COLUMBIA FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

May 08 2026EDUCATION

Finding time for free play in school

Schools often focus on structured lessons, but a new study suggests something simple might help kids more: free play. Researchers looked at 125 elementary students in a high-poverty area. The kids were split into groups that got 12 weeks of 45-minute free play sessions either in fall or spring. The

reading time less than a minute
May 07 2026OPINION

Phones in schools: why a total ban misses the bigger picture

Schools today aren’t just teaching algebra or history—they’re preparing students for a world where phones are everywhere. A complete ban on these devices might seem like an easy fix for distractions, but it ignores a bigger issue: teaching responsible use instead of avoiding technology altogether. T

reading time less than a minute
May 03 2026OPINION

Teachers and nurses deserve real respect, not just online words

Schools used to be places where adults actually worked with kids, not battlegrounds. Teachers once had room to teach without constant fear of insults, threats, or budget cuts. Now many quit because the job has become harder than it needs to be. Some parents and politicians seem to think teaching is

reading time less than a minute
May 01 2026BUSINESS

Columbia’s Sales Surge, Europe Leads the Charge

Columbia Sportswear surprised investors by beating Wall Street expectations for its latest quarterly results. The company posted $779 million in sales, topping the $758 million forecast from analysts. Earnings per share reached 65 cents, well above the anticipated 35 cents. The jump in revenue came

reading time less than a minute
Apr 25 2026HEALTH

Building a new heart center in mid-May

Columbia’s Boone Health system is rushing to open its own heart clinic by May 6 after losing a partnership that lasted over ten years. The split affects around 20, 000 patients who will now receive care from a new team of about three dozen doctors, nurses, and technicians hired specifically for the

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026EDUCATION

How one Columbia school leader is shaping education beyond the usual classroom

Columbia Public Schools has tapped Douglass High School Principal Eryca Neville to lead a new role focused on students who need learning options outside traditional classrooms. Neville steps into the executive director of alternative education position after nearly a decade as Douglass High’s top ad

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026TECHNOLOGY

When student data leaks in the cloud

Schoolbook publisher McGraw Hill discovered a gap in its online defenses this April that let outsiders view 13. 5 million user files stored on Salesforce. The hole came from a simple setup mistake, not a hacker tunneling through complex code. Attackers calling themselves ShinyHunters grabbed the exp

reading time less than a minute
Apr 15 2026POLITICS

CPS Drops Equity Leader, Sparks Community Outcry

Columbia Public Schools decided not to renew the contract of Carla London, the district’s chief equity officer. The board met in a closed session and voted 6‑1 against the renewal, with only Alvin Cobbins opposing. London has served for over a decade, starting as director of student services and lat

reading time less than a minute
Apr 06 2026WEATHER

Rainy Easter plans? Here's what to expect in the Midlands today

Columbia woke up to a mild Easter morning, but the skies will change by afternoon. While no heavy rain hits early, scattered showers might sneak in before noon—especially west of the city. The main concern rolls in later, when temperatures peak near 80°F. Forecasters expect a 60% chance of showers a

reading time less than a minute
Apr 03 2026EDUCATION

How Can Schools Help Students Work Well With AI Tools?

Schools today face a new challenge: teaching students how to handle AI without losing important human skills. AI tools are everywhere now, from chatbots that explain homework to apps that grade essays. But just teaching students how to use these tools isn’t enough. The real goal should be helping th

reading time less than a minute