Mixed messaging on masks in schools
With just weeks to go before children return to school, a debate is brewing on how that should look. The American Academy of Pediatrics says all students older than two and all school staff should wear masks. There's an uptick in cases in virtually all the states in the United States, and for that reason, they want to go the extra mile to make sure that children are protected. This runs counter to the latest guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Preparing to go back to the classroom
Students across the country are soon going to be heading back to in-person classes, but with the pandemic still lingering, doctors suggest families take the time now to prepare students for what to expect with the next school year.
Lawsuit filed to recover fees charged to students during pandemic
College students have had a lot to deal with during the coronavirus pandemic. Many were charged fees by their colleges or universities for services that were cancelled because of the pandemic. Now a class action lawsuit filed by Law Offices of Morgan and Morgan on behalf of a Polk State College student claims all students should be reimbursed. The law firm has also filed suits against the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida.
Student leads effort to build coral reef project
Many of Florida's coral reefs are slowly dying and that has motivated a Central Florida middle school student to do something about it. He pitched the idea of a saltwater aquarium to be used as an on campus learning tool to educate other kids on what's happening off our shore.
Seminole County drops mask mandate in schools
The Seminole County School Board has voted to lift a mask mandate for students this fall.
Florida education board backs controversial guidelines
Backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign against critical race theory, the State Board of Education on Thursday approved a rule that places controversial guidelines on the way U.S. history is taught in public schools.
Summer School attendance at all time high
Summer schools are packed with kids this year. Orange County is breaking an attendance record.
Virtual learning options for the fall
School districts are planning to bring children back fulltime next school year. But if you aren't quite ready for the return, or maybe you just enjoyed the virtual learning environment, there are still options for you out there.
Seminole School District to vote on repealing mask mandate next month
The Seminole County School Board has decided to start advertising a forthcoming meeting to talk about repealing the mask mandate next month.
School boards debating mask mandates
Several Central Florida school districts are debating mask policy and whether to do away with mandates.
Scholarship fund for relatives of 'Ocoee Massacre'
A new scholarship fund has been set up for descendants of those killed in the deadliest election massacre in American history.
Parents fight to end masks in schools
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order lifting COVID-19 restriction across the state but took a hands-off approach with schools, leaving that decision up to each county's district.
Seminole State College holds drive-through graduation
Graduations have been greatly disrupted during the coronavirus pandemic, but Seminole State College designed a way for graduates to participate in a drive-through ceremony.
Parents fight to end masks in schools
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order lifting COVID-19 restriction across the state but took a hands-off approach with schools, leaving that decision up to each county's district.
Substitute teacher, 88, marks second retirement
Next week is National Substitute Teacher Week, and on Friday, one very special sub is retiring for a second time over the course of his career at age 88. Mr. Larry Willwerth has been in the classroom for the past 20 years at New Smyrna Beach Middle and High School.
Seminole County discusses masks in schools
As leaders with the Seminole County Public Schools consider making masks optional at schools, parents and their children are taking a more active role is pushing to lift the mandate.
Central Florida teens win top prize for face mask enhancements
Two Central Florida high-schoolers are being rewarded for ideas that could greatly enhance the effectiveness of face masks. Annika Vaidyanathan, a junior at Winter Springs High School, and Ishika Nag, a sophomore at Oviedo High School, were named Grand Prize Winners at the Orlando Science Center's Ying Student Science Competition.
Program helps children prepare for kindergarten
The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a 2-year home-based educational enrichment program that helps parents prepare their children for kindergarten.
Florida education chief: Masks should be voluntary next year
Some activists and educators are at odds over Florida’s Education Secretary's memo asking school districts to remove any COVID-19 mask mandates.
Executive order waives student accountability measures tied to state exam
Answering the question of how the state would handle standardized testing this year, the Florida Department of Education issued an emergency order Friday waiving accountability measures tied to state exams.