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Florida leaders push back in school books fight
Read full article: Florida leaders push back in school books fightFlorida education leaders are trying to fend off a lawsuit filed by major publishing companies and authors over the removal of books from school libraries, disputing allegations that a controversial state law violates the First Amendment.
Palm Coast teacher’s dream classroom design nears reality in national contest
Read full article: Palm Coast teacher’s dream classroom design nears reality in national contestFor Evana Fretterd, an activities director at Flagler Palm Coast High School, her vision for a dream classroom extends far beyond basic desks and chairs.
11-year-old sentenced in series of ‘swatting’ threats to Flagler schools
Read full article: 11-year-old sentenced in series of ‘swatting’ threats to Flagler schoolsAn 11-year-old boy arrested over the summer in connection to a series of “swatting” threats against Flagler County schools was sentenced after being adjudicated delinquent, according to the sheriff’s office.
From ballet to robotics, Boys and Girls Club in Pine Hills offers unique opportunities
Read full article: From ballet to robotics, Boys and Girls Club in Pine Hills offers unique opportunitiesThe Walt Disney World Boys and Girls Club is located in the heart of Pine Hills. Every day, some 200 kids between the ages of 6 to 18 go to the club for free and safe after-school activities.
‘Zero tolerance:’ Orange County Public Schools urges parents to review threat and weapons course
Read full article: ‘Zero tolerance:’ Orange County Public Schools urges parents to review threat and weapons courseOrange County Public Schools is urging parents to take the district’s new threats and weapons course so there is no room for misunderstanding:
Orange County high school band directors named semifinalists for national recognition
Read full article: Orange County high school band directors named semifinalists for national recognitionTwo band directors at Orange County district high schools have been named semifinalists for the2025 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum.
Matt Susin takes District 4 seat in Brevard County School Board race
Read full article: Matt Susin takes District 4 seat in Brevard County School Board raceElection Day is on Nov. 5, and this year, incumbent Matt Susin will take on challenger Ava Taylor for the District 4 seat of the Brevard County School Board.
Meet the District 4 candidates for Brevard County School Board in the November election
Read full article: Meet the District 4 candidates for Brevard County School Board in the November electionElection Day is on Nov. 5, and this year, incumbent Matt Susin will take on challenger Ava Taylor for the District 4 seat of the Brevard County School Board.
Orlando Magic celebrates Orange County students’ reading achievements
Read full article: Orlando Magic celebrates Orange County students’ reading achievementsOver 3,000 Orange County Public School students were at the Kia Center on Monday to celebrate their reading achievements with the Orlando Magic.
Is Donald Trump behind Project 2025? Here’s what both sides say about it
Read full article: Is Donald Trump behind Project 2025? Here’s what both sides say about it"Project 2025" has been a common term thrown around during the latest election cycle. But why is it so often tied to the former president?
Is Donald Trump behind Project 2025? Here’s what both sides say about it
Read full article: Is Donald Trump behind Project 2025? Here’s what both sides say about it"Project 2025" has been a common term thrown around during the latest election cycle. But why is it so often tied to the former president?
‘Severe consequences:’ Orange County schools issue stern warning over student threats
Read full article: ‘Severe consequences:’ Orange County schools issue stern warning over student threatsOrange County Public Schools issued a warning to families of students in grades 6-12 on Thursday regarding potential expulsion.
What passing Florida Amendment 1 would mean for school boards and elections
Read full article: What passing Florida Amendment 1 would mean for school boards and electionsCurrently, Florida school board candidates run without party affiliation. However, the proposed amendment would allow candidates, starting in November 2026, to declare political party affiliations like Democrats or Republicans.
Central Florida school districts announce make-up days after Hurricane Milton cancellations
Read full article: Central Florida school districts announce make-up days after Hurricane Milton cancellationsClick through for a list of hurricane make-up days announced for Central Florida's public school districts.
Lake Mary High School teacher accused of ‘inappropriate conduct’ with student
Read full article: Lake Mary High School teacher accused of ‘inappropriate conduct’ with studentDistrict officials said that the teacher also served as an assistant coach at the high school, though he was immediately placed on administrative leave following his arrest.
