It's time again for that frantically anticipated and often dreaded yearly public school ritual: taking the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

When students sit down this week to be tested on their knowledge of math, reading and science, not all will be putting pencil to paper. Some may be dictating their answers to teachers. Others may use switches, or computers that play back text in a spoken voice.

Christopher Muñiz was looking forward to the perks of eighth grade this year: field trips, prom, big-man-on-campus status and the expectation of high school.

As fast-food restaurants sprout along Biscayne Boulevard like mushrooms after heavy rains, another sort of movement takes place on a quiet cul-de-sac tucked off the busy thoroughfare.

sachet: a small bag containing perfuming powder, to impart a pleasant scent.