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Pierce Middle Is Preparing Pasta, Students

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

cpastor@tampatrib.com

Published: January 28, 2009

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - If it smells like garlic and tomatoes at Pierce Middle School, it must be time for the FCAT.

Pierce eases its students into the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests with a spaghetti dinner that has become tradition for families, teachers and school board members. The dinner this year is the 11th one and will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Tickets are $5 each, which benefits the school. Most of the food is donated.

Cooking begins earlier in the week, with Principal Victor Fernandez helping out in the school kitchen. Hundreds usually turn out, said Mary-Alice Kelley, Pierce's career specialist.

"They'll be lined up at 5:30 to get in," she said.

The dinner's point is to get families together and educate them about the upcoming FCAT, which starts with a writing test Feb. 10-12 and reading, math and science portions in March.

The event this year will follow a Super Bowl theme and include a raffle with football-themed prizes. C.W. "Cookie" Brinkman, a former professional football player and motivational speaker, will talk.

There also will be exhibit booths and a book fair. Families will have a chance to pose for a photo together for $5.

A FEAST BEFORE LEARNING

WHAT: Spaghetti dinner, FCAT information, speakers, prizes, book fair, exhibits

WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Pierce Middle School, 5511 N. Hesperides St., Tampa

COST: $5 per ticket or four for $15, available in advance or at the door.

INFORMATION: Mary-Alice Kelley, (813) 872-5344

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