ReportWire

Tag: APP Education

  • Buncombe County Schools reopens this week

    Buncombe County Schools reopens this week

    [ad_1]

    BUNCOMBE CO., N.C. — As of Wednesday, the doors of all Buncombe County Schools are open once again for teachers and staff. Students will have a two-hour delay when they return to the classroom Friday.

     

    What You Need To Know

    The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to reopen schools this week

    BCS teachers and staff will report to work on Wednesday and Thursday

    Students will return to school on Friday on a two-hour delay

     

    The Board of Education unanimously approved reopening schools this week with the goal of easing students and staff back into the swing of things.

    Explaining his decision to bring students back on a Friday, Superintendent Rob Jackson said, “After not being there, after going through all the trauma, that’s going to be a lot. So, having the opportunity to have that first student day and then a weekend to kind of recover and re-asses and ensure we’re ready for Monday also allows our staff that opportunity to get through the first day.”

    Candace Duke, who has two children at Owen Middle School and one at Owen High School, is torn about sending them back to school on Friday.

    “Yeah, school’s important. They need to be in school, but I feel like they’re rushing into things,” she said, referring to the school district.

    Without clean running water, she says hygiene and mental health are major concerns.

    “I feel like it’s going to set up bullying for kids who don’t have those — who aren’t able to go shower every day,” she said. “Not to mention so many in this area that are completely homeless now. They don’t have anywhere to live.”

    During his presentation ahead of the district’s vote to reopen schools, Jackson revealed the district’s homeless population tripled since Helene; going from 254 to 776.

    The district says they are prepared to support kids who need it. They’ll have counselors for students when they return to school and there will be ongoing support for students affected most.

    Duke acknowledged any path moving forward will be difficult as she considers whether or not to send her children back to school later this week.

    “I don’t think there’s going to be something that’s going to really fit for everyone,” she said. “I don’t want it held against them for not being there, but I also don’t want them sitting at school feeling uncomfortable.”

    Students will start on a two-hour delay each school day from Friday, Oct. 25 until Friday, Nov. 1. Normal school hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 4.

    The board also voted to pass a proposal to mark all missed school days as completed days, meaning students and staff will not need to make them up. They also approved a motion to move the end of the first semester back by a week to make up for lost time.

    [ad_2]

    Rachel Loyd

    Source link

  • N.C. campuses educating young people about voting

    N.C. campuses educating young people about voting

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Millions of Gen Z-ers could end up shaping this presidential election, particularly in swing states like North Carolina. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Millions of young people ages 18-27 could be casting their votes during this presidential election

    •  History shows the youngest ages 18-19 aren’t voting at higher rates 

    •  N.C. campuses are taking the initiative to educate more young people about voting 


    Data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows over 40 million members of Gen Z, ages 18-27, are eligible to vote. Nearly 8.3 million of them are newly eligible since the 2022 midterm election. 

    But history shows the youngest ages, 18-19, don’t show up to the polls at high rates.  

    In 2022, CIRCLE reports just 18% of that age range voted in the midterms. This was only 6% higher than voters ages 20-29.

    But as election day gets closer and the polls remain close, these young voters could be the deciding factor in tight races. 

    N.C. colleges and universities are taking steps to ensure more young people are educated and informed about the voting process. 

    In partnership with WFAE, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte hosted Beauty and Barbershop: A Conversation About the 2024 Elections.

    The nonpartisan event aimed to engage young people, specifically those of color, in discussions about the election.

    Local businesses like barbers and estheticians provided free services to students, creating a safe and open environment to talk about the elections. 

    The director of initiatives for academic excellence and engagement at Queens University, LaDarius Thompson, says the event was in response to the needs of the students. 

    “We got a lot of feedback from our first-year students that they were not sure where to get their information, not sure where to ask questions,” Thompson said. “So we wanted to create a space, particularly for our BIPOC community, to come in and ask those questions and share their thoughts.”

    “That’s where the concept of this beauty and barbershop came from, a space that is unique to the BIPOC community to come and gather and build community among themselves,” he said, referring to an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color.


    Student Jazzie Lee is a civic and community engagement fellow at Queens University.

    A Gen Z-er herself, Lee is ensuring young people know the power of their vote. 

    “Through hosting events, to encouraging voter registration, helping a lot of students that are possibly first-time voters get informed and know what’s going on in this 2024 election,” Lee said. “Young voters may not feel as though their voice is seen in this election. Gen Z is here and we have a voice and our voice is powerful.”

    Less than an hour’s drive away, students at Davidson College are working to ensure Gen Z is able to vote. 

    Senior Sophia Ludt is president of the Center for Political Engagement at Davidson College. 

    Davidson College student Sophia Ludt is helping other students register to vote. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)

    Her team helped dozens of students get registered ahead of the elections.  

    Ludt says she’s dedicated to this cause and making sure her classmates are ready to cast a ballot. 

    “We want to have a say in what happens in our government,” Ludt said. “It’s really important for young people to be aware of what’s going on and hopefully be inspired to go out and vote your values and let your local politicians know what you want.”

    Lyric Bailey, 20, a junior at Davidson College, just registered to vote at the campus. 

    “I think it relieves a lot of anxiety and stress we have as students around all these pressing issues, like we can’t do anything,” Bailey said. “The school just brought an oppotunity straight to us to get involved and make a change, and that’s very liberating.”

    “I think my generation is going to be the change that affects generations to come,” she said. “We’re going to be the change.”


    Early voting is underway now in North Carolina through Nov. 2.

    Election Day is Nov. 5.

     

    [ad_2]

    Jennifer Roberts

    Source link

  • Tampa Bay area schools to close this week ahead of Hurricane Milton

    Tampa Bay area schools to close this week ahead of Hurricane Milton

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Some Tampa Bay area counties have announced school closures in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. 

    The list will be updated as more school closures are announced.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Hillsborough County Public Schools will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 7 – 9)  to prepare for the impacts of the approaching storm. School district officials said the decision allows the county to convert schools into shelters for those needing to evacuate and gives families and district staff time to prepare their own storm plans.  

    Get more information on the district’s website and social media channels.

    In addition, Westminster Academy will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 8 – 9. Monday will be a normal day, but no afterschool care will be provided, officials said.

