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Weekly Challenger Published October 23

Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements

Insert Date Subject: Important Update: Change to High School Graduation Requirements Dear Parents and Guardians, I want to inform you about an important change to Florida’s high school graduation policy that might affect some students this school year (2025–26). New state…

Weekly Challenger Published October 17

How to move J Hop forward

‘Some have said that if Principal Brittnee Scott fails, it should be because she is not up to the job, not due to undermining or a lack of supervisory and district support,’ said Dr. Goliath Davis. GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — In my last column, I…

Weekly Challenger Published October 10

Helping young minds grow: The importance of social-emotional development in early childhood

Preschool children participate in a group storytelling activity that helps them identify and express emotions — a key part of social-emotional learning in early childhood programs. Early learning experts stress that emotional growth is just as vital as academic learning for young…

Weekly Challenger Published October 02

New principal at Fairmont Park Elementary

‘I am impressed by incoming Principal Anne Caparaso’s understanding of the nexus between elementary, middle and high school,’ said Dr. Goliath Davis. Goliath J. Davis, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Like outgoing Principal Andrew Akapnitis, with whom I share experience…

Weekly Challenger Published September 24

J Hop is hopping

“I am confident that Principal Scott has the best interests of the J Hop staff, scholars, and parents at the forefront of her administration,” said Dr. Goliath Davis. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Over the last two weeks, the community has been…

Weekly Challenger Published September 09

Meet the 2025 Woodson Warrior Scholars

ST. PETERSBURG — The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, led by Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott, proudly announces the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Woodson Warrior Scholarship. This year’s class features 18 exceptional students recognized for excellence in…

Weekly Challenger Published September 05

Hendrick speaks

Dr. Goliath Davis presided over the September COQEBS meeting, which featured Pinellas County School Superintendent Kevin Hendrick addressing the lack of progress in the Bridging the Gap Plan. GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — On Sept. 3, Pinellas County…

Weekly Challenger Published August 04

Garcia’s touch: The transformation of Hollywood High

Lakewood High School celebrated its 60th anniversary with students of yesteryear, current scholars, and incoming freshmen at its Diamond Celebration on Friday, Aug. 1. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG — Principal Connisheia Garcia and her team are…

Weekly Challenger Published June 02

OP-ED: SAVE JOB CORPS!! (Local students speak out)

In any given year, Pinellas County Job Corps supports an average of between 250 to 350 students, with an average of 150 faculty members, including teachers, administrative staff members, facility maintenance, and cafeteria workers. Last week’s immediate and alarming closing of…

Weekly Challenger Published April 22

Comprehensive report on PCS failing Black students

Even after two lawsuits and the Bridging the Gap plan, the Pinellas County School District continues to fail Black children, and Dr. Goliath Davis has been telling you this for years. LYN JOHNSON | Publisher PINELLAS COUNTY – Former St. Petersburg Police Chief, Deputy Mayor and…

Weekly Challenger Published April 15

Undercover investigator targets educators and DEI: here’s what to know

April 15 – Today a press release from Accuracy in Media was shared with news outlets about a new task force that is using undercover investigators. The following is from today’s release: Accuracy in Media Video Exposes University of South Florida Administrator Bragging About…

Weekly Challenger Published April 01

Infinite Potential Learning Academy’s long-term strategy to impact south St. Pete

By J.A. Jones, Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg native Twanna Monroe was a teacher for Pinellas County Schools, and after years in the system decided it was time to help create the change she wanted to see in the lives of children in her community. Realizing that many…

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