The big story: Kids across Florida headed back to classes this week after more than two months on break.

With so much material to cover in 180 days, teachers couldn’t be faulted if they jumped straight into the curriculum. But on the first day of school, academics aren’t always at the top of the list.

To really reach their students, teachers need to establish a rapport and a routine. So many of them spent time making connections.

After all, Pasco County fifth grade teacher Raynee Meek said, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.” Read more here.

Hot topics

Backpacks: Sprayground designer backpacks are all the rage at Westland Hialeah Senior High, the Miami Herald reports.

Book removal: Two Central Florida school districts are considering whether to remove the book “Trans Mission” from their shelves after the state threatened action against Hillsborough County for having it available, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Dress code: Parents and students at a Duval County high school got mixed messages over what their school dress code requires as officials offered differing interpretations of the rules, WJXT reports.

Financial aid: Broward County teens are getting an advance look at the new FAFSA form after the school district was named a pilot site for the updates, WTVJ reports.

Hurricane aftermath: Students assigned to Fort Myers Beach Elementary are still not attending classes at the campus that was damaged by hurricanes Ian and Milton. There’s talk of a charter school to replace it, Fort Myers Beach Observer and Bulletin reports.

School lunches: Groups of donors from across Santa Rosa County have worked to eliminate students’ cafeteria debts in local schools, WEAR reports.

Security: The Citrus County school board is looking into using security wands at all schools, the Citrus County Chronicle reports.

Voucher: Florida’s debate over the value of education vouchers continues as the program grows, WUSF reports.

From the court docket ... The Palm Beach County school district reached a settlement with a student who sued over allegations of being sexually abused by her teacher, WPBF reports. • A federal judge rejected two Trump administration orders aimed at eliminating DEI programs from schools and universities, saying they violated procedural requirements, Associated Press reports.

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

Before you go ... When cultures collide.