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Student protestors across Florida are continuing calls for their universities to divest from defense companies and weapons manufacturers they say are supplying the Israeli military amid its ongoing campaign in Gaza. The University of South Florida Student Government has passed a resolution calling on the school to divest from Hewlett Packard, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Caterpillar, while protesters at the University of North Florida are calling on the school to end its relationships with Haifa University in Israel, and Florida State University protesters are asking the campus chapters of Chabad and Hillel to end their participation in the Birthright Israel program. Around 100 University of Central Florida students staged a protest on Saturday afternoon at Memory Mall as graduation ceremonies continued, with the protest falling on the anniversary of the 1970 Kent State shootings.

 

Local10

Orlando Sentinel

Tampa Bay Times

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Biden administration rule that will require more gun sellers to be licensed and run background checks on buyers. Moody argues that the rule goes beyond the law and violates the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The lawsuit focuses on the part of the rule about people who resell guns, making them more likely to be considered dealers who need licenses. Moody also contends that an increase in background checks because of the rule would have a significant impact on Florida, which conducts background checks at the state level. The Biden administration argues that the rule will save lives by reducing the number of firearms sold without background checks.

 

Orlando Weekly

More than a dozen Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration over new Title IX regulations that include protections for transgender students. The Education Department unveiled the final changes to Title IX, which also cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The lawsuits argue that the new regulations are "plainly illegal" and undermine protections for cisgender students. The regulations would also prevent states from enforcing laws that bar transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The legal battle with the White House increases the likelihood that the measures will be blocked in court before taking effect. The administration's Title IX revamp would also bolster nondiscrimination protections for pregnant students and change how schools handle claims of sexual harassment and assault. If the lawsuits are successful, it would deal a significant blow to LGBTQ students, especially in the South where most of the lawsuits were filed. Elections have consequences for the long-term trajectory of any litigation on this matter.

 

The Hill

The vote to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism in schools has raised concerns among Democrats who fear it could limit freedom of speech. The bill, H.R. 6090, would require schools receiving federal funding to comply with the definition. Republicans have criticized higher education institutions that are the sites of protests and are calling for tougher oversight and funding cuts. Columbia University has been a focal point of protests, with students demanding the university cut financial ties with companies doing business with Israel. The New York Police Department was deployed to the campus after students occupied a building. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and other Republicans are urging university presidents to crack down on protests and protect Jewish students. Democrats argue that the bill's language is too broad and could curtail freedom of speech. The bill's supporters say a clear definition of antisemitism is needed to ensure the safety of Jewish students.

 

Florida Phoenix

A.D. Henderson School in Boca Raton credits its pupils' strong test scores to the flexibility its instructors are given in the classroom. The school administrators allow their staff high levels of classroom creativity, which has resulted in the school scoring in the top 1% to 3% in every subject and grade level on the state's latest standardized tests. The school's teachers place an emphasis on science, technology, and maths, supplemented by arts and humanities studies. The school's success can be duplicated anywhere if administrators cede some control and give teachers the freedom to teach beyond the textbook. Autonomy has a high correlation to faculty morale and success, but it must be paired with administrative support. The school's emphasis on project-based learning and hands-on activities has led to high student engagement and achievement. The success of the school has also resulted in grants and recognition, such as winning a national drone competition. The teachers at the school are praised for their dedication and training, which has helped students excel.

 

U.S. News

The 2024 Magnet Schools of America's (MSA) National Conference, held recently in New York City, saw Dr Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), named Superintendent of the Year, with the award recognizing the importance of leadership within school districts to ensure that magnet schools remain a priority in the range of school choice options. M-DCPS School Board chair Mari Tere Rojas said the award "is a well-deserved recognition for Dr. Dotres, a passionate, innovative, lifelong educator leading the third largest district in the nation".

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

April's meeting of the Miami-Dade County School Board has seen vice-chair Monica Colluci put forward an agenda item recognizing the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Heart Institute's Project ADAM, through which the hospital has collaborated with schools to equip school staff and coaches with CPR skills and training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators. Ms Colluci said: "I was proud to present a proclamation to the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital team for training staff in our schools with lifesaving skills to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Our top priority will always be the safety and well-being of our students and this partnership is a testament to that commitment."

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

JC Bermudez Doral Senior High School in South Florida offers a four-year program that allows students to gain hands-on experience with animals and earn a veterinary assistant certification. The program, which has 70 students enrolled, provides the opportunity to earn 500 hours of clinic time and prepares students for careers in veterinary sciences. Students who complete the program can enter the workforce as veterinary assistants or pursue further education. The program also fosters shelter animals and offers low-cost grooming services to support low-income families. The school aims to open its own clinic in the future. The program has been highly rewarding for students, who have had the opportunity to care for various animals, including a class cat named Griselda.

 

Local10

The Monroe County School District has received top ratings in all accreditation categories from Cognia, a global accreditation agency. The district's schools achieved 4.0 ratings, making them stand out in the evaluation. Cognia is recognized by state and federal departments of education and is the largest community of education professionals worldwide. This accreditation success highlights the district's commitment to providing quality education.

 

Keys News

Malinda Harris, the dedicated cafeteria manager at Leon County High School in Florida, has been honored with the 2024 Florida School Lunch Hero award. For 23 years, Harris has ensured that students and staff are nourished with healthy meals, warm smiles, and encouragement. She has formed personal connections with team members, students, and families, and has overcome cultural and linguistic barriers to meet each student's nutritional needs. Harris's commitment to her students and the community has been recognized by No Kid Hungry Florida, the Dairy Council of Florida, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition to the award, Harris received $2,000, prize packs, trophies, hero capes, and more. Principal Michael Baron described Harris as a true team player who is always willing to modify her schedule based on the needs of the school.

 

Tallahassee.com

Savvas Learning Company has introduced the newest edition of its myPerspectives English Language Arts (ELA) program, which offers interactive resources for teachers and students. The program provides real-time insights into student learning and includes multimedia content to engage students. The myPerspectives program aims to improve student outcomes and offers personalized learning experiences. The program has been shown to have a significantly positive effect on learning outcomes, according to a study conducted by independent researchers. The new edition includes features such as Media Studio, which guides students in analyzing media sources and creating their own projects. It also offers support for background knowledge, vocabulary, and language structures. The program is delivered on the Savvas Realize learning management system and includes flexible resources for teachers.

 

Orange Leader