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Taste For Testing

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By RONNIE BLAIR rblair@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 13, 2009

WESLEY CHAPEL - If Wiregrass Ranch High students needed any extra incentive to work hard on this week's FCAT, the aroma of hamburgers sizzling on an outdoor grill may have done the trick.

Parents and school employees served up a special barbecue meal Thursday to hundreds of students who gave their best effort this week on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

"I'm excited," said Nicholette Clark, 15, a sophomore who expressed gratitude that the FCAT was over and mealtime had begun. "I love food. It's really cool of Mr. Bonti."

Mr. Bonti is Principal Ray Bonti, who donned an apron to help grill the burgers. He said Wiregrass Ranch High tries to create a family atmosphere for the students, so the barbecue was about more than the FCAT.

"It's about the opportunity to celebrate with the kids," he said.

Freshmen and sophomores took the FCAT math and reading exams Tuesday and Wednesday. Juniors took the science exam Thursday.

"I thought it was really easy," said Heather Ford, 16, a sophomore. "They told us it was going to be hard so it wasn't like I expected."

Juniors and seniors who hadn't passed the 10th-grade math and reading tests also retook those exams this week because they need a passing score to earn a diploma.

Seniors who had passed the FCAT were off campus Thursday, working on senior projects, visiting colleges or involved in other activities.

In an outdoor area near the school cafeteria, the students filed through two serving lines where parent volunteers and school employees dished out hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad, baked beans and brownies.

Students earned a ticket to the barbecue by coming to school this week and trying their best on the exams. The test results won't be known for awhile, but teachers looked for signs that students weren't taking the test seriously.

"We are looking for effort," Assistant Principal Maria Swanson said. "They are in school on time and give it their all. You can tell when you're proctoring an exam if they are not giving their best effort."

Printed on the tickets was: "Congratulations - You're Going to Bonti's BBQ."

Wiregrass Ranch High paid for the barbecue using proceeds from a vending-machine contract the school district has with PepsiCo.

Sophomore Katie Middleton, 16, appreciated the meal.

"I think it was very nice of Mr. Bonti," she said.

Nicholas Lovelace, 14, a freshman, savored the food and said he was undaunted by the FCAT.

"It was easy," he said.

Swanson said the response leading up to the barbecue was good and that students seemed to be confident and prepared as exam week neared.

"It's a nice way to end three days of testing," she said.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218.

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