Schools & Kids
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · Miami
UF Eyes $500M Engineering Boom to Tackle Florida Tech Shortage
The University of Florida is pushing for $500 million in state funding to expand engineering facilities, aiming to supercharge STEM education amid Florida's booming tech sector. The proposal targets workforce gaps in high-demand fields like data science and advanced manufacturing. With Gainesville at the epicenter, UF's multibillion-dollar building spree could reshape the state's innovation landscape.
Florida Senate OKs Bill Capping Teacher Tenure at 4 Years
In a bold move to elevate classroom performance, the Florida Senate has passed legislation limiting teacher tenure to just four years while mandating merit-based evaluations. The measure, aimed at statewide public school gains, reignites a decade-old debate on accountability versus job security. Backed by GOP leaders, it heads to the House amid teacher union pushback.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Florida Lawmakers Advance Teacher Pay Reforms Amid Shortage Crisis
As Florida's teacher vacancies surge, lawmakers in the 2026 session are pushing bills to boost salaries, restore multiyear contracts and tackle retention head-on. From Tallahassee to Tampa Bay classrooms, these measures aim to value educators with higher minimum pay and incentives. The proposals signal a pivotal shift in addressing the state's education staffing emergency.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade Schools Win $1.37M Grants to Boost Voc-Tech Amid Teacher Crunch
Facing a persistent teacher shortage, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is doubling down on vocational training with $1.37 million in state grants for apprenticeships in auto tech and culinary arts. Partnerships with local businesses promise hands-on paths to high-demand jobs, easing the educator crisis by steering students toward trades. This expansion cements M-DCPS as Florida's CTE leader.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Lake Mary Coach Becomes Guardian to Orphaned Wrestler
A Lake Mary High School wrestling coach stepped up as legal guardian for student-athlete Maryellen Wingate after she lost both parents to cancer. The heartfelt act provides stability for the teen on and off the mat in Central Florida. Wingate's story highlights compassion amid tragedy.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Florida Public Libraries Weigh Impact of Digital Textbook Shift
Florida's accelerating adoption of digital textbooks in public schools is prompting libraries to reassess their role in providing learning resources. Concerns are rising about equitable access for students without home internet or devices.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Florida Students' Tobacco Use on the Rise, National Report Shows
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) indicates a rise in the use of emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookahs among middle and high school students. The study highlights a trend in tobacco use within this demographic.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
School Meal Menus for March 23-27, 2026 Released for Miami-Dade Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools have released the breakfast and lunch menus for the week of March 23 to March 27, 2026, for students across the district.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Chocolate, Problem Solving, and Personhood: A Sweet Discussion at Miami-Dade College
Miami-Dade College's Kendall Campus hosted a unique discussion yesterday, blending chocolate making, problem-solving, and the essence of personhood for students and community members.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Open House Reflections
Miami-Dade County residents are encouraged to share their reflections and feedback from recent open house events held across the community.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade School Board Reviews Magnet Program Policy 2370
The Miami-Dade County School Board is reviewing Policy 2370, which governs the district's magnet school programs, impacting admissions and program offerings for specialized curricula.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade County to Host Community Blood Drive Next Week
Miami-Dade County will host a community blood drive next Tuesday, April 15, at the South Dade Government Center in Cutler Bay to help replenish local blood supplies.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
New USDA School Meal Standards Coming to Miami-Dade Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools are preparing to implement new USDA school meal menu patterns, aiming to enhance the nutritional quality of meals served to students.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Why Sudbury parents probably didn’t get Valentine's crafts from their kids this weekend…
Sudbury Elementary and Middle Schools postponed Valentine's Day celebrations to April due to a mid-February flu outbreak, ensuring all students can participate in the belated festivities this week.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade: The Heartbeat of Latin Culture
Miami-Dade County continues to thrive as a vibrant epicenter of Latin culture, with its neighborhoods, businesses, and community life reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Schoology Parent Access Information for Miami-Dade Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools reminds parents about Schoology access to monitor student progress, grades, and communicate with teachers, with support available for setup.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Local Resident Maria Torres Comments on 'About Us' Section
Miami-Dade resident Maria Torres recently commented on a local 'About Us' section, underscoring community interest in organizational transparency and background.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Office Depot’s ‘Start Proud’ Program Gifts W.J. Bryan Elementary Teachers with $20K Shopping Spree
Teachers at W.J. Bryan Elementary School in North Miami received a $20,000 shopping spree from Office Depot's 'Start Proud' program, providing much-needed classroom supplies.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Easy Riders
Miami-Dade County's annual "Easy Riders" community bike ride is set for this Saturday, April 12, 2026, starting at Tropical Park to promote healthy living and community engagement.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
School Cafeteria Menus for March 16-20, 2026 Released for Miami-Dade Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools have released the breakfast and lunch menus for the week of March 16 to March 20, 2026, for students across the district.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Toddler Safely Recovered After Brief Disappearance in Miami Gardens
A two-year-old boy, Mateo Rodriguez, was safely recovered yesterday after briefly disappearing from his Miami Gardens home, thanks to swift police and community action.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Toddler Safely Recovered After Brief Disappearance in Miami-Dade
A two-year-old boy was safely recovered yesterday evening after a brief disappearance from a home near SW 104th Street and SW 152nd Avenue in Miami-Dade County.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade Water Safety Resources for Parents
Miami-Dade County officials and community groups are urging parents to prioritize water safety, highlighting available swimming lessons and supervision tips to prevent drownings as warmer weather approaches.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
ACC Spring Camp 2026 Photo Memories
Miami-Dade residents are looking back at the recent ACC Spring Camp as they anticipate the upcoming college football season.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade: The Heartbeat of Latin Culture
Miami-Dade County continues to thrive as a vibrant epicenter of Latin culture, celebrated daily by its diverse population and numerous local institutions.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Parent Choice Application Window Now Open for Miami-Dade Families
Miami-Dade County parents can now apply for the Parent Choice program, offering various educational options for the upcoming school year through the public school system.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Yvonne Tamayo to Discuss Activities and Schedules
Yvonne Tamayo is set to discuss local activities and schedules, offering Miami-Dade residents insights into upcoming community events and planning.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade Schools Announce New Vocational Programs for Fall 2026
Miami-Dade County Public Schools announced new vocational programs for Fall 2026, focusing on advanced manufacturing, healthcare support, and sustainable agriculture to equip students with in-demand skills.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Open Enrollment for Miami-Dade's Full-Time Virtual Schools Now Underway for 2025-2026
Miami-Dade County families can now apply for full-time virtual school enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year, with the application window closing on May 23, 2025.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Miami-Dade County Commission Approves New Park Revitalization Project
Miami-Dade County Commission approves a $3.5 million revitalization project for Tropical Park, bringing new playgrounds, renovated sports fields, and expanded walking trails.
Saturday, April 18, 2026