Student wins writing contest, new computer
Joseph Rassel
www.orlandosentinel.com
Feb 28, 2007
Blankner School student Nicole Grandinette received a new laptop computer Tuesday for writing the best essay for a contest during Hispanic Awareness Month.
Anna Diaz, the school district's associate superintendent for exceptional education and multilingual services, presented the computer to Grandinette, a seventh-grader. Santillana, USA, a publisher of Spanish literature, sponsored the writing competition
Students were asked to read the book Hispanics in the USA: Making History and then complete activities from the activity book. The students also had to write a one-page summary of the life of one of the Hispanic leaders included in the book.
Grandinette's piece was about popular singer Gloria Estefan and the accomplishments and contributions she has made to the United States as a Hispanic leader.
State conference to deal with learning disabilities
The Florida Learning Disabilities Association, a nonprofit state organization that provides information for families and professionals about learning disabilities, will have a conference Saturday in Maitland.
Topics will include "Learning Disabilities and the Teenage Brain," with guest speaker Patrick Gorman from Winter Park, and "Auditory Processing Deficits" and the effects in the classroom with guest speaker Rhonda Hemphill. Experts will discuss interventions for students with learning disabilities in a general-education setting and responses to intervention.
The conference will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave. It is open to parents, teachers and professionals.
The cost is $30 for members of the Learning Disabilities Association and $60 for nonmembers.
For details, call the Barb Aikens at 407-366-1099.
Rollins' Holt School taking scholarship applications
The Rollins College Hamilton Holt School is accepting applications for undergraduate tuition grants and scholarships for 2007-08.
Awards for the evening degree programs are based on academics, financial need, leadership and service.
Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average to be considered. Documentation of financial need is also required.
Some academic merit awards are available to students who can demonstrate academic achievement and leadership.
The application deadline is March 15.
For details, call Carolyn Lockwood at 407-646-2293 or Terrie Cole at 407-646-2232.
UCF students get chance to study in Ghana this summer
The Women's Studies Programs at the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University are teaming up to take students to Ghana this summer for a program that will examine Western perceptions and stereotypes of Africa and the people who live there. Students will also study the effect of West African history and politics on women.
The course, from May 14 through June 22, includes classroom instruction and field trips, which allow students to explore the dynamics of West African social, political, economic and cultural systems.
