You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a subscriber of Education Slice (formerly Principal News) or you signed up for our email newsletter on our site.

Three South Florida lawmakers are working together to establish new federal standards for notifying parents about school emergencies, including shootings and natural disasters. The bipartisan School Safety Notification System Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Jared Moskowitz, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Brian Fitzpatrick, aims to create uniform emergency alert procedures across school districts. Moskowitz, a former Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of keeping parents informed, stating: “No child is ever unsafe in school, but should there ever be an event where they’re at risk, parents cannot be left in the dark.” The act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and require timely notifications for various threats, ensuring parents are kept in the loop during emergencies. Cherfilus-McCormick called the proposal “a meaningful step toward making our schools safer for all students.”

 

Florida Politics

The ongoing battle around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Florida schools is intensifying, particularly led by Hernando County School Board member Shannon Rodriguez. She has labeled these concepts as “dirty words” that contribute to a “dumbing down” of the curriculum, urging her colleagues to remove them from district policies, including the school choice guidelines for 2025-26. Although her proposal was narrowly rejected, the discussion is expected to resurface with three board members set to depart in November.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

Staffing shortages in education have become a pressing issue, with 44% of public schools starting the year with teaching vacancies, particularly in high-poverty areas. The Institute of Education Sciences has launched a new center to analyze the teacher workforce and improve staffing strategies. Dan Goldhaber, principal investigator for the center, highlighted that while some areas may see a decline in K-12 enrollment, the demand for qualified teachers, especially in STEM and special education, remains high. The center will evaluate various recruitment and retention policies over the next five years, aiming to bolster the pipeline of new educators. Goldhaber noted, “You could have declining [full-time employees] in elementary ed., at the same time that you're still struggling to hire enough STEM teachers.”

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Education is implementing a staggered launch for the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to mitigate issues experienced in previous years. The phased rollout, starting on October 1, will gradually increase the number of students able to complete the form, with full availability by December 1. This approach follows challenges faced by the 2024-25 FAFSA, which was revised under the FAFSA Simplification Act. Jeremy Singer, FAFSA executive adviser, stated: “Thanks to the wonderful organizations, we expect closer to 1,000 students in Beta 1 as opposed to the 100 we initially thought.” The department has also announced 78 organizations to participate in subsequent testing phases and is releasing updated resources to assist families in preparing for the application cycle.

 

Florida Phoenix

October can be a challenging month for educators, as the initial excitement of the school year fades and workloads increase. Ellen Moir, founder of the New Teacher Center, describes this period as the “disillusionment phase” for new teachers, while veteran educators also feel the strain. Roxanna Elden, an author and former teacher, highlighted the exhaustion many face, stating: “It's a very, very long stretch while you're tired.” To combat the October blues, teachers are encouraged to engage students with creative lessons and build relationships. Strategies include using a “Feelings Wall” for emotional expression and prioritizing mental health through breaks and celebrations. Madeline Will, assistant managing editor for Education Week, highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of humor during this tough time.

 

Education Week News

Andrew Wessells, a fifth-grade science teacher at Walter Caldwell Elementary School, has dedicated 10 years to making learning enjoyable for his students. Reflecting on his own school experience, he stated: “I loved learning. I hated school, so I come here and I try to make things hands-on, make things fun.” Wessells emphasizes building relationships with his students, expressing daily appreciation for them. As a father of four, he says he understands the importance of connection, saying: “I always tell these guys each and every day how much I love them and appreciate them.” His passion for teaching was ignited while working at a daycare, and he aims to make a positive impact on children's lives. A parent recognized his efforts by nominating him as an A+ Teacher, highlighting his commitment to ensuring students feel “loved and appreciated.”

 

News 13

In Martin County, Tebo Partnerships proposed selling naming rights for school district facilities to generate additional revenue. Managing partner Brian Siatkowski highlighted that about 75% of parents prefer companies that support schools, with 64% willing to switch to those businesses. School Board member Christia Li Roberts expressed enthusiasm, stating: "This is a really great opportunity to move into a more professional level than the grass-roots efforts that we have." The process would begin with an audit of district facilities to assess their value for potential advertisers. The Lee County School District serves as a model, having successfully implemented a naming rights program, including a $292,000 deal with Lee Health for Bonita Springs High School. Board members aim for consistent pricing across schools and equal opportunities for local businesses.

 

TCPalm

In the recent 2024 election, Peggy Jones, vice chair of the Indian River County School Board, secured a significant victory despite facing intense opposition and personal attacks. "I received death threats," she noted, highlighting the challenges she faced during her campaign. Her opponent, Rob MacCallum, was backed by prominent groups, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Moms for Liberty, who spread misleading claims about her stance on issues like girls' sports and parental rights. Despite the negative campaigning, Jones emphasized her commitment to public education, stating: "We welcome all, we teach all." She credited her success to the community's support and the local media's role in providing clarity amidst the political turmoil. Jones remains dedicated to serving all students and fostering a positive educational environment in the face of ongoing challenges.

 

TCPalm

West Pasco Education Academy is set to extend class days by 10 minutes to compensate for time lost due to Hurricane Helene. The school, which serves 63 students, faced significant water damage but is on track to resume classes in its building. Assistant superintendent Betsy Kuhn stated: “We felt we could bring part of the student population back even with the damages.” The second-chance program will temporarily relocate to Crews Lake Middle School, while students with special needs will return to West Pasco Academy. Board chairperson Megan Harding emphasized the importance of continuity for these students, expressing gratitude that they wouldn't have to be split up. The goal is to have the Hudson campus fully operational as soon as possible.

 

Tampa Bay Times

IDEA Public Schools has begun construction on a new campus in Jacksonville, converting the former VyStar Credit Union headquarters into classrooms. The new facility, located at 4949 Blanding Blvd., will house IDEA Compass Academy and College Preparatory, serving grades K-6 in its inaugural year. IDEA aims to "prepare its graduates to succeed in college and life," focusing on closing the opportunity gap for students from underserved communities. Founded in 2000, IDEA has over 87,000 students across 145 schools nationwide, with nearly 100% of graduates attending college for 17 consecutive years. The new campus is set to open in August for the 2025-26 school year. Families can learn more at ideapublicschools.org.

 

Jax Daily Record

Jarrad Baker, a UCF football player and former Ua Gallie High star, made a significant impact at Creel Elementary School by donating shoes to needy students. Accompanied by his daughter Myani, Baker expressed his commitment to giving back to the community, stating: "It’s important to help those in need." His generous contribution included a donation specifically for shoes, ensuring that students in need have access to proper footwear. This heartwarming event highlights the positive influence athletes can have in their communities.

 

Florida Today