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California's foster care system is facing a significant crisis with many agencies, including Koinonia Family Services, receiveing non-renewal notices for their insurance policies. The situation threatens the stability of approximately 9,000 school-aged children who rely on these agencies for support. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO of California Alliance of Child and Family Services, stated: “If you're worried about where you're going to sleep, how well do you show up?” The crisis stems from rising litigation costs and changes in laws regarding child sexual abuse, leading to a lack of available insurance. As agencies struggle to find coverage, the potential for increased displacement of foster youth looms, impacting their education and well-being. Advocates are urging educators to be aware of these challenges and to support affected families during this tumultuous time.

 

EdSource

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, K-12 education remains conspicuously absent from candidate discussions and debates. During the only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, education was not mentioned at all. While Harris has criticized Trump's education policies, she has not provided specific plans of her own. Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and has made broad claims about school policies without detailed proposals. Bettina Love, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, remarked: “It sends a message that the federal government is not truly concerned about public education.” The lack of focus on education reflects a broader trend where candidates prioritize issues like the economy and health care over K-12 education, which is primarily governed at state and local levels.

 

Education Week News

Recent findings reveal that teenagers struggle to discern accurate information in today's chaotic digital landscape. Peter Adams, senior vice-president of research and design at the News Literacy Project, noted that conspiracy theories appeal to many because they provide “simple explanations for complex, incomprehensible events.” A survey of 1,110 teens aged 13 to 18 found that 94% desire media literacy instruction in schools, with 57% believing it should be mandatory. However, only three states require such education. Many teens fail to identify branded content and often trust misleading sources over professional journalism. As Adams stated, teens are “inheriting the largest, most complex, most frenetic information environment in human history.” To combat this, educators are implementing strategies like lateral reading and reverse image searches to help students navigate the digital world more effectively.

 

Education Week News

Principal Tarik McFall has successfully implemented cellphone restrictions at Sutter Middle School, leading to a significant improvement in campus culture. Folsom Cordova USD began limiting cellphone use during passing and lunch periods at the start of the 2022-23 school year. “The difference is palpable,” said Assistant Principal Brian Zan, highlighting the positive impact on student engagement. The initiative aligns with California's new law, AB 3216, which mandates similar policies statewide by July 1, 2026. McFall noted that the restrictions have fostered better social interactions among students, reducing bullying incidents and enhancing focus in the classroom. “When you eliminate one of the biggest distractions, it helps them focus,” said social studies teacher Lindsay Castro. Despite initial resistance from some parents, the overall response has been supportive, with many recognizing the benefits of a phone-free environment. Eighth-grader Vidditi Khanna expressed relief, stating, “Not having a cellphone is kind of refreshing.”

 

The Columbian

Clovis USD's dress code has sparked controversy among parents and students, particularly after middle-schoolers were cited for wearing shorts deemed too short. A comparison with neighboring districts—Fresno, Madera, and Central—reveals that Clovis's dress code is more restrictive. For instance, Clovis mandates that shorts have an inseam of at least five inches and prohibits ripped jeans, while other districts have less stringent requirements. Clovis Unified also restricts hairstyles, allowing only natural colors and banning mohawks. The district's policy states, “a principal or designee may administer any appropriate disciplinary action” for violations, highlighting a more severe enforcement approach compared to its counterparts.

 

The Fresno Bee

On October 17, over 200 attendees witnessed Chino Valley USD pass a new policy known as the “no deception” policy. The initiative mandates that teachers and staff within the district maintain “full transparency” when communicating with parents regarding health, safety, and educational matters. The policy aims to ensure that all interactions are characterized by honesty and openness, fostering trust between the school and the community.

 

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Redlands Daily Facts

Matt Wayne resigned as the San Francisco USD superintendent on Friday night, prompting the school board to announce Maria Su, the Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, as his successor. This leadership change comes amid concerns regarding potential school closures, leading to an emergency meeting by the San Francisco Board of Education. Dr. Maria Su addressed the new school stabilization team, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in education.

