By The big story: Summer practices always have been tough on Florida’s high school bands as they prepare for their fall seasons.
Same for the teens who participate in club and league sports while waiting for their school teams to resume training.
This summer, it’s been hotter than ever. And though coaches have been adjusting their efforts combat the effects, the kids are feeling the heat. Some are deciding to take the summer off. Read more here.
Also check out some tips on how to keep kids safe from the heat.
Hot topics
Board elections: A slate of candidates is trying to “flip” the Pinellas County school board majority. Others are concerns about what that could mean to the district.
Book recommendations: The Florida Department of Education recommended the 1813 British novel “Pride and Prejudice” in its effort to “impart a sense of American pride” in students, Florida Politics reports.
Counselor shortage: The Hernando County school district is offering scholarships to eligible employees willing to complete a three-year university program in counseling and remain with the district afterward for five years, Bay News Nine reports.
Insurance: Conflicting court rulings on whether insurance carriers can sue Florida school districts to get reimbursements for awards to students injured in bus accidents could require lawmakers to revise the state’s personal injury protection law, Insurance Journal reports.
NIL: Escambia County School Board raised concerns that incomplete state rules on student-athletes’ use of name-image-likeness agreements could cause problems for students, families and the schools, WEAR reports.
Parent outreach: The Seminole County school district is sending staff with information about courses, services and other district activities into communities on its “Student Success Express” bus, WMFE reports.
School closures: Madison County superintendent Shirley Joseph is recommending the district close three elementary schools with fewer than 250 students and consolidate the grade levels into other campuses, the Madison County Carrier reports.
School leaders: Seven Lee County schools are getting new principals, the Fort Myers News-Press reports. • Nine Collier County schools are getting new principals, the Naples Daily News reports. • The new principal at Leon County’s Canopy Oaks Elementary is planning a different approach to teaching and learning in the fall, WTXL reports.
Superintendents: The Manatee County School Board gave superintendent Jason Wysong rave reviews after his first year on the job, the Bradenton Herald reports.
Traffic safety: Port Orange city officials are adding more safety features such as high visibility warning signs around schools in city limits after a student was killed in a crash outside an elementary school, WKMG reports.
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University leadership: A second Florida Polytechnic University trustee who opposed naming Devin Stephenson as president has resigned, the Ledger reports. Mark Bostic was the board’s longest serving member.
From the police blotter … A former teacher at a Hillsborough County private school was arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse involving a student.
From the court docket … A federal judge declined to dismiss a lawsuit brought by teachers against Florida’s law restricting their use of personal pronouns and titles, News Service of Florida reports. Judge Mark Walker ruled the plaintiffs plausibly argued the law violates protections against workplace discrimination. • A Jackson County mother is suing the school district, alleging her six-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by another student, WMBB reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … 100 million butterflies!
