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Fun And Farewells Lead To Summer Vacation

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By GEOFF FOX

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 5, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - Teacher Marisol LaCosta read aloud to a group of kindergartners and first-graders Wednesday morning at Double Branch Elementary School.

On the last day of the school's inaugural year, the book's title seemed appropriate: "The Night Before Summer Vacation."

When she was done, LaCosta told the children to enjoy their summer.

"And you need to stay close to your parents and be safe," she said.

The fun at Double Branch was similar to what was happening at schools across Pasco County on Wednesday, the last day of instruction for public school students.

An undercurrent of excitement built among the Double Branch students as LaCosta read. Not only was it the last day of school, it was also yearbook-signing day.

"OK, you can get your yearbooks, but no running!" LaCosta said.

After a moment, she added: "And no signing shirts."

In a few minutes, the pod became a miniature mosh pit of children clamoring for friends to sign yearbooks and pieces of paper.

Kindergartner Morgan Oliver, 6, said she most enjoyed learning about animals and the ocean this school year.

"My favorite animals are the angel fish and the clown fish," she said, adding that she might visit New York City this summer with her family.

Israel Lopez, also 6, held out his yearbook for friend Moustapha Sene, 7, to sign.

Israel said he most enjoyed playing computer games at school, while Moustapha said he liked field day.

"I'm going to play outside a lot" this summer, Moustapha said. "I like football."

Story time and yearbook signings were just some of the activities at Double Branch on Wednesday.

In the cafeteria, parents held camera phones and recorders as they watched a video retrospective of the school's inaugural year and an awards ceremony for fifth-graders.

Afterward, students lined the outside walls for a "clap-out" as fifth-graders left the cafeteria.

As she signed one yearbook after another, first-grade teacher Debbie Barry said the most exciting part of the school's first year was establishing traditions, such as Spirit Day on Friday.

"It was good just building everything and having the playground open around the middle of the year," Barry said.

At Lacoochee Elementary School, there was a clap-out and scavenger hunt. Also, 37 students were recognized for participating in the school's capture the flag program, meant to instill altruistic qualities in the children.

"It's all about going the extra mile," Principal Karen Marler said. "They can earn a flag not just by making 100 on a spelling test, but if someone fell down and scraped a knee, they help the child to a clinic. Or maybe they would pick up trash without being told. We had those kids go on their own treasure hunt, and they received gifts and surprises.

"We still have lots of teaching going on, too. The day's flown by. There's just a sense of being happy and sad. I miss the students' faces over the summer."

At Hudson Middle School, Principal Steve Van Gorden said the last day was too chaotic to organize a clap-out but that celebrations started last week.

"We've had several awards ceremonies and pizza parties and signing of the yearbooks," he said. "In the last couple of weeks, the eighth grade took a field trip to Universal Studios. Last week, we had a field day with a tug of war and other events.

"We also had a dance and recognition party with cupcakes and stuff. There have been a lot of little things."

The last day of school wasn't all fun and games, though. Teachers at several schools wore black to protest a plan that would eliminate step pay increases. At Calusa Elementary in New Port Richey, about 20 teachers joined in a chant calling for the increases and better leadership from school officials.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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