Education leader: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos praised Florida as an education leader as well as Florida Virtual School during a visit to the virtual school’s headquarters. Despite the praise for Florida Virtual School, DeVos says in-person learning is still the best. WKMG. Orlando Sentinel.
Education lawsuit: The Florida Education Association and others are asking for the District Court of Appeal to rehear the case against Florida’s order to open up public schools. The FEA argues that the order to open violated the state’s constitutional requirement for safe public schools. The case was dismissed due to lack of standing earlier this month. Florida Politics. WJXT.
Quarantine: More than 100 people have entered quarantine after being exposed to coronavirus in Manatee County schools. Bradenton Herald.
Combating corona: Schools in southeast Florida are taking diverse approaches to keeping students and staff safe during the pandemic. Here are a few of the strategies. Sun Sentinel.
Chromebooks: Leon County public schools will be distributing 32,000 Chromebooks, worth more than $10 million, to ensure all students have access to online learning. Tallahassee Democrat.
School buses: Meals on Wheels won’t be using Manatee County schools buses this year for the annual “Stuff the Bus” food drive as the campaign is going virtual due to the coronavirus. Bradenton Herald. Alachua County Public Schools is retiring 40 school buses and donating them to churches and other organizations. Gainesville Sun. A Panama City man had a medical emergency while driving his truck and struck the side of a school bus. The man was later rushed to the hospital. No children were hurt in the crash. WHJG.
Masking lawsuit: Sarasota parents have filed a lawsuit against the school district claiming the masking mandate violates their child’s equal rights to an education. Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Bullying: Predictably, school bullying is down, but cyber bullying is up according to a Palm Beach County schools report. WPTV.
The band plays on: Fort Myers high school and middle school band students have new facemasks to help them stay safe while playing their instruments. Ft. Myers News Press.
Opinion: The founder and former CEO of Florida Virtual School, Julie Young, offers five predictions for the future of online learning in a post-pandemic world. redefinED.