 

San Francisco Examiner

As a potential teachers strike looms, three candidates are vying for open school board positions in the Las Lomitas School District, which serves parts of Atherton and Menlo Park. Parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the district's leadership, leading to an online petition for the removal of Superintendent Beth Polito, who "retired" on October 16. Incumbent Jason Morimoto is running against newcomers Pooya Sarabandi and Kimberly Legg. The teachers' union has approved a strike, demanding a 10% salary increase and fully paid health insurance, with the school board offering a 5% increase plus additional health benefits. Morimoto emphasizes the need for competitive teacher wages but warns that budget constraints may hinder this. Sarabandi advocates for transparency and better communication with parents, stating that "paying teachers a competitive salary is essential for retaining our highly qualified teachers."

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

Two years ago, a coalition of Christian conservatives in southwest Riverside County successfully secured five school board seats, gaining a majority in Temecula. Now, the Inland Empire Family Political Action Committee is expanding its efforts by endorsing six candidates for the upcoming Nov. 5 general election, including two for the Temecula school board and three for Riverside and Redlands.

 

Redlands Daily Facts

Covina Valley USD is facing significant challenges, prompting a call for change in the upcoming school board election. Anthony Harbison, a lifelong resident and advocate for the district, emphasizes the need to "reestablish ourselves as a great school district." With a history of involvement, he believes this election presents a crucial opportunity to improve the educational landscape. The community is rallying behind educators, as seen in recent protests aimed at settling contract negotiations. The outcome of this election could determine the future direction of the district and its commitment to quality education.

 

Pasadena Star-News

Concerns have emerged regarding the Flandreau Indian School, where parents, students, and staff allege that students were coerced into taking psychotropic medications without parental consent. Lexi Follette, an alumnus and mother of a recent graduate, filed a complaint with the federal government in fall 2023, detailing issues such as “emotional abuse of students and staff” and “forced withdrawals.” Despite the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) being aware of these allegations, their response remains unclear. A BIE spokesperson stated: “If an investigation is warranted, the appropriate staff will investigate and take appropriate action.” However, many parents and students feel unheard, with Follette noting: “There's so much potential for these schools to heal our people, and they're missing that.” The situation raises serious questions about the oversight and treatment of students at the school.

 

Napa Valley Register

Kevin Harrington, a former teacher and football coach, has been ordered to stay away from two school officials after leaving threatening voicemails that prompted the evacuation of Penngrove Elementary School. During a court appearance, Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Dana Simonds ruled that Harrington would remain in jail without bail and undergo a mental health evaluation. Harrington allegedly left a voicemail stating: “I'm gonna shoot up the school. I'm coming down. I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna blow your brains out.” The threats led to a lockdown of Penngrove Elementary and nearby Kenilworth Junior High, where Harrington's children are students. He was arrested in South Lake Tahoe after the threats were reported.

 

Press Democrat

Valencia High School recently hosted the L.A. STEM Conference, aiming to connect students with STEM career pathways. Seniors Nishika Manjeshwar and Nikhilesh Kalyanaraman organized the event to provide high school students with opportunities often lacking in their education. Manjeshwar emphasized the importance of exposure: “There aren't like, a ton of opportunities here unless you really go looking for them.” The conference featured guest speakers from prestigious institutions, including Tom Begušić from Caltech and Soulaimane Bentaleb, CEO of Neuron. Students showcased their projects, such as catapults made from crafting supplies, and participated in live demonstrations of life-saving STEM tools. Attendees like Kailen Pennington found the event beneficial for exploring diverse interests in fields like biology and neuroscience. The conference successfully fostered creativity and curiosity among students, paving the way for future STEM exploration.

 

Signalscv.com

October marks National Farm to School Month, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals and the USDA's efforts to connect local farmers with schools. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explained: “A healthier future for our country starts with our children,” highlighting the importance of local food supply chains. Since 2021, the USDA has invested nearly $4.8bn in school meal programs, with $500m recently allocated for purchasing local, unprocessed foods. The USDA's Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance access to nutritious foods while supporting local producers. Currently, over 67,000 schools participate in farm-to-school activities, with 74% serving local foods in the 2022-2023 school year. The USDA is committed to ensuring all children have access to healthy meals, with about $13.2bn in additional support since 2021.

 

TTown Media