    PASCO COUNTY

    Pasco County Schools announced that all schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Oct. 7 – 9). All extracurricular activities, athletic events, and after-school programs are also canceled for these days. The district said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

    Families and staff are encouraged to follow the district’s website and social media channels for the latest information.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    All Pinellas County Schools and offices will be closed from Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9. All sports and school activities scheduled for those dates are also canceled. No decision has been made for the end of the week due to the uncertainty of the storm’s path. 

    Updates will be posted on the district website and social media channels.

    POLK COUNTY

    In a statement, the system said: “Based on the most current forecast, we do not expect significant weather in Polk County tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 7. Consequently, all PCPS schools and offices will remain open during regular hours tomorrow.

    However, we will be canceling or rescheduling Monday’s after-school programs and sports. For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly.

    Please be advised that all PCPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, in response to this storm.”

    Click here to read the full statement.

    MANATEE COUNTY

    In a statement, the school system said: “All School District of Manatee County Schools will be closed Monday, October 7th through Wednesday, October 9th. All school activities, including athletics, are cancelled Monday through Wednesday.

    “Information regarding the remainder of the week will be communicated after the storm passes, shelter operations conclude, and teams have had an opportunity to assess the condition of district campuses.

    HERNANDO COUNTY

    In a statement, the system said: “This afternoon, the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center activated local agencies to prepare for Tropical Storm Milton. As a result, all Hernando schools and district offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct 8-9) with a decision for reopening expected midweek. During this closure, all before and after-school care services will be suspended, and all after-school activities and athletic events are cancelled or will be rescheduled.”

    CITRUS COUNTY

    In a statement, the system said: “As a result of the impending storm, school will be cancelled for Tuesday, October 8th and Wednesday, October 9th.  All after-school extracurricular activities on Tuesday and Wednesday are also canceled.  School will be in session for tomorrow, Monday, October 7th.  After school activities, YMCA before and after school programs, and sports will run as normal on Monday, October 7th.

    SARASOTA COUNTY

    All traditional public schools will be closed from Monday, Oct. 7, through Wednesday, Oct. 9, in preparation for possible shelter openings. District officials said to look out for e-mails and text messages for any updates.

    Track announcements on its social media channels.

     

    COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

    SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY

    Saint Leo University will be closed and classes will be canceled Monday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 10, at its Tampa area locations:  

    • University Campus (33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574) 
    • Tampa Education Center (1403 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33607) 
    • Center for Adult Learning (University Campus and Pasco-Hernando State College locations) 

    All Saint Leo employees are to report to work on Monday to prepare their workspaces for the storm, university officials said.

    USF

    In a statement, the school said: “The University of South Florida is continuing to closely monitor Hurricane Milton. Based on the latest weather information, the university today announced that on Monday, Oct. 7, no in-person classes will be held. Classes will only be delivered asynchronously, which means students will not have to meet and will receive an assignment from their instructor that does not have to be completed on Monday or while the university is closed.

    In addition, on Monday, Oct. 7 all campuses will be closed. Normal USF business operations will continue remotely.

    On Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday, Oct. 9, all classes are canceled, and all campuses will be closed.

    A decision about resuming classes, reopening campuses and returning to normal business operations for Thursday, Oct. 10, will be made a later time.”

    ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE

    In a statement, the school said: “The College will remain open on Monday, Oct. 7. All campuses and offices will be closed from Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Wednesday, Oct. 9. 

    The SPC Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Oct. 8, but all other scheduled events and activities are canceled.

    We will continue monitoring this storm closely and will provide an update by Monday afternoon regarding any other potential closures for the rest of this week.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Hurricane Helene floods West Pasco Education Academy

    Hurricane Helene floods West Pasco Education Academy

    [ad_1]

    HUDSON, Fla. — During Hurricane Helene, the West Pasco Education Academy in Hudson flooded so badly that the school had to shut down for an entire week to repair it enough for students to return.  

    Principal Travis Dewalt said crews have worked around the clock since Sept. 27, and the plan is to at least partially open the school back up to students on Monday, Oct. 7.

    What You Need To Know

    • West Pasco Education Academy had more than 30 inches of water in some classrooms after Hurricane Helene

    •  The school has been closed all week to make repairs and clean up

    •  School is expected to open back up to students on Oct. 7 

    • The Pasco Education Foundation is collecting donations to help families impacted by Hurricane Helene


    The West Pasco Education Academy is now a construction zone. 

    “They arrive when it’s dark, leave when it’s dark, we have teams working on top of each other on multiple pieces,” Dewalt said. “Some are doing drywall, some are doing paint — it’s the most incredible undertaking I’ve ever seen. I’m just amazed by it.”

    Dewalt shared photos showing how he found the school after Hurricane Helene, with visible water lines high up the classroom walls. In his 26 years with Pasco County Schools, he said the damage caused by Helene was a first.

    “I’ve never seen anything like this, and I typically work all of our storm shelters,” he said. “Administration, that’s what we do, and I always hear the stories, but this is my first time experiencing it.”

    The school is less than a mile from the Gulf of Mexico, and Dewalt said the water rose more than 30 inches in some areas of the school. Since then, he said it’s been a race to recover.

    “It was 24 hours after the storm we knew we were cared about,” Dewalt said. “Every district staff member you could imagine has toured my campus, day in and day out, checking on our progress, checking on the wellbeing of our people.”

    He said crews are making tremendous progress. With the rebuilding being handled, Dewalt said he’s focusing on his staff, students, and their families — some of whom lost everything.

    “It’s hard for us to have a bad attitude in lieu of the tragedy all around us,” he said. “So that’s the attitude we’re taking forward, and we’re just keeping everyone else in our thoughts and prayers.”

    Dewalt said the school district reached out to neighboring schools and everyone is pitching in to help get them back on their feet.

    “It redefines the team concept, because we all feel it,” he said. “So the big word for us is grace. Having grace with each other and grace for our students, because we don’t know what tragedy has struck them within the last couple weeks.”

    Dewalt said the school administration has a phased re-entry plan. They expect to bring back half of their students to the campus on Monday, and the other half will be at a school nearby. 

    He said they hope to have all students back on campus within a couple of weeks. 

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • Some Tampa Bay public schools set to reopen Monday following Helene

    Some Tampa Bay public schools set to reopen Monday following Helene

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Polk and Citrus County Public Schools will reopen all schools on Monday, Sept. 30, officials announced Saturday.

