Polk County unveils plan for school buses in upcoming semester
When it comes to social distancing for schools, buses present an especially large problem for many districts. In fact, the six-foot rule is a standard even the Florida Board of Education says is unattainable in classrooms and on buses as students head back to school this fall.
University faculty call on DeSantis to call off in-person classes this fall
In normal times, heading back to campus could cause the jitters, but this year some who teach on Florida campuses are filled with fear.
National teacher union supports striking if it’s unsafe to return to school
One of nation’s largest teachers unions is authorizing its members to strike if their schools plan to reopen without proper safety measures.
About half of parents decide to send kids back to schools in Tampa Bay area
Parents in three Tampa Bay school districts faced a tough decision Monday: send their kids back into the classroom or choose a form of virtual distance learning.
Sarasota Humane Society holds virtual summer camps
With many summer camps canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Humane Society of Sarasota County decided to go virtual.
School staff infected others by coming to work sick this summer, Hillsborough officials confirm
A day after the Hillsborough County school board voted to delay the first day of school and approve a reopening plan, a school board member is sharing concerns after finding out the district had 206 cases so far.
CDC releases updated guidelines calling the reopening of schools 'critically important'
The updated guidance urged school leaders to work with local officials on decisions about the fall, taking into account the virus's rate of transmission in the area.
'Very difficult situation' for multi-generation households as school year nears
The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group saw new data Thursday breaking down the COVID-19 infection rate among various age groups.
Online or in-class? Hillsborough County school leaders still have a choice to make
Hillsborough County school board members have approved a two-week delay and a reopening plan for the new school year, pushing the first day of school to August 24. But two weeks from now, they will have to decide whether they want to keep the plan as-is or pivot to online-only instruction, at least for the first part of the school year.
Hillsborough school board votes to delay start of school year
Hillsborough's school board will reconvene next month and decide whether to press forward with on-campus classes or switch everyone to online learning.
Hillsborough County leaders vote to delay first day of school until Aug. 24
School board members in Hillsborough County voted Thursday to join several other local districts and delay the start of the new school year.
Administrators explore ways to be flexible while reopening schools during a pandemic
As the COVID-19 numbers continue to fluctuate, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed some of the concerns Wednesday that parents and teachers have about the new school year.
'Things will get better,' governor says, insisting schools should reopen amid pandemic
In an address to the state amid widespread controversy about reopening schools, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday offered a softer message focused on giving families and teachers the choice to return to classrooms in August as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
Land O’Lakes High School phasing out agriculture program FFA
Land O' Lakes High School junior Jana Swank is still coming to grips with her high school's decision to phase out her favorite club.
Citrus County School Board votes to delay first day of school to August 20
The number of school districts in the Tampa Bay region that have moved to delay the start of the school year continues to grow.
Poll: Very few Americans back full school reopening amid COVID-19 pandemic
Only about 1 in 10 Americans think daycare centers, preschools or K-12 schools should open this fall without restrictions, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs.
Virus concerns nudge some teachers toward classroom exits
Teachers unions have begun pushing back on what they see as unnecessarily aggressive timetables for reopening.
Children may be more likely to contract, spread COVID-19 than previously thought
In the heated debate over reopening schools, many are still unsure if, and to what degree, children can spread COVID-19 to each other, their teachers, or their families.
Pasco County school leaders vote to delay first day of school to August 24
The Pasco County School Board voted Tuesday to delay the first day of school to August 24.
Pinellas County schools superintendent recommends delaying fall start date
The superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, Dr. Michael Grego will recommend the district push the first day of school back to August 24.