than just singing and dancing. Murphy focuses on club members growing as individuals while still having fun and making new friendships along the way. The club is set up for students to escape from reality to express themselves through their musical talents without being judged by their peers.
While all the club members get along for the most part, the two directors of the club do not see eye to eye. Actress Jane Lynch from Forty-Year Old Virgin and Two and a Half Men plays the role of Sue Sylvester, a cheerleading coach who has no good intentions for the Glee club but to destroy it. Sylvester goes about trying to destroy the club by using her faithful cheerios (cheerleaders) as spies to try and manipulate the students into believing head director Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) from Taking Chance and The Oak’s to be racist towards the different minorities in the club. However, due to Schuester’s love for the club, he does not sit back and watch Sylvester take control. Instead he fights back causing a continuous battle between the two.
Between the conflict with the coaches as well as the Glee members, school blogger Jacob Ben Israel (Josh Sussman) also known as “Jewfro” finds Glee club to be inspirational for his blog. If it is not the dilemma between Schuester and Sylvester, then it’s the shocking news about Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) being pregnant with Finn Hudson’s (Cory Monteith) baby. School blogger Israel gets his ideas for his blogs from head Glee club member Rachel Berry (Lea Michelle) by threatening her with the reputation of Glee club and its members.
Although at times the Glee club member’s breakout randomly singing and dancing in the school hall ways, the show still is made enjoyable for all to watch. Its typical everyday high school storyline of each members struggle to find their niche continues to bump up the ratings each week. Due to the sky high ratings the show has gotten since the first episode, networks are calling Glee one of the most commonly watched shows of the season.
For those who have not seen Glee, tune in to Fox every Wednesday night at 9pm to be wowed by the drama and talent provided by the Glee members of William McKinley High.
Although many think it is just another musical like High School Musical, it is not. Nip/Tuck director Ryan Murphy has made Glee’s storyline to mean more than just singing and dancing. Murphy focuses on club members growing as individuals while still having fun and making new friendships along the way. The club is set up for students to escape from reality to express themselves through their musical talents without being judged by their peers.
While all the club members get along for the most part, the two directors of the club do not see eye to eye. Actress Jane Lynch from Forty-Year Old Virgin and Two and a Half Men plays the role of Sue Sylvester, a cheerleading coach who has no good intentions for the Glee club but to destroy it. Sylvester goes about trying to destroy the club by using her faithful cheerios (cheerleaders) as spies to try and manipulate the students into believing head director Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) from Taking Chance and The Oak’s to be racist towards the different minorities in the club. However, due to Schuester’s love for the club, he does not sit back and watch Sylvester take control. Instead he fights back causing a continuous battle between the two.
Between the conflict with the coaches as well as the Glee members, school blogger Jacob Ben Israel (Josh Sussman) also known as “Jewfro” finds Glee club to be inspirational for his blog. If it is not the dilemma between Schuester and Sylvester, then it’s the shocking news about Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) being pregnant with Finn Hudson’s (Cory Monteith) baby. School blogger Israel gets his ideas for his blogs from head Glee club member Rachel Berry (Lea Michelle) by threatening her with the reputation of Glee club and its members.
Although at times the Glee club member’s breakout randomly singing and dancing in the school hall ways, the show still is made enjoyable for all to watch. Its typical everyday high school storyline of each members struggle to find their niche continues to bump up the ratings each week. Due to the sky high ratings the show has gotten since the first episode, networks are calling Glee one of the most commonly watched shows of the season.
For those who have not seen Glee, tune in to Fox every Wednesday night at 9pm to be wowed by the drama and talent provided by the Glee members of William McKinley High.
"Glee" brings a new level to the teen drama
“Glee” one of the Fox Network’s latest series is a quirky take-off of a teen musical show; slightly cheesy high school drama consisting of the usual cliques and cliché teen crisis’s such as teen pregnancy, crushes, popular cheerleaders and rivalry.
The show provides a witty sense of humor adding life to the regular teen show by adding in touchy subjects such as student teacher relationships, racial/ minority comments, stereotyping and beyond.
The series focuses on the high schools choir group or “glee club”, as for it consists of various students from all different traditional high school cliques. There also adds a twist when rivaling teachers are the advisors for the group who have very different approaches.
There is the outspoken, competitive and cutthroat cheerleading coach played by Jane Lynch and then there is the Spanish teacher who is more conventional and sympathetic played by Matthew Morrison. Other key roles are played by Jessalyn Gilsig, and Lea Michele.
In my opinion Jane Lynch plays the perfect role as the sarcastic antagonist, who has played these sorts of roles in the past in the popular films Role Models, Talladega Nights and 40 Year-old Virgin. Her character is well played and certainly adds much humor, drama and wit to show.
The cast also consists of many actors and actresses who have a background in musicals or Broadway performances as opposed to a more traditional cast viewed in other comedies.
"Glee" has taken a musical approach due to the hype of various programs such as “American Idol” and “High School Musical”, however the intent seems more geared towards a wider variety of audiences adult and teen alike due to the shows focus on adult characters as well as high-schoolers.
The show breaks into musical performance here and there performing all sorts of chart hits such as “No Air” by Jordan Sparks and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. The nature of the show is suddenly changed from a normal format to a musical-styled and pre recorded performance with different camera techniques and a more theatrical setting. It’s an odd transition from regular scene to the musical scene but that is apparent in most musicals on TV.
I believe the show will bring a lot to the table as for what I have seen has been very entertaining with a great cast and certain aspects that set it apart from past musical and teen comical dramas.
You can watch “Glee” Wednesday nights at 9 on Fox, or watch Episodes online at Fox.com
The show provides a witty sense of humor adding life to the regular teen show by adding in touchy subjects such as student teacher relationships, racial/ minority comments, stereotyping and beyond.
The series focuses on the high schools choir group or “glee club”, as for it consists of various students from all different traditional high school cliques. There also adds a twist when rivaling teachers are the advisors for the group who have very different approaches.
There is the outspoken, competitive and cutthroat cheerleading coach played by Jane Lynch and then there is the Spanish teacher who is more conventional and sympathetic played by Matthew Morrison. Other key roles are played by Jessalyn Gilsig, and Lea Michele.
In my opinion Jane Lynch plays the perfect role as the sarcastic antagonist, who has played these sorts of roles in the past in the popular films Role Models, Talladega Nights and 40 Year-old Virgin. Her character is well played and certainly adds much humor, drama and wit to show.
The cast also consists of many actors and actresses who have a background in musicals or Broadway performances as opposed to a more traditional cast viewed in other comedies.
"Glee" has taken a musical approach due to the hype of various programs such as “American Idol” and “High School Musical”, however the intent seems more geared towards a wider variety of audiences adult and teen alike due to the shows focus on adult characters as well as high-schoolers.
The show breaks into musical performance here and there performing all sorts of chart hits such as “No Air” by Jordan Sparks and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. The nature of the show is suddenly changed from a normal format to a musical-styled and pre recorded performance with different camera techniques and a more theatrical setting. It’s an odd transition from regular scene to the musical scene but that is apparent in most musicals on TV.
I believe the show will bring a lot to the table as for what I have seen has been very entertaining with a great cast and certain aspects that set it apart from past musical and teen comical dramas.
You can watch “Glee” Wednesday nights at 9 on Fox, or watch Episodes online at Fox.com
Sunday, October 25, 2009
GLEEful Outlook for FOX's New Show
The new fox comedy show, appropriately entitled “Glee”, is just that; an energetic and humorous show with an entertaining musical concept. The show focuses on the members of the Glee club, who are directed by the optimistic and genuine school teacher, Will Schuester (played by Matthew Morrison).
With a group of stereotypical characters who each possess unlikely talent but struggle with teenage drama and personal issues, the members of the Glee Club cannot seem to get it together. Teacher and Glee Club director Schuester struggles to unite the students and overcome the problems faced by all to bring the Glee Club and its members to full potential.
Along with the problems of his students, Schuester battles his own personal issues, and worst of all, faces a personal power struggle with vicious and hard headed cheer coach, Sue Sylvester. Sylvester, portrayed by Jane Lynch (who starred in movies such as Role Models and 40 Year Old Virgin), plays the part of the evil and determined cheer coach who is out to gain control of the Glee Club.
All of Will Schuester’s efforts to improve and unite the Glee Club are continuously thwarted by the conniving cheer coach as she attempts to destroy the Glee Club director. Sylvester will not go down easily and seems to have endless schemes to steal the Glee Club members and keep her lovingly nicknamed “cheerios” in order. The never ending quarrels between Schuester and Sylvester provide countless laughs and entertainment and drive the story line week by week.
With the struggle between the two authoritative figures as well as the high school drama of the students, there are many entertaining subplots played out in the show. All of these subplots intertwine and come together to create a humorous and dramatic story line filled with laughs, tears, and even screaming battles; all tied together through musical song and dance numbers.
The seemingly ever present aspect of drama is played out in the show through these outlandish bursts into song and dance. The show might seem over the top, but the musical numbers are intended to poke fun at musicals, shows and movies and provide a sarcastic and humorous spin on the idea. In fact, the humorous musical aspect provides quite possibly the most entertaining parts of the show.
