USF students welcomed back to campus, face expulsion for holding parties
The University of South Florida opened Monday for a fall term with COVID-19 at the top of everyone’s mind.
Polk schools welcome students back to campus
Kids came back to a whole new world when they returned to class in Polk County on Monday. For tens of thousands of students, it was their first day back to school since March, when classes were canceled because of COVID-19.
Hillsborough County students begin school year with one week online
Hillsborough County students started off the school year Monday with the beginning of a week of online-only learning.
New school year begins for several Tampa Bay school districts with precautions, challenges
After being shuttered for more than five months, thousands of students across the Bay Area officially began their first day of school. This includes kids in Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough, though it was not without technical glitches.
Students, teachers return to school Monday in many Bay Area counties
It’s been five long months since students in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas County schools stepped foot in a classroom. However, Monday that will all change as many students are welcomed back to their school for the first time since March.
Hillsborough unveils new high school as COVID-extended summer ends
Virtual learning for Hillsborough County students begins on Monday, but it’s just for one week. After that, those who opted for in-person learning will get to head back to the classroom again – including those ready to attend the county’s newest school.
Confusion reigns as schools reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic
For countless families across the country, the school year is opening in disarray and confusion, with coronavirus outbreaks triggering sudden closings, mass quarantines and deep anxiety among parents.
Safety is top of mind as Polk County teachers, students head back to school amid pandemic
When students and teachers in Polk, Pinellas and Pasco Counties go back to school on Monday, it is will be a very different place than the one they left a few months ago.
Judge ponders Florida's school reopening fight
With more than 150,000 Florida children already in their desks, the state and teachers unions squared off Friday in a legal battle over Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s mandate that local school officials resume in-person instruction this month amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Local school districts prepare for new school year
Some of the Bay Area's largest districts are putting the finishing touches on their plans ahead of the new school year -- which, for them, starts Monday.
Hillsborough County teacher testifies in day-2 of FEA case against state
Testimony wrapped up Thursday in a court case between the largest teacher's union in Florida and state officials over the reopening plan for schools.
Polk County students pick up iPads as they get ready to head back to class virtually
Polk County schools are handing out iPads to students who will be e-learning at home because of COVID-19, rather than going to class.
Sarasota schools in need of additional instruments for band students
Bell coverings will act as a face mask for instruments and students will wear masks that allow them to play. Classrooms will also be spaced out. But music teachers need additional instruments for students. This year they cannot be shared.
State education officials offer guidance on handling virus
At the heart of the guidelines is a “coronavirus symptomatic decision tree” that lays out who should be sent home, for how long, and for what symptoms, according to a 12-page report released by the Florida Department of Education on Tuesday.
Two Manatee County schools report COVID-19 cases on third day back to class
The School District of Manatee County announced positive COVID-19 test results at two of its campuses, just three days into the school year.
First day of school arrives for Citrus County students
Summer is over for students in Citrus County, and the new school year starts Thursday morning.
Teachers become independent online educators, give families options for schooling at home
The start of the school year has been filled with tough decisions for parents, as well as teachers, leading many to search for new ways to make sure students are still learning.
FEA pushes for temporary injunction over state's reopening plan
As thousands of children return to classrooms throughout Florida, local school officials, teachers and doctors spent Wednesday picking apart a state mandate requiring schools to resume in-person instruction this month amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Families turning to ‘learning pods’ as alternative to in-person schooling
The pod eases parent’s concerns in knowing they have a set routine and gives the kids an environment they know they can control and keep an eye out for COVID-19.
Nearly 300 students in Florida county quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure concerns
A Florida school district has quarantined 292 students and 14 teachers from at least five high schools after children and staff members displayed signs of COVID-19 symptoms, reports WFLX.