Schools & Kids
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · Orange County
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Orlando Piano Student Wins Trip to Amsterdam
An Orlando piano student has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Amsterdam after excelling in a regional music competition held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Construction Planning: Understanding Master, Look-Ahead Schedules, and the Planning Process in Orlando Projects
Orlando's construction projects rely on Master and Look-Ahead Schedules, integral to the overall Planning Process, to manage timelines and resources effectively.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Ocoee's Job Market Shows Steady Growth, New Opportunities Emerge
Ocoee's job market is showing steady growth across retail, healthcare, and construction sectors, creating new opportunities for local residents.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Apopka Farmers Market to Feature Organic Farm-to-Table Offerings
The Apopka Farmers Market will begin featuring organic farm-to-table offerings from local Central Florida growers every Saturday, starting April 19, 2026, at the Apopka City Center.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus Conocen de Cerca la Investigación en la INTER
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus visitaron Orlando para una inmersión educativa en investigación, contribuyendo al intercambio académico en nuestra ciudad.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
La INTER Reafirma el Rol Social de las Universidades en el XIII Diálogo de Infraestructura Sociomoral
La Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (INTER) reafirmó el rol social de las universidades en el XIII Diálogo de Infraestructura Sociomoral, una discusión relevante para las instituciones educativas de Orlando y su impacto comunitario.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus Conocen de Cerca la Investigación en la INTER
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus visitaron las instalaciones de la INTER en Orlando la semana pasada para conocer de cerca la investigación científica y conectar la teoría con la práctica.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
How Orlando’s Class of 2024 Fuels Regional Growth
Orlando's Class of 2024 is set to invigorate the local economy and community, bringing fresh talent and innovation to key industries across the region.
Wednesday, April 29, 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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Modernizing the School Fundraiser: Digital Crowdfunding Offers Local Families Relief from Door-to-Door Sales
Oakland schools are embracing digital crowdfunding for class trips, moving away from traditional door-to-door sales to ease the burden on families and increase funding efficiency.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Oakland High School Bands Weigh Disney vs. Universal for Annual Performance Tours
Oakland's high school band programs are weighing their options between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort for their annual performance tours, a decision impacting fundraising and student experiences.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Oakland Educators Begin Early Planning for 2026 Student Expeditions
Oakland educators are beginning the two-year planning process for 2026 student tours, focusing on international and domestic destinations that blend curriculum with cultural experiences.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Modernizing the School Fundraiser: Digital Crowdfunding Offers Local Families Relief from Door-to-Door Sales
Oakland schools are embracing digital crowdfunding for class trips, moving away from traditional door-to-door sales to ease the burden on families and increase direct funding for educational activities.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Oakland High School Bands Weigh Disney vs. Universal for Annual Performance Tours
Oakland's high school band programs are weighing the options between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort for their annual performance tours, a decision impacting fundraising, logistics, and student experiences.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Local Educators Begin Early Planning for 2026 Student Expeditions
Oakland educators have begun the two-year planning process for 2026 student tours, focusing on international and domestic destinations to provide enriching educational experiences for middle and high school students.
Wednesday, April 29, 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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Part-Time Daycare Near Me: Flexible Fall Options for Working Parents
Orlando parents are finding more flexible part-time daycare options emerging for the upcoming fall season, catering to diverse schedules and needs.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
How Much Screen Time is Too Much for Winter Garden Families?
Winter Garden families are grappling with the pervasive question of how much screen time is too much, sparking conversations at local gathering spots about balancing digital engagement with healthy lifestyles.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Sort it Out: Winter Garden Residents Encouraged to Review Recycling Habits
Winter Garden residents are encouraged to review their recycling habits to ensure proper sorting and reduce contamination in the city's waste management program.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The First Year of Life: A Community Reflection on Early Childhood Development
Winter Garden is hosting a community discussion next Tuesday at the Winter Garden Branch Library on Plant Street, focusing on the critical importance of early childhood development during "The First Year of Life."
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The Importance of Parental Involvement in the Preschool Years
Winter Garden parents are recognizing the significant impact their involvement has during a child's preschool years, laying a crucial foundation for future academic and social success.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Developing Fine and Gross Motor Skills!
Winter Garden residents are encouraged to consider the importance of developing fine and gross motor skills in children, crucial for their overall growth and independence.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Starting Fresh: Parenting Resolutions for a Happy New Year
Winter Garden parents are embracing the new year with resolutions focused on fostering harmonious homes, from dedicated family time to encouraging independence.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Calling all Nature Lovers: 6 Books to Inspire Nature Adventure
Winter Garden residents looking to connect with nature can find inspiration in six recommended books, available locally, covering topics from indigenous wisdom to backyard conservation.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Developing Fine and Gross Motor Skills!
Winter Garden families are reminded of the crucial role fine and gross motor skills play in children's development, impacting everything from daily tasks to academic success.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Lost and Found: A Parent’s Guide to Child Safety in Public Spaces
Winter Garden parents can enhance child safety in bustling public spaces by establishing meeting points, teaching children to identify safe adults, and using easily identifiable clothing.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026