    Some of the schools were used as evacuation shelters from Hurricane Helene. 

    School officials said they are reviewing their student academic calendar to determine how many school days must be made up and will make an announcement to all families this upcoming week. 

    Citrus County school officials said families of Crystal River Primary and Middle can expect a phone call from the principal about temporary alternative placements.

    There will also be community resources and services available for students and families who have having a difficult time.

    Some Pinellas County schools are still being used for hurricane shelters. Officials said they will continue to assess when their schools can reopen. 

    Manatee County is assessing school damages from the storm and are still working with emergency management. A school return date has not yet been announced. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Tampa Bay area school closures due to Helene

    Tampa Bay area school closures due to Helene

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — As a tropical disturbance is set to rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico, school districts in the Tampa Bay area are beginning to announce the cancellation of classes due to forecast impacts.

    Hillsborough County

    Hillsborough County Public Schools will close all schools Wednesday and Thursday, September 25 and 26, in anticipation of the storm. In addition, all after-school programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities are canceled for this Wednesday and Thursday. No decision about Friday has been made at this time.

    Pasco County

    In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the school system said: “All Pasco County schools are open on Wednesday, September 24. All after-school activities and events are canceled to prepare for the storm and shelter setup. All Pasco County schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, September 25.”

    Hernando County

    The Hernando County School District was the first to announce closures Monday night, stating in a Facebook post:

    “Hernando Schools will close schools and district offices Wednesday and Thursday of this week. All afterschool activities for Wednesday and Thursday will be cancelled. Before and aftercare programs (YMCA and Boys & Girls Club) will not operate on those days.

    After we know more about the storm’s potential impact to our community, we will make a determination as to reopening schools on Friday.”

    Pinellas County

    The school system posted the following on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: “All PCS and offices will be CLOSED on Wednesday, September 25 through Thursday, September 26. All sports and school activities scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, through Thursday, September 26, are canceled. Sports and activities are scheduled for today as planned.”

    Citrus County

    Citrus County Schools announced Tuesday that schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27.

    The school district said some of its schools will be used as hurricane shelters, and in preparation of the storm, all of its schools will be closed after its scheduled half-day on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

    After-school programs and extra-curricular activities are cancelled Sept. 25 – 27. The YMCA before and after-school programs will follow this schedule as well. 

    Manatee County

    Manatee County Schools will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26. All school activities, including athletics, are cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday. 

    A decision regarding Friday will not be made until after the storm passes, shelter operations conclude and teams have had an opportunity to assess the condition of district campuses, the school district said. Get the latest from Manatee County Schools.

    Polk County

    In a statement, the school system said: “As the storm progresses, we anticipate that Polk County will begin experiencing rain bands and winds between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The current forecast indicates that our county may face tropical storm conditions from Thursday morning through 2 a.m. on Friday.

    “As a precaution, we have made the decision to close all PCPS schools and offices on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.

    “This decision is driven by our commitment to the safety of our students and staff. The uncertainty surrounding the storm’s trajectory necessitates that we allow our teams adequate time to assess the condition of our campuses and facilities, ensuring they are safe for reopening.

    “We plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 30.”

    To read the entire statement, click here.

    COLLEGES

    Florida State University

    Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, due to Tropical Storm Helene, which is projected to be upgraded to hurricane by tomorrow.

    The closure begins at 7 a.m. ET Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will continue until 11 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 29. The university expects to resume normal business operations at 12:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. The Marine Lab at Turkey Point will also be closed on these dates. If changes to operations are needed at other campus locations, targeted communications will follow.

    University of South Florida

    The University of South Florida is continuing to closely monitor Tropical Storm Helene. Based on the latest weather information, the university today announced that all classes are canceled beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will not resume until Monday, Sept. 30.   

    In addition, all USF campuses will be closed beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and will remain closed through at least Friday, Sept. 27.  As of now, the university expects to reopen campuses and return to normal business operations (without classes) on Saturday, Sept. 28. A final decision on the operating status for Saturday, Sept. 28, will be shared with the university community on Friday, Sept. 27.  

    Residence halls on the Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses remain open. Residence halls in St. Petersburg will close beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 25. USF St. Petersburg residential students without a place to stay will be transported to the Tampa campus. 

    USF Health clinical facilities will be open on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. A decision about Friday, Sept. 27, has not been made at this time. USF Health patients may call the USF Health appointments hotline at 813-821-8038 to reschedule. 

    Students, faculty and staff are urged to plan carefully, follow local weather reports and monitor updates from county and state emergency management officials.

    Florida A&M University 

    Florida A&M University (FAMU) says: “Out of an abundance of caution, classes will be canceled beginning today at 12:15 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27. All academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. All academic deans and faculty members are asked to work closely with students and provide maximum flexibility during this time.”

    FAMU Athletics announced Tuesday that the football team’s upcoming game against Alabama A&M, initially scheduled for this weekend, has been rescheduled due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Helene. The game will occur on Friday, November 29, at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

    Hillsborough Community College

    HCC announced its campuses will be closing at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26. All afternoon and evening classes are cancelled.
     

    University of Tampa

    University of Tampa officials announced Tuesday that all school activities, events, non-essential operations and classes will be cancelled from Wednesday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 27. Limited activities and services will be available beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 with the expectation of resuming full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30, officials said.

    This story will be updated with any other announcements from other school districts or colleges.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • UD to receive $2M for semiconductor training

    UD to receive $2M for semiconductor training

    [ad_1]

    DAYTON, Ohio — Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, announced Tuesday that Congress has approved $2 million for the University of Dayton to advance semiconductor training. 

    What You Need To Know

    • In a joint release, Brown and Turner said the goal is to create “state-of-the-art training and equipment” for students studying in the field.

    • The funding is through the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help prepare students for the supply and demand of semiconductors and their production

    • Currently, Intel is building a semiconductor plant in central Ohio that’s expected to create around 20,000 jobs across the state

    In a joint release, Brown and Turner said the goal is to create “state-of-the-art training and equipment” for students studying in the field. 

    “Ohio students and workers are going to lead in the industries of the future,” said Brown in the joint statement. “With this investment at the University of Dayton, we are expanding opportunities for Ohioans to get the training they need to get a good paying job, where they can build a life here in Ohio and help further our state’s leadership in this crucial growing industry.”

