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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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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

A recent data analysis reveals that the oldest school buses, which present significant health risks, are predominantly found in the poorest districts and those with the highest proportions of students of color. Around 90% of school buses run on diesel fuel, and older buses emit more pollution. The analysis shows that 36% of buses built before 2000 operate in the lowest-income districts, compared to 17% in the highest-income areas. Furthermore, nearly half of these old buses are in districts with the largest shares of students of color. The nonprofit World Resources Institute's Electric School Bus Initiative highlights the detrimental effects of diesel buses on air quality and student health. However, there is a positive trend as the adoption of electric school buses increases, especially in high-need districts. Of the over 12,000 electric buses committed to purchase, 43% are headed to the lowest-income districts and 68% to those with the highest proportions of students of color. Despite this progress, pre-2010 buses still constitute a significant portion of the national fleet, particularly in states like Oklahoma, where they make up 75% of the school buses.

 

Education Week News

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former high school teacher and football coach, has been chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate for the 2024 presidential campaign. During his time as governor, Walz has focused on increasing school funding and implementing universal free school meals in Minnesota. He has also signed significant education policies, such as the Minnesota Free School Meals Law and a budget law that increased spending for K-12 schools. Walz's background as a teacher makes him relatable to rural and blue-collar voters, which could be beneficial for Harris' campaign. While Walz's policy positions on education may not have a major impact, his experience as a teacher could give him a prominent voice on education issues. However, it will ultimately be the Harris campaign that drives the education conversation. Overall, Walz's selection as Harris' running mate highlights his commitment to public education and his appeal to middle-class voters.

 

Education Week News

The 74 (Online)

Banning cellphones in schools has gained momentum across various states and districts, but enforcement remains a challenge. Educators find that while setting the policy is straightforward, managing compliance is complex. Principal Sham Bevel of Bayside Middle School in Virginia Beach noted the difficulty in getting students to forgo their phones for traditional games. Various methods to enforce the bans include using lockers or Yondr pouches, which lock the phones until the end of the school day. However, these methods have their drawbacks, such as students finding ways around the restrictions. Despite parents' divided opinions, some experts and educators argue that strict enforcement can lead to better focus and improved test scores. The effectiveness of these bans ultimately hinges on consistent enforcement and addressing the nuanced needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

 

The 74 (Online)

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Chinese-owned short-video platform TikTok and parent company ByteDance for failing to protect children's privacy. The government said the social media app violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act that requires services aimed at children to obtain parental consent to collect personal information from users under age 13. The suit said it aimed to put an end "to TikTok's unlawful massive-scale invasions of children's privacy." Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said the suit "underscores the importance of divesting TikTok from Chinese Communist Party control. We simply cannot continue to allow our adversaries to harvest vast troves of Americans’ sensitive data."

 

Reuters

Chicago school leaders are preparing for funding cuts to after-school and summer programs as federal COVID relief runs out. The funding for these programs is down by roughly a third, to about $31m. Some principals are scrambling to find new ways to pay for them. CPS officials argue that overall, schools should be able to continue serving roughly the same number of students as they did last year. However, some principals say that having their own staff provide these opportunities cannot be replicated. The cuts come at a time of larger uncertainty around after-school programs in Illinois, as a federal grant that allows schools to enlist community organizations is expiring. The district did not provide school-by-school Out of School Time allocations. Chicago school leaders are concerned that the funding reductions will have a detrimental impact on students and their engagement in school programs.

 

Chalkbeat

Columbus City Schools is considering the closure of up to nine schools, according to a recommendation by the Superintendent's Facilities Task Force. The original list of 20 schools has been narrowed down to six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school building. The final recommendations will be voted on by the board at a later date. Some schools initially recommended for closure were not included in the final list due to challenges with transitioning students. The board is set to resume discussions on school closures after a July recess. The proposed closures include Broadleigh Elementary School, Buckeye Middle School, Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys, Fairwood Alternative Elementary School, Lindbergh Elementary School, McGuffey Road Facility (Columbus Alternative High School building), Moler Elementary School, North Linden Elementary School, and West Broad Elementary School. The task force believes that the closures will maintain the quality of education and provide students with more opportunities.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The Columbus Dispatch

Students in the Tuscaloosa City Schools system are preparing for the upcoming school year with upgraded facilities and new leaders. Mike Daria, the Alabama district's superintendent, expressed excitement for the new year and the system's commitment to ensuring every student's success. Construction projects, including a new gym at the Alberta School of Performing Arts, are nearing completion. Improvements have also been made to several cafeterias in the district. The top priorities for the school system this year are building on academic gains and encouraging student involvement in extracurricular activities. The school leaders are emphasizing the importance of attendance and hope to achieve 100% attendance. Voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject a proposed property tax increase to support the school system. If approved, the increase would fund annual improvements starting in 2025.

 

Tuscaloosa News