Orange County Public Schools look at security policies in wake of Texas school shooting
The school board for Orange County Public Schools held a workshop Tuesday to discuss their safety program and, in the wake of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, board members had a lot of questions regarding their policies.
Orange County schools tout success, challenges faced during COVID-19 pandemic
Students, families, community members and district employees gathered Friday morning as Orange County Public Schools presented its 2021 State of the Schools address, marking the first time since 2019 the address had in-person guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
โItโs a great victory:โ Orange County School Board Chair, teacherโs union praises ruling on masks
Orange County Schools was the only school district in Central Florida to join 9 others, in enacting mask mandates despite the Governor's executive order banning school districts from doing so. However, after a Leon County judge ruled districts actually can enact masks mandates, Orange County School Board Chairwoman Teresa Jacobs felt relief.
Orange County schools medical advisory board voices concerns about UK variant
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The Orange County Public Schools Medical Advisory Committee met on Thursday to discuss COVID-19 and safety measures on campus. The board discussed several topics, including concerns over how long it takes for the health department to conduct contact tracing. Board member Dr. Michael Muszynski said heโs worried there could be a rise in cases because of the new variant. To help stop the spread, the board said quarantine notifications need to go out faster. โWe do have dates secured for all of our traditional high schools at the Amway and UCF,โ Border said.
Orlando police take new approach at recruiting more officers
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Orlando police officers are taking a new approach to raising the next generation of law enforcement leaders. The Junior Reserve Law Enforcement program was created for freshman and sophomores at Jones High School and Lake Nona High School. Cliff Long from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association said he wanted to educate young people more about unity. He said he approached Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon about the idea months ago. โTo help even those who have gone into a bit of trouble and help put them back on track,โ Chief Orlando Rolon said.
Do UV lights kill COVID-19 in air conditioning systems?
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of thousands of dollars has been spent by Central Florida government agencies to install ultraviolet light systems inside their heating and air conditioning systems. Diagram shows how researchers say UV light kills the DNA inside the coronavirus. Berland said his researchers have shown when UV light is exposed to the coronavirus on surfaces, it can kill its DNA, preventing it from reproducing. News 6 found at least three public agencies approving funds for UV light installation in their HVAC systems. โMarion County was ahead of the curve in implementing UV-C air purification technology at every air handling system in the county,โ said county spokesman Alex AuBuchon.
Health experts share their thoughts on students returning to class in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The medical advisory committee tasked to guide the Orange County school board on how to safely reopen schools for in-person instruction met online Wednesday evening. Dr. Pino highlighted the county has seen 309 confirmed cases of the coronavirus among pediatric patients. He went on to say the rates appear promising, but went on to say the county is not in the clear when asked if returning to in-person instruction is safe. Yes, Dr. Pino said. Reopening schools for in-person instruction has become a hot button issue for parents like Megan Tucker.
Orange County school board passes revised face covering policy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County School Board passed a revised face covering policy during Tuesdays school board meeting. The revision presented to the board when students would not be required to wear face masks. I want you to face the same consequences, that you are making us face. Chair of the school board Teresa Jacobs spoke up in response to the criticism. The medical advisory committee plans to meet twice this week and board members said they expect some type of guidance ahead of the districts face to face reopening on Aug. 21.
Thousands gather at Lake Eola to remember Pulse victims
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Approximately 10,000 people huddled around the rainbow-hued Lake Eola bandshell Monday night to remember the 49 lives lost and the dozens of others who were injured during the Pulse nightclub massacre exactly one year ago. "Orlando Love: Remembering Our Angels" was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. but rain pushed the start time back to 7:48 p.m. That same hope has kept Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma fueled for the past 365 days. Toward the conclusion of the ceremony, the names of all 49 victims were recited one by one. An angel stood on stage for each victim as his or her picture was displayed and a bell was rung in memory.