GAHANNA, Ohio — A new partnership between Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools and the Gahanna Division of Police and Fire aims to give teachers a quiet alert when a student may be experiencing the effects of trauma, allowing schools to respond with added compassion and flexibility.
What You Need To Know
Gahanna schools now receive same-day alerts from first responders when a student experiences trauma
The “Handle With Care” notice gives no incident details — just a child’s name and a signal for teachers to provide extra support
The goal is to help students feel safe and supported at school without adding pressure or probing questions
The initiative, known as Handle With Care, is part of a growing effort across Ohio to support children who have been involved in potentially traumatic incidents, such as domestic violence, car accidents, fires or medical emergencies.
Under the program, first responders who encounter a child at the scene of a distressing event can submit a confidential notice to the school district. The message includes only the child’s name and the phrase,“Handle With Care.”
“There are no details about the incident,” said Crystal Jones, a school resource officer with the Gahanna Division of Police. “It’s confidentially just the student’s name and ‘handle with care.’”
Jones, who serves at Jefferson Elementary, said that even a routine medical call involving emergency vehicles can feel overwhelming for a child.
Once the alert is received, a designated team in the district — including principals, counselors and administrators — notifies teachers and other staff who work directly with the student.
Teachers are not given details about what happened, but the notification is designed to help them adjust expectations and approach the day with added care.
“If a student comes in without a book bag, and we know that we’ve gotten a Handle With Care notice, we’re not necessarily going to question, ‘Why did you forget your book bag?’” said Scott Schmidt, principal of Jefferson Elementary. “Instead, we make sure that student has what they need for the day.”
Schmidt said the system helps prevent classroom disruptions and allows staff to proactively support students who may be struggling emotionally.
“We’re here to care for the students and kind of avoid that unintended escalation,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent for Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools, Jill Elliott, said the broader goal is to offer ongoing support for children who may be navigating difficult home situations or adverse childhood experiences.
“We want to make sure that we are responding in an appropriate way to our students that are experiencing adverse childhood experiences,” she said.
The Handle With Care initiative is supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and is currently in use in dozens of school districts across the state.
Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools is among the latest to implement the program.
“In the coming week, we know there will be a lot of difficult emotions due to school starting,” Frey said.
The city is coordinating with law enforcement across the metro to expand patrols around all schools within Minneapolis over the next couple of weeks.
WCCO reached out to the state’s five largest districts about their back-to-school safety plans.
Only one — St. Paul Public Schools — provided someone to discuss safety and security.
“St. Paul Police Department, they reached out to our superintendent and said, ‘What can I do? What can we do to support and show our community that we’re going to protect our students?’” SPPS security leader Marcus Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the district’s schools will continue visitor check-in, lockdown drills and controlled access procedures.
Every secondary and pre-K-8 school has at least one school support liaison. For the first week of classes, they’ll have additional support from police officers.
“When my school support liaisons are standing side by side with St Paul Police Department, the police officers that are going to be our school opening week to greet our students, to high-five our students, to fist bump our students, that’s a show of unity in our community after a tragedy just happened in Minneapolis,” Sullivan said.
For parents anxious about sending their children back into the classroom, Sullivan hopes this message will ease their fears.
“I have a kindergartener who is going to attend Riverview and I’m in charge of the security operations for the district,” he said. “So if I’m allowing my kid to come to this school district, I ensure that it’s going to be secure and it’s going to be safe and welcoming.”
Every St. Paul school has a school safety team and mental health team that meet to review processes, discuss areas for improvement and share information.
All our guidelines for choosing a laptop also apply to a device for college, including evaluating the quality of the display and chassis, along with ensuring that the laptop is fast enough for your work. Get something with at least 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage and you’ll be happy.
There are a couple of important things to consider specific to college. Portability and battery life are paramount. Regardless of your budget, you want something that will last throughout the day and won’t weigh you down while carrying it from class to class. Anything over four pounds or so will start to feel noticeable in your backpack.
Overall dimensions are important too. Bringing a 16-inch laptop to class can feel obtuse given the size of college room desks. The same is true if you plan to bring your laptop to a crowded coffee shop or library. That’s why 13-inch or 14-inch laptops are preferred. That being said, if you’re a gamer or need a discrete GPU for your coursework, you may have to bite the bullet and buy something a bit larger.
Here are some other specs to consider:
Processor
Windows: If you’re getting a Windows machine, your main options for the processor are Intel and AMD, though Qualcomm is now a viable alternative with Copilot+ PCs. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. For a more complete guide to the differences, see our full guide to buying a laptop.
Chromebooks: These browser-based machines use half a dozen different processors, most of which you’ve probably never heard of. There’s a reason for that: Those processors are slow. My recommendation when buying a Chromebook is to stick with a Chromebook Plus machine. This is a new standard Google created to ensure a certain level of performance and polish with Chromebooks.
MacOS: Apple has been making its own processors for a few years, like the latest M4 chip found inside the MacBook Air showcased below. More powerful models like the MacBook Pros feature the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, which feature GPUs comparable with the discrete GPUs you find in Windows laptops. Our MacBook buying guide can help.
RAM and Storage
Regardless of which OS you choose, the minimum amount of RAM you want in your laptop is 8 GB. That’s enough memory to keep your computer feeling snappy even if it’s running under load. But these days, 16 GB has become the new standard, and you’ll find lots of laptops around $800 that come with 16 GB. So, if you can afford it—especially if you plan to edit photos or videos as part of your coursework—go for 16 GB or even 32 GB.
The new default for storage is 256 GB, and it’ll do if you’re trying to save money. You can always use external storage if you need to add on. Spring for 512 GB or a terabyte if you can, though.
Screen
Screens vary tremendously, but don’t settle for anything less than 1080p (or 1200p for 16:10 aspect ratio displays). For a 13-inch laptop, 1080p is sharp enough. If you’re going with a bigger laptop, 2.5K or even 4K screens will improve the viewing experience. If you’re trying to play games as well, be sure to get something with a higher refresh rate—120 Hz or 144 Hz will more than satisfy.
Weight and Battery
Don’t forget you’ll be lugging this thing around. It may well be tugging on your back for eight hours or more. One pound may not seem like much, but at the end of a long day of walking, you will notice the difference between a three-pound laptop and a four-pound laptop. Trust me. Also, maybe pick out a nice bag to carry your computer.
Similarly, battery life is very important when you’re (potentially) away from a wall outlet for extended periods. Whatever you end up getting, make sure it’s capable of lasting at least eight hours under real-world use—browsing the web, editing documents, writing emails, and taking notes. Even then, you might want to consider a portable battery charger.
RALEIGH, N.C. — As the Trump Administration ramps up deportation efforts, there are growing concerns among parents about whether U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operations could impact their local school districts.
What You Need To Know
No ICE operations have been reported in any North Carolina school districts
Earlier this year, both Durham and Wake County school boards issued immigration enforcement policies in response to the Department of Homeland Security extending operations to schools and churches
Advocacy groups are encouraging families, regardless of immigrant status, to consider developing a family preparation plan in the event of a raid in their community
There have been no reported ICE operations at any North Carolina schools. But the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent confirmed this month that a 15-year-old boy was pulled from a car and handcuffed outside Arleta High School in northern Los Angeles.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to Wake County Public School System and Durham Public Schools for comment on how the school districts were preparing to address those concerns. A spokesperson for WCPSS confirmed it has not issued any additional updates to parents and directed us to a statement it issued earlier this year.
“Our district has always complied with federal and state laws and will continue to do so. We are equally committed to ensuring our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all students and families,” WCPSS said in the statement. “Additionally, our district does not ask for or record information about the immigration status of any family. We will continue to honor all laws protecting the privacy of student records as outlined in board policies.”
Anthony Lewis, superintendent for Durham Public Schools, said in a statement to Spectrum News 1: “We recognize that recent changes to federal immigration laws have caused uncertainty, worry and fear for many of our students, families and staff. Please know that the safety, dignity and well-being of our school community remain our highest priority.”
“While our district is carefully reviewing these changes with our legal counsel to fully understand their impact, we want to assure our community that we have not experienced any ICE raids or investigations. In the unlikely event that such an incident were to occur, we would expect and advocate for mutual respect of established protocols and standard operating procedures between our district and federal agencies,” Lewis said.
Earlier this year, both DPS and WCPSS issued immigration enforcement policies responding to the Department of Homeland Security extending operations to schools and churches.
Spectrum News 1 asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to confirm whether families could expect the agency to conduct investigations at any of the state’s local school districts and whether the agency is taking a specific approach to how it deals with these cases.
ICE spokeswoman Lindsay Williams responded in an email, “As a matter of policy and operational security concerns, [the agency] does not discuss future operations.”
El Centro, an organization working to provide socioeconomic resources to Hispanic and Latino communities, said it’s working closely with residents across North Carolina communities to prepare them if a situation such as an ICE raid or investigation occurs in their district.
“It becomes a health concern. Nobody wants children to be worried in school, because if they’re worried, then they’re not thriving,” said Emilia Ismael, with El Centro. “They’re not focusing on studying and their academics, and just developing socially.”
Ismael said that through their education department, families can take advantage of resources to learn about their constitutional rights. “We also have case management so that a specialist in case management can help them create a roadmap,” Ismael said.
Ismael encourages families, regardless of immigration status, to consider developing a family preparation plan, and for any residents, not just those of immigrants, to visit or call the organization if they have questions.
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — As students return to class after summer break, Guilford County Schools is stepping up security with new additions to every elementary and middle school in the district.
What You Need To Know
The district is installing what it calls “safety vestibules,” a secure entryway that’s designed to ensure visitors are properly screened before getting access to students
The new system creates multiple checkpoints, keeping families and guests contained until staff clear them for entry
Assistant Superintendent of School Safety Mike Richie says the goal is to raise all schools to the highest security standards
District leaders are working to complete the upgrades across all elementary schools as part of a district-wide push to make safety a top priority
The district is installing what it calls “safety vestibules.” It’s a secure entryway that’s designed to ensure visitors are properly screened before being allowed into school buildings.
At Kirkman Park Elementary School in High Point, Principal Yajaira Owens says safety is at the heart of her role.
“Safety has become, or was on the top of my list since I got here because we are in the center of High Point,” Owens said.
She says that because they are an open campus, it was important to her to have the vestibule installed.
“Learning cannot take place if kids or staff don’t feel safe,” Owens said.
She says the students are the priority.
“I love seeing children, I love hearing them and just laughing with them,” Owens said. “But I think, most importantly, I want to make sure that I’m impacting their lives in a positive way.”
In the past, visitors could walk directly into the building. Now, the new system creates multiple checkpoints, keeping families and guests contained until staff clear them for entry.
Assistant Superintendent of School Safety Mike Richie says the goal is to raise all schools to the highest security standards.
While the changes may add a brief wait for families, Owens says parents and staff have already responded positively.
“Even though it might get a little annoying with them having to wait to get buzzed in, I think that it’s adding an extra protection for them and for their children,” Owens said.
District leaders say construction at Kirkman Park finished before students returned after summer break.
Leaders are actively working to complete the upgrades across all elementary schools as part of a district-wide push to make safety a top priority.
It’s back-to-school week in Washington, D.C., but things are different this year, with thousands of National Guard troops taking on a law enforcement role in the city. Scott MacFarlane reports that it is creating some unease among residents.
