Good Neighborhood Public Schools

CDC OKs Pfizer's Covid vaccine for use in adolescents, clearing way for shots to begin Thursday

Kids ages 12-15 can now receive the Pfizer vaccine to protect against COVID. President Biden stated that this is "one more giant step in our fight against the pandemic."

CDC OKs Pfizer's Covid vaccine for use in adolescents, clearing way for shots to begin Thursday The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it recommends expanded usage of Pfizer and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-old kids.

School choice and vouchers: Should some FL middle class families attend private schools on public dollars? | Florida Phoenix

"'I fault no parent who wants to send their child to private school,' Spar said.

'But what’s happening here is that the [Florida] Constitution requires a free, high-quality public education. And this idea that we’re going to take dollars and divert it away from the public school in order to give it to people who already have a means to send their children to private school just doesn’t make sense.'”

School choice and vouchers: Should some FL middle class families attend private schools on public dollars? | Florida Phoenix The traditional justification for using public tax dollars to finance school vouchers is that struggling families shouldn’t be locked into substandard public schools just because they can’t afford tuition at presumably better private schools. Should that privilege extend to solidly middle class ...

FSU no longer requiring face masks indoors

Starting for the Summer and Fall semesters, FSU will no longer require face masks indoors, and instead moves to a policy of recommendation but not requirement. This is attributed to an increased effort in vaccinating students and staff, as well as a low number of COVID-19 cases on campus.

FSU no longer requiring face masks indoors Face coverings will no longer be required indoors while on campus, Florida State University announced Friday.

Florida schools face scandal, controversy as year winds down

"Apparently, it’s that time of year when controversial subjects surface in Florida schools. And no, we’re not talking about testing. With classes nearing an end, districts are coping with dress code concerns, allegations of misused funds, claims of racism and more."

Florida schools face scandal, controversy as year winds down A roundup of Florida education news from around the state.

Invest in Florida’s Students and Public Education | Florida Education Association

Legislators are returning to Tallahassee on Monday, May 17th to focus on a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that is expected to generate billions of dollars in new state revenue. Tell your legislator to use these new funds for students and public education!

Invest in Florida’s Students and Public Education | Florida Education Association The 2021 regular legislative session ended on April 30, but legislators are coming back for a special session for the week of May 17.

Teachers: we appreciate and support you today and everyday. Thank you for your impact on our community and our future.

Teacher Discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week 2021

Teachers - take advantage this week!

Teacher Discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 3 - May 7. CouponCabin has compiled all the teacher discounts, freebies and deals for educators, faculty and even students!

❗️TAKE ACTION❗️Florida is inches from enacting its most anti-LGBTQ bill since 1997. Take 30 seconds to urge Governor Ron DeSantis to VETO the cruel Trans Sports Ban and : http://bit.ly/vetosb1028

We're getting closer to the end of the school year! You can do this! 😁

BREAKING: Today the Senate's Trans Sports Ban was postponed on the Rules Committee agenda - a move that will almost certainly kill it barring extraordinary maneuvers. We remain vigilant but will be celebrating this incredible turn of events. Our full statement:

“With the temporary postponement of SB2012 and the subsequent statements from Senator Stargel, it appears that the overwhelming opposition to the Trans Youth Sports Ban makes it unlikely to move forward,” said Gina Leigh Duncan, Director of Transgender Equality. “We will continue monitoring to ensure that no other procedural moves can resurrect it. While the reversal of momentum on this bill is welcome news, the harm inflicted by lawmakers this Session is unconscionable. Facing unprecedented and urgent challenges in the wake of a deadly pandemic and the largest civil rights protests in American history, legislators placed a target on the backs of the most vulnerable among us — transgender children — to score political points. Make no mistake, this is a nationally-coordinated effort to feed red meat to a socially-conservative base at the expense of our kids. We are grateful to the coalition of sports icons, major corporations, organizations, business leaders, classmates, parents, and trans kids who stood tall in the face of transphobia to oppose this legislation. This bigoted, damaging bill should never have seen the light of day and lawmakers should reflect on the harm they have caused vulnerable youth to further their political careers. To trans kids across Florida: you are loved. And we will continue to defend your right to thrive.”

Today is National Administrative Professionals' Day. We appreciate your flexibility and hard work every day 💼

Florida Education Commissioner Wants to Make Masks Voluntary in Schools

Florida's Education Commissioner voices his desire to make masks voluntary in schools for the 2021-2022 school year. He states that "Face coverings are a personal decision and certainly families and individuals should maintain their ability to make a decision that is unique to their circumstances"

Florida Education Commissioner Wants to Make Masks Voluntary in Schools Florida’s education commissioner wants the state’s public schools to eliminate mask mandates and instead make face coverings voluntary for the next school year. Commissioner Richard Corcoran sent a letter Wednesday to Florida’s school superintendents asking them to revise their mask policies f...

Book giveaways for kids planned for Saturday

"Free books will be available Saturday to children at two Polk County locations.

The giveaway is a First Book event, sponsored by the Polk Education Association, Florida’s Young Remarkable Educators, the Florida Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association."