    The funding is through the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help prepare students for the supply and demand of semiconductors and their production. 

    Currently, Intel is building a semiconductor plant in central Ohio that’s expected to create around 20,000 jobs across the state. Since Intel’s announcement, many schools have been implementing programs to help students gain the skills they need to enter the workforce. 

    “I am proud to have helped secure funding to enhance the incredible work being done by the University of Dayton to train and educate the next generation of workers. Semiconductors are an important part of the global electronics industry, our national security, and our local economy. In Congress, I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to find ways to make the Miami Valley a place where accelerated advanced manufacturing can succeed,” said Turner in the joint release. 

     

    [ad_2]

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • Victory High School’s footprint continues to grow three years after opening

    Victory High School’s footprint continues to grow three years after opening

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — For more than three years, Tampa Bay’s first recovery school has offered hope to teens who’ve struggled with addiction at no cost to their families.

    Victory High School is now getting ready to open its third location, the latest in Hillsborough County, following schools in Pasco and Pinellas counties.

    The nonprofit is holding a golf tournament fundraiser on Sept. 30 to help continue its mission, and it’s asking for the public’s help. One of the teams already signed up is the father-son duo of Chris and Alex Finch.

    Alex said his dad is the one who introduced him to the sport.

    What You Need To Know

    • Victory High School is holding its “Golfing for Victory” charity golf tournament on Sept. 30

    • Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit recovery school, which helps students dealing with addiction at no cost to families

    • Since opening its original school in Pasco County, Victory has also established a location in Pinellas County, with another opening in Hillsborough County next month

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tampa Bay’s First Recovery High School to Open in Pasco County


    “I wasn’t really good at all, and I’m still not too good, but I started trying it a lot and playing with him,” said Alex. “Now, I go out with some of my friends sometimes.”

    The Finches recently honed their putting skills at Seven Springs Golf Course and Country Club in New Port Richey, where the “Golfing for Victory” tournament will take place. It’s a cause close to both of their hearts. Alex enrolled at Victory last year.

    “At first, I was, like, kind of weird about it. I didn’t like it very much, and slowly, I started getting used to it,” Alex said.

    Victory combines academics with non-traditional lessons, like equine therapy. The ultimate goal is to help students stay sober. 

    Alex struggled with drugs and alcohol. He went to rehab, which he said helped, but his parents suggested Victory when he started to run into trouble.

    “It would be a place where he would be accepted, he would have the space that he needed to be able to work on his education, but at the same time, also continue to work to his recovery,” said Chris.

    “At first, it was that there were people there who can help me and be there for me, and that just slowly kept me going,” Alex said of why he thinks Victory worked for him. “To be honest, by now, it’s also that I can try to help other people that are there.”

    Victory’s founder, Tina Miller, said the student attendance rate is 96 percent, their recovery rate is 93 percent, eight students have graduated and the highest graduate GPA was 4.11.

    “It’s mind-blowing to me because this was a dream I had for, like, five years before I actually started it,” Miller said.

    And Miller’s dream is catching — especially since she and a student appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” earlier this year.

    “I actually heard from folks around the United States that wanted Victory High School in different states — Ohio, LA, New York, you name it,” Miller said.

    This month’s fundraiser is about helping Victory continue its work. Alex said the school’s got him thinking about his own future.

    “I really want to go to, like, a cool, amazing college or university,” he said.

    “Those were things that, when he was in the midst of going through the struggles that he was going through, those were things he wasn’t thinking about,” said Chris. “So, that’s a big change.”

    Anyone interested in taking part in Golfing for Victory can sign up on at event website, Golfing for Victory Charity Tournament.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Hillsborough County Schools seeks to reassure parents after threats

    Hillsborough County Schools seeks to reassure parents after threats

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — As Hillsborough County schools has received several school shooting threats recently, the district is seeking to reassure parents that there are security measures in place. 

    John Newman, the chief of security for Hillsborough County Schools, said he monitors the Centegix crisis alert system from his office every day, and he now knows the sounds of the different alerts by heart.

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials with Hillsborough County Schools say they are seeking to reassure parents that there are security measures in place after receiving several school shooting threats recently
    • The Hillsborough County School District implemented the Centegix crisis alert system five years ago

    • All school district employees have badges embedded with the alert system


    “That’s a teacher asking for help,” he said when the alarm sounded on his screen, noting that it wasn’t a major threat.

    “We’ve had this for such a long time, without me looking, I know that’s probably just a staff alert being handled at the school,” he said. “But when I start feeling, or hearing, the rhythm of the signal go off, you can usually tell if it’s something that’s getting elevated.”

    Hillsborough County Schools started using Centegix five years ago as a crisis alert system. Every employee wears a card around their neck, and by pushing the button embedded in the card, they can call for help — or put their school in a lockdown, if needed. That signal for help is sent to the district’s communications center.

    Newman described it as like the district’s 911 call center. Dispatchers monitor Centegix and send the appropriate response when something comes up. 

    Newman said his team walked every single school so they could update all the maps in the system so law enforcement can pinpoint where threats are in schools.

    “You don’t have to worry about wondering where the threat is — the locator tells you exactly where that person is asking for help,” he said. “So if you get a bunch of people in a row pressing the card asking for help, they know exactly where they are within one meter. So that’s huge — that’s a game changer right there, because our campuses are big.”

    Newman cameras at district schools will be integrated with Centagix software within the next few months, so he’ll instantly have eyes on the scene when situations arise. 

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • Sail Future Academy graduate returns as a mentor

    Sail Future Academy graduate returns as a mentor

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For many kids who grow up in foster care, the odds are stacked against them. But one teenager in St. Pete is defeating all of them.

    What You Need To Know

    • Noah Grega recently graduated from the Sail Future Academy and now serves as a mentor for current students

    • He lived in the academy’s residential foster home since he was 16

    • Sail Future operates two group homes in St. Pete for boys ages 12 to 17

    • Part of the program is a 60-day sailing journey throughout the world, mental health counseling, practical job training and a hands-on technical high school

    Sail Future Academy operates two group homes in St. Pete for boys ages 12 to 17.  Part of the program is a 60-day sailing journey throughout the world, mental health counseling, practical job training and a hands-on technical high school. 

