Schools

New Cellphone Ban in New Hampshire Schools Sparks Mixed Reactions: Focus on Face-to-Face Engagement and Academic Productivity

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WEST LEBANON, N.H. — As students at Lebanon High School settle into their daily routines, a newfound quiet has emerged in the hallways and cafeteria, driven by a statewide ban on cellphones during school hours. The ban, which took effect this academic year, has forced students to rethink their relationship with technology, shifting the focus from screens to face-to-face interaction and academic engagement. Seventeen-year-old Nehemiah Billings, who typically would have pulled out his phone during lunch, now dedicates that time to schoolwork, such as drafting an introductory letter for his Shakespeare class. “This is forcing … Read more

Federal Judge to Weigh Schools’ Standoff with Education Department Over Controversial Bathroom Policies

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A federal judge is poised to hear significant arguments on Wednesday regarding bathroom policies in schools situated in northern Virginia. This legal confrontation involves Arlington and Fairfax County Public Schools challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s actions about funding. The hearing, set to begin at 9 a.m. in Alexandria, addresses claims that these school districts are being penalized financially due to their bathroom policies, which allow students to access facilities matching their gender identity. The school systems assert that this withdrawal of federal funds is unjustified and violates both Title IX and … Read more

Arkansas Schools Split on Implementing New Ten Commandments Legislation: A Review of Responses

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The implementation of Arkansas’s new Ten Commandments law has elicited a diverse range of reactions from school districts across the state. This legislation, which allows public schools to display the Ten Commandments, raises questions about its impact on educational environments and community values. In several districts, school officials have expressed support for the initiative, citing a desire to provide students with a moral framework. Some administrators believe that displaying the commandments could foster accountability and a sense of respect among students. Meanwhile, other districts have opted to refrain from implementing the … Read more

Airlines Settle $79 Million Lawsuit Over Controversial Fuel Dumping Near Schools

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DALLAS — A major airline has reached an agreement to pay $79 million to resolve a lawsuit stemming from an incident in which its aircraft inadvertently released fuel over schools in a suburban area. The lawsuit was filed by community members who alleged significant health concerns and harmful environmental effects due to the fuel dumping. The incident occurred during an emergency landing in 2020 when the aircraft needed to reduce its weight. In an effort to comply with safety regulations, the plane dumped thousands of gallons of fuel shortly before landing. The communities affected were … Read more