15-year-old arrested, accused of threatening school in Brevard County
Read full article: 15-year-old arrested, accused of threatening school in Brevard CountyA comment on TikTok led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Brevard County who’s accused of threatening a school, according to Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Student injured after tree branch breaks school bus window in Seminole County, district says
Read full article: Student injured after tree branch breaks school bus window in Seminole County, district saysA student riding a school bus to Teague Middle School was injured after a tree branch broke through the bus window, according to a news release from Seminole County Public Schools.
Gun parts found in student’s bag at Ocoee High School, police say
Read full article: Gun parts found in student’s bag at Ocoee High School, police sayOfficers acting on a tip located parts of a handgun among other contraband in a 14-year-old student’s backpack at Ocoee High School, according to police.
Central Florida school districts address safety amid threats, rumors, weapons on campus
Read full article: Central Florida school districts address safety amid threats, rumors, weapons on campusWith students at Central Florida public schools now about a month into their classes, a fair shake of primary and secondary campuses in our coverage area have already experienced some form of disruption in response to perceived threats.
Seminole High School bolstered with law enforcement amid rumored, potential threat
Read full article: Seminole High School bolstered with law enforcement amid rumored, potential threatSeminole High School will see an increased presence of law enforcement on Thursday amid what the school’s principals call a rumored, possible threat on campus.
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting near Melbourne school was trying to flee to South Florida, police say
Read full article: Suspect arrested in fatal shooting near Melbourne school was trying to flee to South Florida, police sayThe suspect had been trying to flee South Florida, and he was eventually captured at a bus stop, police said.
Student arrested, accused of bringing gun to Lake Brantley High School
Read full article: Student arrested, accused of bringing gun to Lake Brantley High SchoolA shelter-in-place Wednesday morning at Lake Brantley High School was lifted and a student was taken into custody after a gun was found on campus, according to school officials.
Police officer at Melbourne middle school hears gunshots; body found at store near campus
Read full article: Police officer at Melbourne middle school hears gunshots; body found at store near campusStone Magnet Middle School in Melbourne was locked down after an officer at the school heard gunshots nearby, leading to a homicide investigation.
Universal Education Center creates unique path to success for Orange County students
Read full article: Universal Education Center creates unique path to success for Orange County studentsSince 1994 , the Universal Education Center has been serving Orange County Public Schools students, offering a unique blend of academic coursework and real-world work experience on the Universal Orlando property.
Flagler County School Board considers mandatory ECG screenings for student-athletes
Read full article: Flagler County School Board considers mandatory ECG screenings for student-athletesThe Flagler County School Board is weighing whether to add another layer of health protection for student-athletes by mandating electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings, a test used to evaluate heart health.
‘Addicted to stealing:’ Woman gets 1-year sentence after stealing over $600K from Marion County school
Read full article: ‘Addicted to stealing:’ Woman gets 1-year sentence after stealing over $600K from Marion County schoolShe claimed she stole the money because she’d become “addicted to stealing the payroll funds,” DOJ officials announced.
🏫 Hottest family-friendly cities in the US that offer safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good schools
Read full article: 🏫 Hottest family-friendly cities in the US that offer safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good schoolsHollywood has long had a vision of what a great American town looks like. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Pleasantville,” the cities emblazoned in our minds as nurturing spots to settle down and raise families all have a triad of things in common: single-family homes, low crime, and great schools.
Orange County high school metal detector pilot fizzles out, but random searches still on the table
Read full article: Orange County high school metal detector pilot fizzles out, but random searches still on the tableOrange County high school students will not need to pass through metal detectors every morning, but the schools themselves and events related to them will still be subject to random searches, according to a district spokesperson.
Donations help News 6, A Gift For Teaching fetch $600,000 in school supplies for teachers, students
Read full article: Donations help News 6, A Gift For Teaching fetch $600,000 in school supplies for teachers, studentsThousands of students in Central Florida are back in school but many are still in need of school supplies.
5 Central Florida school board races go to November runoffs
Read full article: 5 Central Florida school board races go to November runoffsEight candidates will take seats on county school boards across Central Florida after winning their races outright. However, voters will get to choose candidates in five runoff races after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, FBI join forces to educate parents about internet dangers
Read full article: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, FBI join forces to educate parents about internet dangersDeputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are set to hold a meeting Wednesday to help parents and guardians on how to keep their children safe from the internet.