An eventful summer within the Prince George’s County public school system has come to an end and now it’s time for students to return to classrooms for a new school year.
From saving on school supplies to the impact of federal cuts, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow on air and online in our series, “WTOP Goes Back to School” this August and September.
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PGCPS parents are getting a new app to track their kids’ school bus
An eventful summer within the Prince George’s County public school system has come to an end, and now it’s time for students to return to classrooms for a new school year.
The summer began with the abrupt departure of former Superintendent Millard House II, who was forced out by the school board, so that new Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy could bring in someone new.
He’s been meeting with parents, community groups and educators throughout the summer to hear what they have to say about what’s working and what isn’t in the county school system.
“We need to let our communities know we’re serious about getting it right for them, getting them in the buildings, letting them see what’s what and just being transparent,” Joseph said. “There are areas where we’ve got work to do. There are areas that we’re working well. Let’s just fix the stuff that needs to be fixed, and let’s continue to build on the stuff that’s working.”
Special education
The first topic Joseph mentioned hearing about was special education. He said making sure there were enough special education teachers and paraeducators where they’re needed has been a problem. But so has communication with the parents who have special needs children in the system.
“I think a lot of our special education families have been a little frustrated. They don’t feel like we’ve been responsive when things needed to be improved, and they could be right,” Joseph said. “We’ve just got to get at it, and we’ve got to have a stronger collaboration with families, and that’s what we’re going to work toward.”
School safety and transportation
School safety is also an issue, with Joseph stressing that clear expectations for behavior in school classrooms and hallways need to be laid out, and when students don’t adhere to those expectations: “We’ve got to address it,” he said matter-of-factly.
But just getting students to school has also been a major difficulty for Prince George’s County Public Schools. The school system is driving into the new year nearly 130 bus drivers short of what’s needed, which is actually better than recent years.
“We’re going to have vacant routes,” said Keba Baldwin, transportation director for the school system. “Those routes will be covered by existing staff. So that means we may have to double back to pick up trips. … That does mean delays.”
But Baldwin promises better communication than what’s occurred in the past. And in the weeks and months ahead, parents will soon be switching from using the Stop Finder app to a new app called Chipmunk.
“We will have that opportunity for you to track the bus, see where the bus began,” Baldwin said, explaining how a map pops-up on the Chipmunk app and will show the user the route the bus is taking to get to their child’s stop. “You will always be able to see where the bus has been.”
WTOP got a tour and saw the app in action while going through Fort Washington last week.
“Once they’re on, you can see the stop being serviced, a little message pops up and it gives you the time. So parents will have a time-stamp of when their kids were able to get on the bus,” Baldwin said.
The ability to send out push notifications in a near instant will also help parents stay informed about other issues that may crop up while the bus is out. Plus, if English isn’t your first language, the app will translate the information into your native language too.
School leaders tout the app as a “game changer” when it comes to keeping parents informed about their child’s journey to and from school, especially when an unexpected delay might have them wondering if the bus is even coming.
But they also admit that the time to start the rollout was well before this point. So that means the app isn’t quite ready yet — at a time when they know the driver shortage could mean a chaotic first several weeks of school.
School officials warn that, in some cases, delays could be the routine until the school system figures out where changes need to be made. In some cases, it could happen when a new driver is hired, but they will also be working to assess where routes could be adjusted or combined.
The first bus riders to use the Chipmunk app will be special needs students who ride a bus to their school. That should start to happen in September.
“It’s a more targeted, smaller population,” Baldwin said. “It allows us to really tweak our practices. … Having 85,000 students (who ride a bus), it is hard to roll it out en masse.”
“We have this phased approach that makes it work easier for us, and just allows us to analyze and tweak where we need to tweak, before moving on to a next phase,” he added.
He expects the entire county to be using Chipmunk by the end of the first semester. Parents will log in through their ParentVUE accounts tied to the school system.
If parents haven’t set up that account yet, they will need to contact their child’s school. But there’s no other way to get linked into the Chipmunk app without it.
After an account has been established, Baldwin said the hardest aspect of the Chipmunk app will be the initial log in — a far cry from the difficulties parents have endured with the bus system in recent years.
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Discounts for teachers are sought after for good reason. Teaching is a tough, important, and often thankless job. And with so many out-of-pocket costs for supplies and resources, even small savings can feel crucial. We’ve rounded up a list of exclusive discounts that educators can snag with their teacher credentials—so you can spend a little less time stressing out over full-price dry-erase markers and a little more time stressing about the kid who learned to swear over the summer. We thank you for your service.
Retailers and service providers use various authentication methods to verify whether someone is eligible for faculty discounts. The website SheerID verifies teacher status and has a huge list of offers available to teachers. The same is true for ID Me. If you’re a homeschool teacher or a childcare provider, you may still be able to qualify for some of these deals and discounts. Check with the listed reward offerer for more information and details.
Tech and Apparel Deals
Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images
The Apple education discount isn’t just for students. Teachers can get 10 percent off Apple hardware. The company usually sweetens the deals in the fall. In 2025, you can get free accessories like AirPods or a Magic Keyboard with your iMac, iPad, or MacBook purchase.
Dell offers discounts to teachers, but the sign-up process is a bit confusing. You’ll need to sign in or sign up for a free Dell Rewards account. Navigate to your Membership settings, then click Verify Teacher Status to verify through SheerID. You’ll get an extra 10 percent off select PCs, monitors, and accessories, plus up to 9 percent back in rewards.
Sign up for HP education discounts by verifying your .edu email address. HP says eligible shoppers can save up to 40 percent on select products, with “special discounts” for students, parents, and faculty. Find more HP coupon codes here.
Lenovo switches its discounts on a regular basis, but students and teachers can get at least 5 percent off on top of any seasonal savings. Accounts are free and verified via ID Me.
