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School districts across the U.S. are incorporating mental health practices into their daily schedules and curriculums. In response to the struggles students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises in schools. Research has shown that these programs can be particularly beneficial in low-income communities where students experience high levels of stress and trauma. One such program, Inner Explorer, has been implemented in Roberta T. Smith Elementary School in Georgia through a contract with Clayton County Public Schools. The program is supported by GreenLight Fund Atlanta, which aims to make mental health resources accessible to communities of color. The CDC has reported that over a third of students experienced persistent sadness and hopelessness, making mindfulness practices crucial for managing emotions. Critics argue that mindfulness programs promote progressive ideas, but advocates emphasize the importance of prioritizing students' well-being. The Inner Explorer program, used in Atlanta Public Schools and over 100 other districts, has shown positive results, helping students feel calmer and more at peace. By incorporating mindfulness into their routines, schools hope to create inclusive environments that support the mental health of all students.

 

U.S. News

An investigation by Jo Napolitano for The 74 reveals a troubling scarcity mindset among U.S. schools regarding immigrant students. Posing as the aunt of a fictional 19-year-old Venezuelan student, Napolitano found that only 209 out of 630 schools agreed to enroll him, despite his legal right to attend. This reluctance stems from a widespread belief that immigrants drain resources, even though evidence shows immigrants boost the economy and labor force. The investigation highlights how many schools use deterrents and civil rights violations to dissuade immigrant enrollment, underscoring the urgent need for schools to recognize the benefits of educating immigrant students. The findings call for soul-searching among educators and officials about their enrollment policies and their broader implications for the future workforce. This report emphasizes the critical importance of providing education to all students, regardless of their background, to ensure national growth and prosperity.

 

The 74 (Online)

Ruth's List Florida has endorsed five women—Nadine Ebri, Sarah Mannion, Avanese Taylor, Francesca Wernisch, and Maura Bulman—running for school board seats in Duval, Broward, Brevard, and Palm Beach counties. These candidates aim to counteract an "extremist agenda" and refocus on children's education, opposing candidates backed by Moms for Liberty and DeSantis-appointed Republicans. CEO Christina Diamond emphasizes the significance of these school board races, highlighting their impact on communities. The races have become partisan battlegrounds, reflecting nationwide culture wars affecting students, teachers, and parents. These women are committed to prioritizing education and challenging the current political influences on Florida's education system.

 

Florida Politics

State and national teachers unions, including the Florida Education Association, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers, have filed a brief urging the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a district judge's decision that a Florida law requiring educators to use pronouns aligned with their sex assigned at birth violates First Amendment rights. The unions support transgender Hillsborough County teacher Katie Wood, arguing the law unfairly targets transgender educators. The pronoun restriction is part of broader controversial measures approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers. The case is set for a hearing on September 24 in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Weekly

The School District of Osceola County in Florida has announced that middle and high school students will be subject to random searches when the new school year begins. The searches will be conducted by school administration and principal designees using handheld metal detection devices. The district will use a randomizer to select a school, classroom, and period to be searched. The searches are a proactive measure to limit the threat of prohibited items, such as weapons and drugs. If items are found, incidents will be dealt with according to the district's Code of Student Conduct and law enforcement as necessary. The district's superintendent, Dr. Mark Shanoff, emphasized that the searches are not targeting students with big bags but are searching classrooms in consistent intervals across all middle and high schools. Osceola High School will also install new weapons detection devices for the upcoming school year. The devices will be located at two entryways where all students will enter and have their bags scanned. The district's security measures align with new safety requirements outlined in House Bill 1073, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The results of the pilot project will be studied to determine the expansion of the devices to more schools in future years.

 

Osceola News-Gazette

Fox 35 Orlando

When the school year starts next week, Pembroke Pines elementary and middle schools will have armed guardians providing security instead of school resource officers due to a dispute with the school district. The decision has sparked controversy, with some city officials and parents expressing concerns about the lack of relationships and experience that armed guardians have compared to school resource officers. However, the superintendent of Broward County Public Schools assures that the guardians receive extensive training and have successfully established relationships at other schools. The district relies on cooperation with local police agencies for campus protection, but Pembroke Pines argues that the current arrangement is costing them over $2m. The issue will be discussed at Pembroke Pines City Hall, where a motion to create an SRO division within the city's police department will be introduced.