Volusia sheriff asks parents, community to volunteer, be part of school safety solution
Read full article: Volusia sheriff asks parents, community to volunteer, be part of school safety solutionThe Volusia Sheriff is asking parents and residents to hit the crosswalks and get involved to keep students safe. It’s for a new School Traffic Safety volunteer program.
🏫 ‘Astonishing’ absenteeism, trauma rates root of academic crisis
Read full article: 🏫 ‘Astonishing’ absenteeism, trauma rates root of academic crisisNearly 15 million children were chronically absent in the 2021-22 school year, doubling pre-pandemic numbers, and millions have lived through at least one traumatic experience, such as parent death or abuse.
These are the best, worst states in the country. Where does Florida rank?
Read full article: These are the best, worst states in the country. Where does Florida rank?The list analyzes factors like education, economy, public infrastructure, safety and the environment to determine which states performed the best — and which still have room to improve.
‘Slave masters, Hitler, Brevard Public Schools?’ Book ban opponents call out school board
Read full article: ‘Slave masters, Hitler, Brevard Public Schools?’ Book ban opponents call out school boardA Brevard County school board meeting gets a little heated between board members and those who spoke out against the district's removal of books from libraries.
Bus drivers still needed in many Central Florida districts as students head back to school
Read full article: Bus drivers still needed in many Central Florida districts as students head back to schoolWith the school year about to begin, some Central Florida School Districts are urgently trying to fill their vacant school bus driver positions.
Orange County school district leaders address difficulties heading into new year of classes
Read full article: Orange County school district leaders address difficulties heading into new year of classesWith students heading back to school soon in Orange County, the district is also facing some challenges to start the new school year.
‘Very eye-opening:’ St. Cloud approves school zone speed cameras after alarming study
Read full article: ‘Very eye-opening:’ St. Cloud approves school zone speed cameras after alarming studyThe city of St. Cloud voted Thursday to create a School Zone Speed Enforcement Program. Under this program, the city will use a speed detection system to catch drivers exceeding the posted limit.
‘Go do it,’ Teens learn skills, get inspired in Orlando internship program
Read full article: ‘Go do it,’ Teens learn skills, get inspired in Orlando internship programWhile many students enjoyed their summer break, 600 young scholars in Orlando participated in the City of Orlando’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
‘Safety first, success always:’ 7th Circuit officials share initiative to address substance abuse, violence in schools
Read full article: ‘Safety first, success always:’ 7th Circuit officials share initiative to address substance abuse, violence in schoolsR.J. Larizza, state attorney of the 7th Judicial Circuit, held a news conference in Bunnell with four county superintendents to announce an initiative focused on communicating to students the harms of violence and substance abuse, most specifically that of vaping.
‘Shame on him:’ St. Cloud residents concerned over dangerous local street
Read full article: ‘Shame on him:’ St. Cloud residents concerned over dangerous local streetDriving down 13th Street — also known as 192 — can be a nightmare. Rebecca Laisch said crossing that street on foot could cost you your life.
These 2 schools in Orange County may not be ready for students on the first day of classes
Read full article: These 2 schools in Orange County may not be ready for students on the first day of classesWith only days before the new school year, two schools in Orange County may not be ready for the first day of classes.
Osceola County schools to conduct random searches in upcoming school year
Read full article: Osceola County schools to conduct random searches in upcoming school yearStudents at Osceola public schools in grades 6-12 will have their belongings subject to routine random searches starting this school year, Osceola School District said in a statement.
Lake County Schools implement new level of security for upcoming school year
Read full article: Lake County Schools implement new level of security for upcoming school yearLake County School District announced that it is adding another layer of security by equipping its panic-button alert system with cameras.
Brevard school district, teachers union agree on pay raise
Read full article: Brevard school district, teachers union agree on pay raiseInstructional staff in Brevard County public schools returned to work with a pay raise following what the district calls a landmark agreement with its teachers union.
Seminole County will pay $20/hour for school bus drivers. Here are the needs elsewhere
Read full article: Seminole County will pay $20/hour for school bus drivers. Here are the needs elsewhereSeveral counties across Central Florida are in need of bus drivers for the upcoming school year. Listed below are the employment needs for the different districts.
