Statement Regarding Hearing on Petition to Court on CEN Report

August 15, 2018

Attorneys for the School Board appeared in court today, Wednesday, August 15, 2018, with respect to the release of the Collaborative Educational Network (CEN) report on Nikolas Cruz. The attorneys made it clear that it was their intent to put the judges on notice of the fact that the confidential information had been disseminated to the public in violation of their orders that the information should remain redacted. In filing the petition, it was never the School Board’s intent to pursue contempt proceedings against the Sun-Sentinel or the individual reporters, as such matters are more properly handled by the judges presiding over the litigation.

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

 

Source

What’s New in the 2018/19 School Year Volume 2

August 14, 2018 

Students across Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) head back to school tomorrow, Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Below is Volume 2 of What’s New in the 2018/19 school year.    

Highlights in this edition include:

  • Schools welcoming new principals
  • International Academy for Newcomer English Language Learners
  • What’s new on the menu
  • Back to school online forms
  • New and improved E-Store for families

Check Out What’s New in 2018/19 – Volume 2

 Also, in case you missed it, check out Volume I of What’s New:

View What’s New in 2018/19 – Volume 1

Families, community members, business partners and BCPS employees are encouraged to share back to school photos and messages via social media using #BCPSFirstDay and #BCPSStrong. On Twitter, remember to include the District’s handle @browardschools. You can also follow BCPS on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.

 

Volume 2 (Published August 14, 2018)

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

BCPS Superintendent Welcomes Students on the First Day of School

 (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print PDF)

 

August 13, 2018

More than 271,000 students across Broward County Public Back To School 2018/19 Schools (BCPS) return from summer vacation and back to classrooms for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

 

“As we prepare to start another new school year, the safety and security of our students and staff continues to be our District’s highest priorities,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “I want to assure our parents that we have taken extra precautions to secure our campuses. This includes School Resource Officers or trained armed guardians at all of our schools, whose jobs are to keep our students, staff and campuses safe.”

 

Superintendent Runcie will welcome students and families to the new school year on the first day at several schools across the District.

In addition to the Superintendent’s visits, some of South Florida’s professional sports teams will also join teachers, staff and administrators in welcoming students. The Miami HEAT dancers and Burnie will celebrate the first day of school and welcome students at Pinewood Elementary School, 1600 SW 83rd Avenue, North Lauderdale, 33068.

 

Note to Media: See link below for Superintendent’s First Day of School Visits schedule. The Miami HEAT’s celebration at Pinewood Elementary School, takes place from 9 – 10 a.m.

 

Link: Superintendent’s Fisrt Day of School Visits Wednesday, August 15, 2018

 

(Arrival and departure times are approximate. Schedule is subject to change.)

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SUPERINTENDENT’S VISITS AND EVENTS.

*Media will not be allowed on the MSD campus. Local law enforcement will provide a designated media area.

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

BCPS School Bus Drivers Prepare for the New School Year

August 10, 2018

As a part of the District’s SMART initiative safety and security enhancements, Broward County Public Schools expedited single point of entry (SPE) projects at all schools, which limit visitor access to a single entrance during the school day.

WHO:
Broward School Board Members, BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie and Olsen Middle School Staff

WHAT:

Olsen Middle School is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its SPE project, and to provide updates on other school safety and security measures. Information will also be provided regarding the Secure the Next Generation referendum.

WHEN:
Monday, August 13, 2018, at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Olsen Middle School
330 SE 11th Terrace
Dania Beach, FL 33004

WHY:
Safety and security of students and staff remain top priorities. The District has leveraged a variety of resources to support efforts in this area, including SPE projects through the SMART bond program. All SPE projects Districtwide will be completed by the end of 2018 or prior to the end of the first quarter of 2019.

 

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

Single Point of Entry Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Olsen Middle School Monday, August 13, 2018

As a part of the District’s SMART initiative safety and security enhancements, Broward County Public Schools expedited single point of entry (SPE) projects at all schools, which limit visitor access to a single entrance during the school day.
 
WHO:
Broward School Board Members, BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie and Olsen Middle School Staff
 
WHAT:
Olsen Middle School is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its SPE project, and to provide updates on other school safety and security measures. Information will also be provided regarding the Secure the Next Generation referendum.
 
WHEN:
Monday, August 13, 2018, at 3:30 p.m.
 
WHERE:
Olsen Middle School
330 SE 11th Terrace
Dania Beach, FL 33004
 
WHY:
Safety and security of students and staff remain top priorities. The District has leveraged a variety of resources to support efforts in this area, including SPE projects through the SMART bond program. All SPE projects Districtwide will be completed by the end of 2018 or prior to the end of the first quarter of 2019.
 
MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.
 
                                                                  ###

ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

Broward County School Board, Superintendent Robert W. Runcie and Broward Teachers Union Hold Joint News Conference August 28, 2018, ½ Mill Referendum

August 6, 2018

WHO:
Broward County School Board Members, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS)
Superintendent Robert W. Runcie, Broward Teachers Union (BTU) President Anna Fusco and BTU members.

WHAT:
Joint news conference regarding the August 28, 2018, ½ mill referendum

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, Pre-Function Room
600 SE Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

WHY:
BCPS is bringing a ½ mill referendum to voters, which will appear on the August 28, 2018, ballot. The Secure the Next Generation initiative would provide additional funding through a ½ mill referendum that will be used to: secure additional School Resource Officers and security staff; secure high-quality teachers and staff by improving compensation for teachers and school-related staff (non-administrative); and secure essential programs in District schools and expand educational opportunities for our students.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NEWS CONFERENCE.