Microsoft offers up to 10 percent off a variety of products, including Surface devices and accessories. Parents, students, and faculty are eligible.
Samsung’s program is for students, parents, and educators, who can get up to 30 percent off laptops, tablets, phones, and other gadgets. Usually, these discounts come in the form of extra percentage-based savings on already-discounted gear, but sometimes you can get additional storage for free or deals on bundled products. WIRED has additional Samsung promo codes you may want to check out.
Adidas offers teachers 30 percent off online and in-store orders and 15 percent off factory-outlet purchases. Verification is completed through ID Me. You can find some Adidas promo codes here.
Teachers love Crocs, and who could blame them? (I also love my Crocs). They’re comfortable and fun to decorate. Verify your teacher status with ID Me to get 15 percent off full-price styles. (Yes, this includes Jibbitz).
Educators and school staff can take 20 percent off one qualifying online purchase through August 30. You’ll need to join Target Circle (which is free) to redeem the offer. You can also get half-off a paid Circle 360 membership (usually $99 per year).
Verify your educator status through ID Me to get a one-time 20 percent discount online. You can also get a one-time 20 percent discount for an in-store purchase, though it’s unclear whether you can redeem both coupons or need to choose between them.
Educators can always get 15 percent off at Michaels, including on sale items. Aside from picking up the obvious arts-and-crafts supplies, this could be a good way to get a slight discount on things like baskets, prizes, plastic drawers, desk accessories, and decor. (Or very oversize coffee mugs.)
Educators can join this program to guarantee that they’ll always get the lowest possible price at Blick. In-store purchases are matched to online pricing, with shipping and handling costs included. You’ll also get an extra 10 percent off your order. Note that you need to sign up for this program in-store. You’ll also need to present your faculty ID in addition to your membership card to get the discount when checking out in-store.
Photograph: DmitriiSimakov/Getty Images
Teachers can get 20 percent off in-store purchases at Books-A-Million by applying for the free Educator Discount Program. You’ll get free shipping on your online orders, and there are extra savings during “educator events” throughout the year. You can apply for the card in-store or online.
Half Price Books gives educators 10 percent off in-store purchases year-round. Note that the discount doesn’t apply to online purchases.
Meijer’s teacher appreciation sale runs through September 7. Show your ID to the customer service desk and you’ll be able to save on school supplies, home office gear, cleaning essentials, and more. There’s a big list of eligible items on this page.
Teachers get half-off a subscription to Vooks, which are essentially animated educational storybooks with read-along text. The price drops to $3 per month or $50 for a year. Note that this membership used to be free, but this still isn’t a bad deal if you’re in the market.
Teachers are eligible to receive a free used book valued at $7 or less when they purchase four or more books at ThriftBooks. Eligibility and sign-up are completed via SheerID.
Sign up for the free Extra Credit rewards program to get 10 percent off your purchases.
Music teachers can get 8 percent back through Sheet Music Plus’ rebate program. The cash back is given in the form of a Sheet Music Plus gift card. If you’re buying lots of sheet music, it’s worth checking out.
The Eduporium Educator Discount Program offers teachers up to 20 percent off. The marketplace has several STEM resources such as 3D printers, drones, coding tools, and robotics devices.
The website Teacher Wish Lists allows educators to make a wish list that may be fulfilled by random donors or members of your community. If there are items you’d like to have but don’t necessarily need, this tool may be worth a shot. Get Your Teach On is another popular teacher wish list aggregator.
Free Educational Resources for Teachers
A few websites compile free resources, from worksheets to posters to fonts. Check out Teachers Pay Teachers, Crayola, and Canva for examples.
Software and Service Deals
Babbel
Courtesy of Babbel
This is nearly half off the normal cost of a six-month Babbel subscription. Babbel is our favorite language-learning app out of the many we have tried.
Eligible students, parents, and educators get 50 percent off an Ableton Live Intro, Standard, or Suite license, or you can apply the same percentage off to Live bundled with Push. This software is especially enticing for music creators, though if you’ve been considering uploading some fun projects to SoundCloud, it might be worth your while. It’s the best DAW for DJs and live performers. You don’t need to be a music major to take advantage of the offer. Check out our guide to learning music online for more tips.
Students and educators can use a valid .edu email address to get free access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams, plus some Microsoft AI tools. There are free alternatives to Microsoft Office products, but if you use the suite frequently, this deal is worth considering.
Adobe Creative Cloud includes more than 20 apps, like Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Lightroom, Firefly AI tools, and more. You also get 100 GB of cloud storage. It’s usually $70 a month, but students and educators can get it for $30 monthly with a free one-month trial. After a year, the $30 price raises to $40, but it’s a good discount if you can’t access needed Adobe apps another way. This discount can be applied to monthly or annual plan purchases.
Courtesy of Apple
This bundle includes licenses for Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and more. It’s tailored to video and music creators and costs $200. Considering that Final Cut Pro sells for $300 on its own, this bundle is a worthwhile purchase if you plan on buying any of these software licenses individually.
Prezi offers a slate of tools used to perfect digital presentations. It can be integrated with Zoom and Google Meet, along with other services. Prezi has two educational premium plans for students and educators that cost either $4 or $8 per month (usually $7 or $19 per month, respectively).
Teachers can save on select phone plans and home internet plans at Verizon when they verify eligibility through ID Me. Phone lines start at $25 per month, and Fios Home Internet starts at $45 per month. As is true with most mobile phone services, there are many terms and conditions. However, it’s still worth checking out, especially if you’re already a Verizon customer. These Verizon promo codes may also be of use.
Educators can provide their employee ID to get discounts on wireless services through AT&T. The discounts fluctuate often, but you can save on various phones, phone plans, and home internet plans. WIRED also has AT&T promo codes that may be helpful.