New Teacher Academy gives 1st time educators in Brevard County boot camp for upcoming school year
Read full article: New Teacher Academy gives 1st time educators in Brevard County boot camp for upcoming school yearBrevard Public Schools is getting ready for the school year by welcoming in hundreds to its New Teacher Academy.
Most of $1.3M stolen in Seminole schools phishing case to be recovered, superintendent says
Read full article: Most of $1.3M stolen in Seminole schools phishing case to be recovered, superintendent saysSeminole County Public Schools is in the process of getting much of the $1.3 million stolen last December by cybersecurity scammers will be recovered, according to the district’s superintendent.
11-year-old arrested in Flagler ‘swatting’ threats against schools, sheriff says
Read full article: 11-year-old arrested in Flagler ‘swatting’ threats against schools, sheriff saysFlagler County Sheriff Rick Staly announced an 11-year-old was arrested in connection with a series of “swatting” threats made this year against several schools.
The grades are in for Central Florida school districts. Here’s how they fared in 2024
Read full article: The grades are in for Central Florida school districts. Here’s how they fared in 2024The Florida Department of Education announce that schools in the state have been scored under a new grading scale.
Florida school board says 7-year-old should testify in book fight
Read full article: Florida school board says 7-year-old should testify in book fightAs it tries to fend off a constitutional challenge to removing and restricting school library books, the Escambia County School Board on Tuesday argued that it should be able to take a deposition of a 7-year-old student who is part of the lawsuit.
Summer break is almost over. Here’s when each of these Central Florida counties go back to school
Read full article: Summer break is almost over. Here’s when each of these Central Florida counties go back to schoolThe start of the new school year is less than a month away and soon all of the students will be back in the classroom.
Port Orange school gets new speed bumps following crash that killed 10-year-old student
Read full article: Port Orange school gets new speed bumps following crash that killed 10-year-old studentA set of newly-installed speed bumps in the parent loop at Sugar Mill Elementary is one of many safety improvements that Volusia County Schools says are coming to the area, where a fourth-grade student was struck and killed.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs 3 bills, vetoes 1 other. Here’s what they are
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs 3 bills, vetoes 1 other. Here’s what they areBesides the newly signed bills, DeSantis also vetoed one other — House Bill 1241 — which would have made changes to state statutes regarding probation violations.
‘Little-bitty kids:’ School-zone cameras could be headed to Orlando
Read full article: ‘Little-bitty kids:’ School-zone cameras could be headed to OrlandoOn Monday, the city of Orlando moved one step closer to adding speed cameras to school zones after an initial vote of approval by the city council.
Central Florida schools looking to restrict artificial intelligence use by students
Read full article: Central Florida schools looking to restrict artificial intelligence use by studentsThe School Board in Seminole County is set to sign off on the Code of Conduct and Honor Code for the 2024-2025 school year, and it includes consequences for students who submit Artificial Intelligence-generated work without credit or consent.
Lake County Safe Haven baby celebrates high school graduation
Read full article: Lake County Safe Haven baby celebrates high school graduationAlmost 18 years after she was dropped off at a Lake County Fire Rescues station as part of the Safe Haven program, a Davenport teen celebrates a big moment in her life with a special support system.
Brevard teacher who used MMA move to break up fight cleared of wrongdoing
Read full article: Brevard teacher who used MMA move to break up fight cleared of wrongdoingA teacher at Space Coast Junior/Senior High School won't face criminal charges for how he broke up a fight between two 17-year-old girls last month during school.
Volusia schools, sheriff’s office combat student vaping after referral numbers rise
Read full article: Volusia schools, sheriff’s office combat student vaping after referral numbers riseNew data is in, and school districts around Central Florida reported they had major jumps in issues with students vaping on campus in 2024 compared to 2023.
Parents demand more safety measures after child’s tragic death in Port Orange
Read full article: Parents demand more safety measures after child’s tragic death in Port OrangeFourth-grader Shaolan Kamaly was fatally struck by a car while riding her bike in the crosswalk near Sugar Mill Elementary last month, sparking outrage in the community.
‘The only solution:’ Orange County State of the Schools address focuses on half-cent sales tax
Read full article: ‘The only solution:’ Orange County State of the Schools address focuses on half-cent sales taxLeaders with Orange County Public Schools push for a continuation of a half-cent sales tax to fund the district’s construction needs and renovations for the next 10 years.