Education Department Announces 161 Students to be Honored as 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars – From US Department of Education

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 58^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

"Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation's history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

A complete list of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars follows and is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

As Absenteeism Skyrockets, Schools Get Creative About Luring Back Lost Students – By Linda Jacobson, The 74

Sliding off their backpacks as they come through the front door of the local Boys and Girls Club, a group of students grab pool cues. Outside, children laugh as they bat around a beach ball on the lawn. 

But the upbeat mood belies the more serious reason that brings many of them here: They’re missing too much school. A short distance from southern California’s famous theme parks, the bright blue stucco building has become an extension of the Buena Park School District’s response to soaring absenteeism. The club is a place to make friends and for many, offers the only stability they’ve had during the pandemic.

“We are serving a need that the school hasn’t been able to fill,” said Luz Valenzuela-Trout, director of operations.

The district’s partnership with the club is an example of the extensive steps many educators nationally are taking to track down students missing school and reverse unprecedented levels of disengagement. But those efforts are rubbing up against the sheer scope of the problem. Chronic absenteeism has hit 40% in the nation’s two largest districts, New York City and Los Angeles, and is reaching dangerously high numbers in many districts in between.

A bill that lowers substitute teacher requirements in Ohio could get a two year extension amid staff shortages – By Tyler Thompson, WOSU

Ohio schools have struggled to find and

n substitute teachers after two years of pandemic induced stressors. The state typically requires a four-year degree to be a sub, but the legislature waived that requirement to help fill the gap.

A proposed bill could extend that waiver, but it’s seeing some opposition from teachers and parents.

Centerburg Local Schools is a small, rural district in Knox County with about 1,200 students. Like many schools across the nation, staffing shortages forced them to be flexible to prevent schools from closing. Superintendent Mike Hebenthal said it’s hard to find someone with a four-year degree to do the job for what they’re able to pay.

“There’s just so much more opportunity out there," Hebenthal said. "Substitute teaching doesn’t py a whole lot. We pay $90 a day, which ain't a whole lot of money; you can make that at a fast-food restaurant.”

Centerburg Schools used to rely on a pool of retired teachers and parents with four-year degrees that shared similar schedules with their kids. But those options have shrunk.

2 Pittsburgh-area schools to go remote this week due to increase in COVID-19 cases – By Taylor Spirito, WPXI

Two Pittsburgh-area schools are going remote for this week because of an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) 6–12 exceeded its 5% threshold for positive cases, with 38 reported today, according to Pittsburgh Public Schools spokesperson Ebony Pugh.

Sto-Rox Primary Center will also be going remote for an increase in COVID-19 cases.

CAPA will be returning to school on May 13 and masks will be required for all staff, students and visitors until May 20, unless Allegheny County’s community level reaches medium.