If the first season of Glee is any indication of the success of the show and what is to come, “Glee” is destined to be a fantabulous hit. With a cast of highly talented actors, singers and dancers paired with entertaining scripts written by Ryan Murphy (creator of Nip/Tuck), Glee is sure to keep the drama coming and keep audiences interested. The humor and creativity provided by the show will have viewers hooked and Glee will be returning for several more seasons in the future.
Catch Glee on Wednesday nights at 9/8 central on FOX.
Oh The "Glee" Of It All
Fox has always been unique with its airtime. Whether it is airing the news or sitcoms, Fox knows it has a faithful audience. In order to keep this loyalty, Fox needed a new series and this series is a breath of fresh air.
It is called “Glee” and as you guessed, it is about the Glee club. The show is set in a modern day high school in Ohio. Originally, you would think, great, another musical is just what we need, but in fact, Glee puts a different twist on musicals. When you first see the show, you may have flashbacks of High School Musical. However, this show makes fun of those typical high school clichés, and brings light to reality. The show is more entertaining than serious, and if you are looking for a good laugh, Glee will provide it.
There’s wittiness from the nerds, such as quirky jokes about a girl’s “rumored lust for a Jewfro” and the fact that the club can rehearse a song and end up singing it down a hallway seconds later is outrageous; but that is what makes this show so irresistibly charming. Everything is normal, until the vocal cords come out.
Yet, you will see some familiar faces in the show. From the Forty-Year-Old Virgin and Alvin and the Chipmunks, Jane Lynch plays the chief antagonist, Sue Sylvester. She is the cheerleading coach, and the co-director of the Glee Club. The other director, played by Matthew Morrison, continuously butt heads with Lynch. Their off-chemistry works perfectly for the show as they bicker back and forth; devising plans to take each other down. You cannot help but laugh at Lynch’s continuous minority jokes, when she claims to be diverse and non-racist.
It is not only the relationship of the Glee directors that keep the audience entertained but also the situations each character faces. One Glee member, played by Lea Michele, constantly tries to keep nerdy Jacob Ben-Israel (Josh Sussman) from blogging about her secrets as well as those close to her. The irony of having a nerd with a “Jewfro” act as the high school’s Gossip Girl is wildly entertaining and makes the show that much more enjoyable.
When the club breaks out into a song, this is where the High School Musical flashbacks come into play and the show may seem cheesy. However, that’s the point. The show is a spoof on the musical hype and makes fun of the newest shows in a discrete manner. Glee has all the typical characters of today’s shows, such as the pregnant teenager, the nerd, the jock, the girl who wants the jock, and so on. The plotline mimics other shows so well, that you cannot help but watch.
However, the show does have a mind of its own, and you will see some situations that no show has presented before; but again, these situations are funny and the relationship between parent and child, teacher and student, and teacher and teacher make for a great comedy.
Glee airs on Wednesdays at 9pm, only on Fox.
It is called “Glee” and as you guessed, it is about the Glee club. The show is set in a modern day high school in Ohio. Originally, you would think, great, another musical is just what we need, but in fact, Glee puts a different twist on musicals. When you first see the show, you may have flashbacks of High School Musical. However, this show makes fun of those typical high school clichés, and brings light to reality. The show is more entertaining than serious, and if you are looking for a good laugh, Glee will provide it.
There’s wittiness from the nerds, such as quirky jokes about a girl’s “rumored lust for a Jewfro” and the fact that the club can rehearse a song and end up singing it down a hallway seconds later is outrageous; but that is what makes this show so irresistibly charming. Everything is normal, until the vocal cords come out.
Yet, you will see some familiar faces in the show. From the Forty-Year-Old Virgin and Alvin and the Chipmunks, Jane Lynch plays the chief antagonist, Sue Sylvester. She is the cheerleading coach, and the co-director of the Glee Club. The other director, played by Matthew Morrison, continuously butt heads with Lynch. Their off-chemistry works perfectly for the show as they bicker back and forth; devising plans to take each other down. You cannot help but laugh at Lynch’s continuous minority jokes, when she claims to be diverse and non-racist.
It is not only the relationship of the Glee directors that keep the audience entertained but also the situations each character faces. One Glee member, played by Lea Michele, constantly tries to keep nerdy Jacob Ben-Israel (Josh Sussman) from blogging about her secrets as well as those close to her. The irony of having a nerd with a “Jewfro” act as the high school’s Gossip Girl is wildly entertaining and makes the show that much more enjoyable.
When the club breaks out into a song, this is where the High School Musical flashbacks come into play and the show may seem cheesy. However, that’s the point. The show is a spoof on the musical hype and makes fun of the newest shows in a discrete manner. Glee has all the typical characters of today’s shows, such as the pregnant teenager, the nerd, the jock, the girl who wants the jock, and so on. The plotline mimics other shows so well, that you cannot help but watch.
However, the show does have a mind of its own, and you will see some situations that no show has presented before; but again, these situations are funny and the relationship between parent and child, teacher and student, and teacher and teacher make for a great comedy.
Glee airs on Wednesdays at 9pm, only on Fox.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
New Series on Fox Can't Decide What it Wants to be
Glee, the new comedy/musical series has begun its first seasons on Fox, and is much different than anything else on TV. The basis of the show is that a high school Spanish teacher, Will Schuester (played by Matthew Morrison), has become the new director of the “Glee” club to try to help a group of outcast students to realize their potential, and at the same time bring back passion into his own life.
However, the cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (played by Jane Lynch) is Schuester’s co-director and is doing everything she possibly can to make things harder for him. Because the show is also a musical and not just a comedy, throughout the episodes students break into intricate song and dance numbers usually brought on by significant events in the plot. The show is also strewn with numerous sub plots such as Schuester’s wife faking a pregnancy, a cheerleader trying to hide a pregnancy, and love connections between multiple students.
Based off watching the 6th episode in the series, the easiest way to sum up Glee would be to call it a less annoying “High School Musical”, with a small element of comedy. The plots of secret pregnancies and fake pregnancies does draw you in making you wonder what exactly is going to happen when people learn the truth, but the main plot of the show which is trying to jumpstart this musical group is somewhat boring. The interaction between the students is more interesting than anything to do with the Glee club itself. The Spanish teacher Will Schuester is an interesting character which leaves the audience wanting to know more about him and how he’s going to handle situations, but not enough to drive a show.
As for the musical aspect of the show, while watching the episode, it was tolerable to see the first two or three musical numbers, but after that it just seems to be ridiculous and unnecessary. To the shows credit, the musical numbers are very well sung, and well produced, but it’s very hard to mix a comedic drama and a musical into one show.
And when it comes to the comedy side of the show, Lynch’s character Sue Sylvester is hilarious playing the over the top, extremely intense and at times ignorant and racist cheerleading coach, but besides her character the show lacks any other element of comedy. Schuester is the tightly wound and timid Spanish teacher, and all the students just seem to be dealing with problems in their life. Sylvester is the only one that brings the comedy to the table.
With all this being said, if you’re into musicals and TV drama’s this would be the perfect show for you. If you’re looking for a good new comedy, this will not satisfy you. It has an easy to follow storyline and it’s easy to watch, but this would not be a show I would regularly watch. If you want to give Glee a chance you can catch it every Wednesday at 9pm on Fox.
However, the cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (played by Jane Lynch) is Schuester’s co-director and is doing everything she possibly can to make things harder for him. Because the show is also a musical and not just a comedy, throughout the episodes students break into intricate song and dance numbers usually brought on by significant events in the plot. The show is also strewn with numerous sub plots such as Schuester’s wife faking a pregnancy, a cheerleader trying to hide a pregnancy, and love connections between multiple students.
Based off watching the 6th episode in the series, the easiest way to sum up Glee would be to call it a less annoying “High School Musical”, with a small element of comedy. The plots of secret pregnancies and fake pregnancies does draw you in making you wonder what exactly is going to happen when people learn the truth, but the main plot of the show which is trying to jumpstart this musical group is somewhat boring. The interaction between the students is more interesting than anything to do with the Glee club itself. The Spanish teacher Will Schuester is an interesting character which leaves the audience wanting to know more about him and how he’s going to handle situations, but not enough to drive a show.
As for the musical aspect of the show, while watching the episode, it was tolerable to see the first two or three musical numbers, but after that it just seems to be ridiculous and unnecessary. To the shows credit, the musical numbers are very well sung, and well produced, but it’s very hard to mix a comedic drama and a musical into one show.
And when it comes to the comedy side of the show, Lynch’s character Sue Sylvester is hilarious playing the over the top, extremely intense and at times ignorant and racist cheerleading coach, but besides her character the show lacks any other element of comedy. Schuester is the tightly wound and timid Spanish teacher, and all the students just seem to be dealing with problems in their life. Sylvester is the only one that brings the comedy to the table.
