Education
US Colleges Mull New Virus Protocols for Students’ Return
Published
6 years agoon
COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) — St. Michael’s College managed to keep coronavirus cases at bay for almost two months this fall with students tested upon arrival and once every three weeks.
But in mid-October, cases at the small Vermont school started to climb. The outbreak was linked to an ice rink more than 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. The liberal arts college shifted to all-remote learning and closed the campus to visitors. By November, a total of 76 of the roughly 1,600 students had tested positive, the school said.
“It was very concerning to experience the spike in cases that we did after so many weeks of surveillance tests with no positives,” President Lorraine Sterritt said by email.
When students come back for the spring semester, St. Michael’s will begin testing them weekly. The college may also require students to move to a separate residence hall when they are told to quarantine.
The coronavirus presented huge challenges for the fall semester for U.S. colleges that opened the academic year with in-person learning, including some that took a battering from outbreaks. Those not joining the growing number that will offer only virtual learning are assessing how they would bring students back after the winter holidays while the country faces crushing rates of virus infections.
Schools that are bringing students back are adjusting testing protocols, introducing new screenings, and eliminating spring breaks to discourage students from traveling to help keep campuses open.
Other schools big and small think it’s still possible to keep a pandemic-era residential college experience.
California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo plans to add saliva testing in the winter quarter that will be processed on campus and will allow it “to test many more people much more quickly — our current estimate is 4,000 tests per day by mid-January,” President Jeffrey Armstrong said in a campus-wide message this month.
In the spring semester, Colby College in Maine wants to add some rapid antigen tests to twice-weekly tests for students, faculty and staff. It also did away with the one-week spring break replacing it with two mini-breaks in March and April.
“We’ll program stuff for the campus so people get a break,” Chief Financial Officer Douglas Terp said.
More schools are expected to require students get tested before they come to campus rather than when they arrive, as some institutions did before the fall semester, said Barbara Mistick, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Institutions like Syracuse University in New York abandoned in-person learning earlier than planned this fall but are planning on a resumption of campus life next semester.
But a growing number of schools will stick with virtual instruction through the spring.
“We are seeing a rapid rise in colleges and universities announcing they will move to remote learning for the remainder of this semester and for the spring,” said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for one, announced early last month it will continue most of its classes virtually.
Student cooperation with protocols helped to keep the number of coronavirus cases low at the University of Vermont’s campus in the small city of Burlington, President Suresh Garimella said.
On a recent day, students wearing masks streamed through a tent outside the student center where they are required to be tested weekly. They stayed apart, stopped at a station to sanitize their hands and blow their nose and then proceeded into the indoor testing center.
“It’s part of my routine,” said sophomore Brian Boyle of the testing.
The school received federal coronavirus relief funding for virus-related expenses like testing, but Garimella estimates it will spend an additional $10 million to $15 million.
There are also a lot of precautions in place, rules for social distancing and the maximum number of people in a group, Boyle said. It’s harder to get together with people socially, but he said students can find ways to go about it and still follow the rules and be safe.
“You know being outside in small groups and stuff,” he said.
As cases rose in Vermont and at UVM in November, though, he said he was becoming a bit concerned about whether the spring semester will be in-person.
“My biggest concern is probably that people will become more relaxed with their individual social distancing/quarantining measures over winter break,” he said by email. “I can only hope that people will remember how important these safety measures are, and will continue to practice them for the sake of their health and for the sake of our education.”
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Central Florida News
Festival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2026
The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.
Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.
The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.
“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.
Hours, Tickets and Museum Support
The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.
Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.
“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.
Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations
Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.
The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.
The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.
Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.
Holiday Parties and Evening Events
The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.
Other evening events include:
| Event | Date and time | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar | Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $40 |
| Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately | Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m. | $15 adults; $10 children |
| Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately | Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m. | $35 |
Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops
The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.
| Workshop | Date and time | Ticket price |
|---|---|---|
| From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas | Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m. | $65 |
| Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques | Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $65 |
| The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes | Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m. | $70 |
| Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips | Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m. | $65 |
The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.
Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.
Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes
Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.
Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.
New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief
Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.
Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.
Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.
Central Florida News
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2026
Separate $250,000 state appropriation will help launch a dual enrollment nursing program.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has secured nearly $5.2 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, marking the university’s first funding award from the agency, according to B-CU.
Separately, a $250,000 appropriation from the state of Florida will help launch the university’s new dual enrollment nursing program.
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
First HRSA Funding for B-CU
The university described the federal award as a first for the institution. The information provided identifies the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as the recipient but does not specify the award’s programs, spending timeline or anticipated number of participants.
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
State Funding Supports Nursing Program
The state appropriation will support the launch of B-CU’s dual enrollment nursing program. It is separate from the nearly $5.2 million in federal funding.
Central Florida News
UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support
Published
4 months agoon
July 6, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — UCP Charter Schools and the University of Central Florida have launched a new partnership to expand academic, health and family support services through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative.
The federally funded Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI) will establish Community Schools at UCP Bailes Community Academy, UCP Downtown and UCP Pine Hills Charter School beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Two additional UCP campuses are scheduled to join the initiative in January 2027.
University-Assisted Community Schools Model
The initiative is a collaboration between UCP Charter Schools, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI) and the UCF Center for Community Schools (UCF CCS).
Together, the partners will implement the University-Assisted Community Schools model, which brings together schools, families, higher education institutions, community organizations and local stakeholders to address barriers to student success while improving educational and family outcomes.
Expanded Student and Family Services
Through the partnership, UCP Charter Schools and UCF will enhance and expand services that include:
- After-school enrichment programs
- Academic support services
- Health and wellness resources
- Family engagement opportunities
- Connections to community-based services
Community Input Will Guide the Initiative
As implementation begins, UCP Charter Schools and UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute will conduct comprehensive needs assessments at each participating campus.
Families, students, school staff and community partners will be invited to participate through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. Feedback gathered during the process will help shape each school’s Community School plan and future programming.
“Community schools are most successful when they build upon the strengths and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Matthew Marino of UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. “We are excited to partner with UCP Charter Schools to develop sustainable systems of support that connect students and families with the resources, opportunities and relationships that contribute to long-term success.”
Serving More Than 2,100 Central Florida Students
UCP Charter Schools serves more than 2,100 students across Central Florida through an inclusive educational model designed to provide individualized learning opportunities and support for every student.
School leaders said the organization’s longstanding commitment to customized education, family engagement and community partnerships positions it well to implement the Community Schools model.
“At UCP, we have always believed that schools can serve as the hub of their communities,” said Anna Morin, associate superintendent of UCP Charter Schools and project liaison for the initiative. “This partnership will allow us to deepen our work with families, expand access to critical resources and create new opportunities for students to thrive. Most importantly, the needs and voices of our families, students and staff will guide the development of each school’s Community School plan.”
Shared Commitment to Student Success
The Community Schools initiative reflects a shared commitment between UCP Charter Schools and UCF to strengthen educational achievement, increase family engagement and develop sustainable partnerships that support the whole child and the entire family.