Verify your status with ID Me to get 50 percent off your first Home Chef box (up to $60), plus 10 percent off future orders. You’ll also get free shipping on the first box and free dessert for life. Home Chef is our favorite meal kit subscription service for families, and it’ll help a lot when you need to cook dinner after school and your brain is too tired to function. You can find more Home Chef coupon codes here.
Discounts on Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions
We’re biased, but a year of unlimited digital access to WIRED costs $24 per year. Teachers can also get affordable subscriptions to The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Bloomberg, and more. If there’s a magazine or newspaper that you frequently read, you may be able to get a discount when you subscribe. It’s also worth checking your local library to see if you can get a free or discounted subscription there.
D.C. students head back to school Monday amid new challenges, including a new cellphone ban and a federal surge of law enforcement.
From saving on school supplies to the impact of federal cuts, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow on air and online in our series, “WTOP Goes Back to School” this August and September.
Students enter Stoddert Elementary School for the first day of classes, on Aug. 25, 2025. (WTOP/Luke Lukert)
Students enter Stoddert Elementary School for the first day of classes, on Aug. 25, 2025. (WTOP/Luke Lukert)
D.C. students with their first-day jitters head back to school Monday. And the school year comes with challenges including a new cellphone ban and a federal surge of law enforcement.
“What I want to be clear to all of them, is our children deserve and will get a joyful start to their school year,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, while addressing dozens of teachers amid the federal crackdown that brought hundreds of more federal law enforcement and National Guard members to the streets of D.C.
The surge came after President Donald Trump declared a public emergency two weeks ago.
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said during a news conference about the influx of police: “It’s business as usual; we have prepared for this moment. We’re ready to receive students, our teachers, our educators, staff, school leaders.”
“We want our students to know that the schoolhouse continues to be the safest place for our young people,” he continued.
Ferebee and the mayor encouraged the tradition of clapping the students back into school.
“Tell them that we’re with them. We want them to have a great school year, and we’re all going to be standing shoulder to shoulder with them,” said Bowser.
As for possible violent incidents on school grounds, Ferebee said “our staff is trained to intervene if there are any altercations.”
“If you look at violent acts among students in schools and DCPS, specifically, we’ve seen a decline in those events that are happening on our campuses,” said Ferebee.
The chancellor also noted that DCPS hopes the new bell-to-bell ban on cellphone usage will lead to fewer incidents of bullying.
That ban on cellphones during the entire school day that was piloted by D.C. middle schools will now spread to every school across DCPS.
“Last two years we’ve had a phone-free environment for our middle schools, we’ve seen great results from that,” said Ferebee.
He said DCPS had conducted surveys and focus groups surrounding that ban.
“Students who said they were resistant at first, but found themselves to be better connected with their peers, and less distracted in the classroom. So, we believe this is going to be a strong approach to ensure that students continue to thrive,” said Ferebee.
While each school may have a different policy on how those phones are stored during the school day, they must be out of sight during class and in the hallways.
Some have raised concerns that if there is a school emergency, should students have access to their phone?
“If there’s an emergency, the last thing we want students to do is to be on their cellphone, right? We want them to be focused on the guidance and directions that they’re receiving from adults in emergency situations,” said Ferebee.
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New speed cameras will greet drivers Monday around school zones on the first day back to classes in Arlington County, Virginia.
New speed cameras will greet drivers Monday around school zones on the first day back to classes in Arlington County, Virginia.
There will be 10 additional school zone speed safety cameras, which brings the total in the county’s PhotoSPEED program to 28 cameras, according to a county news release.
There is a “30-day warning period” for the 10 new cameras and the two relocated cameras starting Monday. After that, those who are caught speeding will be issued a $100 civil fine per ticket.
Any drivers who speed by the returning cameras will be issued citations starting Monday.
The new cameras are at the following locations:
NB 4700 block of Williamsburg Boulevard
NB 1300 block of S. George Mason Drive
SB 1000 block of N. George Mason Drive
NB 700 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
EB 4200 block of Lorcom Lane
EB 6000 block of Wilson Boulevard
SB 1400 block of N. Quincy Street
WB 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard
WB 5100 block of Williamsburg Boulevard
SB 2600 block of Military Road
There are two cameras that are being relocated from the eastbound 5200 block of Yorktown Boulevard and the northbound 1300 block of N. Kirkwood. Those will now be at the following locations:
SB 1600 block of Kirkwood Road
WB 5100 block of Yorktown Boulevard
Locations at which the speed cameras are returning include:
WB 5800 block of Wilson Boulevard
SB 400 block of N. George Mason Drive
SB 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
SB Unit block of S. Carlin Springs Road
SB 1900 block of S. George Mason Drive
NB 1900 block of S George Mason Drive
SB 1200 block of S. George Mason Drive
EB 4500 block of Washington Boulevard
NB 700 block of N. George Mason Drive
SB 2500 block of S. Arlington Ridge Road
EB 5800 block of Williamsburg Boulevard
SB 1000 block of N. McKinley Road
EB 3500 block of 2nd Street S.
NB 1600 block of N. Veitch Street
WB 5800 block of Little Falls Road
NB 1100 block of Patrick Henry Drive
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Four-hundred people attended Saturday’s back-to-school block party at the Kentlamd Community Center in Landover, Maryland.
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Block party helps Prince George’s Co. students head back to school in style
Four-hundred people signed up to attend Saturday’s back-to-school block party at the Kentland Community Center in Landover, Maryland.
The event co-hosted by District 5 council member Shayla Adams-Stafford not only provided backpacks, and school supplies it’s also helping students head back to school on Tuesday in style.
“Haircuts and hair braiding,” said Adams-Stafford. “The way you judged society is how you treat your children.”