    Noah Grega first arrived at Sail Future Academy as a 16-year-old foster child and lived in the school’s group home. Having recently graduated, he has returned to the academy as a volunteer and mentor for the current students. 

    “I remember when I was here as a student, I wasn’t the best student. I would go on my phone, I would talk while the teachers were talking, I was doing all of that, but I’ve kind of learned that that’s just not the right thing to do,” said Grega.

    Grega has come a long way since those days. He reflects on his two years there, noting how much he learned – not just about sailing, but about life itself. 

    “When you have thoughts about I’m not good enough, or I can’t do this, that’s not necessary because those are all limitations you put on yourself,” Grega said. “The way I view a limit is an imaginary boundary you put on yourself and that holds you down, you can truly do anything, but the thing that holds you back the most is your own thoughts.”

    Noah not only volunteers and mentors students at Sail Future Academy, but he also teaches coding to middle schoolers through a partnership between Sail Future Academy, Career Source Hillsborough Pinellas and CodeBoxx.

    “He’s been such a leader on this campus and even after graduation he’s back on campus as a volunteer, so he’s taking all of the things he learned as a student here and helping lead, guide, and direct some of our younger students so they can reach the same level of success he has after graduation,” said Hunter Thompson, head of the school, and co-founder of Sail Future.

    Grega plans on raising the bar even higher. 

    “I want to be a billionaire one day, and to achieve that, I know I need to put in a tremendous amount of hard work and maintain a strong work ethic in everything I do,” he said. 

    With that mindset, no dream is beyond his grasp.

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • Parents voice concerns over threats to schools in Manatee County

    Parents voice concerns over threats to schools in Manatee County

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — One month into the school year, districts across the Bay Area — and the state — say they are dealing with a massive uptick in school threats.

    Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says schools in Manatee County have received 250 threats. And Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that 24 students have been arrested in the first 28 days of school.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says it’s received more than 250 school related threats so far this school year

    • Of the 250 school threats, Manatee County investigators say they have arrested four juveniles

    • County officials say they will provide additional security at all schools when threats come in 



    Judd said he doesn’t think the kids realize the widespread impact threats can have.  

    “It’s one of these things like ‘seller beware’ — you sell us a threat, you’re not only going to get felony charges, but mom and dad are going to get hefty bills, and it’s in the thousands of dollars,” he said.

    Earlier this week, three Manatee County students were charged with felonies after being accused of making violent threats. Four students total have been arrested in Manatee County so far this school year after being accused of making threats.

    Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Randy Warren said most of the threats come from social media.

    “They don’t think they’re going to get caught, and they just assume that they’re going to get away with it,” he said. “And they enjoy some kind of, you know, joke. It’s a game. It’s not a game. As we know, these are serious threats. A written threat to kill is a second-degree felony.”

    As more parents see these threats through the Fortify app and online, some say they have concerns about sending their kids to school.

    “There could actually, at some point, be a kid that brings a weapon to school,” said parent Danika von Muegge.

    She said she gets an uneasy feeling each time there’s a threat at one of the schools in Manatee County. She has one daughter in 11th grade who attends Parrish Community High School.

    “I tend to have my alert up a little higher — maybe more than average — just because I know the threat is very real,” she said.

    In 2010, von Muegge said her family experienced an active shooter incident at her son’s school in Colorado.

    “He came to the school, parked in the parking lot, took out his shotgun, and kind of hid behind the school sign,” she said. “He just started shooting kids at the end of the school day. My son literally walked right past the shooter. We were walking distance from the school, so he walked home every day. He did not get shot, thankfully.”

    She said there have been threats in the district since moving to Parrish in 2021.

    “So I think it’s excellent that they are showing the kids on the news,” von Muegge saud, “I think it’s awesome that they are putting their names out there. Nobody wants that to be their kid. But you certainly don’t want kids to actually come to school and cause harm to other kids.”

    But she says she feels safe sending her daughter to school.

    “Generally, I feel pretty safe,” she said. “Parrish just put some metal detectors in the school. They’ve got increased security there, and they make it very difficult to get into the school.”

    But she does have concerns.

    “My concern with my daughter is just that she’s going to be caught in the middle of something — that she’s going to have to make a decision,” she said. “You know, at school, she’s not really allowed to have her phone. If there was ever an emergency, she wouldn’t really be able to reach me.”

    County officials say they will provide additional security at all schools when threats come in. But for now, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office wants parents to explain to their kids how serious it is to have a felony on their record.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Pinellas school leaders field feedback on 2026 start time requirements

    Pinellas school leaders field feedback on 2026 start time requirements

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — Wednesday, members of the Pinellas County School Board met for their ‘Listen & Learn’ session.

    One topic for discussion was the changes coming to school start times beginning in fall 2026.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Schools is asking for public feedback on school schedule changes coming in fall 2026

    • The changes are statewide under a new Florida state law, requiring all Florida schools to change their schedules beginning that school year

    • Under the law, middle schools cannot start before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m.

    • Pinellas is still taking feedback from parents, who can offer their suggestions online here


    Under Florida state law, all Florida schools will have to change their schedules beginning that school year. Middle schools cannot start before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m.

    During the session, parents were allowed to ask questions. One question pertained to school bus routes and transportation. Something the school board says they will have to take into consideration when making changes to school start times.

    “We have our high schools first because those runs just start early in the morning and we’re able to complete that and then do our middle school and elementary schools,” said Kevin Hendrick, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. “But if we put high school in the middle or last, that poses a big challenge and so we’re out asking the public how do we help solve those problems before we’re forced to do so in 2026.”

    Hearing from parents, Hendrick says, is key to what the district will do. Hendrick says he anticipates to have a finalized plan by next fall.

    In the meantime, Pinellas is still taking feedback and suggestions from parents.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Pinellas County Schools offers staff child care as part of strategic plan

    Pinellas County Schools offers staff child care as part of strategic plan

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Pinellas County Schools has launched a new child care program for employees this school year.

    It’s available for all full-time employees and is part of the district’s strategic plan to attract and retain top faculty and staff.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Schools launched a new child care program for all full-time employees as part of the district’s strategic plan to retain, and attract, top faculty and staff.

    • School district employees only pay between $75 and $135 per week for child care here, depending on their child’s age. 

