INSIDER
This Florida college is courting custodians, lunch workers, others to become teachers. Here’s the plan
Read full article: This Florida college is courting custodians, lunch workers, others to become teachers. Here’s the planLocal school districts are finding new ways to fill spots during a major teacher shortage. Volusia, Brevard, and Flagler counties are now working with Daytona State College to get district employees who want to teach their bachelor's degrees.
Volusia schools move forward with ‘random’ student searches
Read full article: Volusia schools move forward with ‘random’ student searchesRandom searches for students could be coming to Volusia County Schools. On Tuesday, the board decided to move forward with the possible policy change and clarified how the searches would be handled.
Volusia County nonprofit pushes for Narcan in schools after drug issues
Read full article: Volusia County nonprofit pushes for Narcan in schools after drug issuesKaren Chaprek wants Volusia County Schools to equip school staff with Narcan kits. She said that with training, it is simple to use — and can save a life.
As heat soars, Volusia County Schools prepare to welcome students back to school
Read full article: As heat soars, Volusia County Schools prepare to welcome students back to schoolAs record-breaking heat stretches across Central Florida, students in Volusia County are heading back to school on Monday.
These Central Florida school districts are using a new tool to keep children safe
Read full article: These Central Florida school districts are using a new tool to keep children safeAs students head back to class, school districts across Central Florida are preparing for a new law aimed at keeping children safe.
‘We need to check politics at the door:’ Central Florida educator talks superintendent turnover
Read full article: ‘We need to check politics at the door:’ Central Florida educator talks superintendent turnoverWhether choosing to resign or being ousted by newly-elected school boards, superintendent turnover continues to grow among Florida school districts.
Volusia schools holds job fairs as it tries to fill 700 vacancies ahead of next year
Read full article: Volusia schools holds job fairs as it tries to fill 700 vacancies ahead of next yearVolusia County Schools’ officials said they are not leaving any stone unturned when it comes to filling the more than 700 vacancies they have throughout the district.
Deltona High increasing law enforcement presence after false report of gunshots, district says
Read full article: Deltona High increasing law enforcement presence after false report of gunshots, district saysThere will be an enhanced law enforcement presence at Deltona High School this week, after false reports of gunshots, according to district officials.
Safety, filling teacher vacancies among priorities for Volusia County schools as first day approaches
Read full article: Safety, filling teacher vacancies among priorities for Volusia County schools as first day approachesNearly 70,000 students are set to head back to classes in Volusia County on Monday morning.
Volusia schools to start the year with new superintendent
Read full article: Volusia schools to start the year with new superintendentTeachers and students at Volusia County Public Schools head back to the classroom on Monday, and this year, the district is under new leadership with a newly appointed superintendent.
Volusia interim superintendent discusses new role, challenges ahead
Read full article: Volusia interim superintendent discusses new role, challenges aheadJust days after her predecessor was suddenly fired, Volusia County Schools’ Interim Superintendent Rachel Hazel spoke to News 6 about her plans to lead the district during the transitional phase.
Volusia County teacher says unemployment benefits rerouted by imposter
Read full article: Volusia County teacher says unemployment benefits rerouted by imposterA veteran Volusia County Schools paraprofessional recently discovered her Department of Economic Opportunity account had been hacked by an imposter.
Volusia County Schools releases graduation rules, schedule
Read full article: Volusia County Schools releases graduation rules, scheduleVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – As high school seniors prepare to graduate, Volusia County Schools has released the coronavirus rules and restrictions they’ll need to follow during the ceremonies this summer. The district said in a news release that each graduate will be given up to four tickets. Seating for spectators will be grouped into pods of four with 3 feet of space between each pod. “The Ocean Center recognizes the accomplishments of graduating high school seniors and is committed to providing the honor these events deserve, while also balancing the health and safety of all in attendance,” Ocean Center Director Tim Riddle said. “As such, the facility has adjusted seating arrangements to allow for increased attendance, while also maintaining social distancing to the maximum extent possible.
Volusia Schools make decision on graduation ceremonies and proms
Read full article: Volusia Schools make decision on graduation ceremonies and promsVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Officials with Volusia County Schools made a decision on graduation ceremonies and proms for the end of the 2021 school year. The district will have socially distanced graduation ceremonies and proms will not happen this spring. School officials said they are working on alternatives to prom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. [TRENDING: Florida women dress as grannies to get vaccinated | NASA sticks landing on Mars | Puppy schemes rise during pandemic]Ad“There is no way to safely social-distance at a dance,” Volusia County Health Department Administrator Patricia Boswell said in a statement. Graduation ceremonies for Volusia County will be held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
Attention Volusia parents: Deadline to apply for free, reduced meals approaching
Read full article: Attention Volusia parents: Deadline to apply for free, reduced meals approaching(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County Schools is issuing a reminder to parents about the upcoming deadline to submit applications for free and reduced lunches in an effort to secure critical funding for underprivileged schools. There are currently 44 Title 1 schools in Volusia County, according to the release. To make sure Title 1 schools don’t miss out on that federal funding, district officials said it’s imperative for families to fill out the Free and Reduced Meal Application no later than Friday, Feb. 12. Schools will have computers available to anyone who doesn’t have internet access and wants to fill out an application, district officials said. Those rankings will then determine which schools qualify for Title 1 funding for next school year.
Scholarship created in memory of Volusia superintendent who died from COVID-19
Read full article: Scholarship created in memory of Volusia superintendent who died from COVID-19VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A scholarship has been made in the memory of former Volusia County Schools Superintendent Tom Russell, who died last year after contracting COVID-19. With support from our community, his friends and colleagues, it is our desire for this to become a perpetual scholarship fund,” the Futures Foundation for Volusia County Schools wrote in a statement. [TRENDING: What to know about Biden’s COVID-19 strategy | 2021 Bike Week will happen| Florida no longer releasing overdue vaccine numbers]The scholarship will be for seniors at high schools in Volusia County who want to earn a teaching degree. He influenced so many lives in both Flagler and Volusia” a colleague of Russell said at a memorial service in December 2020. Russell initially tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 16, 2020 and said he was initially experiencing mild symptoms.
