K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
Stranahan High School Teacher Derek Sheets Earns National Honor From American Geographical Society
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, Oct. 12 -- Broward County Public Schools issued the following news release:
Congratulations to Stranahan High School's Derek Sheets for being selected as a 2018 American Geographical Society (AGS) Geography Teacher Fellow. Sheets, who teachers Advanced Placement Human Geography, is one of only 50 teaches in the nation chosen for this distinction.
As a Geography Teacher Fellow, Sheets will attend the AGS Fall Symposium at Columbia University in New York City, November 15 - 16, 2018. The Symposium provides Teacher Fellows with the opportunity to gain valuable cutting-edge
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, Oct. 12 -- Broward County Public Schools issued the following news release:
Congratulations to Stranahan High School's Derek Sheets for being selected as a 2018 American Geographical Society (AGS) Geography Teacher Fellow. Sheets, who teachers Advanced Placement Human Geography, is one of only 50 teaches in the nation chosen for this distinction.
As a Geography Teacher Fellow, Sheets will attend the AGS Fall Symposium at Columbia University in New York City, November 15 - 16, 2018. The Symposium provides Teacher Fellows with the opportunity to gain valuable cutting-edgecontent knowledge and awareness of the real-world geographic workplace skills demanded by today's geospatial companies.
"We are very pleased to be able to invite Derek, who is one of the top geography teachers in the country, to join us in New York City in November," said Dr. John Konarski, CEO of the American Geographical
Society. "AGS Geography Teacher Fellows are an integral part of the AGS community, leading and educating future generations in geography and geospatial science. This year we have focused on expanding activities that reinforce teachers' geographical and geospatial knowledge, and will be continuing to provide guidance to teachers seeking to develop projects for their classrooms."
The AGS was established in 1851 and is the oldest professional geographical organization in the United States. It is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in geographical research and education for over 166 years. The mission of the AGS is to advance and promote geography in business, government, science and education.
Orleans Parish School Board: October Board Recap
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Oct. 12 -- The Orleans Parish School Board issued the following news:
At the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) board business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, the school board approved an amendment to OneApp Geographic Priority. The board also voted to establish an earliest pick-up time for school bus transportation. Additionally, the Early Childhood Education Working Group presented strategies and research to the board, the OPSB voted the create an annual Juvenile Justice Week and the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings presented updates on the Travis
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NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Oct. 12 -- The Orleans Parish School Board issued the following news:
At the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) board business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, the school board approved an amendment to OneApp Geographic Priority. The board also voted to establish an earliest pick-up time for school bus transportation. Additionally, the Early Childhood Education Working Group presented strategies and research to the board, the OPSB voted the create an annual Juvenile Justice Week and the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings presented updates on the TravisHill Schools.
OPSB approves amendment to OneApp Geographic Priority
The OPSB voted to approve an amendment that revises the OPSB's standard community preferences in the OneApp process as follows:
* State law requires that at least 50 percent of seats be available to students citywide without being prioritized based on geography.
* Students living within a half mile radius of the school receive geographic priority for up to 25 percent of available seats.
* Students living within the previously approved geographic zones would receive geographic priority for the remaining seats reserved for geographic priority.
In recent months, the OPSB has engaged with operators and the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council on potential changes to the geographic preference, in conjunction with the consideration of transportation policy changes. The OPSB also released a survey online to gather additional feedback on the proposal to provide geographic priority for up to 25 percent of available seats to students living with a half-mile radius of the school. The district administration shared this feedback at the September committee meeting, which is supportive of the proposed amendment.
The new geographic zone procedures will be implemented in the upcoming OneApp process that begins in Nov. 2018.
Early Childhood Education Working Group presents strategies and recommendations to OPSB
The Early Childhood Education Working Group presented localized research, strategies and findings on early childhood education within Orleans Parish to the board. During the OPSB May 2018 Board Business meeting, the board approved a resolution to establish a working group to research and provide recommendations for a strategy to expand access to high-quality early childhood education to families and children in Orleans Parish.
The Early Childhood Education Working Group provided suggested next steps for the OPSB:
* To partner with the local Lead Agency and position the OPSB as the lead coordinator in identifying and securing funding to expand access to high-quality early childhood education to children and families in Orleans Parish.
* For the Early Childhood Education Working Group to provide periodic updates to the OPSB on its development strategy no less than bi-annually.
* To create an initial, one-time, non-recurring investment to fund startup and capital expenses that complement the campaign to expand high-quality early childhood seats by local government agencies.
* To pursue, with local partners, a local revenue raising campaign (millage).
