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FCAT Success Leads To Limo Ride

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 31, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Some Witter Elementary students rode to lunch in style last week in celebration of their FCAT scores.

Sixty-five students were treated to a limousine ride and lunch at the Golden Corral as part of the school's Four or More Club. Students who scored a 4 or 5, the highest scores possible, on the writing portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test are part of the club.

Teacher Japera Hodges was not surprised that all 23 of her students made it into the club.

"I have high expectations for my students," she said. "It does not matter what school you are at or what type of students you might have. If you use effective teaching practices, you can reach the students."

Students grew wide-eyed as a white Hummer stretch limousine pulled up to the school to take them to lunch. Hodges said the treat provided a unique experience for the students.

"Many of these students have never been in a limousine, and some rarely get to go out to a restaurant," she said.

Fourth-grader Sabrina Crews was one of the club members and said she owes her success to Hodges.

"She is a phenomenal teacher," she said. "She really cares about us and wants us to write well."

Fourth-grader Herbert Washington said he still doesn't love to write but has a better appreciation for it.

"I know I'm a better writer now," he said. "And that's because our teachers get us to work hard."

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

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