HIT: To area educators who plan to take part in a summit in Albany next month aimed at improving middle school curriculum.

The state Board of Regents has identified seven specific areas that schools should focus on to improve the all-around educational experience for middle school students.

The hope is that successful middle-schoolers will be much more likely to become successful high-school students - and much more likely to graduate.

HIT: To Wells College for surpassing its fundraising goal for the year.

As of the end of the fiscal year on June 30, the college had obtained more than $1.5 million in financial contributions.

It's good to see that - even in difficult economic times - people have been generous enough to continue to fund this important institution.

MISS: To a wave of vandalism in the village of Skaneateles.

Street signs have been stolen in recent weeks, and benches from Clift Park have been thrown into the water. Also, a group of young people were picked up by the police last week after graffiti was spray-painted on private property.

If these incidents of theft and vandalism are the product of bored young people, we'd like to remind them that there are many positive outlets where people can make helpful contributions in Skaneateles - helping eradicate milfoil in the lake, for example.

HIT: To the Cayuga County Legislature for passing a law banning texting while driving.

Anything that takes a driver's attention off the road can easily lead to a crash, and reading or typing text messages is an enormously dangerous distraction.

We hope the prospect of a $150 fine will persuade drivers to only use their electronic devices when their cars are parked.