It's summer, and some parents are looking for interesting things for their children to do. If you have daughters ages 11 to 14, the Ophelia Project of Tampa Bay has something special to offer them. ...more

June 21, 2008

SEBRING — More than 50 Cracker Trail Elementary students in challenging situations have been paired up with a concerned staff member. School's guidance counselor Crystal Pella created the Adopt-A-Student Program to promote self-esteem, school attendance, academic achievement and a reduction in discipline problems. It's a "Big Brother/Big Sister" strategy for meeting the individual student's self-esteem needs, said Principal Rick Demeri. Cracker Trail Elementary staff members are asked if they would like to be paired with a student who has been chosen based on attendance problems, academic difficulties, divorce or death in their family or low self-esteem. Pairing up with a student is on a voluntary basis and not a requirement, Demeri said. Parent permission is obtained and all strategies take place during school time on the school campus. ...more

January 21, 2008