School has begun and those lazy, hazy days of summer will be behind us . . . in a few months or so.
Maybe.
So here we are again, plunging in with Top of the Class, getting the word out about the good news going on at schools - public, private and home - throughout Pasco County.
Just turn the page.
As tradition would have it, we're kicking off the school year with the kids that give their all out on that football field.
Or in the stands, at parades and community civic centers.
Lugging those instruments.
Sweating in those uniforms.
Doing the "Hey" song.
Firing up the fans.
Then there are all those rehearsals and fundraisers - a necessity now when it comes to supporting successful band programs.
While some out there were bemoaning the end of summer break, these kids were working out in the summer heat getting their half-time acts together.
Way to go.
Read all about it. TOC, PAGE 3
By now the rest of us should be on board, approaching the new school year with renewed enthusiasm.
Which brings me back to Top of the Class.
The success of the page depends largely on those out there who send us their news. As usual, we'll be looking to you to help fill this weekly page.
We want to hear about the students and teachers who are making the grade in their schools and their communities. We want to know when your school is hosting parents nights, the holiday concert or the drama production you'd like the community to take in.
Scholarship opportunities, wish list items, picture day - just send those notices in.
Then we'll pass the word.
Got a special event going on?
Let us know.
Kids involved in an unusual project?
Invite us out.
For those in charge of submitting information to Top of the Class for their school, fear not. This column comes complete with the following primer:
To make things easier for you, consider sending us your school calendar or newsletter. Keep in mind the following guidelines for other submissions.
Classnotes: This section includes timely information about school events - PTO or PTA meetings, school carnivals, picture day. Deadline for submission is one week before publication. Please submit in written form including time, date, place, contact person and telephone number.
School Briefs: This includes a variety of information that would benefit the larger community - not just one school; drama and music productions, art shows, homeschooling information, fundraisers, scholarship and contest information. Submit in written form at least one week before publication. For events include time, date, place of event, contact person and telephone number. For contests and scholarship opportunities, please include guidelines.
Newsmakers: This section highlights student, teacher administration and school achievements. Please include, name, grade (or grade/subject taught for teachers) and school of "newsmaker," along with the achievement, contact person and telephone number. To avoid errors, please double-check the spellings of any submitted names. Due to the many submissions we receive for this section, items might be published weeks after submission.
Students of the Month: Must be submitted by the second week of the month after the designation.
Feature stories and photos: The best stories and photos capture an event as it happens. Although last minute calls will always be considered, we ask that you contact us ahead of time so we can make proper arrangements.
Submissions can be mailed - 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey 34668; e-mailed miller@sptimes.com or faxed 813 226-3455 in Land O'Lakes, (352) 521-0290 in Dade City, (727) 869-6233 in Port Richey. Then there's the telephone: (727) 869-6251.
