By nature, art is a fun activity. It is hands-on. It is playful. You can choose from an array of media to express whatever you want, in whatever style you prefer. You can be creative, imaginative. It can be as simple or as sophisticated as you desire. It is the freedom to imagine and to explore without being judged that makes art so inviting to learners of all levels and interests. I remember how, as a small child, I spent most of my time drawing with chalk; on the floor, on the door, on the wall. And when they were all covered, I wiped them clean and started all over again. I was in my own little world. I was the master. I could dream and create anything I wanted. Art is a magical power!

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All of us at Orange County Public Schools are looking forward to kicking off the 2008-2009 school year.  Last year, a record number 126 schools earned a grade of “A” or “B” and the district as a whole also received a grade of “A”.  Next year will be very different due to budget cuts. OCPS will receive $94 million less for the upcoming year. As a result, 585 teachers, 424 classified and 179 district and administrative positions were eliminated. In addition, with the increase in the price of fuel, the daily cost for running the buses has increased from $33,600 to $68,480.

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      School supplies? Check. Backpack? Done. Stylish new clothes? No problem. But, did you know that one of the best back to school accessories is a healthy smile? Straight teeth are not only good for your child’s health, but can change the way they see the world, points out Dr. Kary Marris of Marris Orthodontics.

            “It’s almost like their whole personality changes, and that can change someone’s life for the positive,” she says with a smile. “It’s why we do what we do.” Dr. Marris and her staff realize their unique responsibility to every patient, and that’s why their personalized care starts the moment the office doors open.

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        Backpacks are a necessary part of life for children and teenagers, carrying everything from schoolbooks, supplies and personal items. But, when buying a backpack parents and students should be concerned with more than how great their favorite cartoon character looks or how they will be able to accessorize the bag to match their new school clothes.

            Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the wearer’s strongest muscles, and, when used correctly, they can be a great way to carry the necessities of the school day, says Dr. Lynne Whitson of Hands On Family Chiropractic in East Orlando. 

            “When backpacks are worn incorrectly or are too heavy, they may cause problems for the users,” she says. “Over time, they can cause chronic shoulder, neck and back pain in addition to stooped posture.”

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    The FCAT is considered to be one of the most important tests in every Florida grade-school student’s career. With numerous implications, subjects and procedures for various grade levels, students and parents must be prepared early and often for the test taking place every year in mid-March. Below is a brief overview of the FCAT broken down by elementary, middle and high school segments. 

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