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City's Leaders Pay Visit To Classrooms

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

NORTH TAMPA - King High students and staff rolled out the red carpet last week for Temple Terrace leaders.

Mayor Joe Affronti, city council members and other city leaders visited classrooms and learned about new programs at the school. The tour Oct. 24 was part of the city's ongoing efforts to get information out about Temple Terrace public schools.

Assistant Principal Tiffany Ewell said she originally wanted planned activities for the tour but changed her mind.

'We didn't want to give you the dog-and-pony show,' she said. 'This is about seeing King as it is on an everyday basis. We didn't even tell the kids you were coming, so you'll see them as they are.'

Temple Terrace leaders visited numerous classrooms, including world history, Spanish, mathematics and marine science. Affronti was surprised to learn that King had a marine science program.
City Councilman Ken Halloway was equally shocked to find preschoolers in one of the classrooms.

'What are they doing here?' he asked a teacher. 'Why would we have young children in a high school?'

The teacher explained that the classroom, known as the Cub's Den, is part of the Child Development program. King students work with preschoolers and get certified to work in day care centers after graduation.

The tour also included the I Can Learn computer lab, a new program at King. Students who score below the passing level on the math portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test can get extra help in Algebra I. First-quarter results show a 91 percent passing rate and 94 percent attendance rate.

Leaders also visited a band class, the art room and even toured the cafeteria during lunch.

'Our school values the fact we have one of the most diverse student populations in the county,' said Principal Carla Bruning. 'We strive to find ways to ensure all of our students are successful in attaining their goals.'
Affronti said he enjoyed the tour and found it an informative experience.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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