OPSB amends School Board Chartering Authority policy and establishes earliest pick-up time for schools
The OPSB approved an amendment that revised the Governing Board provisions to require authorizer-led governance training for new charter board members and chairpersons. The revised policy also includes transportation protocol for Orleans Parish Public Schools to establish 6:05 a.m. as the earliest pick-up time for school bus transportation.
In recent months, the OPSB has engaged with operators and the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council on potential updates to the transportation policy in order to develop such a recommendation. Before the policy change, the OPSB released a survey online to gather additional feedback on the proposed earliest pick-up time of 6:05 a.m. and shared feedback at the Aug. 21st committee meeting, which is supportive of the proposed amendment.
OPSB creates annual Juvenile Justice Week
Today, the OPSB voted to create an annual Juvenile Justice Week. The inaugural week will be held from Oct. 22 to Oct. 26, 2018. The board is working to raise awareness surrounding youth who are entering the juvenile detention centers in Orleans Parish while also creating a unified effort to provide support those incarcerated youth.
Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings provides update on Travis Hill Schools
David Domenici, Executive Director of the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings (CEEAS) provided an update on CEEAS' work at the Travis Hill Schools at the Youth Study Center (YSC) and the Orleans Justice Center (OJC).
According to Domenici, the YSC's long and short-term goals include creating therapeutic programming, preparing for the opening of a second wing to house 17-year olds and under that are currently held at the OJC as well as better tailoring instruction and educational programming for individual students. The short and long-term goals of the OCJ will be focused on serving all eligible 18 to 21-year olds in the Fall of 2019, supporting increased educational opportunities throughout the jail for older non-diploma-bound residents and opening a "School Tier."
OPSB approves increase to maximum enrollment for Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education
The OPSB approved the amendment to the Operating Agreement between OSPB and Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, Inc. to increase the authorized enrollment maximum from 800 to 1,000. This amendment will modify the maximum enrollment at Benjamin Franklin High School, a Type 3 charter school currently governed by Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, to 1,000 students from the previous 800 students.
OPSB grants Collegiate Academies extension to open fifth school
The OPSB granted Collegiate Academies a 12-month extension to begin operations on the charter approved by the OPSB on May 18, 2017 to first serve students by the 2020-2021 school year. The extension will include district review of the operator's Pre-Opening Plan, including any material changes in the applicant team. In the case of a material change in the applicant team, the district will conduct further due diligence and may reconsider the application.
OPSB awards bid for Asbestos Hazard Response Action at Rosenwald Elementary School
The OPSB accepted the bid meeting the specifications for the Asbestos Hazard Response Action at Rosenwald Elementary School from ARC Abatement I, LTD. in the amount of $1,296,772.
MPS Foundation Honors Outstanding Alumni
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Oct. 12 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
MPS Foundation honors outstanding alumni More than 300 people gathered on October 10, 2018 to recognize outstanding alumni from Milwaukee Public Schools. Nine men and women plus a corporate partner were honored for their exemplary careers, community work, and support of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Italian Community Center and were treated to entertainment by R&B/jazz duo B~Free & Quinten Farr, as well as the Rufus King High School Drumline. Following dessert,
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MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Oct. 12 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
MPS Foundation honors outstanding alumni More than 300 people gathered on October 10, 2018 to recognize outstanding alumni from Milwaukee Public Schools. Nine men and women plus a corporate partner were honored for their exemplary careers, community work, and support of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Italian Community Center and were treated to entertainment by R&B/jazz duo B~Free & Quinten Farr, as well as the Rufus King High School Drumline. Following dessert,a set from DJ Tarik Moody of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee helped keep the celebration going.
The evening, which included a live auction, raised approximately $120,000 for students in Milwaukee Public Schools. If you missed the event and would like to donate or receive news from the MPS Foundation, visit http://www.mpsfoundation.net/Donate.htm
Join us in congratulating our 2018 honorees!