With all this being said, if you’re into musicals and TV drama’s this would be the perfect show for you. If you’re looking for a good new comedy, this will not satisfy you. It has an easy to follow storyline and it’s easy to watch, but this would not be a show I would regularly watch. If you want to give Glee a chance you can catch it every Wednesday at 9pm on Fox.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Reflection 5
Locate a columnist you like and follow a week or two's worth of his/her work. What do you like about this columnist? Here are some suggestions in case you can't fine one.
Rick Reilly, ESPN.com
Howard Troxler, St. Pete Times
Bill Plaschke, LA Times
Maureen Dowd, New York Times
Thomas Friedman, New York Times
Or try something off this list
Rick Reilly, ESPN.com
Howard Troxler, St. Pete Times
Bill Plaschke, LA Times
Maureen Dowd, New York Times
Thomas Friedman, New York Times
Or try something off this list
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program Wants To Help Tampa's Youth
On October 6th The School Board of Hillsborough County will be meeting to come to a final agreement in deciding whether or not they should implement the Memorandum Agreement between The School Board of Hillsborough County and The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program.
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization who strives to help kids succeed. It is a program designed to help kids feel comfortable while acquiring the basic knowledge of everyday skills. The program focuses on skills dealing with development and prevention, employment training, housing acquisition revitalization, family support, and economic development and advocacy.
Some of the programs available for the kids to take part in include, the Rites of Passage Program, Teen Summits, and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activities. These programs are not only designed to provide kids with the motivation to grow, but the ability to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Linda Cobbe of the District Public Affairs Office of Hillsborough County had nothing but nice things to say about the Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program. Cobbe expressed that, “Derrick Brooks is the best thing that has ever happened to Tampa’s youth. Its ability to work with kids from all different backgrounds has shown how beneficial the program really is.”
Since the programs tremendous success over the years, the Hillsborough County school systems are beginning to realize how influential the program is for not only their students but for them as well. Teachers feel that if their students can receive guidance at school as well as from programs like Derrick Brooks, then Tampa’s youth can expect to see great success in their near future.
According to Derrick Brooks, the program has not asked for the school board to chip in for any costs. Instead, the program has decided that the program provider will be dealing with the payments and allowing kids to attend programs free of charge.
If interested in the upcoming programs, the events will be held at the new following Tampa locations, the Sanchez Resource Services Center and Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center in Belmont Heights located in East Tampa, starting as early as October 7, 2009 if the agreement is implemented.
For more information on the program or upcoming events, please visit the Derrick Brooks Website at http://www.derrickbrookscharities.org/, or call Bonita Pulido Executive Director or Christine Hartman Administrative Assistant at (813)877-8681.
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization who strives to help kids succeed. It is a program designed to help kids feel comfortable while acquiring the basic knowledge of everyday skills. The program focuses on skills dealing with development and prevention, employment training, housing acquisition revitalization, family support, and economic development and advocacy.
Some of the programs available for the kids to take part in include, the Rites of Passage Program, Teen Summits, and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activities. These programs are not only designed to provide kids with the motivation to grow, but the ability to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Linda Cobbe of the District Public Affairs Office of Hillsborough County had nothing but nice things to say about the Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program. Cobbe expressed that, “Derrick Brooks is the best thing that has ever happened to Tampa’s youth. Its ability to work with kids from all different backgrounds has shown how beneficial the program really is.”
Since the programs tremendous success over the years, the Hillsborough County school systems are beginning to realize how influential the program is for not only their students but for them as well. Teachers feel that if their students can receive guidance at school as well as from programs like Derrick Brooks, then Tampa’s youth can expect to see great success in their near future.
According to Derrick Brooks, the program has not asked for the school board to chip in for any costs. Instead, the program has decided that the program provider will be dealing with the payments and allowing kids to attend programs free of charge.
If interested in the upcoming programs, the events will be held at the new following Tampa locations, the Sanchez Resource Services Center and Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center in Belmont Heights located in East Tampa, starting as early as October 7, 2009 if the agreement is implemented.
For more information on the program or upcoming events, please visit the Derrick Brooks Website at http://www.derrickbrookscharities.org/, or call Bonita Pulido Executive Director or Christine Hartman Administrative Assistant at (813)877-8681.
Monday, October 5, 2009
2016 Win for Brazil
In 2016 the summer Olympics will be hosted in Brazil’s second largest city, Rio De Janiero. It will be the first time in Olympic history that a country in South America will host the Olympic Games. Brazil continues to prove those who doubt the country’s city wrong, due to its growing economy that continues to show tremendous improvements in economic advancements more and more each day.
Rio de Janeiro will provide a spectacular backdrop to the 2016 games. The second largest city in Brazil and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in South America, Rio is famous for its beautiful beaches, the carnival celebrations, and the famous giant statue of Christ known as “Christo Rodento” (Christ the Redeemer). The city is also home to Sambodromo one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world, and also the home of the largest urban forest in the world. A great moment in history will be made as it will be the first South American city to ever host the Olympics.
After winning the bid for the 2016 Olympics, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Brazil has “the happiest and most creative people in the world, and deserved this opportunity.” Winning this bid means that Rio will now be hosting the two major international sporting events – The World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. According to Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio is "the happiest city in the world according to a survey by Forbes magazine.” Rio has a lot to offer ranging from the friendly people to the vast culture and touristic aspects that entice almost anyone who visits the city. As Paes stated “anyone who has taken part in a festival or celebration in Rio knows it is different." The people of Rio definitely seem confident in their abilities to host the Olympics.
Although Brazil suffers from one of the largest gaps between rich and poor, the needed infrastructural improvements for the events will help bring jobs and build the economy. Bloomberg News reported that Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles believes that the games will help stabilize the country and bring in much needed investments. Up from the current ranking of 6th, Brazil will be the world’s 5th largest economy by 2016, if all goes in line with a current World Bank study. Brazil is only below five other countries in the size of its working population. A recent government study stated that the games will give Brazil an estimated $24.5 billion boast between now and 2027. For all the boasts the Olympics bring the economical boast might just turn this country into a major power.
Charu Bahl
Kelly Bates
John Jacobs
Matt Hockenjos
Matt D.
Rio de Janeiro will provide a spectacular backdrop to the 2016 games. The second largest city in Brazil and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in South America, Rio is famous for its beautiful beaches, the carnival celebrations, and the famous giant statue of Christ known as “Christo Rodento” (Christ the Redeemer). The city is also home to Sambodromo one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world, and also the home of the largest urban forest in the world. A great moment in history will be made as it will be the first South American city to ever host the Olympics.
After winning the bid for the 2016 Olympics, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Brazil has “the happiest and most creative people in the world, and deserved this opportunity.” Winning this bid means that Rio will now be hosting the two major international sporting events – The World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. According to Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio is "the happiest city in the world according to a survey by Forbes magazine.” Rio has a lot to offer ranging from the friendly people to the vast culture and touristic aspects that entice almost anyone who visits the city. As Paes stated “anyone who has taken part in a festival or celebration in Rio knows it is different." The people of Rio definitely seem confident in their abilities to host the Olympics.
Although Brazil suffers from one of the largest gaps between rich and poor, the needed infrastructural improvements for the events will help bring jobs and build the economy. Bloomberg News reported that Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles believes that the games will help stabilize the country and bring in much needed investments. Up from the current ranking of 6th, Brazil will be the world’s 5th largest economy by 2016, if all goes in line with a current World Bank study. Brazil is only below five other countries in the size of its working population. A recent government study stated that the games will give Brazil an estimated $24.5 billion boast between now and 2027. For all the boasts the Olympics bring the economical boast might just turn this country into a major power.
Charu Bahl
Kelly Bates
John Jacobs
Matt Hockenjos
Matt D.
Barak Obama – President or Attention Whore?
President Obama announced that he would travel to Denmark to plead Chicago’s case about holding the 2016 Olympics. With Chicago being his adopted hometown, Obama thinks it is vital to have a chance at hosting the Olympics.
Although this is important to the President, is it really important to the public? We feel that Barack Obama has bigger problems to devote his time to. Flying to Denmark to convince the Olympics to be held there seems pointless to the rest of us.
With the economy in a slump, health care reform going nowhere, and an additional 40,000 troops being asked to serve in our 8 –year-old war it is no doubt that President Barack Obama faces crucial decisions to be made during his presidency, however, we can’t see pitching to the international Olympic Committee, IOC, to bring the 2016 Summer Games to Chicago as one of them.
It’s not uncommon to find our President in the media speaking words of inspiration to our youth, participating in US pastimes, like the First Baseball All-Star game games or stating his opinions on entertainers such as Kanye West. President Obama, has shown to the public that he is just like us in many ways and find a great way to connect with people. This leaves us with no surprise that he would love to support the Olympics in his hometown that he loves dearly. However, to go out of his way to persuade the IOC to host the Olympics in Chicago shows that he may not have his priorities straight.
He is willing to take a flight to Denmark to discuss entertainment matters but he hasn’t even been to Afghanistan once to discuss with Gen. Stanely McChrystal the debate of sending an additional 40,000 into war.
