Stay informed about education news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
A new law in Florida mandates that all school doors remain locked while students are present, aimed at enhancing school safety. While the law is intended to protect students, some educators, such as third-grade teacher Tracey McConnell, argue that it hinders learning and suggests that reforming gun laws might be a more effective solution.
Tampa Police have charged Estaban Del Valle, a 35-year-old man, with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting at Gorrie Elementary School following his child's suspension. The threat was reported promptly, leading to Del Valle's arrest. Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized that such threats will not be tolerated in the community.
K-8 schools are experiencing a resurgence in Florida as districts respond to declining enrollment and the competition from charter and private schools. Experts suggest that while the model has potential benefits, its effectiveness largely depends on implementation strategies.
A 13-year-old boy has been taken into custody following a social media threat directed at Columbia and Madison County schools. Law enforcement will increase their presence at Lake City High School and Lake City Middle School in response to the threat. The situation underscores ongoing concerns regarding school safety and the impact of social media.
Bay District Schools in Bay County, Florida, reassured parents about school safety following recent threats of school shootings across the state. The district confirmed that there is no known specific threat to their schools but is actively monitoring the situation and has involved local law enforcement.
Sarasota County is launching a campaign to renew its school property tax, which has been in place since 2002. The initiative will be presented to voters for the first time in the upcoming November General Election. A promotional video has been released to support the campaign, showcasing local schools and students.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with Clay County to ensure that English learner students receive appropriate services to overcome language barriers. This initiative focuses on protecting the civil rights of students and ensuring equitable educational opportunities within the school district.
Colt Gray, a suspect in a recent incident at Apalachee High School, is currently in a youth detention center, according to officials in Georgia. The school was placed on lockdown while law enforcement investigated the situation, ensuring student safety during the event.
Tampa students in grades 9 to 11 are invited to apply for the Mayor’s Youth Corps Class of 2025, a program designed to engage youth with city government and community service. Applications are open until October 23, 2024, and participants will gain leadership skills while working on various projects and attending conferences. Mayor Jane Castor emphasizes the importance of this opportunity for students to influence the future of Tampa.
University of Florida professor Rob Ferl became the first academic to conduct an experiment in space on a suborbital spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in academic research in space. His achievement was facilitated through a NASA-funded program on Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft.