One in three American homes with children has a firearm in the house, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. Even if you don’t have a gun in your home, chances are your neighbor does. Teaching your children about gun safety is important, regardless of your ideology about guns themselves. “I was totally against having a gun
Do You Let Your Kiddos Pick Out Their Own Clothes?
It’s time to walk out the door and your child refuses to take off the pirate costume (or striped shirt with plaid skirt), mismatched shoes and miscellaneous accessories. In a sigh of frustration, you ask your child to change clothes into something more “appropriate” and you’re met with a tantrum. What’s the next step? Do
Help Me Help You: Teaching Your Children to Self-Advocate
We are all unique in one way or another, from our preferences and dislikes to allergies and other medical conditions. As adults, we do not think twice to ask for non-fat milk in our coffee. We learn to speak up when ordering food with any special requests; “no onions, please.” Our children all have characteristics
ACPS Held COVID Vaccine Clinic for 65-and-Older Employees
Today, January 15, Alachua County Public Schools held a COVID vaccine clinic for ACPS employees who were 65 years old or older. More clinics will be held in the future as the ACPS works with UF Health. There were 210 spots available for getting the vaccine, and employees who were eligible were contacted prior to
5 Ways to Talk To Your Child About Bullying
As parents, we send our children into the world hoping that they come back every day with more knowledge and more confidence. In some cases, unfortunately, bullying can get in the way. Bullying can have serious short- and long-term effects, according to PBS Parents. These include anxiety, low self-esteem and the desire to skip school
ACPS Rezoning Update and New Terwilliger Elementary Location
After a special rezoning meeting yesterday, January 13, Alachua County Public School (ACPS) has decided that Terwilliger Elementary School will move into the new Elementary School I, and district-wide ACPS rezoning will hopefully be completed by fall 2022. According to Superintendent Dr. Carlee Simon in an email to families, this is the first step in
Get Ready For the ‘Survival of the Slowest’ Exhibit at the Florida Museum
The Survival of the Slowest exhibit is coming to the Florida Museum of Natural History on January 23! In the exhibit, you will encounter live animals that prefer the slow life while learning how they survive in fast-paced environments. The exhibit will showcase 16 animal species such as the box turtle, pine snake and the
ACPS Launches New User-Friendly COVID Dashboard
Alachua County Public Schools has updated their website to have a more user-friendly COVID Dashboard for students, families and the general public. Now it will be easier to get information on COVID-19 cases in local schools. "The new dashboard includes additional information on monthly, weekly, even daily trends in cases going back to the first
ACPS to Announce 2021 Teacher of the Year Tonight!
Tonight, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) will announce the 2021 Teacher of the Year winner via a virtual celebration. The three teachers have been chosen as Teacher of the Year finalists include elementary school teacher Mackenzie McNickle (first picture below), middle school teacher Amy Beres (second picture below) and high school teacher Nicole Harris (pictured
McDonald’s Offers Free Coffee and Treats to Teachers
Teachers can get a “Thank You Treat” from McDonald's from now until January 15! Enjoy free coffee and bakery goods! Bakery goods include Apple Fritters, Cinnamon Rolls or Blueberry Muffins. Teachers can also get any sized Premium Roast Coffee on the house! To take advantage of this offer, just stop by your favorite McDonald’s and