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Schools

Tick, tock goes the school clock

Hall Pass is an occasional feature highlighting moments that define the class day, but rarely make headlines. We start by jumping out of our seats as the bell rings at the end of a recent school day at Newsome High. And, as if anyone needs a reminder, winter holiday begins for Hillsborough schools at the end of classes today.

By LETITIA STEIN
Published December 16, 2005

LITHIA - It's 2:2 5 p.m.

The American flag swishes in the Newsome High School courtyard. A student's laugh echoes in the open hallway, but no one walks by.

It's 2:30.

In Classroom 435, junior Chloe Taylor taps a staccato on the linoleum floor. An American Nation textbook is closed on her desk. She colors in the spine of a three-ring binder.

It's 2:33.

Faith McCarty, a senior, twists a car key between coral-hued fingernails.

It's 2:45.

The Riveter's Club, honoring Rosie's women, is meeting during last period in Room 435. A student leader talks about inviting a woman named Jennifer Faliero to speak. Classmates shrug, not recognizing the name of the local School Board member.

But the red second-hand, twitching at the front of the room, strikes a universal chord.

It's 2:47.

The loudspeaker squawks. Seniors break free three minutes early.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPP.

A metallic blare announces what everyone already knows.

It's 2:50.

High-tops, low-tops and flip-flops drum across the courtyard. Cell phones flip open.

Car riders scramble to the front. Drivers amble to the back. Bus riders follow the hum of idling engines.

Shouts carry beyond the students intended to hear them.

Aiyeee! Come here. Lemme give you a ride home.

As the courtyard clears, horns honk on FishHawk Boulevard, now a parking lot.

Clusters of students drift apart. On the breezeway, Matt Rendas, a junior, hugs his friend. "Ok, got to go," he tells her.

It's 3:00.

[Last modified December 15, 2005, 10:05:12]