As a former middle and high school teacher, I jumped at an offer to join the Times' latest outreach to students, a Web feature called the Newspaper in Education Blogging Zone. The NIE program has been working with Tampa Bay schools for years, providing classes with newspapers and guest speakers. This new wrinkle should be popular once teachers start spreading the word in classes.

The Web site allows students to offer ideas to community columnists Sue Carlton and Ernest Hooper and share opinions on food with critic Janet Keeler and movies with moi. Each month through May, the best student input in each field will win a Morty the Blogging Bee stuffed toy (shown above), donated by the non-profit organization Charity Works.

If the program is successful, I want a Morty for myself.

So, spread the word if you have kids in school, or neighbors who do. Just click on the NIE Blogging Zone link above and get the details.