Sure, the Windy City would be a great place for the 2016 Summer Olympics and why wouldn’t American’s want to score a collection of hosts, but President Obama, set aside your hometown pride and prioritize. The president has made huge steps to restore America’s reputation so why put that on the line for the Summer Olympics. As the top two finalists, Chicago and Rio de Janeiro, it seems selfish and ignorant to step on the toes of budding alliance between Brazil and United States. We can’t derail Brazil’s Olympic track for our own selfish reasons.
SAMANTHA C. ANDRADE
MAKAYLA DORLAND
Arielle Hochman
RACHEL A. YONKUNAS
Although this is important to the President, is it really important to the public? We feel that Barack Obama has bigger problems to devote his time to. Flying to Denmark to convince the Olympics to be held there seems pointless to the rest of us.
With the economy in a slump, health care reform going nowhere, and an additional 40,000 troops being asked to serve in our 8 –year-old war it is no doubt that President Barack Obama faces crucial decisions to be made during his presidency, however, we can’t see pitching to the international Olympic Committee, IOC, to bring the 2016 Summer Games to Chicago as one of them.
It’s not uncommon to find our President in the media speaking words of inspiration to our youth, participating in US pastimes, like the First Baseball All-Star game games or stating his opinions on entertainers such as Kanye West. President Obama, has shown to the public that he is just like us in many ways and find a great way to connect with people. This leaves us with no surprise that he would love to support the Olympics in his hometown that he loves dearly. However, to go out of his way to persuade the IOC to host the Olympics in Chicago shows that he may not have his priorities straight.
He is willing to take a flight to Denmark to discuss entertainment matters but he hasn’t even been to Afghanistan once to discuss with Gen. Stanely McChrystal the debate of sending an additional 40,000 into war.
Sure, the Windy City would be a great place for the 2016 Summer Olympics and why wouldn’t American’s want to score a collection of hosts, but President Obama, set aside your hometown pride and prioritize. The president has made huge steps to restore America’s reputation so why put that on the line for the Summer Olympics. As the top two finalists, Chicago and Rio de Janeiro, it seems selfish and ignorant to step on the toes of budding alliance between Brazil and United States. We can’t derail Brazil’s Olympic track for our own selfish reasons.
SAMANTHA C. ANDRADE
MAKAYLA DORLAND
Arielle Hochman
RACHEL A. YONKUNAS
Chicago Two Thousand Broke!
We believe that having the Olympic committee deny Chicago the host city seat for the 2016 Summer Olympics will actually help Chicago in the long run. It has been estimated that hosting the Olympics would have cost upwards of $15 billion to the city of Chicago. It has been previously reported that the money to fund the Olympics would have been from a private benefactor or committee. Who was going to pick up the check for that one?
Frankly, where would the games have been played? There is no space left in Chicago to build the new facilities needed to host the games. Reportedly, the preliminary soccer matches would have been held at venues such as Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N. J. Last time we checked, Chicago is not in, nor anywhere near New Jersey.
There’s no room for the stadium to be built. Chicago already has a massive stadium, called Soldier Field. The last thing the crowded city needs is another monstrosity taking up room that the city doesn’t have. And where would they even put it, in the middle of Lincoln Park with all the professional types? On the side of Lake Shore Drive, where 3 hour rush hour traffic will turn into 5 hour rush hour traffic? We think not.
For Chicago, or any other American city to have accepted the bid for this coming Olympics, with the economy in the state that it’s in, is grossly irresponsible. Taxpayers cannot even pay for their own lifestyles. How on earth are they going to come up with all this extra money to help fund the project? Where are the Olympians going to be housed, when the city of Chicago still hasn’t gotten a firm grasp on its homeless problem? A city as large and as prominent as Chicago, cannot decide to sweep all its own issues under the rug. The city, and country as a whole, is nowhere near ready to host an Olympic Games for some time.
Frankly, where would the games have been played? There is no space left in Chicago to build the new facilities needed to host the games. Reportedly, the preliminary soccer matches would have been held at venues such as Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N. J. Last time we checked, Chicago is not in, nor anywhere near New Jersey.
There’s no room for the stadium to be built. Chicago already has a massive stadium, called Soldier Field. The last thing the crowded city needs is another monstrosity taking up room that the city doesn’t have. And where would they even put it, in the middle of Lincoln Park with all the professional types? On the side of Lake Shore Drive, where 3 hour rush hour traffic will turn into 5 hour rush hour traffic? We think not.
For Chicago, or any other American city to have accepted the bid for this coming Olympics, with the economy in the state that it’s in, is grossly irresponsible. Taxpayers cannot even pay for their own lifestyles. How on earth are they going to come up with all this extra money to help fund the project? Where are the Olympians going to be housed, when the city of Chicago still hasn’t gotten a firm grasp on its homeless problem? A city as large and as prominent as Chicago, cannot decide to sweep all its own issues under the rug. The city, and country as a whole, is nowhere near ready to host an Olympic Games for some time.
Religious Contradiction, Hillsborough County School Board
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services for the Homeless Education and Literacy Project, Approve Memorandum Agreement with Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Programs, and Approve Memorandum Agreement with The Centre for Women are a few of the many recommendations and reports of superintendent requiring board approval listed on The Hillsborough County School Board Agenda for October 6th. However, while the title of an agreement may sound perfect and beneficial it is always important to read in between the fine lines to see what it is you are really complying with.
An Agreement for a $33,700 Grant between the City of Tampa and The School Board of Hillsborough County for childcare and early education will also be discussed on the October 6th Agenda. The contents of this agreement follow standard protocol dealing with rules and understandings such as: Period of Agreement, Payments, Cancellation of Agreement, and Affirmative Action, Nondiscrimination, and Equal Opportunity. Nevertheless, Article V111, Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Rules, Regulations and Laws are always one of those paragraphs to observe the fine lines.
Article V111, Section (a) – “Religious Activities. The agency agrees that funds provided under this Agreement shall not be utilized for inherently religious activities prohibited by 24 CFR 570.200(j), such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. In accordance with Executive Order 13279, the Agency agrees that it may engage in inherently religious activities providing they are voluntary for participants in activities funded through this Agreement and occur separately in time or location from these activities (http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20091006_362/Attch_20091006_362_A5.18.pdf).”
This article contradicts itself by stating at one point that no money can be spent on religious activities, and then makes an exception that it may if it is voluntary. The first rule was no money was to be spent and when exceptions are made there is then room for debate, flaws, and conflicts.
Beverly Wickson, Ed.D., Director, Early Childhood and HOST Programs explains the main purpose of this program is to support childcare for children 100 percent. She explained that it is to provide working families with an opportunity to have their children watched over by professionals with a reasonable price based on their income.
While this program serves a great purpose, it is important to understand the ups and downs to having your children in the care of others. When looking at the facts it states that participating in religious activities have to be voluntary, however, the volunteers are the children, and the children are 10 and under, so is it safe to allow children of this age make decisions on societal cults, such as religion? Or is it fair that money that could be spent on common knowledge’s that children need to learn could possibly be spend on an activity such as learning a prayer, that may be essential to some people but not all?
The program serves a great purpose and may sound perfect and beneficial but it’s always important to read in between the fine lines to see what you are really complying with.
An Agreement for a $33,700 Grant between the City of Tampa and The School Board of Hillsborough County for childcare and early education will also be discussed on the October 6th Agenda. The contents of this agreement follow standard protocol dealing with rules and understandings such as: Period of Agreement, Payments, Cancellation of Agreement, and Affirmative Action, Nondiscrimination, and Equal Opportunity. Nevertheless, Article V111, Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Rules, Regulations and Laws are always one of those paragraphs to observe the fine lines.
Article V111, Section (a) – “Religious Activities. The agency agrees that funds provided under this Agreement shall not be utilized for inherently religious activities prohibited by 24 CFR 570.200(j), such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. In accordance with Executive Order 13279, the Agency agrees that it may engage in inherently religious activities providing they are voluntary for participants in activities funded through this Agreement and occur separately in time or location from these activities (http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20091006_362/Attch_20091006_362_A5.18.pdf).”
This article contradicts itself by stating at one point that no money can be spent on religious activities, and then makes an exception that it may if it is voluntary. The first rule was no money was to be spent and when exceptions are made there is then room for debate, flaws, and conflicts.
Beverly Wickson, Ed.D., Director, Early Childhood and HOST Programs explains the main purpose of this program is to support childcare for children 100 percent. She explained that it is to provide working families with an opportunity to have their children watched over by professionals with a reasonable price based on their income.
While this program serves a great purpose, it is important to understand the ups and downs to having your children in the care of others. When looking at the facts it states that participating in religious activities have to be voluntary, however, the volunteers are the children, and the children are 10 and under, so is it safe to allow children of this age make decisions on societal cults, such as religion? Or is it fair that money that could be spent on common knowledge’s that children need to learn could possibly be spend on an activity such as learning a prayer, that may be essential to some people but not all?
The program serves a great purpose and may sound perfect and beneficial but it’s always important to read in between the fine lines to see what you are really complying with.