    • The district is currently licensed for 87 children right now, and they’re already looking into expanding.

    • The child care is for 1, 2, and 3 year olds


    Caren Green is a child development associate, and teaches a class of one-year olds. The babies in her class have parents with something in common.

    “This is not a typical daycare, this is for Pinellas county school employees,” Green said.

    Pinellas County Schools started the child care program for 1-, 2-, and 3-year olds. It currently serves about 80 families and like any Pinellas County classroom, everyone is focused on the curriculum, even the one-year olds.

    “We have been working on where they’re at developmentally, and getting to know them, and kind of just really nurturing them and learning what they would like to do in the environment,” said Green.

    While Green teaches the one-year olds, her daughter Reese is across the hall in the 2-year old class.

    “Her teacher welcomed her with open arms and she immediately took to her. They bonded very well. I can already tell she’s learning a lot in the classroom with the curriculum they have been providing. She is coming home and telling me letter sounds, and what she’s doing during the day, and she’s very happy every time I go see her. It’s been going very well,” she said.

    This job is also going very well for Green. She is also pursuing her degree in early childhood education, which the district helps her pay for as an employee benefit, and Reese’s child care is greatly reduced from what it would cost at another daycare.

    “We did our market research and we are able to offer it at a discounted rate compared to a lot of the community providers that families would otherwise be going to,” said Jessica Wagner, the program coordinator.

    Wagner says school district employees only pay between $75 and $135 per week for child care here, depending on their child’s age. They’re currently licensed for 87 children right now, and she says the district is already looking into expanding.

    “The response is overwhelming.  We have a waitlist of children waiting to get in, even for next year. We have a waitlist of kids for next year for the one year old program,” said Wagner.

    At the end of the day, Caren and Reese are  both getting a head start on their futures with Pinellas County Schools. 

    The district is seeking suggestions from the community to rename the child care facility in Pinellas Park. 

    They’re accepting names through Sept. 30.

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • State University board to discuss the extension of LINE funding at USF

    State University board to discuss the extension of LINE funding at USF

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Board of Governors for the State University System will meet at the University of South Florida on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • LINE Funding was introduced in 2022 to help Florida combat a projected nursing shortage

    • The Florida Board of Governors will meet at USF on Wednesday afternoon to consider LINE funding for a third year

    • USF officials says it primarly uses LINE funding to provide scholarships to nursing studetnts that wouldn’t qualify for a scholarship otherwise

    • USF prioritizes students receiving LINE funding for clinicals at the same hospitals that donate to the university, with the state matching the funding dollar for dollar


    Among the agenda items, the board plans to discuss the extension of LINE (Linking Industry to Nursing Education) funding for a third year.

    The Florida legislature first approved LINE funding in 2022, and provides a dollar for dollar match of funds donated to state universities from partner hospitals.

    Over the past two years, the USF College of Nursing has primarily used LINE funding to provide scholarships to students who do not qualify for other forms of financial aid or assistance. 

    USF College of Nursing Dean Usha Menon notes that LINE funding has allowed more students to gain their nursing degrees, while alleviating the statewide nursing shortage.

    “Their passage through nursing school becomes very difficult because they are trying to work,” said Menon. “Nursing school is challenging, and we really want our students to be focused — really focused on their clinical and their didactic so they can get through and pass the exam. The critical things is that if these students aren’t passing the NCLEX exam, then we haven’t helped with the nursing shortage.”

    USF prioritizes students who receive scholarships funded by LINE for clinical placements at the hospitals that donate.

    That provides an incentive to hospitals donating, as well as an opportunity for students to stay at the hospital where they perform their clinical after they graduate.

    The state reviews line funding proposals annually and approves funds based on set criteria that colleges are required to follow in order to receive the dollar for dollar match.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • A+ Teacher shares love of the arts with students

    A+ Teacher shares love of the arts with students

    [ad_1]

    HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — Beth McIntosh has been a teacher for 34 years and has spent the last nine at Anna Maria Elementary School. She attended that school growing up and now teaches art and music classes there.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beth McIntosh is this week’s A+ Teacher

    • She attended Anna Maria Elementary School and has been teaching there for the last nine years

    • McIntosh teaches art, music and movement classes and she leads the theater productions put on by the students

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    “Being a student here and then coming back and being a teacher here, it’s pretty awesome,” said McIntosh.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 walked the halls with McIntosh, and she showed her students’ artwork displayed throughout the school.

    “They recognize their artwork, and they feel a part of something. That’s always important and it’s part of why we do what we do,” said McIntosh.

    McIntosh teaches art, music and movement classes and she leads the theater productions put on by the students.

    “That’s the most thrilling thing for me and the most emotional thing for me is to see the kids just light up wherever they are, in the art room, the music room, on the stage,” said McIntosh.

    McIntosh says she loves watching her students find their creative spark and feel comfortable highlighting their work.

    “It’s the best feeling in the world to see that and their little faces lit up and proud of themselves and happy that they’re on the stage,” said McIntosh.

    [ad_2]

    Jorja Roman

    Source link

  • Classes to resume Monday at Newsome High School with increased security

    Classes to resume Monday at Newsome High School with increased security

    [ad_1]

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Classes at Newsome High School in Lithia will resume Monday morning after the school was placed on a lockdown last Friday for a majority of the day.

    What You Need To Know

    • Students will go through metal detectors
    • Their backpacks searched upon arrival

    Hillsborough County School District officials say as many as eight threats were made at Newsome High School, including a threat by someone to shoot a teacher and a bomb threat.

    Students are being asked to arrive at campus at 7:45 a.m., Monday, where they will have their backpacks searched and walk through metal detectors as part of increased security.

    Principal Katie Rocha said in a message to parents, “All students will go through metal detectors and will have their backpacks searched upon arrival. The process may take some time, and we ask for patience as we ensure the safety of our campus.”

    There have been more than 100 threats to schools in Florida since Sept. 4, the day of a deadly shooting at a Georgia high school.

    The Hillsborough County Sherif’s Office stated a majority of threats are being made through the Fortify Florida app, which may have recently been hacked.

    Sheriff Chad Chronister explained his frustration Friday, as the lockdown at Newsome was underway.

    “The reason I have such a zero tolerance on school threats is look at the turmoil. Look at the hell these parents are going through,” he said.