WTOP spoke to some of the parents and grandparents, who brought their children to the block party, that also featured, food, face, painting, line dancing, a giant moon bounce.
“I think it’s a blessing,” said Sabrina, as she waited with her two sons who were in line for free haircuts, while her daughter’s hair was being braided. “I’m just grateful.”
In the hair braiding room, little girls waited patiently, Also, waiting patiently was the Yvette Pixley.
She watched as her granddaughter Jaziah, who will be starting fifth grade on Tuesday, get the finishing touches on her hair.
Pixley told WTOP that this event is wonderful because there are families who are less fortunate and could not afford these types of services.
Adams-Stafford said it’s important to ensure your kids feel confident when they head back to school.
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Store displays are filled with backpacks, shiny sneakers and piles of brightly colored notebooks. The smells of crayon wax, pencil shavings and pink erasers are in the air. It’s time to start thinking about getting the kids ready to go back to school.
You’re likely in the midst of all the shopping that the season entails, searching for the right kind of colored pencils and negotiating how much you’re willing to spend on one pair of shoes. Of course, it helps for kids to dress the part and carry the right supplies, but being ready for school requires something more.
We asked teachers what they wish parents would do to prepare kids for this annual transition. Here are their suggestions.
Reestablish routines.
“Whatever you can do to get them waking up and going to bed at a normal time — that alone is just huge,” Bryson Tarbet, a former music teacher who is now an instructional coach in Columbus, Ohio, told HuffPost.
The first weeks of school can be exhausting for everybody, Tarbet added, so anything you can do to help kids get back into the rhythm of the school year can make things easier.
Read every day.
With younger children, parents should spend a little time each day reading with them. “It’s a great way to boost their reading skills and enjoy some quality time together. We often see a ‘back to school dip’ with children who haven’t read at all and have spent a lot of time on screens,” Lana White, a teacher and co-founder of We Tutor Young Minds, told HuffPost.
“Just five minutes a day helps reinforce vocabulary, comprehension and listening skills. These then feed into writing skills and overall confidence in English,” White said.
“Research shows students spend around six weeks relearning material in the new school year,” Tiffany Williams, a literacy intervention specialist, told HuffPost. “Considering the current literacy crisis in the U.S., this is one of the best things a parent could do for their child before the school year begins.”
Children who are more proficient readers can read aloud to you or to themselves. You can encourage older kids to read by making books available, taking regular trips to the library and designating time for reading and having screens turned off.
Find opportunities to practice fine motor skills.
Encourage kids in lower grades to practice fine motor skills by having them use scissors, work on puzzles, draw and use play-dough or clay. “These activities can help improve their hand-eye coordination and make tasks like writing and using classroom tools easier,” White explained.
Encourage independence.
If you have an incoming kindergartener, start with making sure your child can use the bathroom on their own.
“As teachers, we are not allowed to assist students in the bathroom or in cleaning up or changing after an accident,” Kellie Barragan, a teacher of kindergarten and first grade in California, explained to HuffPost.
“I’ve encountered situations where students did not know how to use a toilet and wipe because they only had bidets at home,” she said, “and other situations where students were terrified of the loud flushing sound of a toilet and would have accidents to avoid using the bathroom.”
It’s also a good idea to practice having kids open the kind of food packaging that you will be sending in their lunch so that they don’t have to wait for an adult to assist them.
Give kids responsibilities.
Doing chores at home can prepare kids for classroom responsibilities, such as being a line leader. Matteo Enna, a kindergarten teacher in California, recommended that parents “create opportunities for their child to perform new tasks that are age-specific. For example, a second grader can begin the task of preparing their own lunch.”
Prepare them to advocate for themselves.
Kids should also know how to ask for help if they are sick, lost or need help with schoolwork or resolving a peer conflict. “School can be overwhelming when it’s new, and you’d be surprised at how many students shut down because they have no idea how to ask for help in different situations,” Barragan said. You can help them practice by talking through potential scenarios (“Who would you go to? What could you say?”) and role-playing.
Reassure kids that the adults in their school building are safe and are there to help them. Even if your child wasn’t assigned a first-choice teacher, parents “should ensure that their child knows we are all on the same team,” Barragan said.
Center kindness.
Instead of calling children out only when they do something unkind to someone else, parents can have conversations with their kids about what kindness is — what it looks and feels like.
“Oftentimes I think we ask kids did they make a friend today, and maybe we can reframe the conversation,” Enna said. Instead, we can ask kids about ways they showed kindness to others and others showed kindness to them.
Talk positively about school.
When you mention school throughout the summer, especially in the weeks leading up to the return, try to focus on positive aspects. You might ask your child which friends they are looking forward to seeing again or what skills they’re excited to work on in the coming year.
“This can help a child feel more focused and motivated,” White said.
“Parents speaking positively about school to their child can help alleviate anxiety their child might be feeling,” she added.
Picking out new clothes and school supplies together is another way to build excitement.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) will delay the start of the 2025-26 school year by one week, pushing the first day of classes to Tuesday, September 2, due to ongoing contract negotiations with a key classified employees union.
The decision, announced Friday, follows a unanimous vote by the EPS Board of Directors to adjust the school calendar. The delay is intended to give district negotiators additional time to reach a deal with the Public School Employees (PSE) Large Group union, whose contract expires on August 30.
Union leaders have indicated that their members—approximately 1,400 paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers, and maintenance staff—have authorized a strike starting August 26, the original first day of school.
“By delaying the start of school, we are giving bargaining teams an opportunity to reach a contract that is fair to both sides and sustainable under our current budget constraints,” said EPS Superintendent Dr. Christine Moloney. “A one-week delay will allow students, families, and staff to make plans with less of the uncertainty that often comes with day-to-day negotiation developments.”