Book giveaways for kids planned for Saturday The book giveaways for children through age 18 will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Boone Middle School and Stephens Elementary School.

Equality Florida and The Human Rights Campaign Condemn Florida House Passage of Trans Sports Ban | Equality Florida

Equality Florida and The Human Rights Campaign Condemn Florida House Passage of Trans Sports Ban | Equality Florida Tallahassee, FL - Today, the Florida House voted 77-40 to ban transgender girls from playing sports alongside their peers. The vote comes just hours after transgender students and advocates held a press conference in the Florida Capitol highlighting the disparate impacts of discrimination on the tra...

FSA scores won't be tied to student promotion or high school graduation, officials say

“The new order lifts a heavy burden from our students. It’s only right that they should be exempt from dire consequences when they take standardized tests this spring. This has not been a normal school year, and a test should not cost kids the chance to graduate or be promoted. However, teachers did not get the same kind of consideration. Test scores still will be allowed to impose very real costs on them through their evaluations. The educators who have served Florida’s students throughout the pandemic also deserve to be shown some grace. They have faced unprecedented challenges this school year.”

FSA scores won't be tied to student promotion or high school graduation, officials say In a major victory for children and parents during the unprecedented and challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the scores of the Florida Standards Assessments, or FSA exams, will not be tied to student promotion and high school graduation this school year, state officials announced on Friday.

Educators under attack from Legislature

Educators under attack from Legislature Passing egregious bills being considered by the Legislature will only incentivize more teachers to leave the state.

The scholarship called Bright Futures, a crucial way to pay for college in FL, is still at risk for ripping off kids | Florida Phoenix

"... even the amended version of the legislation poses risks to the Bright Futures scholarship program, leaving many families uncertain about paying for college in the future. In fact, the fate of Bright Futures funding may be on the line every new fiscal year, and subject to the whims and priorities of every new legislative body."

The scholarship called Bright Futures, a crucial way to pay for college in FL, is still at risk for ripping off kids | Florida Phoenix For Florida families, planning for college begins long before a senior in high school submits his or her first application, and students and parents depend on a scholarship called Bright Futures to help finance the cost of college. That scholarship program is based on academic success during high sc...

Florida Senate passes controversial Bright Futures proposal

The Bright Futures Bill has officially passed the Senate, and now heads to the House for further consideration. This bill would remove the 75% and 100% coverage levels of Bright Futures Scholarship money and set a predetermined amount based on the state budget that changes every year. If passed and signed into law, the bill would go into effect July 1st.

Florida Senate passes controversial Bright Futures proposal The Florida Senate passed a bill Thursday that would bring some changes to the Bright Futures Scholarship program. With a 22-18 vote, the Senate approved SB 86, but it didn't come without controversy or some changes. Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) is the bill sponsor. Initially, Baxley filed a bill th...

It may still seem far off, but it will be here before we know it 😉

Modified Bright Futures bill clears final committee stop

The modified Bright Futures Bill will no longer be awarded based on a student's major, but students will have to take "career readiness training" to receive the funds. However, the bill removes the 75 and 100% scholarship coverage, saying that the state budget will determine how much is awarded every year. The bill cleared the final committee stop, and now awaits full Senate consideration.

Modified Bright Futures bill clears final committee stop After several fundamental changes, the bill now moves to the Senate floor.

HELP PROTECT FLORIDA'S TRANS YOUTH!

HELP PROTECT FLORIDA'S TRANS YOUTH! Tell Florida Lawmakers to vote NO on the Trans Sports Ban (HB 1475/ SB 2012) that would ban trans youth from the critical life lessons that come from playing sports like teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Cut to Bright Futures textbook fund on tap in Florida House

Rep. Plasencia calls for a budget cut of the $600 per year textbook stipend for students provided by Bright Futures. This would be replaced by the expansion of programs that provide access to free textbooks. Rep. Plasencia has stated that these changes help students save money, while also making better use of the legislative budget.

Cut to Bright Futures textbook fund on tap in Florida House The House also has proposed scaling back grants to students attending private colleges and universities.

Equality Florida speaks out against bill that would ban transgender girls from school sports

Equality Florida speaks out against bill that would ban transgender girls from school sports Florida is not the only state across the country that has had bills introduced trying to restrict transgender women from participating in sports.

Florida youth need to act now on SB 264/HB 233. This is a dangerous corporate written bill which limits free speech and academic freedom on college campuses. Colleges and universities should not be subject to heavy handed, politically motivated regulations. HB 233 has passed through the house and now its Senate companion is up for a vote on the senate floor. You can reach out to your legislators and voice your opposition to this dangerous bill. Use this link to identify your state Senator and urge them to vote NO on SB264: http://bit.ly/FLSenatorFinder

What did Florida get for the $1 billion/year it sends to private schools?

What did Florida get for the $1 billion/year it sends to private schools? Either accountability matters, or it doesn’t. Either curriculum matters or not. Either teacher certification and school safety matter or not.

Impact of COVID-19 on College Admission and Testing - Compass Education Group

While on the subject of testing, this is a great resource concerning SAT and ACT test prep, testing dates, and college requirements.