    Students at Newsome High School were locked in classrooms for a majority of the school day Friday, beginning at around 10 in the morning until school dismissed for the day.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • New Port Richey teacher turned author helps students thrive

    New Port Richey teacher turned author helps students thrive

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — This week’s A+ Teacher has spent 15 years as an educator. Courtney Burkett works with students in every grade level at Marlowe Elementary School.

    What You Need To Know

    • Courtney Burkett is this week’s A+ Teacher

    • She works with students in every grade level at Marlowe Elementary School

    • Burkett is also an author. She has written two books and her third is coming out next month

    • Want to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    She has worked there for less than a year but has already made a huge impact.

    “Because she’s committed to the work that’s before her and because our kids matter to her, and it shows every single day in what she does,” said Rayann Mitchell, the Principal at Marlowe Elementary.

    Burkett is the Behavior and Academic Intervention Specialist at the school. She works with students one-on-one and in groups to create plans to help them be successful.

    “If I can help somebody or help my fellow colleagues [with] figuring out what’s best for the student academically, then I’m all for it, and to be honest with you they just have always had my heart,” said Burkett.

    Burkett is also an author. She has written two books and her third is coming out next month.

    “That’s called “Down With Pens” and that’s about student empathy, teaching children how to have empathy towards adults, which is something that I feel is important,” said Burkett.

    Her books are based off of her experiences helping students with their behavior and academics. She loves teaching, and seeing their smiling faces and growth makes it all worthwhile.

    “It reminds you to keep doing what you’re doing. This is meant for you. This career is the right career. And give it another 15 years,” said Burkett.

    [ad_2]

    Jorja Roman

    Source link

  • Open Door Grant provides scholarships for hundreds of students

    Open Door Grant provides scholarships for hundreds of students

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Open Door Scholarship is quite literally opening doors for students at St. Petersburg College (SPC). The state’s Department of Education awarded SPC $1.3 million this school year for the Open Door Grant, which provides scholarships for workforce programs.

    What You Need To Know

    • The state’s Department of Education awarded St. Petersburg College $1.3 million this school year for the Open Door Grant

    • College officials say it will potentially help close to 400 students receive the certification they need for their career

    • The main requirement for the Open Door Scholarship is Florida residency — other than that, students must be enrolled in an approved workforce program

    College officials say this is a unique scholarship that will potentially help close to 400 students receive the certification they need for their career.

    “It serves a population that’s really in need. A lot of these programs we’ve chosen to highlight are ones that don’t usually get financial aid because they’re short term, because you don’t get a college degree at the end, you still get a credential of value, so for those students who may be in need but aren’t able to apply for aid, this is a perfect example for them,” said St. Petersburg College Project Director Marie Couch.

    Zach Blankem is enrolled in SPC’s Fire Training Program, and he received the Open Door Grant to pay for it.

    “What really appealed to me about the fire service is on top of keeping you active, every day is different, it’s in the medical field, you can walk into it with no idea of what you’re doing, no experience, and if you work really hard, within one calendar year, you can meet the requirements to get hired with a department,” said Blankem.

    Paul Govoni, who is also in the Firefighting Academy, agrees, and says after working for himself as a business broker, he decided it was time for a career change. “I am 32 years old. I am self-employed. I have a daughter and a wife, and I was looking for something to do that would fulfill me a little more than just the pursuit of money, so really, I thought public service is something that could do that for me.”

    Both Govoni and Blankem are there thanks to the Open Door Scholarship. It’s funding from the state that covers all the tuition for students pursuing career and technical education, like the firefighting academy.

    “To put it simply, I wouldn’t be here without it. The biggest roadblock to anyone improving themselves is typically financial, and I can understand that because I was working full time, and working paycheck to paycheck like most people, so the idea of going no employment, no income, it was terrifying, but we need more firefighters, we need more EMTs, we need more paramedics and grants like Open Door opens more opportunities for people like me to better ourselves,” said Blankem.

    Typical scholarships don’t cover short-term programs, which can hold people back from pursuing these careers, even though the director of SPC’s fire training center says these types of jobs are always in demand.

    “Lately, everybody in the state of Florida is hiring, just about every fire department in the state is hiring. The opportunity for these students when they’re finished with our program, as long as they pass everything, they’re certified firefighters and they can be hired,” said Steven Marfongelli, the Director of Fire Training Center at SPC.

    That is the main goal, and the Open Door Scholarship allows these students to pursue an important career in public service. “The men and women who decide to go through the academy, not only are they selflessly choosing to serve their community, but now they’re also having to pay for it, and go on their own, so it’s very hard,” said Govoni.

    The main requirement for the Open Door Scholarship is Florida residency — other than that, students must be enrolled in an approved workforce program.

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link

  • Education advocates welcome federal support for Hispanic-serving institutions

    Education advocates welcome federal support for Hispanic-serving institutions

    [ad_1]

    Higher education advocates in Latino communities say they are optimistic about a new federal effort to support hundreds of local colleges and universities.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs, which are not-for-profit schools with a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment that is at least a quarter Hispanic, are vital to the goals of equality in educational and economic opportunities, according to the White House

    • Higher education leaders are urging the president to spread the word about the new initiative, given its potential to help Hispanic students catch up to peers from some other backgrounds

    • Biden’s order is intended to strengthen the ability of HSIs to provide high-quality education, benefit from federal programs, and increase the educational and economic mobility of their students

    Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs, which are not-for-profit schools with a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment that is at least a quarter Hispanic, are vital to the goals of equality in educational and economic opportunities, according to the White House. That is the impetus behind President Joe Biden’s recent executive order establishing an initiative to increase funding to HSIs and creating a board of advisers on HSIs.

    With Hispanics accounting for almost three-quarters of the nation’s population gain, according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates from 2022 to 2023, higher education leaders are urging the president to spread the word about the new initiative, given its potential to help Hispanic students catch up to peers from some other backgrounds.

    “This is very important for the country to have this type of new development at the national level,” said Antonio R. Flores, president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, a nonprofit advocacy group.

    “We know the implications of this are also enormous for the nation” because Latinos are a fast-growing demographic, “and this is reflected in higher education enrollment,” said Flores, whose group hopes the White House will hold a formal ceremony in September to promote the HSI initiative.