 

NBC Miami

The Miami-Dade School Board District 3 race is heating up with five candidates vying for the open seat. The candidates include former state Rep. Joe Geller, former school board member Martin Karp, North Bay Village Mayor Brent Latham, special education teacher Gustavo Ortega, and former teacher Hayley Ross. The Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses Brent Latham, citing his collaborative approach and efforts to bring a soccer training program to his village. Latham aims to expand community partnerships, advocate for more public funding, and make decisions with more urgency.

 

The Miami Herald

The Leon County School Board District 4 election is underway, and voters in the district will have the opportunity to choose their representative. The candidates running for the position are Laurie Lawson Cox, the incumbent board member and retired teacher, and Jeremy Rogers, an investigative firefighter and nonprofit CEO. Cox aims to ensure every student is successful in graduating from high school or choosing an alternative certification that leads to a career or vocation. She also prioritizes school safety and improving teacher pay. Rogers, on the other hand, wants to restore common sense and Leon County values to the school board decision-making process. He emphasizes the need for transparent communication and collaboration with the community. The winner of the election will take office on November 19.

 

Tallahassee.com

Angie Straughn, an Accreditation Consultant and Project Manager, is running for the Santa Rosa County School Board in District 4. With a strong background in education and a commitment to putting families first, Straughn aims to be a dedicated voice for parents and support teachers and staff. She plans to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl to middle and high school students and ensure age-appropriate materials in schools. Straughn's experience in managing projects and leading committees makes her qualified for the role.

 

Pensacola News Journal

The Pasco County School Board has filled several leadership positions ahead of the reopening of schools. Clare Ennis, who has been with Pasco schools for 17 years, will become the new principal of Oakstead Elementary. Lisa Grimsley, a music educator, will be the new leader of Double Branch Elementary. Samantha DelValle has been appointed as the director of the district Leading and Learning department. The appointments come as schools are preparing to welcome back students. The board also approved the appointment of Jeffrey S. Solochek as an education reporter covering K-12 education policy and schools. The new principals will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to their respective schools.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Teachers around Broward County are putting the finishing touches on their classrooms as they get ready to welcome students for the new school year. At Margate Elementary School, they're coming off a year of success, going from a C school to an A. Susan Bales, a second-grade teacher, is finalizing the important prep work in her colorful classroom. Sarah Jaggernauth, a former student turned fifth-grade teacher, is preparing to welcome a class of fifth graders. Nick Morrison teaches third and fourth graders on the autism spectrum. Principal Thomas Schroeder credits teamwork and collaboration for the school's improvement. Teachers are asking parents to help by getting their kids to bed on time and monitoring their phone usage.

 

Local10

Educational technology adoption has grown significantly in the past decade, with K-12 schools increasingly embracing new technology norms. However, the next step for school leaders is to strategically purchase edtech, ensuring these tools genuinely enhance teaching and learning. Effectively evaluating edtech products poses challenges, as districts must balance diverse needs, ensure data privacy, and align tech initiatives with educational goals. EdSurge spoke with three educational technology leaders: Susan Uram of Rockford Public Schools in Illinois, April Chamberlain of Trussville City Schools in Alabama, and Jessica Peters of KIPP DC Public Schools. They discussed the complexities of edtech procurement, emphasizing the importance of involving all stakeholders and conducting thorough evaluations.

 

EdSurge

Staggered school start times can lessen traffic congestion, especially at locations that have a junior high next to an elementary school. The Safe Routes to School program, created by Congress nearly 20 years ago, aims to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions while encouraging children to walk or bike to school. The Lawrence Safe Routes initiative in Kansas has exceeded Congress's original objectives, producing benefits such as reducing traffic congestion and increasing physical activity opportunities. The program has also helped build community cohesion and has led to the development of a citywide trail. Other communities, like San Marcos Unified School District in California, have seen the legacy of Safe Routes in mitigating congestion through strong relationships between schools and local governments. These relationships involve discussions on traffic signal timing, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safe routes for students. Staggered school start times and other traffic mitigation measures, such as traffic circles and reduced speed limits, have proven effective in reducing congestion and improving safety in school neighborhoods.

 

School Bus Fleet