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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals, including a gradual limit on added sugars. The rules, which were revised based on public comments and listening sessions, aim to address challenges in school breakfasts and reduce sugar intake. Starting in 2025, a limit on added sugars will apply to cereals, yogurt, and milk, expanding to an overall limit of less than 10% of total calories in a week's meals by 2027. Sodium levels in breakfasts and lunches will also be reduced by 10% and 15% respectively by 2027. Schools can continue to serve flavored milks as long as they comply with sugar limits. The new rules align with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. "We are thrilled to see the USDA has followed the recommendations from a 2022 citizen petition from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other public health groups to include an added sugars standard in this final rule," commented AHA chief executive Nancy Brown, who added: “Although we are disappointed that the whole grain standard does not fully align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the sodium standard does not require more significant reductions, we understand recent legislation limited USDA’s ability to go further.”

 

ABC News

CNN

Education Week News

U.S. Department of Agriculture

School Leadership’s Guide to Building an Online Learning Program

No two students learn the same way, and alternative options for education have never been more necessary than they are right now. Online learning has become an option that’s gained traction nationwide. According to a recent study, 81% of parents believe online learning helps their children better prepare for the future and 94% believe it positively impacts their children’s ability to understand courses.*

This guide will help school and district leaders like you learn more about the fundamentals of online learning and its benefits.

Topics include:

• Debunking common myths about online education
• An outline of the first steps to create and implement a new program
• Strategies for creating open communication with parents, students, and staff
• How to select the best industry partner to help develop your new program

*FlexPoint 2021 Parent Survey

Download the Guide

 

California has some of the best high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were based on factors such as college readiness, curriculum, and graduation rates. Riverside Stem Academy in Riverside was ranked as the top high school in California, with an overall score of 99.94 out of 100. Other top-ranked schools in California include Whitney High School in Cerritos and Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood. The rankings also highlighted the performance of high schools in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions. U.S. News & World Report used a methodology that considered factors such as college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and graduation rate.

 

The Fresno Bee

California schools are failing to address the mental health crisis among students, with devastating consequences, according to the Desert Sun. One teacher shares her personal experience of her son's struggles with suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and how the school system failed to provide the necessary support. The lack of an official protocol for identifying and supporting students with mental health issues is a major challenge for educators. The author argues that investing in mental health services is an investment in children's education, as it improves their ability to learn and achieve better academic outcomes. The author also suggests hiring more counselors for schools, improving teacher education on mental health, passing legislation to ensure all students receive necessary resources, and developing a common protocol for handling mental health crises.

 

Desert Sun

After almost 10 months without a permanent superintendent, the Sacramento City USD Board of Education unanimously appointed Lisa Allen to the position. Allen, who has been serving as interim superintendent since her predecessor Jorge Aguilar’s resignation in June of 2023, has been with the district for 28 years. She is the first Black woman appointed as superintendent in the district and just the second woman in the district’s history. Allen expressed her dedication to improving student outcomes and ensuring safe and inclusive spaces for every student. Under Allen’s leadership, there has been a thawing in labor relations, with most major contracts signed at the beginning of the year. The board also appointed Mary Hardin Young as deputy superintendent.

 

The Sacramento Observer

The CEO of Downtown College Prep (DCP), a charter school system in San Jose, has announced the closure of DCP Alum Rock High School due to declining enrollment and a budget deficit. The closure will affect hundreds of predominantly low-income students of color. Unionized teachers from DCP issued a vote of no confidence in the CEO's leadership, citing lack of transparency and respect for the affected students and families. The closure has sparked criticism and disappointment among educators, with one teacher expressing embarrassment to be part of the community. The charter school will transfer the affected students to another campus and offer assistance in finding alternative schools.

 

East Bay

The Farmersville Teachers Association has reached a tentative agreement with the Farmersville USD after a week of negotiations. The agreement comes after the teachers voted 99% in favor of authorizing a strike. The teachers feel confident that their demands for better pay and benefits have been heard. The agreement, which lasts for one year, aims to find common ground and address the district's budget concerns. The teachers have expressed their desire for less money to be allocated to administrators and more to be invested in educators. The Farmersville Teachers Association will continue to work towards a fair contract for teachers in the future and address teacher retention issues. The agreement also includes provisions for professional development and support for teachers in transfer or reassignment situations. "We feel we signed a deal that is fair to our members but also reasonable and responsible considering our district's budget," said Richard Dybas, president of the Farmersville Teachers Association.

 

Visalia Times-Delta

Palm Springs USD has become the first district in the Coachella Valley to pay its five student board members a stipend of about $296 per month for attending meetings, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024. The compensation will alleviate the financial stress of attending college for the student board members. The idea was proposed by board member Sergio Espericueta and was prompted by a new state law amending California's education code. The law permits school districts to provide financial compensation to elected student board members. The new law, Assembly Bill 275, also seeks to ensure that every student board member has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their income status.

 

Desert Sun

Antioch USD Superintendent Stephanie Anello has called for an independent investigation into the district's handling of bullying and harassment complaints. The district's board president, Antonio Hernandez, has also called for a meeting to discuss Anello's performance. Anello has been accused of mishandling the situation involving Kenneth Turnage II, the district's director of facilities, maintenance, and operations, who has been accused of workplace bullying and harassment. Hernandez has called for Anello's resignation, questioning her ability to lead the school district.

 

East Bay

The community of teachers who use resources from financial education nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) has reached a milestone of 100,000 members. NGPF's mission is to ensure that all high school students receive a personal finance course before graduating. NGPF produces high-quality, engaging personal finance curriculum and professional development for educators at no cost. The growth in educators seeking personal finance resources reflects the increase in support from advocates and policymakers across the country. Demand for NGPF's resources has increased as more states guarantee a personal finance course. NGPF teacher accounts have tripled in the last four years, with 84% of students attending a high school where a teacher has an NGPF account.

 

Chino Champion