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

 

ABOUT BROWARD TEACHERS UNION
The Broward Teachers Union is a labor union, which represents Broward County Public Schools teachers, paraprofessionals, technical service professionals and Pembroke Pines Charter School employees. BTU is an affiliate of the Florida Education Association, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers and AFL-CIO.

 

Source

District Statement Regarding Court Ruling to Release the Collaborate Educational Network’s Report regarding Nikolas Cruz

Today, August, 3, 2018, the Broward Circuit Court approved the release of the Collaborative Educational Network’s report regarding Nikolas Cruz.

The Collaborative Educational Network (CEN) was retained to take an objective look at the educational and behavioral services provided to Nikolas Cruz throughout his years as a student within the Broward County public school system. CEN provides consulting services for school districts, charter schools, and non-profit and government agencies involved in education.

CEN’s findings show that the District provided significant and appropriate services to Nikolas Cruz in compliance with the federal laws entitling all students to “a free appropriate public education” designed to meet their unique needs. The District utilized a multi-disciplinary approach, including ESE programming, school counseling/guidance and other related services in an effort to meet the ongoing and evolving needs of this student.

“The District looks forward to the release of the full report as soon as it is legally appropriate, ”said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We accept the recommendations regarding procedural improvements, and are pleased with the overall review, recommendations and findings. We are actively reviewing our policies and procedures, training protocols and data systems in an effort to implement the recommendations in a timely and effective way.”

While the report has been heavily redacted by court order, what is available is a summary of process, a review of Florida statutes and recommendations, which we intend to follow.

  • Broward County Public Schools is required to provide an education for all students, no matter their circumstances. That is the law.
  • The District worked consistently, and with Cruz’s family, to provide an education and ongoing, changing behavioral care for Cruz throughout his time in the Broward school system.
  • This evaluation was conducted by a third-party, independent consultant that specializes in these kinds of assessments and the District accepts their findings as well as their recommendations.
  • While this report verifies that the District’s systems are appropriate and are in place, it is clear that we must review and amplify training in order to ensure consistent implementation of delivery of services.
  • We proactively conducted this internal review and are now waiting for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to move into its next phase. We anticipate their investigative report and findings to be released in the days ahead and our intent is to review those and then make our determinations.

Court Approved Collaborative Educational Network (CEN) Report Regarding N. Cruz at BCPS

Source

What’s New in the 2018/19 School Year – Volume 1

August 2, 2018   

As schools across the District prepare to welcome students back to class on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, Broward County Public Schools is proud to share Volume 1 of What’s New in 2018/19. 

 

Highlights include:

  • Information on safety and security
  • Increasing unique educational programs
  • Expanding debate in schools
  • Growing the Dual Language program
  • Increasing computer science and STEM opportunities
  • Supporting Environmental Stewardship

    View What’s New 2018/19– Volume 1

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook atfacebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

Countdown to the First Day of School: New Back to School Online Toolkit Available for Families

August 2, 2018

To help families prepare for the 2018/19 school year, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Back to School toolkit is now available on the District’s website at browardschools.com/backtoschool.

 

The Back to School toolkit connects families to important information and resources, such as:

  • 2018/19 school year calendar
  • School opening/closing times
  • Code Book for Student Conduct
  • Before and after school child care
  • Breakfast and lunch menus
  • Transportation services

 

There are also resources to help parents and guardians get involved in their child’s education, monitor academic progress, learn about services for English Language Learners and multilingual families, and much more.

 

As a reminder, the first day of school for BCPS students is Wednesday, August 15, 2018. 

 

BCPS is proud to offer innovative, high-quality learning experiences for all students – and schools are excited to get the 2018/19 school year started!  Families, community members, business partners and BCPS employees are encouraged to share their back to school photos and messages via social media using #BCPSFirstDay and #BCPSStrong. On Twitter, remember to include the District’s handle @browardschools.  You can also follow BCPS on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.

 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source

Students Gear Up for the New School Year with Robotics, Debate, Music and Art

The showcase events take place Thursday, August 2, 2018, and are the culminating activities from the two-week long summer camps. In all, nearly 700 BCPS students entering grades six through 10 in the 2018/19 school year are participating in the camps. Students are exploring programs in robotics, debate, music and art, and have opportunities to continue with these areas of interest through electives and courses in the upcoming school year.

Why:
The summer camps are funded through a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, matched by BCPS, and support the District’s strategic focus on re-imagining middle grades learning. The goal is to increase students’ experiences and engagement in elective programs with the intent of students becoming part of an inclusive elective community aligned to student interests, while enhancing academic support through project-based learning and ultimately affording a potential career path in life.

When/ Where:
Thursday, August 2, 2018
1 p.m. at each school camp location listed below:

Apollo Middle School 
6800 Arthur Street 
Hollywood, FL 33024

Everglades High School
17100 SW 48th Court 
Miramar, FL 33027
Fort Lauderdale High School
1600 NE 4th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
Piper High School 
8000 NW 44th Street 
Sunrise, FL 33351
South Plantation High School
1300 SW 54th Avenue 
Plantation, FL 33317

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THESE EVENTS.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

Source