St. Johns County Schools Upholds Book’s Place in Curriculum

Overview: In a recent St. Johns County Schools meeting, a portion of the discussion centered on an objection to the book “The Great Cow Race” by Jeff Smith, which had been raised by a parent concerned about its appropriateness for first-grade students. The committee ultimately deemed the book suitable for grades prek and up, despite the concerns expressed.

St. Johns County Schools Deliberate on Removal of ‘The Lovely Bones’ and ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ Amid Content Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting of the St. Johns County Schools, significant time was dedicated to the review of objections to two books, “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold and “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur, based on concerns that their content may not be suitable for school-age children. The meeting, facilitated by Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Don Sapp, involved discussions centered around Florida law House Bill 1069, which restricts books in school libraries from containing certain content. Despite the debates, the committee did not reach a majority decision on “The Lovely Bones,” while they recommended “The Sun and Her Flowers” be retained for grades nine and up.

St. Johns County School Board Tackles Books in District Libraries

Overview: The St. Johns County Schools convened recently to address objections to controversial books within district libraries, with a particular focus on “Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin Gruwell and “Slaughterhouse 5” by Kurt Vonnegut. The District Library Book Objection Committee, adhering to Florida statutes and the Sunshine Law, engaged in a review process to determine the suitability of these books for students, considering their content and the appropriateness for specific grade levels.

Clay County Champions Fine Arts and Career Education

Overview: The recent Clay County School Board meeting showcased a strong commitment to enhancing both Fine Arts programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) within the district, highlighting achievements and discussing new initiatives for future development. The board recognized the value of Fine Arts in schools, demonstrated by the appointment of the first district Fine Arts specialist, who has been integral in supporting teachers, securing grants, and promoting Fine Arts education. In addition, CTE programs were emphasized.

St. Johns School Board Tackles Tech: Clever and Schooly Platforms

Overview: The St. Johns County School District’s recent School Board meeting centered on the integration and troubleshooting of educational technology platforms, primarily focusing on the Clever platform and Schooly, the district’s adopted learning management system. These platforms are critical in facilitating online learning and resource management for students across the district.