Suspended Students Study in ATOSS Sites
A proposed expansion of the Alternative To Out-of-School Suspension (ATOSS) Program is on the agenda of the school district of Hillsborough County's (SDHC) first board meeting in October.
The Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heights Boys and Girls Club, just north of Ybor City, could be an additional location for suspended, out-of-school students to receive temporary instruction during the 2009/2010 school year. If approved, it would be the thirteenth location available for parents to take their suspended children, outside their normal school.
Linda Cobbe, the External Communications Manager of SDHC, was contacted about the ATOSS program. She said it is available for students under the punishment of a one to ten day suspension from school.
“Facilities are provided at no cost, by Boys and Girls Clubs and various city and county partners,” according to an official SDHC presentation on ATOSS, provided by Cobbe. The ten-year old program is staffed by school district employees during regular school hours. ATOSS was created through a partnership between SDHC, law enforcement agencies, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the City of Tampa.
The goal of the program, described in the SDHC Student Handbook, is to prevent students from falling behind their school work while under suspension. “Students who attend and meet the requirements for ATOSS,” states the handbook, “shall not be considered absent and shall not receive any grade penalty.”
As reported in a 2003 St. Petersburg Times article, truants can be directly taken to a local ATOSS site by law enforcement officials.
In addition to the ATOSS program, SDHC provides a program for students that are further at risk of dropping out of school. The Alternative Schools Program is an existing system of three schools specifically dedicated students who have not responded well to previous in-school interventions. The enrollment is by semester, with the typical stay of a year for the average attendee, and students' re-entry into their local schools is only allowed after successful completion of the program.
The Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heights Boys and Girls Club, just north of Ybor City, could be an additional location for suspended, out-of-school students to receive temporary instruction during the 2009/2010 school year. If approved, it would be the thirteenth location available for parents to take their suspended children, outside their normal school.
Linda Cobbe, the External Communications Manager of SDHC, was contacted about the ATOSS program. She said it is available for students under the punishment of a one to ten day suspension from school.
“Facilities are provided at no cost, by Boys and Girls Clubs and various city and county partners,” according to an official SDHC presentation on ATOSS, provided by Cobbe. The ten-year old program is staffed by school district employees during regular school hours. ATOSS was created through a partnership between SDHC, law enforcement agencies, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the City of Tampa.
The goal of the program, described in the SDHC Student Handbook, is to prevent students from falling behind their school work while under suspension. “Students who attend and meet the requirements for ATOSS,” states the handbook, “shall not be considered absent and shall not receive any grade penalty.”
As reported in a 2003 St. Petersburg Times article, truants can be directly taken to a local ATOSS site by law enforcement officials.
In addition to the ATOSS program, SDHC provides a program for students that are further at risk of dropping out of school. The Alternative Schools Program is an existing system of three schools specifically dedicated students who have not responded well to previous in-school interventions. The enrollment is by semester, with the typical stay of a year for the average attendee, and students' re-entry into their local schools is only allowed after successful completion of the program.
Coming Together
It’s official, this month will be dedicated to “Head Start Awareness.” Hillsborough County Board of Count Commissioners have been behind the Head Start Awareness program for more than forty three years. The Head Start Awareness program is funded through Health and Human services. It was created to increase the public’s awareness of the program and it’s benefits.
Hillsborough public schools have helped the working poor families by providing the best education, health and nutrition to children. The program also work with families and give them opportunities to participate within their community. There are currently 1,759 children around the age of four participating within 50 elementary schools. 48,000 classrooms in the United States depend on the program.
Their schools have one of the largest Head Start programs in the south east. It is run by many teachers and volunteers who are dedicated to help children. A new teacher, Bridget Tracy said, “I think Head Start Awareness month is a great way to bring teachers and administrators together. It is nice to be reminded on how much of a positive effect it has on children.” This month community members can come together and embrace what the program has to offer.
Hillsborough public schools have helped the working poor families by providing the best education, health and nutrition to children. The program also work with families and give them opportunities to participate within their community. There are currently 1,759 children around the age of four participating within 50 elementary schools. 48,000 classrooms in the United States depend on the program.
Their schools have one of the largest Head Start programs in the south east. It is run by many teachers and volunteers who are dedicated to help children. A new teacher, Bridget Tracy said, “I think Head Start Awareness month is a great way to bring teachers and administrators together. It is nice to be reminded on how much of a positive effect it has on children.” This month community members can come together and embrace what the program has to offer.
Youth Crime Watch of America Provides Assistance
After reading the Florida State Board’s Agenda to approve the agreement for Technical Services through Youth Crime Watch of America [YCWA] to provide middle and high schools with assistance a lot of teachers are happy with the proposal.As Senior Jessica Whitney said “I am interning at Ballast Point school right now and it is good to know that YCWA plans on providing protection, the world is definitely not save these days.”
If you go on to the YCWA’s website, it is very kid-friendly and helps us understand what exactly they can do for these schools. As stated on the website “Young people understand the importance of reporting crime. They want safer schools and neighborhoods, and if they know how to report effectively, they'll do it. Young people can help encourage peers to report crime in the making as well as information on crimes under investigation.” This helps schools spread the word around and make the students aware that there is somewhere that they can go to and report suspicious activities.
UT Alum Becca Riddell states, “I teach at an elementary school and even though it is in a very nice neighborhood there is nothing to stop a crime from taking place here. It is nice to know that the Board is seeking the help from YCWA to provide teachers and schools assistance with crime reporting.” YCWA also provides training to teachers and school staff to help prevent crime as well as providing them with vital information and safety + security procedures.
These days crime rates are slowly increasing throughout the United States, for parents and guardians it always important to know that their child is in save hands, this can only be possible if everyone joins in the effort to prevent crime from taking place, specially at high schools. As Sophomore Samantha Harlan said “My brother goes to a high school, granted it is in a decently safe neighborhood we still get scared. It is really helpful that YCWA has agreed and is planning on providing schools with assistance.”
As YCWA plans on providing assistance to schools, it is helpful to note that the schools and the Florida Board of Education is taking an interest to safeguard the children, teachers and the staff from any sort of crime.
Sources
http://www.ycwa.org/nine/bus.htm
If you go on to the YCWA’s website, it is very kid-friendly and helps us understand what exactly they can do for these schools. As stated on the website “Young people understand the importance of reporting crime. They want safer schools and neighborhoods, and if they know how to report effectively, they'll do it. Young people can help encourage peers to report crime in the making as well as information on crimes under investigation.” This helps schools spread the word around and make the students aware that there is somewhere that they can go to and report suspicious activities.
UT Alum Becca Riddell states, “I teach at an elementary school and even though it is in a very nice neighborhood there is nothing to stop a crime from taking place here. It is nice to know that the Board is seeking the help from YCWA to provide teachers and schools assistance with crime reporting.” YCWA also provides training to teachers and school staff to help prevent crime as well as providing them with vital information and safety + security procedures.
These days crime rates are slowly increasing throughout the United States, for parents and guardians it always important to know that their child is in save hands, this can only be possible if everyone joins in the effort to prevent crime from taking place, specially at high schools. As Sophomore Samantha Harlan said “My brother goes to a high school, granted it is in a decently safe neighborhood we still get scared. It is really helpful that YCWA has agreed and is planning on providing schools with assistance.”
As YCWA plans on providing assistance to schools, it is helpful to note that the schools and the Florida Board of Education is taking an interest to safeguard the children, teachers and the staff from any sort of crime.
Sources
http://www.ycwa.org/nine/bus.htm
Derrick Brooks Charities Create Opportunities For Tampa Students
On October 6th, the school board of Hillsborough County will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Derrick Brooks Charities in which it will locate services at the Sanchez Resource Services Center and the Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center in the Belmont Heights area of East Tampa.
"The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow," according to the official Derrick Brooks Charities website.
According to Article 5.15 of the School Board of Hillsborough County Agenda Summary, the programs to be implemented will include Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activities, Teen Summits, and the Rites of Passage Program, which is designed to improve students self-esteem, self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, and behavior management
skills.
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activity is designed to reduce the incidence of teenage
pregnancy, to increase the understanding and acceptance of individual responsibility, and to
address the associated issues of drug abuse, poverty, crime, and additional awareness
issues.
Linda Cobbe, who works with the District Public Affairs office of Hillsborough County said the the Derrick Brooks programs are "fabulous". "We have worked with them [Derrick Brooks Charities] for many years trying to identify the students who would benefit from their programs. Putting them under our roof would enhance not only their programs but also our school systems," Cobbe said.
The Derrick Brooks Charities hold such events as the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant which is a program extension of their Rites of Passage program. Young girls get to learn discipline by following rules and guidelines, work together as a team, display individual talents, and win prizes and awards.
The program has been receiving a lot of support from parents of the school district because "it does a great job in offering students opportunities that they would not normally have. Derrick Brooks sponsors trips to other countries and has even opened a charter school," said Cobbe.
All events and programs provided by the Derrick Brooks Charities are entirely paid for by them and are of no cost to the children, families, or school officials of Hillsborough County.
