The Record—Op-Ed--It's time for our generation to carve out its legacy Looking back on early February, everyone seemed to have an extra spring in their step, a little Olympic magic in their eyes. The Winter Games were going on in Pyeongchang. My classmates recounted their favorite events in the hallways, comparing notes on Shaun White, Mirai Nagasu’s historic triple axel, and “Nathan Quad’s” shortcomings and achievements. February had more in store than Double McTwists and triple axels, though. Five days after the Opening Ceremony, as the Acabellas and Maroon Men wrapped up their annual Valentine's Day Singing Gram tradition at Ridgewood High, and NBC began airing luge online, a message appeared at 2:56 PM on Twitter: “Avoid the area of Stoneman Douglas HS. #BSO is currently working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter.”...'
Philadelphia Inquirer-- School threats in Philly region on the rise since Florida massacre Threats made to school districts throughout the region are increasing at an alarming pace — a disturbing trend with a complex foundation that includes copycat crimes, more reporting, and the delicate task of dealing with immature students who simply make bad decisions...'
Associated Press (via Philadelphia Inquirer)--AP Analysis: NRA gave $7.3 million to hundreds of schools The National Rifle Association has given more than $7 million in grants to hundreds of U.S. schools in recent years, according to an Associated Press analysis, but few have shown any indication that they'll follow the lead of businesses that are cutting ties with the group following last month's massacre at a Florida high school. Florida's Broward County school district is believed to be the first to stop accepting NRA money after a gunman killed 17 people at one of its schools Feb. 14. The teen charged in the shooting had been on a school rifle team that received NRA funding...'
Education Week--In Florida, Bullied Students Will Get Vouchers to Attend Private School Florida is poised to become the first state to offer private-school vouchers specifically to students who are bullied or physically attacked in their public schools. The Florida legislature passed a sprawling education bill this week that, among several other unrelated provisions, creates a new scholarship program for students who suffer from harassment or violence to attend private schools—paid for with tax credits—and further boosts the state’s already expansive private-school choice offerings...'
It’s not just happening here. Across the nation, school districts and law enforcement officials are responding to more threats that have teachers, students, and parents on edge...'
The Record—Op-Ed--It's time for our generation to carve out its legacy
Looking back on early February, everyone seemed to have an extra spring in their step, a little Olympic magic in their eyes. The Winter Games were going on in Pyeongchang. My classmates recounted their favorite events in the hallways, comparing notes on Shaun White, Mirai Nagasu’s historic triple axel, and “Nathan Quad’s” shortcomings and achievements.
February had more in store than Double McTwists and triple axels, though. Five days after the Opening Ceremony, as the Acabellas and Maroon Men wrapped up their annual Valentine's Day Singing Gram tradition at Ridgewood High, and NBC began airing luge online, a message appeared at 2:56 PM on Twitter:
“Avoid the area of Stoneman Douglas HS. #BSO is currently working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter.”
This tweet from the Broward Sheriff’s Office was the first inkling of a tragedy that was unfolding in Parkland, Fla., one that would claim 17 lives. One that would shift the national conversation from the history being made at a pivotal Olympics in Korea, to a pivotal moment of an altogether different kind.
Here's a hint: It's about guns.
Sophia Swanson, Special to The Record Published 6:30 a.m. ET March 9, 2018
Philadelphia Inquirer-- School threats in Philly region on the rise since Florida massacre
Threats made to school districts throughout the region are increasing at an alarming pace — a disturbing trend with a complex foundation that includes copycat crimes, more reporting, and the delicate task of dealing with immature students who simply make bad decisions.
It’s not just happening here. Across the nation, school districts and law enforcement officials are responding to more threats that have teachers, students, and parents on edge.
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/school-threats-parkland-20180309.html
Barbara Boyer, Staff Writer @bbboyer | bboyer@phillynews.com| Updated: March 8, 2018 — 10:56 PM EST
Associated Press (via Philadelphia Inquirer)--AP Analysis: NRA gave $7.3 million to hundreds of schools
The National Rifle Association has given more than $7 million in grants to hundreds of U.S. schools in recent years, according to an Associated Press analysis, but few have shown any indication that they'll follow the lead of businesses that are cutting ties with the group following last month's massacre at a Florida high school.
Florida's Broward County school district is believed to be the first to stop accepting NRA money after a gunman killed 17 people at one of its schools Feb. 14. The teen charged in the shooting had been on a school rifle team that received NRA funding.
Denver Public Schools followed Thursday, saying it will turn down several NRA grants that were to be awarded this year. But officials in many other districts say they have no plans to back away.
The AP analysis of the NRA Foundation's public tax records finds that about 500 schools received more than $7.3 million from 2010 through 2016, mostly through competitive grants meant to promote shooting sports. The grants have gone to a wide array of school programs, including the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, rifle teams, hunting safety courses and agriculture clubs.
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/20180309_ap_ce39136dad7c49d6977ba851018f5d92.html
COLLIN BINKLEY & MEGHAN HOYER, The Associated Press Updated: March 9, 2018 — 7:18 AM EST
Education Week--In Florida, Bullied Students Will Get Vouchers to Attend Private School
Florida is poised to become the first state to offer private-school vouchers specifically to students who are bullied or physically attacked in their public schools.
The Florida legislature passed a sprawling education bill this week that, among several other unrelated provisions, creates a new scholarship program for students who suffer from harassment or violence to attend private schools—paid for with tax credits—and further boosts the state’s already expansive private-school choice offerings.
Supporters—who argued that bullied students need to be able to escape schools that aren’t protecting them—predict the idea will catch on with parents and lawmakers beyond Florida, and potentially kick off a wave of similar legislation beyond the state.
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/03/08/in-florida-bullied-students-will-get-vouchers.html
Arianna Prothero| March 8, 2018