9 minute read
Talk to Me: Local Teacher of the Year finalists share questions parents can use to help their kids open up to them
How to get your kids to communicate in 2023!
by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools
“Hey babe! How was your day at school today?”
“Fine.”
“Nope.”
“Um… Okay then…”
And with that, you have just witnessed a typical conversation between me and my children on any given day after school.
So, for 2023, I am making it my Mom Resolution to get my kids to open up more about their time at school.
But, what should I ask them that will elicit more than a oneword response?
For that, I went to the experts: Hillsborough County Public School’s 2023 Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year Finalists!
These educators are among the best of the best, and their expertise is spread across the age spectrum. We have a PreK teacher, two elementary teachers, a middle school teacher and a high school teacher. There’s something for every age group!
Thank you to our 2023 Excellence in Education Finalists for providing some questions that will help our children better communicate with us about their day!
The EIE 2023 award ceremony will be held Jan. 26 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are still available at
educationfoundation.com/eie2023
So, without further ado, straight from our 2023 Teacher of the Year Finalists are the questions every parents wants to know to encourage their children to become more chatty about their day:
PreK
Rebecca Oakeson – Pre-K/VPK teacher at Kingswood Elementary
• What was the best thing that happened today? • How were you kind today? • What did you work on really hard today?
Elementary
Josette Daley – Third grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary
• Is there anything worrying you about school? • Who did you help today? • What or who made you laugh today? • What is one thing you want to learn more about, and why? • Who did you talk to at school today and what did you talk about?
Nicolette Barone – Fifth grade teacher at Oak Park Elementary
(Barone suggests trying to disguise your questioning and starting with a personal experience to get your children to open up more.) • What was the best part of your morning/afternoon? • What is something you’re really strong or good at? (Start by sharing something you’re good at.) • What is something you’d like to accomplish in 2023? Make a list of your personal, school and fun goals for the new year!
Middle School
Elizabeth Hawley – Media specialist at Dowdell Middle Magnet
• Which of your teachers do you think had the hardest/easiest day? Why? • What was the chatter in the hallways at school today? • Who do you spend the most time with at school? What qualities do you like about this person? • Which of your classes do you think is preparing you for your future?
High School
Elizabeth Osborn – AP psychology teacher at Alonso High
• What was something that surprised you today or happened that was unexpected? • What was something that challenged you today? What are some ideas you have to overcome these challenges? • What happened that gave you that “I can do this!” feeling?
(VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)
13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1355; hillsboroughschools.org/muller
The only elementary magnet school to host TWO programs--arts and environmental science--Muller Magnet meets the needs of students of all interests! Daily, students experience strings, dance, music and art classes. They engage in the orchestra and rock band, performance groups and our annual musical. Students can explore the outdoor classroom, global gardens and take part in the National Honor Society and student government.
NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0801; northtampaca.com
North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) is an accredited college preparatory private school, serving students in grades K-12. Located in Wesley Chapel on 44 acres, NTCA provides immersive on-campus education that encourages innovation through project-based learning and an engaging thematic structure. When life demands flexibility for an off-campus option, we also provide the Titan Teacher Network, a "teacher-centric" live online learning experience.
ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 19521 Michigan Ave., Odessa 33556 813-792-1825; odessachristianschool.org
OCS is a Christ-focused school for motivated learners who want to dive into learning with an emphasis on mastery and application. Using inquiry, collaboration, exploration and discussion as well as field trips and travel, students gain unparalleled responsibility, experience, perseverance and confidence in learning and public speaking.
ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET
(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)
3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove
Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We help our students prepare for their next step if they choose to apply to Blake High School or to hone their skills so they can "wow" their families. Our kids get a well-rounded education.
PEPIN ACADEMIES | pepinacademies.com 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa 33610; 813-236-1755 9304 Camden Field Parkway, Riverview 33578; 813-533-2999 7710 Osteen Road, New Port Richey 34653; 727-233-2961
Pepin Academies are non-profit, tuition-free, independent public charter schools serving students with learning and learning-related disabilities. Qualified as Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Center schools, we provide a diversified curriculum driven by the student’s needs in a positive educational environment, as well as a transitional job training program for post-high school students who choose to defer receipt of their diploma.
PINELLAS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 33771 727-536-3600; pinellasprep.org
Pinellas Preparatory Academy is a high performing, "A" rated, tuition free K-8 public charter school. Besides our strong academics, you will find a culture of strong character and community. The school focuses on developing the talents of each student, while emphasizing high academic standards.
PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET
(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)
8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa 33619 813-671-5110; hillsboroughschools.org/progressvillage
We are proud to offer the largest dance and culinary arts programs in Hillsborough County. We're routinely recognized as a Magnet School of America national award winner and show our craft to organizations and events around the district. Students can try exciting electives such as Costume and Fashion Design, orchestra, journalism and more. The spotlight shines on students at Progress Village. Enrollment: 441 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 500 Class-Size: varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,745 - $18,230
Enrollment: 70 max Class-Size: 20-25 max Grades: K-12 Tuition: $10,500 - $12,000
Enrollment: 521 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 1,200+ students between three campuses Class-Size: 13:2 Grades: 3-12 and a Transition Program for ages 18-22 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 800 Class-Size: K-3 18, 4-8 22 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 824 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has designated Victory Charter School Tampa K-12 an official Candidate as an IB World School with programs for our Elementary and Middle School students. As a school, we are committed to providing students with the highest quality educational program possible in a state of the art facility.
Our guiding principles include:
• Educate the child holistically to promote academic, social, emotional and ethical growth and development • Encourage student inventiveness and creativity • Nurture student experiential learning • Increase faculty freedom and creativity in instructional methodologies and classroom organization • Promote a foundation for inquisitive, life-long learning
Our mission is to awaken and develop the socially responsible, technologically literate, and self-motivated leader within ALL students via an innovative, internationally focused, and student-centered curriculum that challenges students intellectually, creatively, and personally in a nurturing and safe environment that promotes the development of the total child so that they can be successful in an interconnected global community.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Careerrelated Programme (CP). Candidate status does not guarantee that authorization will be granted.
13901 Sheldon Road, Tampa 33625 | 813-551-2144 victorychartertampa.org victorychartertampa612.org
RAMPELLO K-8 MAGNET (CULTURAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES )
802 E. Washington St., Tampa 33602 813-233-2333; hillsboroughschools.org/rampello
Join us for experiential learning with walking field trips through downtown Tampa, and a differentiated instruction focus to meet the needs of all learners. We have strong community partnerships and school-wide AVID instructional strategies. Middle school electives include: Band/Jazz/Orchestra/Steel Drums, Art 2-D and 3-D, Spanish and Creative Writing. Enrollment: 766 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
RIVERHILLS ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)
405 Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace 33617 813-987-6911; hillsboroughschools.org/riverhills
Located on the Hillsborough River, with all the science potential and experiment potential that implies, we prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students can study global cultures and develop an open and curious mind. Students engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, Inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more.
RIVERVIEW ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 9906 Symmes Road, Riverview 33578 813-412-6111; riverviewacademy.com
The tuition-free, public charter school proudly serves students from kindergarten through middle school with a well-rounded college preparatory education. The rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere, and a focus on character development. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation.
RODGERS MIDDLE MAGNET (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)
11910 Tucker Road, Riverview 33569 813-671-5288; hillsboroughschools.org/rodgers
Rodgers, an authorized Cambridge International Magnet School, offers learning guided by the rigorous, world renowned Cambridge Pathways philosophy. Located in Riverview's Bell Creek Nature Preserve, we embrace and empower the whole student. Several National Board-Certified Teachers highlight our exceptional team of educators. Ask us about our Cambridge Honors Institute if you choose to apply! Enrollment: 507 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE
Grades: K-9 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 1,155 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET (IB)
1510 N. Manhattan Ave., Tampa 33607 813-872-5212; hillsboroughschools.org/rolandpark
We inspire young inquiring minds to become compassionate, lifelong learners and internationally-minded people with respect for various cultures and a desire to serve others. Students can experience inquiry-based learning centers, transdisciplinary units of study, an outdoor classroom with an international garden, a strings program and world languages. Enrollment: 806 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
SAFETY HARBOR MONTESSORI ACADEMY 2669 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 34653 727-724-1767; safetyharbormontessori.com
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy is a learning community whose primary goal is to help students reach their full potential in all aspects of their development, in a loving, respectful atmosphere. We have programs for children ages 2 through 14, providing continuity from early childhood to adolescence. Enrollment: 170 Class-Size: 12-24 Grades: Ages 2-grade 8 Tuition: $10,100-$16,950
SEFFNER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 11605 E. U.S. HWY 92, Seffner 33584 813-626-0001; scacrusaders.com
Seffner Christian Academy is a distinctly Christian learning community for students in preschool - 12th grade. We are committed to developing well-rounded, Gospel-driven students who are prepared for life. Please contact our Admissions department to schedule a time for you to experience the SCA difference! Enrollment: 771 Class-Size: average 22 Grades: PreK2-12 Tuition: $9,500-$12,000