For more information in the Derrick Brooks Charities, such as the programs they offer and some of their upcoming events, visit their website here.
"The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow," according to the official Derrick Brooks Charities website.
According to Article 5.15 of the School Board of Hillsborough County Agenda Summary, the programs to be implemented will include Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activities, Teen Summits, and the Rites of Passage Program, which is designed to improve students self-esteem, self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, and behavior management
skills.
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Activity is designed to reduce the incidence of teenage
pregnancy, to increase the understanding and acceptance of individual responsibility, and to
address the associated issues of drug abuse, poverty, crime, and additional awareness
issues.
Linda Cobbe, who works with the District Public Affairs office of Hillsborough County said the the Derrick Brooks programs are "fabulous". "We have worked with them [Derrick Brooks Charities] for many years trying to identify the students who would benefit from their programs. Putting them under our roof would enhance not only their programs but also our school systems," Cobbe said.
The Derrick Brooks Charities hold such events as the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant which is a program extension of their Rites of Passage program. Young girls get to learn discipline by following rules and guidelines, work together as a team, display individual talents, and win prizes and awards.
The program has been receiving a lot of support from parents of the school district because "it does a great job in offering students opportunities that they would not normally have. Derrick Brooks sponsors trips to other countries and has even opened a charter school," said Cobbe.
All events and programs provided by the Derrick Brooks Charities are entirely paid for by them and are of no cost to the children, families, or school officials of Hillsborough County.
For more information in the Derrick Brooks Charities, such as the programs they offer and some of their upcoming events, visit their website here.
Making the Grade
With schools and many other social and state-run institutions becoming more progressive, Hillsborough County has decided to join in, with its education board proposing to lower the weight of Exams on a student’s GPA from 33% to 25%. That 8% will no doubt drastically change many student’s overall GPA, generally in a positive context, but it may also stir up some controversy over such a drastic change. .” Some people argue that it isn’t fair to our students, which may be true, but there are other arguments saying that its appropriate.” So said Denny Jost, General Director of Education in Hillsborough County. The mild-mannered civil servant of two decades goes on to explain how the vote came to fruition in Hillsborough county: .” “Being an administrator for 20 years, the issue of exam weight has always been debated… many wondered if it was too heavy. 27 districts were polled in the state, and Hillsborough had the heaviest weight, (33%) of exams on final grades. Some weighed in at 25%, but the most popular weight seemed to be 20%. Only in one other school was at 33%… and that was an honors program..
Students in the County do not seems too worried with the vote that will take place on Tuesday, October 6th: Paul Bernhart, a Junior at H.B. Plant High School is optimistic about the vote. “I love the idea. I just started sending in my college applications, and if this changes the grade for the better on my transcripts. It will really help.” He quickly adds in: “ Especially I had to miss an exam today because I was sick.”
A follow up piece will be written following the vote on Tuesday.
Students in the County do not seems too worried with the vote that will take place on Tuesday, October 6th: Paul Bernhart, a Junior at H.B. Plant High School is optimistic about the vote. “I love the idea. I just started sending in my college applications, and if this changes the grade for the better on my transcripts. It will really help.” He quickly adds in: “ Especially I had to miss an exam today because I was sick.”
A follow up piece will be written following the vote on Tuesday.
Hillborough County School Board to Provide HELP for the Homeless
This month the Hillsborough County School Board will hold a meeting on October 6, 2009 to discuss various issues. One issue on the School Board’s agenda is a project called HELP, which stands for Homeless Education and Literacy Project. This program will benefit homeless children and allow them the opportunity of obtaining a proper education.
According to the document provided in the agenda, there were 2026 students who were identified as homeless in 2008-2009. This program if approved will provide a $125,000 grant toward the education of homeless students. There is also a $6000 budget provided in order to permit for an evaluation.
The evaluation will be provided by conducting interviews and meetings with educators, program managers and social workers. Throughout the evaluation process data on the potential students will be collected and analyzed, and a final report will be written up in order to obtain the specifications that will be necessary in order to implement this project successfully and within budget.
The evaluator will conduct their research and then write up status reports and an annual report and then coordinate with those who will be writing the grants for the proposal for the upcoming 2010-2011 year. If approved, the program will be implemented for 2000 students in grades kindergarten through the 12th grade. Students will be able to attend schools at all districts that serve homeless students throughout Hillsborough County.
Dr. Sandra Fogel, associate professor at the School of Social Work at the University of South Florida has been appointed the provider on this project. She will be foreseeing all implementations of this project as well as conducting the research necessary to begin the implementation of the program.
In order to obtain more information regarding HELP, contact Amie Wilbanks, Department of Assessment and Accountability, or Dr. Ken Gaughan, Supervisor of Social Work Services.
According to the document provided in the agenda, there were 2026 students who were identified as homeless in 2008-2009. This program if approved will provide a $125,000 grant toward the education of homeless students. There is also a $6000 budget provided in order to permit for an evaluation.
The evaluation will be provided by conducting interviews and meetings with educators, program managers and social workers. Throughout the evaluation process data on the potential students will be collected and analyzed, and a final report will be written up in order to obtain the specifications that will be necessary in order to implement this project successfully and within budget.
The evaluator will conduct their research and then write up status reports and an annual report and then coordinate with those who will be writing the grants for the proposal for the upcoming 2010-2011 year. If approved, the program will be implemented for 2000 students in grades kindergarten through the 12th grade. Students will be able to attend schools at all districts that serve homeless students throughout Hillsborough County.
Dr. Sandra Fogel, associate professor at the School of Social Work at the University of South Florida has been appointed the provider on this project. She will be foreseeing all implementations of this project as well as conducting the research necessary to begin the implementation of the program.
In order to obtain more information regarding HELP, contact Amie Wilbanks, Department of Assessment and Accountability, or Dr. Ken Gaughan, Supervisor of Social Work Services.
Helpful Aid Gives Us A Break
In today’s economy, it has become crucial for both parents to work. Families are growing, but salaries are not. In order for both parents to work, somebody needs to be watching the children.
However, childcare is not on the market for a low cost. People are trying to weed out their unnecessary expenses and childcare seems to be one of them.
Fortunately, the City of Tampa and the School Board of Hillsborough County formed an agreement in their October 6 agenda. In this agreement, the City of Tampa grants the School Board of Hillsborough County $33,700 for childcare and early education for children less than 10 years of age.
Amy Famiglietti, a second grade teacher at Edison Elementary school, said, “I think this grant is great! A student of mine has SLD, which is specific learning disorder, and these early education programs will help him.”
This cost will cover the rates all the way from infant day care and up. It also includes costs of summer/holiday day care and special needs care.
With this new agreement added to the agenda, families do not need to worry about finding a highly qualified program that does not exceed their spending limits. Children will be in a safe environment, provided with education, while making no dent in their parents’ pocket.
Famiglietti said, “My students are around the ages of 8 or 9 and some of them have to stay after school to wait for a parent or guardian. Even still, the parent had to get off work early and I imagine that is difficult to do every day. This new grant will help many families and their children, who are forced to stay after school without much to do.”
Not only will this grant aid to families and children, but also to the teachers. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to stay late and act as a nanny for their students. The grant will supply after school programs for young students and is beneficial for everybody.
The City of Tampa recognizes that any help is valuable in this economic time and by coming together with the school board, they are able to give families a little break.
However, childcare is not on the market for a low cost. People are trying to weed out their unnecessary expenses and childcare seems to be one of them.
Fortunately, the City of Tampa and the School Board of Hillsborough County formed an agreement in their October 6 agenda. In this agreement, the City of Tampa grants the School Board of Hillsborough County $33,700 for childcare and early education for children less than 10 years of age.
Amy Famiglietti, a second grade teacher at Edison Elementary school, said, “I think this grant is great! A student of mine has SLD, which is specific learning disorder, and these early education programs will help him.”
This cost will cover the rates all the way from infant day care and up. It also includes costs of summer/holiday day care and special needs care.
With this new agreement added to the agenda, families do not need to worry about finding a highly qualified program that does not exceed their spending limits. Children will be in a safe environment, provided with education, while making no dent in their parents’ pocket.
Famiglietti said, “My students are around the ages of 8 or 9 and some of them have to stay after school to wait for a parent or guardian. Even still, the parent had to get off work early and I imagine that is difficult to do every day. This new grant will help many families and their children, who are forced to stay after school without much to do.”
Not only will this grant aid to families and children, but also to the teachers. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to stay late and act as a nanny for their students. The grant will supply after school programs for young students and is beneficial for everybody.
The City of Tampa recognizes that any help is valuable in this economic time and by coming together with the school board, they are able to give families a little break.
ATOSS To Expand
The Hillsborough County School District looks to expand the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension program with a new site proposed to be at the Belmont Heights Boys and Girls Club. Opening the site would give parents an ATOSS location in close proximity to their child's school.
Since 1999 the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension program has provided a safe, off campus learning environment for students who have committed student conduct infractions. The program is optional for suspended students between and transportation is provided by the parents. During the 2008/09 school year 8,844 students participated in the program. Currently Hillsborough county offers 12 ATOSS sites.