Dr. Moloney emphasized that school cannot safely operate without the union’s essential staff.
Negotiations with the PSE Large Group began in March and entered mediation in July with the assistance of a state-appointed mediator from the Public Employment Relations Commission. The district is continuing to provide updates and proposal details on its PSE Large Group Bargaining webpage.
What Families Need to Know Next Week
Despite the delayed start, certain services and programs will continue as planned:
Middle and high school athletics will proceed as scheduled.
New student registration remains open both online and at school sites.
Boundary assistance is available via the EPS Boundary Department or by emailing [email protected].
August 22-24 event donates $1 from every wash to Midway Education Foundation to support students and teachers
WACO, Texas, August 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Club Car Wash is excited to host its Back-to-School $5 Wash Weekend from August 22-24 at its Waco and Hewitt locations:
1725 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX
916 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX
915 N Hewitt Dr, Hewitt, TX
During this limited-time event, customers can enjoy the premium MVP wash for just $5, with $1 from every wash donated directly to Midway Education Foundation to help prepare students and teachers with the materials they need for the new school year.
The Back-to-School $5 Wash Weekend is part of Club Car Wash’s continued mission to make a positive impact in the communities it serves. By partnering with Midway Education Foundation, the company provides a simple way for customers to give directly to education while also receiving a top-quality car wash.
“At Club Car Wash, giving back is at the heart of what we do. Supporting local schools during back-to-school season allows us to help provide students and teachers with the resources they need to succeed,” said Collin Bartels, President of Club Car Wash
In addition to the $1 donation from every MVP wash, guests can also contribute through an open donation option, available at each participating store throughout the weekend. Every dollar collected through open donations will go directly to Midway Education Foundation.
The departure and replacement of school principals represents one of the most significant organizational changes within educational institutions, creating ripple effects that permeate every aspect of school operations. This phenomenon, increasingly prevalent in contemporary education systems, deserves thorough examination for its profound impact on institutional effectiveness, academic achievement, and organizational stability.
When a principal exits an educational institution, the immediate effects reverberate throughout the entire school system. The administrative vacuum extends far beyond mere personnel changes, as new principals invariably bring distinct leadership philosophies, strategic priorities, and management approaches that can fundamentally reshape the school’s operational framework. Current research in educational leadership suggests that schools typically require between three to five years to fully stabilize following leadership transitions, indicating that frequent turnover can trap institutions in continuous cycles of adjustment and reorganization.
The principal’s role transcends traditional administrative leadership, functioning as the cultural architect of the school community. During leadership transitions, the delicate fabric of established relationships between administration, faculty, and staff enters a period of uncertainty and realignment. The school’s cultural identity, carefully constructed through years of shared experiences and mutual understanding, often undergoes substantial transformation as new leadership implements alternative approaches to community building and professional collaboration. This cultural shift can significantly impact teacher motivation, student engagement, and overall school climate.
Academic program integrity and student achievement metrics frequently experience fluctuations during principal transitions. New leaders typically introduce fresh perspectives on curriculum implementation, instructional methodologies, and resource allocation strategies. While innovation and new approaches can catalyze positive change, frequent shifts in academic direction may disrupt educational continuity and student progress. Empirical studies have consistently demonstrated that schools experiencing frequent principal turnover often exhibit temporary declines in student achievement metrics, with particularly pronounced effects in high-poverty areas where stability serves as a crucial factor for student success.
The impact extends deep into stakeholder relationships and community partnerships. Parents, community organizations, and local partners must adapt to new leadership styles, communication protocols, and institutional priorities. The critical process of building and maintaining trust, essential for effective school-community partnerships, frequently requires renewal with each leadership change. This cyclical process can affect various aspects of school operations, from volunteer program effectiveness to community support for school initiatives and funding proposals.
Professional development trajectories and staff retention patterns often undergo significant changes during principal transitions. Different leaders may emphasize various areas of professional growth or implement modified evaluation systems, directly affecting teacher satisfaction and career advancement opportunities. Research indicates a strong correlation between principal turnover and increased teacher attrition rates, creating compound effects on institutional stability and educational continuity. This relationship suggests that leadership stability plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and experienced teaching staff.
The challenges of strategic planning become particularly acute in environments characterized by frequent leadership changes. Multi-year improvement initiatives risk interruption or abandonment as new principals implement different priorities and approaches. This instability can affect various aspects of school development, from technology integration plans to curriculum development initiatives, potentially compromising the institution’s ability to achieve long-term educational objectives and maintain consistent progress toward established goals.
Educational institutions can implement various strategies to minimize the negative impacts of principal turnover, including developing comprehensive transition protocols, maintaining detailed documentation of ongoing initiatives, creating strong distributed leadership teams, establishing clear communication channels during transitions, and building robust institutional memory through systematic record-keeping. These mitigation strategies prove essential for maintaining organizational stability and educational effectiveness during periods of leadership change.
The implications of principal turnover extend throughout the educational ecosystem, influencing everything from daily operations to long-term strategic initiatives. Understanding these complex dynamics becomes increasingly crucial for educational stakeholders, policymakers, and administrators in developing effective strategies to maintain institutional stability and educational quality during leadership transitions. As educational institutions continue to evolve in response to changing societal needs and expectations, the ability to manage leadership transitions effectively becomes paramount for ensuring consistent, high-quality education for all students.
