The annual Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is meant to measure the academic performance and progress of individual students and entire schools. But when March rolls around, the one thing the FCAT tests most profoundly are teachers' and students' nerves. At many schools, administrators like to loosen things up with pre- and post-FCAT events, pep rallies and parties. This year, Fox Hollow Elementary School raised that idea to the next level with a group activity that raised their spirits sky high, somewhat literally. ...more

March 14, 2009

This is in reference to the story that ran Sunday in Highlands Today regarding the Highlands County school budget. I disagree with this teacher, Roberta Peck. Teachers work very hard for their salaries and they deserve every penny they have earned. ...more

March 11, 2009

Seventh-grader Tiana Britt thrives on challenges. Her classmate Angel Kennedy is turned on by the practical approach to learning. ...more

October 15, 2008

Welcome to FCAT-land. Across the district, Hernando County public school officials are pumping students up with motivational cheers, reminding children of test-taking rules and gearing up for the most important, high-stakes test of the season: the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, set to begin Tuesday. ...more

February 8, 2008

Welcome to FCAT-land. Across the district, Hernando County public school officials are pumping students up with motivational cheers, reminding children of test-taking rules and gearing up for the most important, high-stakes test of the season: The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, set to begin Tuesday. Tampa-based motivational speaker Fairest Hill, a musician and former keyboard player for The Gap Band, spent Friday traveling between several district schools for "Slam Dunk The Test," or his message of overcoming defeat with perseverance and dedication to students. ...more

February 8, 2008