While attending the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension program students receive standard classroom instruction. Additionally they participate in courses designed to identify and address the behaviors that brought them to the program.
When asked about the benefits of ATOSS, Wilson Middle School's Assistant Principal, Nicholas Tanis said "If a student does chose to attend ATOSS, their absence is excused and they regain entitlement to assignments and no longer lose their academic integrity."
The new facility will be provided by the Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heigh Boys and Girls Club and the Tampa Housing Authority at no cost to the school district. Salary for instructional and non-instructional staff is estimated to be $87,33.
Since 1999 the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension program has provided a safe, off campus learning environment for students who have committed student conduct infractions. The program is optional for suspended students between and transportation is provided by the parents. During the 2008/09 school year 8,844 students participated in the program. Currently Hillsborough county offers 12 ATOSS sites.
While attending the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension program students receive standard classroom instruction. Additionally they participate in courses designed to identify and address the behaviors that brought them to the program.
When asked about the benefits of ATOSS, Wilson Middle School's Assistant Principal, Nicholas Tanis said "If a student does chose to attend ATOSS, their absence is excused and they regain entitlement to assignments and no longer lose their academic integrity."
The new facility will be provided by the Wilbert Davis/Belmont Heigh Boys and Girls Club and the Tampa Housing Authority at no cost to the school district. Salary for instructional and non-instructional staff is estimated to be $87,33.
Head Start Awareness Month October
Pending the signatures of Carol W. Kurdell, Chair of The School Board of Hillsborough County, and MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, October 2009 will officially be proclaimed “Head Start Awareness Month” in Hillsborough County.
It is a way to give thanks to the Hillsborough County Public School Head Start Program who strives to help children and families achieve success and put an end the succession of poverty.
Head Start works to connect families with amenities and services offered within the community so they can sufficiently fill the needs of the family. In Hillsborough County, the program currently helps 1,759 children of low-income families break in to the educational system with a better chance of success. Megan Clark a University of Tampa Student, tutors at Desoto Elementary and has the opportunity to work hands on with the beneficiaries of the program. “Head Start is ideal in that it levels the academic playing field,” says Clark, “it gives equal opportunities to children of all income families.”
For over forty years Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has managed the Head Start Program as an organized division of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. By designating October “Head Start Awareness Month,” HCPS can bring recognition to the education, health, nutrition, disabilities, and family services provided by affiliates of the program within the community. “Sometimes things get cluttered, it’s always an awareness month, but it can still get the attention of the public” said Stephen Hegarty, the Communications Officer for HCPS, “Head Start has a good message, it’s successful, and people take it for granted so its for an extra push”.
The Head Start Program and sustaining partners work with families so that in the future they can achieve success independently. By designating October as “Head Start Awareness Month,” Hillsborough County can give back to the programs unsung heroes in the community.
Arielle Hochman
It is a way to give thanks to the Hillsborough County Public School Head Start Program who strives to help children and families achieve success and put an end the succession of poverty.
Head Start works to connect families with amenities and services offered within the community so they can sufficiently fill the needs of the family. In Hillsborough County, the program currently helps 1,759 children of low-income families break in to the educational system with a better chance of success. Megan Clark a University of Tampa Student, tutors at Desoto Elementary and has the opportunity to work hands on with the beneficiaries of the program. “Head Start is ideal in that it levels the academic playing field,” says Clark, “it gives equal opportunities to children of all income families.”
For over forty years Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has managed the Head Start Program as an organized division of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. By designating October “Head Start Awareness Month,” HCPS can bring recognition to the education, health, nutrition, disabilities, and family services provided by affiliates of the program within the community. “Sometimes things get cluttered, it’s always an awareness month, but it can still get the attention of the public” said Stephen Hegarty, the Communications Officer for HCPS, “Head Start has a good message, it’s successful, and people take it for granted so its for an extra push”.
The Head Start Program and sustaining partners work with families so that in the future they can achieve success independently. By designating October as “Head Start Awareness Month,” Hillsborough County can give back to the programs unsung heroes in the community.
Arielle Hochman
Some Students need HELP
The Hillsborough County School Board has many differing problems and agenda that need to be tackled due to pressing economic times. One item they wish to implement as soon as possible is to approve the agreement for technical services for the item called, HELP, or the Homeless Education and Literacy Project.
HELP is to be executed at every public school in Hillsborough County. The goal of HELP is to enroll and give educational access to homeless children in the county.
It has been estimated by the county that Hillsborough house at least 2.026 homeless children. The program has been given a grant of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars to be used until the thirty-first of December of next year.
The school board plans to work in congruence with county social workers as well as fellow teachers.
Dr. Sandra Fogel is the primary provider of the HELP project, according to documents in association with the project. For more information on the project, please contact Amie Wilbanks.
HELP is to be executed at every public school in Hillsborough County. The goal of HELP is to enroll and give educational access to homeless children in the county.
It has been estimated by the county that Hillsborough house at least 2.026 homeless children. The program has been given a grant of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars to be used until the thirty-first of December of next year.
The school board plans to work in congruence with county social workers as well as fellow teachers.
Dr. Sandra Fogel is the primary provider of the HELP project, according to documents in association with the project. For more information on the project, please contact Amie Wilbanks.
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program Wants To Help Tampa's Youth
On October 6th The School Board of Hillsborough County will be meeting to go over the issues on the agenda to come to an agreement in deciding whether they should move forward with certain issues or not. One issue of importance on the agenda is the story on the Memorandum Agreement between The School Board of Hillsborough County and The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program.
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization who strives to help kids succeed. It is a program that makes kids feel comfortable while acquiring the basic knowledge of everyday skills. The program focuses on skills dealing with development and prevention, employment and training, housing acquisition revitalization, family support and training, and economic development and advocacy. Surprisingly, the program has not asked for the school board to chip in for any costs. Instead, the program has decided that the program provider will be dealing with the payments, allowing kids to attend their programs free of charge. The following programs will be held at two Tampa area locations, Sanchez Resource Services Center and Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center in Belmont Heights located in East Tampa starting as early as October 7, 2009 if the agreement is passed.
The following issue would be very newsworthy for The School Board of Hillsborough County to address to the public due to the influential impact it could have on many kids in the Tampa area. In this day and age it is hard to find support groups, and being that the program is beneficial and free of charge would definitely attract many parents to sign their kids up.
The news story could be posted in the paper and could include a picture of a support group interacting with one another at one of the locations where the program is held. The picture could illustrate kids from different parts of Tampa showing support and willingness to succeed, giving viewer’s an idea of what the program represents.
The Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Program, Inc. is a non-profit organization who strives to help kids succeed. It is a program that makes kids feel comfortable while acquiring the basic knowledge of everyday skills. The program focuses on skills dealing with development and prevention, employment and training, housing acquisition revitalization, family support and training, and economic development and advocacy. Surprisingly, the program has not asked for the school board to chip in for any costs. Instead, the program has decided that the program provider will be dealing with the payments, allowing kids to attend their programs free of charge. The following programs will be held at two Tampa area locations, Sanchez Resource Services Center and Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center in Belmont Heights located in East Tampa starting as early as October 7, 2009 if the agreement is passed.
The following issue would be very newsworthy for The School Board of Hillsborough County to address to the public due to the influential impact it could have on many kids in the Tampa area. In this day and age it is hard to find support groups, and being that the program is beneficial and free of charge would definitely attract many parents to sign their kids up.
The news story could be posted in the paper and could include a picture of a support group interacting with one another at one of the locations where the program is held. The picture could illustrate kids from different parts of Tampa showing support and willingness to succeed, giving viewer’s an idea of what the program represents.
HELP Organizes Programs for Homeless Students
In the agenda on October 6th, for the meeting of the School Board of Hillsborough County, issue 5.05 will be discussed, which is to approve the agreement for technical services for the Homeless Education and Literacy Project (HELP).
HELP is a grant-funded program intended to facilitate homeless students’ access to education in accordance with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento act.
The program will be put in to action by all district sites serving homeless students and families. The target audience of this program is the 2,026 students identified as homeless in 2008-09. The grant budget for the program is $125,000 and there was an evaluation budget of $6,000.
If approved, the grant will start on October 6th, 2009 and end on December 31st, 2010. The plans to run the program will be to complete interviews, meet with program managers and social workers, collect and analyze student data, write status reports and annual reports for the program, and coordinate with grant writers on the proposal for 2010-2011.
The issue of whether or not this is a worthy program is what will be discussed at the county board meeting.
HELP is a grant-funded program intended to facilitate homeless students’ access to education in accordance with the provisions of the McKinney-Vento act.
The program will be put in to action by all district sites serving homeless students and families. The target audience of this program is the 2,026 students identified as homeless in 2008-09. The grant budget for the program is $125,000 and there was an evaluation budget of $6,000.
If approved, the grant will start on October 6th, 2009 and end on December 31st, 2010. The plans to run the program will be to complete interviews, meet with program managers and social workers, collect and analyze student data, write status reports and annual reports for the program, and coordinate with grant writers on the proposal for 2010-2011.
