BCPS Awarded Second Consecutive $64,000 Grant to Provide Opportunities for Youth In Juvenile Justice Programs

For a second consecutive year, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has received a $64,000 grant from the Florida Department of Education to increase high school diplomas awarded and ensure post-release employability for youth placed in Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) custody. The grant, implemented by the District’s Department of Equity & Academic Attainment, provides services to youth at the Broward Youth Treatment Center (BYTC) facility in Pembroke Pines through the Teaching, Redirecting and Advancing Individuals of the Next Generation program (TRAIN).

TRAIN is aligned with the educational objectives of the DJJ and designed to ensure that youth in the juvenile justice system obtain measurable academic improvement and acquire career technical skills. The program aims to help youth find employment following their release and increase opportunities for them to earn industry-recognized certifications.

In partnership with the Broward Technical College Career Technical Assistance Program, students prepare for jobs in culinary arts. Students are able to participate in courses in commercial food and culinary arts provided by an industry certified instructor. Students are also able to articulate to any Florida Technical College with occupational completion points and/or industry certifications, qualifying the youth to enter occupations linked to food preparation and service careers.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of community partners and the District, the Perkins Grant for Culinary Arts helps us to continue the work of preparing this fragile population with obtaining valuable industry certification, job skills and life skills,” said David Watkins, director of BCPS Equity & Academic Attainment. “This program goes a long way toward our goal of ensuring that every student graduate with the competencies required to succeed in the workforce.”

 
The TRAIN program was developed to support the education, career training, support services and job placement of juveniles placed in BYTC custody. BCPS currently provides a full range of educational services at the Broward Youth Treatment Center, including evidenced-based curriculum, structured behavior management systems, substance abuse treatment and individual/group counseling and family therapy.

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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

Sea Castle Elementary School Unveils Media Center Makeover Courtesy of the Orange Bowl Committee

WHO:
Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie; Sean Pittman, President & Chair, Orange Bowl Committee, Inc.; Britton Banowsky, Executive Director, College Football Playoff Foundation; Michael A. Yorio, President, SSI Guardian of School Specialty; and Sea Castle Elementry School Principle Roqueime Rodriguez Students, Teachers and Staff.

WHAT:
Sea Castle Elementary will unveil its updated state-of-the art media center makeover, thanks to the Orange Bowl Media Center Makeover Project sponsored by the Orange Bowl Committee.

WHEN: Thursday, August 16, 2018, 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Sea Castle Elementary School
9600 Miramar Blvd.
Miramar, FL 33025

WHY:
Sea Castle Elementary is one of three schools in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties to receive a makeover of its media center by the Orange Bowl Committee. The winning schools received a fully-funded Media Center Makeover, including new equipment, furniture, supplies, technology and more. Schools were asked to provide a compelling written statement demonstrating why their school should be selected to receive a media center makeover.

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

School Board Members, Superintendent and Staff Welcome Students and Families

Today, Wednesday, August 15, 2018, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) welcomed students to the 2018/19 school year. Broward County School Board members and BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie spent the first day visiting many schools across the District, greeting students, families and staff. Throughout the day, the focus for schools was on safety and security, and ensuring a smooth start to the new school year.

“It was great seeing and speaking with our students and staff today. Our school employees are excited to welcome everyone and we’re looking forward to starting the new school year,” said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “While our shared healing and recovery from the tragedy earlier this year continues, we are committed to coming together and healing as a community. Our mission remains doing everything in our power to provide students and staff with safe and secure learning and working environments.”

BCPS has taken numerous steps regarding enhancing safety and security. Among these actions, the District has:

  • Developed, with tremendous support from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and our municipal partners, plans to ensure every

    District school had a certified law enforcement officer or armed guardian assigned for the first day of school.

  • Upgraded real-time surveillance camera systems at all District schools and expedited Single Point of Entry projects

    Districtwide, which use fencing and door systems to limit campus access for visitors to one entrance.

  • Engaged an external security firm to complete a risk assessment of all schools, which will ultimately include recommendations

    for additional security enhancements. The first phase is completed.

  • Reinforced with all schools safety and security protocols, including diligently monitoring and enforcing safety operations, such as locking exterior doors, classroom doors and gates throughout the day.

School Board members and Superintendent Runcie wrapped up first day activities with a news conference at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center. To watch the news conference, visit https://eduvision.tv/l?eALAmD.

In addition, to watch a video wrap-up of first day highlights, visit https://eduvision.tv/l?eALRDD.

Below is more BCPS First Day of School information – by the numbers.

2018/19 First Day of School – by the Numbers

Enrollment:

  • District (Pre-K -12 & Centers) 225,904***
  • Charter 45,340*** 
  • Total 271,244***  

School Buses:

  • Students Riding Buses 72,000**
  • Bus Routes 1,011 
  • Bus Drivers 971
  • Total Active Buses 1,324 

Cafeteria Meals Served

  • Breakfast 27,500*
  • Lunch 99,000* 
  • Supper Program Meals 6,000*

Number of Teachers

Number of Schools 

  • Elementary 136
  • Middle 37
  • High 33
  • Combination 8
  • Centers 17 
  • Colleges 3
  • Charter 88

Total: 322 

*Numbers are approximate **Approximate number of eligible students assigned to bus routes for the opening of the
2018/19 school year.

***This number subject to change.

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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

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