Storm-watching: Many school districts along Florida's east coast are closing Thursday and Friday because of Hurricane Matthew, while others are monitoring the path of the storm before deciding. Miami Herald. WSVN. Orlando Sentinel. WFTV. Sun-Sentinel. Palm Beach Post. WPBF. Florida Times-Union. WJXT. WTVJ. Florida Today. Lakeland Ledger. WFLA. Daytona Beach News-Journal. St. Augustine Record. Osceola News-Gazette.

Open enrollment: The state's new school open-enrollment law hinges on the definition of available spots at schools, and each school district is being given the discretion to make the rules that define open spots. Palm Beach school officials are considering adopting a narrow definition that would put open enrollment off-limits at more than 30 schools that have capacity according to state guidelines. Other large districts are expected to take similar steps. Palm Beach Post.

Plagiarism ban: The Palm Beach County School Board is considering a formal ban on plagiarism for all school employees. The change in the district's ethics code would prohibit “knowingly taking responsibility and credit for work performed or produced by others; or failing to acknowledge the work and contributions made by others, including any acts of plagiarism.” Palm Beach Post.

Crossing guard shortage: Some Orange County parents worry that a shortage of school crossing guards threatens the safety of their children. The sheriff's department has 34 vacancies, though an official says a dozen have been filled. Those guards are going through training now and should be working Monday. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)