    Biden’s order is intended to strengthen the ability of HSIs to provide high-quality education, benefit from federal programs, and increase the educational and economic mobility of their students.

    The more than 500 HSIs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico serve more than 4.7 million students every year, according to federal data. Many students are low-income, and nearly a third are eligible for Pell grants, which are federal scholarships for students in need.

    Unlike historically Black or Native American tribal colleges and universities, which are given their designations based on their missions, any college can receive the HSI label and related federal money if its Latino enrollment reaches at least 25% of the student body.

    Prominent HSIs include the University of California at Riverside, which has had the designation since 2008; California State University at San Bernardino, which has had it since 1994; and the University of Texas at Austin, which earned its designation in 2020. Notable HSI alumni include actress and activist Eva Longoria, union organizer and activist Dolores Huerta and Arturo Moreno, owner of the Los Angeles Angels.

    A U.S. Government Accountability Office report this year found that HSIs have extensive facility and digital infrastructure needs, and struggle to meet those needs due to insufficient state funding and rising construction costs.

    Lizette Galaviz, a political science major at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said the school does a good job of meeting Hispanic students’ financial aid needs. Since 2022, the school has covered tuition and mandatory fees for students from families whose income is $125,000 or less.

    Galaviz said because of the financial aid she receives from the school, she and many of her classmates will graduate with little or no debt. But despite the generous aid, the school has a lot of room for improvement, including with its research capabilities, she said.

    “Enhancing the infrastructure and resources that we have would be something that I would like to see,” Galaviz said. “I think educational equity is very important. It is no secret that the Rio Grande Valley is one of the most impoverished areas.”

    These institutions are critical in widening the pipeline of Latinos going into STEM fields, according to White House officials.

    HSIs “play a critical role in ensuring Latinos have access to the middle class and can fulfill their aspirations,” White House domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The president’s executive order will strengthen these critical institutions and build their capacity to provide economic mobility for all their students.”

    Hispanics, who can be of any race, are the nation’s second-largest demographic. Their population grew last year by about 1.2 million, to 65.2 million, meaning Hispanics make up almost a fifth of the total population. according to census estimates.

    Anne-Marie Núñez, executive director of the Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success at the University of Texas, El Paso, said the executive order is just one step toward better-serving students at HSIs which, like HBCUs and tribal colleges, are under-resourced and lack infrastructure.

    Both Núñez and Flores said the 21-member advisory board should include Hispanic leaders from various sectors. Núñez said it is important that the rural universities and the Puerto Rican community, which is often overlooked at the federal level, is not forgotten when selections happen.

    “This is a positive development, not just for HSIs but for the nation,” Núñez said. “If this order is implemented well, it should broaden opportunities for HSI students and faculty to create career pathways and to advance economic and societal well-being.”

    Melissa Camacho, who is studying business administration at the City College of San Francisco, said she thinks resources are lacking for Hispanic students who aren’t native English speakers. Even at the Mission Center, a satellite campus of her college where most students are Hispanic and Spanish speakers, some information about support programs is printed or offered in English only, she said.

    “In reality, the majority of students do not know what opportunities exist,” Camacho said. “The support is there, they just don’t tell us.”

    Camacho did find a program that helps students navigate the process of transferring to a four-year university, as well as a student-run club that helps native Spanish speakers navigate class registration, financial aid and relevant government policy changes.

    “There are a lot of students like me who want to continue their education, but we do not have the information and we get discouraged,” said Camacho, who knew little about the new presidential HSI initiative. “If there were more people who told us there are scholarships available, we could show that we want to continue school.”

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Pasco County parent says son’s school bus late every day

    Pasco County parent says son’s school bus late every day

    [ad_1]

    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Getting to and from school safely, and on time, each day is important for student success, but one Pasco County mother says the school bus is preventing her son from doing both of those things.

    What You Need To Know

    • Thelma Chavarria says the school bus has been late more than it has been on time

    • She also says its drop off location is dangerous for her 8-year old son 

    • Pasco County School officials said the bus drops off on the opposite side of the road for efficiency, and it would add 20 minutes to the route if it dropped Isaiah off where it picks him up


    Thelma Chavarria says the school bus has been late more than it has been on time, and its drop off location is dangerous for her 8-year-old son.

    “Two point two miles away so it’s nowhere near here yet,” Chavarria said Friday as she tracked her son’s school bus on the app. That’s how she says she spends her mornings and afternoons, even when she’s at work, closely monitoring Isaiah’s school bus.

    “Since he’s started school, it’s been late every day to pick up and drop off,” she said. 

    On Friday morning, she received a text at 5:59 a.m. saying his school bus would be 30 minutes later, a message she receives almost daily. The bus is supposed to pick Isaiah up at 9:34 a.m. in front of their home on Chancey and Kalman Drive. School starts at 9:35 a.m., and while it is a short drive, Chavarria says the bus has yet to show up on time.

    “I call, call, call, they tell me it’s documented in my notes, someone will call me back, but I haven’t gotten a call or email, nothing, I told the school, they told me to tell the bus transportation because that’s their responsibility, and I’ve heard nothing,” she said.

    As she waited for the bus on Friday morning, Thelma said the late pickups and drop offs are actually the least of her concerns. What she is more worried about is the drop off spot, on the other side of Chancey Road, which is cut through for traffic to I-4.

    “When I call the bus transportation, they tell me that it’s not going to change, it’s a new route and he’s going to be dropped off there, and I’m to trust the bus driver. Which I trust the driver but not the road, the drivers. It’s unsafe for him to cross this road. All you see are semi-trucks, for instance. Right now, it’s a busy, busy road and my concern is his safety, my safety, and my kids safety,” she said.

    By the time the bus finally arrived today at 10:28 a.m., nearly an hour after school started, she had already given up and took Isaiah to school herself, but she says with all the time he’s missing in the classroom, and the time she’s missing at work, taking the school bus is taking a toll on everyone. 

    Pasco County School officials said the bus drops off on the opposite side of the road for efficiency, and it would add 20 minutes to the route if it dropped Isaiah off where it picks him up.

    School officials say the driver deploys the stop signs to stop traffic until students safely make it across. They say they’re currently looking into the route to see if they can make it more efficient.

    [ad_2]

    Fallon Silcox

    Source link