Some Bay Area students back to classroom, others wait for plan
Wednesday was the first day back in the classroom for several private schools in the Bay Area. At the same time, public schools are ironing out their plans to welcome students back, in-person or virtually, in the coming weeks.
Pasco teacher’s association files lawsuit to keep schools closed until COVID-19 rates decline
The United School Employees of Pasco, which represents teachers and staff, announced Wednesday it's suing the school district in an attempt to keep schools closed.
‘Owl’ technology may help virtual students interact with teacher, classmates
The Owl device has a 360-degree camera on top that will capture a teacher as they freely instruct throughout the classroom.
State threatens to pull $23 million if Hillsborough schools do not hold in-person classes by Aug. 31
The stakes are high for Hillsborough County Public Schools as the district stands to lose millions in funding if school leaders move forward with starting the school year with four weeks of online classes and no in-person instruction.
No lockers, one-way hallways, lunch at the end of the day when students return to Pinellas schools
Siblings will share a seat on the bus, signage will lead students through one-way hallways, and teachers will receive a COVID-19 supply kit for their classroom.
Students build picnic tables for outdoor classes at Wendell Krinn Technical High School
Wendell Krinn Technical High School in Pasco County is not for the average student.
Superintendents asks state to address COVID-19 testing issues
As Florida schools reopen this month, district superintendents are calling on state officials to address two major challenges: the need for rapid testing for COVID-19 and a statewide plan to handle students and staff members who test positive.
Manatee County school leaders to vote on big-ticket items meant to protect students, staff
Manatee County school are less than a week away from welcoming students back to the classroom. As they tie up all their final loose ends, they’re learning that keeping students safe comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
State gives Hillsborough County School District until Friday to amend reopening plan
The Florida education commissioner, Richard Corcoran came down hard on Hillsborough County schools Friday after the district voted last week to start the year off with four weeks of online classes.
Manatee County school officials enlist parents' help fighting COVID-19
When students step back into Manatee County schools, they will be stepping into one of the cleanest environments possible.
State of Florida ordered health directors not to give yes-or-no input on school reopenings
While the state of Florida said schools would need approval from their county health officials to offer virtual classes only, health officials say the state’s surgeon general instructed them to give no such approval.
Amid ventilation worries, schools mull outdoor classes during coronavirus pandemic
Concerns about school infrastructure are adding momentum to plans in some districts, even in colder climates, to take classes outdoors for the sake of student and teacher health.
School district says no pajamas for online classes
The school district in Illinois’ capital city has updated its school dress code policy for remote learning, saying students can't wear pajama pants, slippers or hats while on camera when classes start this month.
All Orange County students begin virtual learning on Monday
The first nine school days are all about getting students comfortable with the district's LaunchEd program.
Florida Education Association sides with school systems over reopening fight
One day after Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran cast doubt on the school reopening plan put forward by Hillsborough County, the Florida Education Association is coming to the defense of the school system.
'Follow the law:' Education commissioner blasts Hillsborough plan to delay on-campus classes
One day after Hillsborough County’s school board voted to delay the opening of school campuses by a month, the state’s top education official says he has “grave concerns” about the plan.
Eating outside, picking up food at drop-off sites; lunchtime will be different for Polk County students
COVID-19 is changing the way kids are going to eat when the new school year begins. The Polk County School District just unveiled its new procedures aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
‘Adopt a teacher’ Facebook groups helping educators stock school supplies
At Fruitville Elementary School, kindergarten teacher Jackie Van Liew is preparing for the first day of school.
Longer summer means more chance for YMCA campers to get outside
Many parents are walking tightropes, trying to balance work and daycare now that the COVID-19 pandemic has lengthened summer breaks, but some parents can breathe a sigh of relief. The YMCA is extending its camps to cover the extra weeks.
McKeel Academy among the first to reopen schools during the pandemic
It was back to school Thursday for thousands of kids at McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The charter school system, with three campuses for K through 12, is one of the first school to re-open in the state amid a COVID-19 pandemic.