Volunteers help homeless Volusia County students prepare for the holidays
Read full article: Volunteers help homeless Volusia County students prepare for the holidaysVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Five hundred backpacks filled with food for students across Volusia County are being delivered this week. Jennifer Watley, district homeless liaison for Volusia County Schools, dropped off several to Holly Hill School on Monday. Sheriff Mike Chitwood along with the Volusia County school district told News 6 there are 2,000 homeless students in the area. | Pilot killed in Fla. gyroscope crash]“This year with COVID-19, and partnering with the school board, we’ve seen a spike, a dramatic spike in homeless Volusia County students,” Chitwood said. Visit the Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation to donate.
Volusia County Schools reduces COVID-19 quarantine period
Read full article: Volusia County Schools reduces COVID-19 quarantine periodVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – In order to be in line with new guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Volusia County Schools has reduced its COVID-19 quarantine period from 14 days to 10 days for staff and students. The new change goes into effect immediately at the recommendation of the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. [TRENDING: Businesses could face COVID-19 fines | Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing | Video: High school football player attacks ref]According to the district, those on campus who are asked to quarantine but do not have any COVID-19 symptoms can leave quarantine 10 days after the collection date of the first lab positive test that led to the possible exposure. Those in quarantine who don’t have symptoms can also get a PCR test on day six after that exposure and then leave quarantine the next day if the results come back negative. Earlier in the pandemic, the recommendation for quarantine was 14 days.
Volusia County Schools shares 2021 graduation plans amid ongoing coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Volusia County Schools shares 2021 graduation plans amid ongoing coronavirus pandemicVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County Schools is sharing its plans for 2021 graduation ceremonies amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]The school district also livestreamed the graduations since fewer guests were allowed in due to COVID-19 restrictions. School district officials said the number of guests each 2021 graduate will be allowed to invite will depend on the CDC’s coronavirus guidelines at the time of the event. Before the coronavirus, the Ocean Center could hold 6,000 people for graduation. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
High school football games canceled in Volusia County due to coronavirus
Read full article: High school football games canceled in Volusia County due to coronavirusVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The next two football games for Deltona High and Pine Ridge High schools have been canceled due to a coronavirus-related incident, according to Volusia County Schools. [TRENDING: Big rig with police lights pulling over drivers | Voter Guide 2020 | Belt buckle may solve cold case]Deltona played against Pine Ridge this past Friday. School officials said the Volusia County Health Department has been notified and will monitor the safety of the players. “We know that our players, families, and student supporters of the team are disappointed, but we are acting with an abundance of caution in the best interest of everyone,” Pine Ridge Principal Dr. Paul Nehrig said. There is no word at this time on what the COVID-19 related was.
No spike in COVID-19 cases linked to classroom in Volusia County, officials say
Read full article: No spike in COVID-19 cases linked to classroom in Volusia County, officials sayVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Officials in Volusia County held a news conference on Friday to update residents on the ongoing fight against COVID-19. During the news conference leaders explained that even with children back in school, positive cases have not spiked. In Volusia County there are approximately 14 students who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Volusia County saw an increase in deaths Friday, reporting two additional deaths. Since March, 205 people have died in Volusia County after complications from COVID-19.
Volusia teachers, parents call on school district to be more transparent about COVID-19 cases
Read full article: Volusia teachers, parents call on school district to be more transparent about COVID-19 casesVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. A small but determined group of teachers, staff and parents silently protested outside the school districts headquarters on Tuesday, demanding change to the COVID-19 response in Volusia County Schools. Cumiskey is a former teacher for Volusia County and spoke with News 6 before the protest, claiming school leaders are not releasing enough information about COVID-19 cases. News 6 spoke with Volusia County School Board Chairwoman Ida Wright minutes before the afternoon school board meeting to address the protesters' concerns. [TIMELINE: The spread of coronavirus in Florida]Wright said the school district is releasing all the COVID-19 information it can without violating privacy laws. Cumiskey hopes the protest pushes the school board in what she believes is the right direction.
Volusia County sets July dates for high school graduation ceremonies
Read full article: Volusia County sets July dates for high school graduation ceremoniesDeLAND, Fla. – Volusia County Schools announced backup dates for graduation ceremonies and rehearsals due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, school officials said the new dates for graduation will be during the week of July 9 with rehearsals beginning July 6. The list of school graduation ceremonies for all 10 Volusia County high schools, including dates and times is below:School Date TimeTaylor July 9 8:30 a.m. DeLand July 9 12:30 p.m. Mainland July 9 4:30 p.m. Seabreeze July 9 7:30 p.m. Atlantic July 10 8:30 a.m. Spruce Creek July 10 12:30 p.m. New Smyrna July 10 4:30 p.m. Pine Ridge July 11 8:30 a.m. Deltona July 11 12:30 p.m. University July 11 4:30 p.m.Seminole and Osceola counties have made similar announcements. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Volusia County schools conduct first code red drill
Read full article: Volusia County schools conduct first code red drillVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County Schools hosted its first code red drill Thursday to prepare students in the event of an active shooter on campus. A spokesperson for the district said this is the first time Volusia County Schools conducted the Code Red 2 Practice Drill. The district said schools across the county participated in the drill throughout the morning. Before the drill, middle and high school students watched a safety video posted on the school district's website. "We have to be prepared to deal with unfortunate events that could happen in our life," Craig Pender, Volusia County Schools safety and security expert said in the video.