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
Kevin Newell
President & CEO, Royal Capital Group
Custer High School Alumnus
EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Tonya Mantilla
Vice President, University Advancement, Cardinal Stritch University
Rufus King High School Alumna
SERVICE AWARD
John Kersey
Executive Vice President, Zilber LTD
John Marshall High School Alumnus
CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD
Herb Kohl Philanthropies
"START, STAY, SUCCEED" CHAMPION AWARD
Dr. Jennifer Smith
Regional Superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools
Rufus King High School Alumna
OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS
Jeff Bowman
President & CEO, Bay Bank
Milwaukee Tech High School Alumnus
LEGACY AWARD
Ann Terrell
Retired Milwaukee Public Schools Executive (MPS Foundation Executive Director and
Early Childhood Education)
Riverside University High School Alumna
HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD
Joan Robertson
Philanthropist
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Al Jarreau
Lincoln High School Alumnus
Vel Phillips
North Division High School Alumna
Fairfax County School Board Passes Resolution on Climate Change Action
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, Oct. 11 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news release:
RESOLUTION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
CALLING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of credentialed scientists, in the U.S. and abroad, support the finding that climate change is happening and that human activity is a key contributor; and
WHEREAS, if left unaddressed, the consequences of climate change will harm all Americans, most especially children and those living in poverty, and saddle future generations with the costly burden of a dangerously
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FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, Oct. 11 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news release:
RESOLUTION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
CALLING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of credentialed scientists, in the U.S. and abroad, support the finding that climate change is happening and that human activity is a key contributor; and
WHEREAS, if left unaddressed, the consequences of climate change will harm all Americans, most especially children and those living in poverty, and saddle future generations with the costly burden of a dangerouslydamaged planet; and
WHEREAS, climate instability is a global challenge requiring bold, innovative, and sustained actions at all levels of government, local, state, and federal; and
WHEREAS, the size of Fairfax County Public Schools' physical footprint provides an unparalleled opportunity to advance the use of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas output in Northern Virginia; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to School Board Environmental Stewardship Policy 8542, FCPS leads the nation in energy efficiency, the development of green building design standards, and award-winning classroom opportunities for student advocacy and learning through the Get 2 Green program; and
WHEREAS, the Fairfax County School Board's commitment to the safety, well-being, and future success of all children in our community also demands a high priority on reducing carbon consumption in our decisions regarding capital improvement, energy use, transportation, and other policy priorities within the Board's control; and
WHEREAS, the Fairfax County School Board depends on committed partners in local, state, and federal government to realize our climate action goals, and recognizes the efforts and progress made to date, especially Fairfax County Government's recently announced request for proposals for solar installations on public buildings, to include schools;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Fairfax County School Board: 1) calls on the members of the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress to act boldly on climate change and provide a regulatory framework that removes barriers to progress on climate action and encourages the rapid replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy technology; and 2) directs the Superintendent to report timely to the Board changes in state and federal policy that support the goal of reducing carbon consumption, along with staff proposals to make best use of those opportunities in facilities and transportation planning.
"Recent reports from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are disconcerting and will have an impact on our students," said School Board chair Karen Corbett Sanders. "The Board has been formally committed to leading the way in reducing our carbon footprint through energy conservation and incorporating renewable energy into our capital improvement plan. With this resolution, we recognize the need to work with our State and Federal policymakers to advance a similar policy framework that encourages citizens to embrace renewable energy."
Congress MS Offers Several Choice Academy Options, Magnet Program
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 11 -- The School District of Palm Beach County issued the following news release:
"Congress Middle, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school of Choice, is a school where you can get the best education that provides a plethora of programs to benefit a diverse student population.
The school features the Medical Sciences Academy where students are prepared for the medical field very early in their middle school years," said Denise O'Connor, the school's principal.
The Pre-Medical Sciences program is a three-year preparatory honors program
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WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 11 -- The School District of Palm Beach County issued the following news release:
"Congress Middle, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) school of Choice, is a school where you can get the best education that provides a plethora of programs to benefit a diverse student population.
The school features the Medical Sciences Academy where students are prepared for the medical field very early in their middle school years," said Denise O'Connor, the school's principal.
The Pre-Medical Sciences program is a three-year preparatory honors programfor middle school students that emphasizes science, math, and language skills while preparing them to be highly competitive in the medical field.
The courses offered include Orientation to Health Occupations, Exploration of Health Occupations, and Medical Skills and Services. In the School District, all medical courses provide local honors credit. Students use the latest technology - such as 3D computers - to learn anatomy and physiology.
Students recreate doctor-patient interaction and get experience taking vital signs. The program allows students to receive high school credits and certification in the healthcare industry. Other academies at Congress Middle include Pre-Engineering, Digital Video Graphics, and Digital Graphic Design.
Congress Middle is one of five District schools with special programs funded by a three-year, $11.6 million Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant funds allow the District to transform five schools into school-wide magnet programs. Each magnet theme offers a high-caliber innovative program of choice designed to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
The school's mission is "to develop in our capable young people the innovative minds and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion and leadership in a global society. CMS staff challenges students with a rigorous academic program to prepare them to be college and career ready. We are committed to instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the joy and importance of lifelong learning, which will empower our students to become productive and responsible citizens."
Check out Congress Middle School at the Showcase of Schools on October 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. For more information about the programs at Congress Middle visit http://www.congressmiddleschool.org.
Alison Merani of Pikesville High School Named Maryland School Health Nurse of the Year
TOWSON, Maryland, Oct. 11 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School nurses never know what might come their way during the course of a school day. When Alison Merani, BSN, arrived at Pikesville High School this morning, she had no idea that special guests would arrive to announce that she is the 2018-2019 Maryland School Health Nurse of the Year.
