ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (AP) -- Federal agriculture officials will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits around Pasco and Pinellas counties this month in hopes of trying to control rabies in raccoons.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 60 bait stations will be strategically placed where raccoons tend to roam. The bait is coated with fishmeal, and people and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the substance.

In the 2011 FCAT Writing scores released today, Pinellas students in grades 4, 8 and 10 showed overall positive results. This year’s results were particularly impressive given the fact that the State Board of Education is expected to revise the grading criteria for students considered to be proficient.  If approved by the board later this month, a score of 4.0 instead of 3.5 would become the new standard.

District results show:

Pinellas County – Join the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County in recognizing Early Educators on May 6, 2011 for National Provider Appreciation Day. This special day is to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors, and all those who work with children and are responsible for their education and care.

Approximately 90 percent of brain development occurs by age 5 and it is important children receive high quality care during this time. In an effort to honor child care providers for their commitment to children the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is co-sponsoring the 17th Annual Caregiver’s Celebration on Friday, May 6 from 7 – 10 p.m. at Banquet Masters in Pinellas Park.

Furthermore, throughout the day on May 6, the ELC asks the community to recognize the hard work and dedication of child care providers, and to acknowledge their contributions to quality care. It takes a special person to work in the child care field and these individuals are often unrecognized. Research continues to prove that quality early learning experiences are the foundation for children’s lifelong success.