The issue of whether or not this is a worthy program is what will be discussed at the county board meeting.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Behind the scenes on the Minaret
Walking by various wire racks filled with the slim yet not overlooked school newspaper the Minaret, you may wonder how this popular and even nationally recognized weekly gets in its place and in the hands of hundreds of students around campus.
A vast amount of work is done behind the scenes by the Minaret staff and organization. Along with a weekly editorial board meeting in their office (Vaughn 211) held on Fridays at 5 p.m, the team spends a lot of their own time working on the paper throughout the week.
Time is dedicated by all the groups who are part of the paper whether it’s the writers, photographers, or advertising team. However the editors spend a great deal of their time on the paper every day.
“Editors spend all afternoon and into the wee hours of the Wednesday morning making deadline. This includes story distribution, layout and editing. Charlie [Hambos] (editor) and I (asst. editor) spend every day in the office,” said Mel Steiner assistant editor to the Minaret. She followed by laughing and saying “I honestly couldn't tell you how much time we spent in here and quite frankly if someone were to tell me the number of hours, I think I'd be sick.”
The editors have the responsibility of coming up with and distributing stories to their staff, Where the writers responsibility includes gathering writing and submitting their stories on time.
All this hard work has also allowed for the Minaret to be recognized locally and nationally.
The Florida College Press Association awarded The Minaret the 1st place winner for “best college newspaper” in 2007 as well as 2008. The Minaret also won many other awards by this association in both those years.
“It’s pretty exciting to know that our small school has such an excellent newspaper, I think it makes students more aware of it and actually want to read it too,” said sophomore Kaitlin Hill.
Nevertheless, recently, UT’s small but prevailing newspaper has been named a finalist in the 2009 Associated Collegiate Press Newspaper Pacemaker contest; which is a national contest. “From what I've been told, The Pacemaker is like the Pulitzer of newspapers, said Steiner.
The Minaret is running against 25 other college newspaper finalists in the “four year non-daily” category. Its competitors range from some of the top universities in the U.S. The winners will be announced in October at a National college media convention in Texas.
Along with many newspapers all over the U.S. the Minaret has also made the decision a few years back to go online. Boasting an appealing and professional accompanying website theminaretonline.com acts as another way for the UT community to access campus’ latest news. This website is also improving on the regular as well.
The website hosts the same stories and information as the newspaper copy, however using a webpage allows the staff to “add things only applicable to a website that can enhance a story, like hyperlinks, video, mp3, etc. We update it daily, as breaking news can happen at any point. But for the most part, we change out old stories after each deadline,” Steiner said.
The Minaret staff is also able to attend the ACP National Convention every year. “Last year it was in San Diego. This year, I believe it's in Phoenix. It's a really cool opportunity to meet other young journalists, photographers and designers from across the nation whom are in the same position as we are every week, hectically scrambling around to make deadline,” said Steiner.
The Minaret has been University of Tampa’s student-run news source since 1932, and the staff is looking to always improve and accomplish more things regarding the paper itself. Aside from their main goal to deliver news whether its trend stories, breaking news or entertainment they’re always looking to get photographers on the scene said Steiner.
Gaining a large audience appeal has been a main goal as well for the Minaret staff. The Minaret has improved and changed the types of stories they publish, how things are run and the overall design of the paper.
“The newspaper is very entertaining and also appealing to students because it’s written by students for students. That way the stories covered are definitely going to be interesting,” UT Junior Jennifer Carson said.
Changes occur because there are always new people joining the team as well as others who graduate. There is also a new advisor for the Minaret this year Dr. Stephanie Tripp. The Minaret recently filled up many positions that were left open and “are now starting to get back on [their] feet.”
A vast amount of work is done behind the scenes by the Minaret staff and organization. Along with a weekly editorial board meeting in their office (Vaughn 211) held on Fridays at 5 p.m, the team spends a lot of their own time working on the paper throughout the week.
Time is dedicated by all the groups who are part of the paper whether it’s the writers, photographers, or advertising team. However the editors spend a great deal of their time on the paper every day.
“Editors spend all afternoon and into the wee hours of the Wednesday morning making deadline. This includes story distribution, layout and editing. Charlie [Hambos] (editor) and I (asst. editor) spend every day in the office,” said Mel Steiner assistant editor to the Minaret. She followed by laughing and saying “I honestly couldn't tell you how much time we spent in here and quite frankly if someone were to tell me the number of hours, I think I'd be sick.”
The editors have the responsibility of coming up with and distributing stories to their staff, Where the writers responsibility includes gathering writing and submitting their stories on time.
All this hard work has also allowed for the Minaret to be recognized locally and nationally.
The Florida College Press Association awarded The Minaret the 1st place winner for “best college newspaper” in 2007 as well as 2008. The Minaret also won many other awards by this association in both those years.
“It’s pretty exciting to know that our small school has such an excellent newspaper, I think it makes students more aware of it and actually want to read it too,” said sophomore Kaitlin Hill.
Nevertheless, recently, UT’s small but prevailing newspaper has been named a finalist in the 2009 Associated Collegiate Press Newspaper Pacemaker contest; which is a national contest. “From what I've been told, The Pacemaker is like the Pulitzer of newspapers, said Steiner.
The Minaret is running against 25 other college newspaper finalists in the “four year non-daily” category. Its competitors range from some of the top universities in the U.S. The winners will be announced in October at a National college media convention in Texas.
Along with many newspapers all over the U.S. the Minaret has also made the decision a few years back to go online. Boasting an appealing and professional accompanying website theminaretonline.com acts as another way for the UT community to access campus’ latest news. This website is also improving on the regular as well.
The website hosts the same stories and information as the newspaper copy, however using a webpage allows the staff to “add things only applicable to a website that can enhance a story, like hyperlinks, video, mp3, etc. We update it daily, as breaking news can happen at any point. But for the most part, we change out old stories after each deadline,” Steiner said.
The Minaret staff is also able to attend the ACP National Convention every year. “Last year it was in San Diego. This year, I believe it's in Phoenix. It's a really cool opportunity to meet other young journalists, photographers and designers from across the nation whom are in the same position as we are every week, hectically scrambling around to make deadline,” said Steiner.
The Minaret has been University of Tampa’s student-run news source since 1932, and the staff is looking to always improve and accomplish more things regarding the paper itself. Aside from their main goal to deliver news whether its trend stories, breaking news or entertainment they’re always looking to get photographers on the scene said Steiner.
Gaining a large audience appeal has been a main goal as well for the Minaret staff. The Minaret has improved and changed the types of stories they publish, how things are run and the overall design of the paper.
“The newspaper is very entertaining and also appealing to students because it’s written by students for students. That way the stories covered are definitely going to be interesting,” UT Junior Jennifer Carson said.
Changes occur because there are always new people joining the team as well as others who graduate. There is also a new advisor for the Minaret this year Dr. Stephanie Tripp. The Minaret recently filled up many positions that were left open and “are now starting to get back on [their] feet.”
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fall Back to TV
With new technology like Digital Video Record (DVR) and Instant Video Streaming, audiences are more able to follow programs without the weekly time commitment. The ability to tune in at your convenience gives viewers the opportunity to follow more shows, and this fall season, the networks have provided an extensive line up.
Though the popular series of last season like Grey’s Anatomy and Lost left addicted fans hungering for more, a number of prospective shows are set to debut. The CW’s The Vampire Diaries has generated lots of buzz, following the trend of Twilight and True Blood. A new Melrose Place will air Tuesdays after 90210, as it enters its second season.
For the fan of sitcoms, ABC will air Modern Family and Cougar Town Wednesdays from 9-10 followed by Eastwick, a TV version of the John Updike novel, The Witches of Eastwick.
For the continuing television followers, Showtime’s Dexter is coming back in it’s forth season, John & Kate Plus 8 is entering its 5th season, and the return Nip Tuck will conclude the series in its sixth season.
The fall television season this year encompasses enough diversity among both new and returning shows to entertain the pickiest of audiences. From reality programs to scripted dramas and endless sports coverage there is something for ever member of the family to enjoy.
Arielle Hochman
Though the popular series of last season like Grey’s Anatomy and Lost left addicted fans hungering for more, a number of prospective shows are set to debut. The CW’s The Vampire Diaries has generated lots of buzz, following the trend of Twilight and True Blood. A new Melrose Place will air Tuesdays after 90210, as it enters its second season.
For the fan of sitcoms, ABC will air Modern Family and Cougar Town Wednesdays from 9-10 followed by Eastwick, a TV version of the John Updike novel, The Witches of Eastwick.
For the continuing television followers, Showtime’s Dexter is coming back in it’s forth season, John & Kate Plus 8 is entering its 5th season, and the return Nip Tuck will conclude the series in its sixth season.
The fall television season this year encompasses enough diversity among both new and returning shows to entertain the pickiest of audiences. From reality programs to scripted dramas and endless sports coverage there is something for ever member of the family to enjoy.
Arielle Hochman
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