Impact of COVID-19 on College Admission and Testing - Compass Education Group [This post is updated weekly and summarizes the current status of college admission testing and test preparation opportunities with Compass.] The Compass team continues to work safely and remotely to...

Not all students seeking college credit will need to take tests in person

Students in Palm Beach County and across Florida have different options for obtaining college credit from AP, IB, and AICE exams. These plans may vary by district, with various options that take the pandemic and student's comfort levels into consideration.

Not all students seeking college credit will need to take tests in person The question of whether students seeking college credit through IB, AP or AICE will have to take exams in-person has been answered in Palm Beach County: It depends.

Visibility Alone Will Not Keep Transgender Youth Safe

Visibility Alone Will Not Keep Transgender Youth Safe This Trans Day of Visibility, we must be active in the fight against anti-trans legislation proliferating across the country, starting with Arkansas, Alabama, and South Dakota.

Each school district has their own plans for graduation for the Class of 2021. Many counties have declared in-person graduation options for their public schools, including Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, and Brevard Counties. Your school district's website may have more information regarding the nature of graduation ceremonies, dates, and safety precautions.

Who can relate? 🤣

DeSantis Urged to Consider Experience in Teacher Pay-Raise Plan

Gov. DeSantis proposes $550 million from the state budget to allocate teacher pay raises, with a focus on teachers who earn the least, as well as new and incoming teachers. This has been met with demands to include more experienced teachers in the pay raise, stating that giving teachers a raise in base salary with little opportunity for raises with experience will deter them from staying in their field.

DeSantis Urged to Consider Experience in Teacher Pay-Raise Plan His proposal follows initiative to bump minimum teacher pay

Whether it was last week, this week, or still upcoming, Happy Spring Break! 🌸 👒

Florida education commissioner suggests FSA scores may not count toward student, school performance

FSA testing for Spring 2021 has been extended to allow for additional safety measures in the testing environment. Additionally, the Florida Education Commissioner suggests that the scores from this year might not count toward graduation or grade-passing requirements. However, nothing is set in stone as no formal guidance has been released.

Florida education commissioner suggests FSA scores may not count toward student, school performance With concerns growing among children and parents, the scores of the Florida Standards Assessments, or FSA exams, may not end up counting toward student retention and graduation, or critical factors like teacher pay and school funding, Florida's education commissioner suggested on Monday.

Dennis Baxley nixes plan to tie Bright Futures scholarships to job prospects

Senator Baxley has put a strike-all amendment on the Bright Futures Bill, meaning that students will no longer have to choose a certain major to receive Bright Futures Scholarship funding. Instead, students will have career training where they will learn about the financials of their major in order to register for classes.

Dennis Baxley nixes plan to tie Bright Futures scholarships to job prospects Instead, students just need to say they received info on career prospects to stay in school.

Free book giveaway for Palm Beach County students this week

"Free books will be available this week for Pre-K through 12th grade students this week at four Palm Beach County locations.

The giveaway is sponsored by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, Florida’s Young Remarkable Educators, the Florida Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association through a non-profit organization called First Book."

Free book giveaway for Palm Beach County students this week Free books will be available this week for Pre-K through 12th grade students this week at four Palm Beach County locations.

Many FL Public Universities, including UCF, FSU, USF, UF, and UNF, have announced they are returning to 100% in-person instruction for the Fall 2021 Semester. Some have also included their guidelines and precautions for keeping campus safe during this time. For additional info on your or your child's school, visit the university's website.

This is the COVID-19 vaccine appointment information for South FL educators and school staff. If you would like your vaccine and fit into this category, visit this article for information on Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
https://bit.ly/3lubziv
Once again, many major pharmacies such as Walmart, Publix, CVS, and Winn Dixie are offering appointments for educators statewide. For more information on your exact location, visit your county's health department website.

Here is information on COVID-19 vaccines for Central FL educators and staff. If you are an educator in this location and would like a vaccine, the article below contains information on Orlando and Central FL locations that are taking appointments.
https://bit.ly/2Q7WGGL
As mentioned before, many major retailers such as CVS, Publix, Walmart, and Winn Dixie are offering appointments for educators and school staff statewide. For more information on your exact location, visit your county's health department website.

Major Changes to Bright Futures Program Pass Florida Senate Committee

SB 86 is a bill drafted by FL Senator Dennis Baxley that would make major changes to the Bright Futures Scholarship program, which currently pays 75-100% of FL public college tuition to students that qualify in high school. Two of the changes include providing Bright Futures money only to those in certain majors and tying the reward to the state's budget, meaning the scholarship amount would change by year. This bill has passed through its first Senate Committee.

Major Changes to Bright Futures Program Pass Florida Senate Committee On Tuesday the Florida Senate’s education committee approved Senate Bill 86, which would make radical alterations to Bright Futures.

North Florida educators- if you want a COVID-19 vaccine, you can sign up for an appointment now. This article lists locations in Jacksonville and North Florida that are currently taking appointments for educators and school staff.
https://bit.ly/3rRRkNX
Major retailers such as CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart, and Winn Dixie are offering appointments statewide. For more information on your exact location, check with your county's Health Department website.