Masks will be optional for Polk County students, staff despite increased COVID-19 cases among children
Like most counties across Florida, masks will be optional for students and staff returning to school next week in Polk County, but a prominent Polk County physician says they should be mandatory.
Like most counties across Florida, masks will be optional for students and staff returning to school next week in Polk County, but a prominent Polk County physician says they should be mandatory.
US schools reopen amid COVID-19 surge with masks optional for many
Schools have begun reopening in the U.S. with most states leaving it up to local schools to decide whether to require masks.
Schools have begun reopening in the U.S. with most states leaving it up to local schools to decide whether to require masks.
Student loan pause extended until Jan. 31, 2022
The education department announced on Friday an extension of the student loan payment pause until Jan. 31, 2022.
The education department announced on Friday an extension of the student loan payment pause until Jan. 31, 2022.
Arkansas judge blocks law banning mask mandates in schools
An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.
An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.
Not enough time to develop opt-out plan, Hillsborough superintendent says, so masks remain optional
Hillsborough County’s superintendent says the school district will not mandate masks for students or staff amid the current COVID-19 spike, despite updated guidance from the state on how to do that.
Hillsborough County’s superintendent says the school district will not mandate masks for students or staff amid the current COVID-19 spike, despite updated guidance from the state on how to do that.
Tennessee State University to pay off balances of returning students
Tennessee State University, a public historically Black university in Nashville, is paying off the account balances of returning students.
Tennessee State University, a public historically Black university in Nashville, is paying off the account balances of returning students.
Fried seeks funds for schools after DeSantis threatens to withhold money over mask mandates
Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to withhold funding sources should a school district go against his executive order and impose a mask mandate. Now, one of his chief critics, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, is firing back.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to withhold funding sources should a school district go against his executive order and impose a mask mandate. Now, one of his chief critics, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, is firing back.
8 staff members at Spessard Holland Elementary in Bartow test positive for COVID-19
Days before the students return to campus in Polk County, one elementary school reported at least eight cases of COVID-19 among its staff members.
Days before the students return to campus in Polk County, one elementary school reported at least eight cases of COVID-19 among its staff members.
Tampa schools are addressing social and emotional learning this school year
With virtual school, students lost a connection to teachers and the school community. The non-profit, Frameworks of Tampa Bay, is working with schools this year to help students open up.
With virtual school, students lost a connection to teachers and the school community. The non-profit, Frameworks of Tampa Bay, is working with schools this year to help students open up.
Despite hiring 70 foreign teachers, Polk has more than 100 open positions days before new school year
Polk County had to hire more than 700 teachers this year due to the pandemic and more people retiring, so it brought in teachers from overseas. But they are still short 130 teachers less than a week before students return to school.
Polk County had to hire more than 700 teachers this year due to the pandemic and more people retiring, so it brought in teachers from overseas. But they are still short 130 teachers less than a week before students return to school.
Summer camp at Clearwater Marine Aquarium is hands-on learning experience
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational programs for all ages during summer breaks. Kids who attended summer camp at the aquarium this year learned all about marine life.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational programs for all ages during summer breaks. Kids who attended summer camp at the aquarium this year learned all about marine life.
Florida students who oppose masks could get private school vouchers
Florida students could soon use state-backed vouchers to transfer to private schools if they object to wearing masks in classrooms, as Gov. Ron DeSantis and state education officials argue that decisions about masks should be left up to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida students could soon use state-backed vouchers to transfer to private schools if they object to wearing masks in classrooms, as Gov. Ron DeSantis and state education officials argue that decisions about masks should be left up to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pasco County superintendent wants school year to be as normal as possible for students' wellbeing
Over in Pasco County, school leaders are ready for the new semester, but as COVID cases rise and masks mandates are banned, the superintendent explains how they will work around the obstacles to ensure a safe school year.
Over in Pasco County, school leaders are ready for the new semester, but as COVID cases rise and masks mandates are banned, the superintendent explains how they will work around the obstacles to ensure a safe school year.
Hillsborough County unveils back-to-school safety plans as students, teachers head back to class amid pandemic
Five days after the governor’s executive order barring school mask mandates, Hillsborough County’s superintendent says he’s not defying it.
Five days after the governor’s executive order barring school mask mandates, Hillsborough County’s superintendent says he’s not defying it.
Florida Education Association backs school districts on mask requirements
The Florida Education Association teachers union is backing school districts trying to work around Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order that bars schools from requiring students to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Florida Education Association teachers union is backing school districts trying to work around Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order that bars schools from requiring students to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Law requiring panic alert systems in schools goes into effect this year
After 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, her mother championed a law requiring Alyssa's Alert panic button systems in all Florida schools. Starting this school year, they're required across all 67 districts.
After 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, her mother championed a law requiring Alyssa's Alert panic button systems in all Florida schools. Starting this school year, they're required across all 67 districts.
Tutors help students bounce back from the COVID slide
Students are sharpening their skills before the start of school – an important extra step this year after a year of learning during a pandemic.
Students are sharpening their skills before the start of school – an important extra step this year after a year of learning during a pandemic.
Some Florida school districts look to move forward with masks, despite governor's order
At least four Florida school districts are trying to work around Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order barring school boards from requiring students to wear masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At least four Florida school districts are trying to work around Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order barring school boards from requiring students to wear masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Target offering debt-free education program for employees
Target is launching a debt-free education assistance program for more than 340,000 frontline workers, the Minneapolis-based retailer announced Wednesday.
Target is launching a debt-free education assistance program for more than 340,000 frontline workers, the Minneapolis-based retailer announced Wednesday.
Bay Area schools finalize back-to-school COVID protocols
Florida schools are reopening with little to no guidance from the state, leaving some teachers, students, and parents left to their own devices when it comes to COVID-19 safety.
Florida schools are reopening with little to no guidance from the state, leaving some teachers, students, and parents left to their own devices when it comes to COVID-19 safety.