Schools & Kids
Friday, May 1, 2026 · Orlando
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.
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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 2026
UCF Nursing Expert Honored for Contributions to Critical Care
Dr. Eleanor Vance, an Associate Professor at the UCF College of Nursing, was honored with the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Critical Care Education for her significant contributions to nursing education and practice in Orlando.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Best of the Southeast: UCF Conquers Civil Engineering Competition
The University of Central Florida's Civil Engineering team secured first place at the Southeast Regional Conference of the American Society of Civil Engineers, showcasing their exceptional skills.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Brightwheel Login Reminder for MWS Parents
Orlando parents with children at MWS are reminded to log into the Brightwheel app for the latest school communications and updates.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates and Upcoming Events in Orlando
Orlando residents should mark their calendars for upcoming City Council meetings, a public hearing on zoning changes, the library's 'Spring into Reading' program, the 'Taste of Orlando' festival, and a high school baseball game.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Case Study: New University Laboratory Bridges Local Research and Community Needs
A new state-of-the-art 'Innovation & Discovery Lab' at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Research Park officially opened yesterday, aiming to enhance local scientific research and foster stronger community ties through projects like water quality studies and educational workshops.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Families Weigh Options: The Appeal of Private Education
Orlando families are weighing their educational options, with many considering private schools for reasons ranging from specialized curricula to smaller class sizes and specific religious education.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Public Library Announces New Digital Literacy Workshops
The Orlando Public Library is launching a new series of free digital literacy workshops starting next week, offering residents essential computer and online safety skills.
Friday, May 1, 2026
New University Laboratory Bridges Orlando's Tech Future with Community Needs
The University of Central Florida has opened its new Advanced Robotics and Intelligent Systems (ARIS) Laboratory, aiming to innovate while addressing practical needs within the Orlando community.
Friday, May 1, 2026
UCF Research to Help Inform Statewide Efforts to Stop Domestic Violence and Improve Care for Survivors
New research from the University of Central Florida is set to inform statewide efforts to combat domestic violence and enhance support for survivors across Florida.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Dave School of Digital Arts Graduates Contribute to Oscar-Winning Films at the Academy Awards
Graduates from Orlando's Dave School of Digital Arts contributed to Oscar-winning films recognized at this year's Academy Awards, showcasing local talent on a global stage.
Friday, May 1, 2026
UCFest Unveils Spring 2026 Lineup, Bringing Music and Arts to UCF Campus
UCFest has announced its Spring 2026 lineup, promising a diverse array of music and arts events for UCF students and the wider Orlando community right on campus.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Public Library Announces New Digital Literacy Workshops
The Orlando Public Library is launching a series of free digital literacy workshops starting next Monday, April 14, to help residents gain essential technology skills.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Public Library System to Host Media Center Workshops
The Orlando Public Library will host free workshops on video editing, podcast production, and graphic design at its main branch on East Central Boulevard, starting next month.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Public Library Announces Expanded Digital Resources and Tech Workshops
The Orlando Public Library is expanding its digital resources and launching new technology workshops this month, aiming to enhance digital literacy for all residents.
Friday, May 1, 2026