Parent groups at Evergreen High School raised concerns about the lack of school resource officers prior to a shooting that critically wounded two students, highlighting issues with SRO staffing and school safety protocols amid budget and staffing changes.
A 7-year-old boy in Charles County, Maryland, is recovering after an incident at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School where he was reportedly "hung" while "horseplaying" in a bathroom. The boy's parents are skeptical of the school's explanation that the incident was accidental, involving a jacket caught on a stall door hook, and suspect bullying. The school initially reported the incident as a possible suicide attempt, which was later clarified. The boy's parents demand more answers and have decided not to send him back to the school.
Parents voiced concerns at an Atascadero school board meeting over the district's policy allowing transgender students to use locker rooms and restrooms consistent with their gender identity. The district clarified that it follows California law and aims to create a safe environment for all students. Some parents questioned the impact on their children's comfort and safety, while others emphasized the need to support non-transgender students as well. The school board member emphasized the district's goal of inclusivity, and the district stated that it is obligated to follow state and federal guidelines.
A growing number of school districts in the United States are adopting a four-day school week, with hundreds of districts across the country making the switch in recent years. While smaller, rural districts have been more likely to favor this schedule, larger districts are now shortening their school weeks in an effort to recruit and retain teachers amidst a national teacher shortage. However, there is currently limited evidence on the academic impact of the four-day school week. Some parents have expressed concerns about the impact of a shorter week, but proponents hope that this shift will lead to a broader conversation about supporting the teaching profession.