This comprehensive analysis of principal turnover effects provides valuable insights for educational professionals, administrators, and policymakers working to create more stable and effective learning environments. The ongoing challenge lies in balancing the potential benefits of new leadership perspectives with the fundamental need for institutional stability and continuous educational improvement, all while maintaining focus on the ultimate goal: providing optimal learning opportunities for students in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean
Dr. Jason Richardson is a Teacher Leader at the Garden City Elementary School in Savannah, Georgia and a Professor of Graduate Studies at the International University of the Caribbean (Jamaica). He holds a Diploma in Principalship from the National Leadership College of Jamaica, Bachelor of Education from the International University of the Caribbean, Master of Science in Counseling and Consulting Psychology from the International University of the Caribbean, Educational Specialist Degree and a Doctor of Education Degree in Leadership and Management from the William Howard Taft University.
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Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean
When enough students are directly certified for free meal benefits, the entire school qualifies for the CEP option, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
School officials stated that the county qualified due to the percentage of students in the Durham School District on SNAP, food benefits, and facing homelessness
Each student can have one breakfast and a lunch at no cost to the family each day
If nothing changes from a funding standpoint, the program is expected to run through 2030
The school district is among a few in the state with county-wide participation.
School officials stated that the county qualified due to the percentage of students using SNAP, food benefits, and facing homelessness.
Parents aren’t required to fill out applications for the free or reduced-priced meals.
County health and school officials say they’re thankful this is one less thing for struggling families to worry about, and students can focus less on hunger and more on their schoolwork.
“It’s important for people to understand this isn’t just about free lunch for kids. It’s about taking care of their emotional needs,” James Keaton, director of school nutrition services for Durham Public Schools, said. “It’s taking care of the family. It’s being able to take care of the whole community. And it just looks good for people to be able to say, ‘We care enough about the kids to do what’s right.’”
And for Keaton, this issue hits even closer to home, as he says he, too, benefited from a similar program.
“It’s part of my past. I was one of the free reduced kids,“ Keaton said. “When I was a kid, they would actually put you out of your classroom 30 minutes before lunch, and we would eat our lunch, and then all the other kids, while they were eating lunch, we had to scrape trays, wash tables, empty milk cartons. We had to earn our lunch.”
He said it’s a stigma no child should have to deal with, and with this program, there’s no way to single any one student out.
“With a lot of regulations changing, we’re hoping that CEP is one of the things that doesn’t get cut very deeply because it’s so important for kids to have those meals,” he said.
If nothing changes from a funding standpoint, he said the program is expected to run through 2030.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Across North Carolina, schools continue to struggle with staffing shortages — from teachers and cafeteria workers to bus drivers and school nurses. Stephanie Smith, a school nurse at Carver High School in Winston-Salem, has experienced those shortages firsthand.
What You Need To Know
Across North Carolina, schools continue to struggle with staffing shortages — from teachers and cafeteria workers to bus drivers and school nurses
Stephanie Smith has experienced those shortages and has worked as a school nurse for the last 15 years
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports the state’s teacher attrition rate during the 2023-24 school year was 9.88%. That’s down from 11.5% the year before, but still above the seven-year average of 8.64%
Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green has pushed for higher teacher pay as part of his legislative agenda
As of April, the state reported an average starting teacher salary of just under $43,000, ranking North Carolina 39th in the country
The average teacher salary is just over $58,000, ranking 43rd in the nation
Smith began her career in public health, but after having her first child, she switched paths.
“A school nurse position came available the summer before he started kindergarten, and that seemed like a fantastic fit,” Smith said. “I really enjoyed working with kids. I had been previously working with first-time moms and babies and really enjoyed that population of like young kids.”
She’s been working as a school nurse for 15 years, but she says staffing challenges have changed the way she works.
“We have had some increase in positions available, but not necessarily an equal increase in staffing for those positions,” Smith said. “Some years there’s no increase in positions and we have turnover in staff.”
When she started at Carver, Smith was full time at the school. Now, she splits her time between two schools.
“We had a significant amount of assignment changes and needs for schools like new schools being built, additional schools being built, and need for more school nurses,” Smith said.
Smith says part of the demand comes from the rise in chronic health conditions among students.
“The national standard is for there to be one school nurse in every school, and that doesn’t exist in this county,” Smith said.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports the state’s teacher attrition rate during the 2023-24 school year was 9.88%. That’s down from 11.5% the year before, but still above the seven-year average of 8.64%.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green has pushed for higher teacher pay as part of his legislative agenda.
As of April, the state reported an average starting teacher salary of just under $43,000, ranking North Carolina 39th in the country. The average teacher salary is just over $58,000, ranking 43rd in the nation.
Smith says the pay challenges aren’t limited to teachers.
“There is a significant difference in what nurses specifically are paid as school nurses versus as nurses in the private sector or in some other areas of public sector,” Smith said.
The shortages have sometimes forced teachers to step into roles outside of the classroom.
“I’m sure it is defeating and disappointing for them because they would love to be able to focus their time and energy on their teaching and helping these kids learn and grow,” Smith said.
Even with the challenges, Smith says she finds the work fulfilling.
“The passion for me is being able to see the difference that I can make, not just in one day and one visit with the student, but across their entire lifetime,” Smith said.
From August 22-24, Club Car Wash at 985 Hwy 6 will donate $1 from every MVP wash and all donations to local schools.
IOWA CITY, Iowa, August 21, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Club Car Wash is proud to announce its Back-to-School $5 Wash Weekend, taking place August 22-24 at 985 Hwy 6, Iowa City, IA 52240. During this limited-time event, customers can receive the MVP wash for just $5-with $1 from every wash donated directly to the Iowa City School District to help teachers and students start the school year strong.
This initiative is part of Club Car Wash’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. The Iowa City location has partnered with the Iowa City School District to make a meaningful local impact.
“We’re proud to support education and help ease the back-to-school transition for students and educators,” said Collin Bartels, President at Club Car Wash.
In addition to the $5 wash promotion, customers can also contribute donations, available at the Iowa City location throughout the weekend. Every dollar collected through open donations will go directly to the Iowa City School District.
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