The award was presented by Mary Nasuta, MSN, RN, president of the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses. According to the association, the award is presented to someone who exemplifies the best in school nursing
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TOWSON, Maryland, Oct. 11 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School nurses never know what might come their way during the course of a school day. When Alison Merani, BSN, arrived at Pikesville High School this morning, she had no idea that special guests would arrive to announce that she is the 2018-2019 Maryland School Health Nurse of the Year.
The award was presented by Mary Nasuta, MSN, RN, president of the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses. According to the association, the award is presented to someone who exemplifies the best in school nursingpractice through clinical expertise, research and education, management, mentoring, advocacy, and/or leadership.
"Nurse Merani is very deserving of this distinctive honor due to the far-reaching and positive impact she has on the overall wellness of our entire learning community," said Pikesville High Principal Sandra G. Reid. "She consistently looks for ways to assist our school and always goes beyond the call of duty. Pikesville High School is fortunate to have her on our team. We are indeed thankful for the substantive services she renders every day to promote emotional, physical, and academic health to our stakeholders."
Merani, a resident of Timonium and graduate of Dulaney High School, has been the school nurse at Pikesville High for four years. She has worked for BCPS for a total of 14 years, beginning with a position at Meadowood Education Center. After graduating from Towson University with a bachelor's degree in nursing, and before joining BCPS, Merani worked as a nurse at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She has also taught at CCBC and the Union Memorial School of Nursing. She works part-time as a triage nurse for Patient First and will begin working on a master's degree in the spring. This November, she will seek board certification in ambulatory nursing.
As the state winner, Merani will be honored at the annual Maryland Association of School Health Nurses Annual Conference (to be held in Ocean City in March 2019), and she will be honored by the National Association of School Nurses.
Eileen Ertel, MSN, RN, the supervisor of health services for BCPS, nominated Merani for the honor. She wrote of her: "Nurse Merani is an extraordinary nurse who demonstrates compassion, dedication, and boundless energy in her work to advance health outcomes for the Pikesville High School community.She is acutely aware of the health needs of the school community and has organized countless programs addressing issues impacting teens including healthy dating relationships, tobacco and drug use, vaping, breast cancer, nutrition, distracted driving, healthy technology use, and bullying.Nurse Merani's kind, caring, non-judgmental demeanor allows students to be open about how they are feeling and empowered to ask for help.It is not unusual to see students stop by her office for support, encouragement, and guidance.Nurse Merani is dedicated to the nursing profession and serves as a positive role model for students as the sponsor of the Future Nurses of America Club. Activities she has coordinated for these future nurses include field trips to local universities, nurse's week activities, guest speakers, internships at local hospitals, and health promotion activities.Nurse Merani embodies what it means to be a school nurse and her superb nursing care will positively impact members of the Pikesville High School community for years to come."
$850,000 Donation Will Provide Further Academic, Mentoring Program for Foster Students
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 11 -- The School District of Palm Beach County issued the following news release:
ChildNet, the leading child welfare agency serving abused, abandoned and neglected children, recently received $850,000 to continue its mission of serving students in the School District of Palm Beach County.
The generous donation came courtesy of AT&T, part of the company's commitment to help provide access to education and job training to those in need. ChildNet will use the funds to expand its Grounded for Life academic and mentoring program and to create a new Education Services
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WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 11 -- The School District of Palm Beach County issued the following news release:
ChildNet, the leading child welfare agency serving abused, abandoned and neglected children, recently received $850,000 to continue its mission of serving students in the School District of Palm Beach County.
The generous donation came courtesy of AT&T, part of the company's commitment to help provide access to education and job training to those in need. ChildNet will use the funds to expand its Grounded for Life academic and mentoring program and to create a new Education ServicesSpecialist position in West Palm Beach.
"Most children are successful when they have a caring adult in their life, so here's an opportunity for a group of kids who may not have that support," Superintendent Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II said. "This money is going to make sure that they have a great education, a great step forward in life and to be able to enter the world post-foster care and become great citizens."
The schools below offer the Grounded For Life program:
* Atlantic High School
* Boca High School
* Boca Middle School
* Crestwood Middle School
* Dwyer High School
* Forest Hill High School
* John I. Leonard High School
* Loggers' Run Middle School
* Okeeheelee Middle School
* Olympic Heights High School
* Park Vista High School
* Palm Beach Central High School
* Palm Beach Gardens High School
* Palm Beach Lakes High School
* Royal Palm Beach High School
* Santaluces High School
* Spanish River High School
* Watson B. Duncan Middle School
* Wellington High School
* West Boca Raton High School
