These Florida students celebrated Earth Day by planting trees

The big story: This week marks Earth Day and Arbor Day, two recognitions of how humans treat the planet.

Teachers across the state and nation often use the event to teach children about environment, ecology, climate and other aspects of the science of nature.

For second graders at Frost Elementary School near Tampa, that meant planting trees in their “urban heat jungle,” an area filled with asphalt and lacking greenery. Their activity was a first in Hillsborough County’s focus on heat education.

“By planting trees, we provide our students with a hands-on learning experience about the vital role of trees in mitigating urban heat events and creating a more resilient community,” said Frost Elementary School Principal Temeka Grayson on Monday. Read more here.

Hot topics

Religion in schools: Signing Florida’s school chaplains law, Gov. DeSantis said the nation’s founders intended for religion in public education. Historians say that’s not quite right.

Salaries: Bay County superintendent Mark McQueen has called for an employee salary review, saying there’s too much compression in workers’ pay rates, WMBB reports. He also said many noninstructional staff are underpaid.

School closures: Broward County’s new superintendent is planning at least five more public meetings as he dives into the district’s proposals to shutter schools, the Miami Herald reports.

Student discipline: Some Brevard County residents are demanding answers for why the school district’s discipline rates remain disproportionate, and to fix it, Florida Today reports. • The Lee County school district is considering tougher punishments for code of conduct violations, WINK reports.

Superintendents: Six applicants made the semifinalist cut to become Duval County’s next superintendent, Jacksonville Today reports. The finalist selection is set for May 7. • Broward County School Board members were hesitant to pay departing superintendent Peter Licata a full severance package, noting he had served less than a year, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Special education: The St. Lucie County School Board advanced plans to create a school focused on students with autism, WPBF reports.

Security: All Broward County high schools will have metal detectors at their entrances by the fall, the Sun-Sentinel reports. More from WPLG.

Taxes: The Orange County school district will ask voters to extend a local option sales tax in November, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The revenue would go toward construction and renovation projects.

Title IX: The federal government issued new guidelines for Title IX, offering more protections for LGBTQ+ youth in schools, WMFE reports. Florida is among the states planning to challenge the changes, Associated Press reports.

Vaping: Charlotte County schools will have vape detectors installed in bathrooms before the start of the next academic year in August, WFTX reports.

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In higher ed

Florida State: Attorney General Ashley Moody jumped into the middle of Florida State University’s legal battles with the Atlantic Coast Conference. Moody wrote that she is considering taking action in the lawsuits.

New College: The FAA recently rejected New College’s deal to buy acreage at the Sarasota Bradenton airport. There are several problems with the proposed sale, WUSF reports.

Rollins College: President Grant Cornwell announced plans to retire in 2025, after 10 years leading the school, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.

Before you go ... Two great sounds that sound great together, no doubt.