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South Seminole Heights Civic Association is at Broward Elementary School.

2 weeks ago

Happening at Broward Elementary School...

Year Begins Amid Pandemic: The ’New’ Normal and Recognition for Broward

After weeks of controversy over how and when schools would open, HCPS began the 2020-21 school year on Aug. 24 with eLearning for all students. The first week, called "Smart Start Week," provided a jumpstart for students to get them used to new health and safety procedures at Broward. Then, one week later, the district transitioned to in-person instruction for families wanting to come back on Aug. 31, although students have also been able to continue classes online. Parents opted for in-person instruction or remote learning (Hillsborough Virtual School or eLearning at Broward), and approximately 50% of Broward parents selected in-person learning this fall. As far as not taking this ‘new normal’ seriously, the district was adamant; "School attendance is not optional; August 24th is the first day of school."

Students and staff returned to a different Broward, with increased health and safety measures including face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing. They are being provided with reusable masks and expected to wear them while on campus. Students are also being required to practice social distancing during arrival on campus through departure. Grab-and-go breakfasts are available, and where possible, are being eaten in classrooms to deter students from congregating in the lunchroom. Also, each classroom is outfitted with sanitation stations with supplies (gloves, wipes, sanitizer), students and staff are working together wiping surfaces after classroom instruction is complete, and desks are spaced six feet apart. Students move in cohorts during the day, use controlled movement patterns, and staggered dismissal patterns have been established, with designated drop-off and pick-up areas for walkers and bike riders.

Staff monitor students in common areas to encourage social distancing and elective and special classes like physical education, art, and music are adhering to the same, limiting collaborative activity and shared resources. Also, for the safety of all, pep rallies, assemblies and large gatherings are not permitted. Teachers are minimizing the use of shared items in the classroom, including learning tools, pencils and items normally shared in group settings. Finally, students are being encouraged to stay socially distanced while at the bus stop and are being socially distanced as much as buses allow, loading from back to front. Also seating charts with social distancing have been established and hand sanitizer stations are on each bus, and students should use them upon entry and exit. The district has also limited access to visitors and volunteers to appointment only. A request must be made 24 hours in advance.

The district plan also detailed steps that would be taken if a student or staff member tests positive. The first thing is to contact their principal, who will then contact the district "COVID commander" and then the regional superintendent. District leaders acknowledged how much students and families have been through over the last six months and said counselors are available to work with families and students, saying "Everyone has been frustrated….we are doing our best but we know there are going to be bumps in the road, there are going to be barriers."

Big News! Broward was selected as one of only four new district Community Schools. Staff are excited about the services and resources available families through the National Education Association national program. Principal Angela Livingston thanks the community and business partners for the ‘ongoing and amazing support’ including painting the school shed and crosswalk, and the abundance of donations including school supplies, monetary contributions, uniforms, books, and even food for staff during preplanning.


Important Dates
9/15-10/5- Student Assessments.
9/21-9/25- Start with Hello Week
10/2- Bucs Raise the Flag Day
10/3- RISE Up Scholars academy (every Saturday)
10/23- End of the 1st grading period
10/28-SAC meeting; 8:30 a.m.
11/11- Veteran’s Day (non-student day)
11/19- Great American Teach In
11/23-11/27- Fall Break
Conference Night/Family Zoom- date TBD

Important Links:

School Reopening Plan:
hillsboroughschools.org/doc/2719/school-reopening-plan/about/openingplan/?utm_source=web&utm_medi...

Reopening FAQs:
hillsboroughschools.org/docs/00/00/27/31/faq_from_families.pdf

Community Schools:
www.nea.org/student-success/smart-just-policies/community-schools ... See MoreSee Less

Broward Elementary School

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