The Westside Gazette Back To School

Gifted & Talented

Broward County Public Schools’ Gifted and Talented Program nurtures advanced learners through rigorous, enriched instruction tailored to their unique abilities. Designed for K–12 students who demonstrate high academic potential, creativity, and critical thinking, the program fosters intellectual growth, innovation, and a love of learning. With specialized strategies and a focus on the whole child, BCPS ensures gifted students are challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive.

For more information, you can contact: Gifted & Talented Division at Arthur Ashe Campus, 1701 NW 23rd Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311, Zuzel Rodriguez

Curriculum Supervisor for Gifted and Talented, Phone: 754-321-3402.

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School Security

(Source: BCPS)

Exercises and Drills

All Broward County Public Schools conduct regular age-appropriate exercises and drills at various times as outlined in the Florida Fire Code and Florida Administrative Code.

To aid in this process, every school has a designated SAFE team comprised of faculty and staff who have been specially trained on appropriate procedures to ensure each school follows safety protocol.

Discussion-based tabletop exercises are also conducted regularly with staff, faculty, and community partners, and the results of these exercises are documented and incorporated into school safety plans as necessary.

All public schools are required to conduct one (1) fire drill per month, with one (1) additional occurring within the first 30 days. Additionally, public schools are required to conduct, at a minimum, six (6) emergency drills every school year that are nonconcurrent with fire drills. One emergency drill must take place within the first ten (10) days of the beginning of the school year, and the remaining drills may not occur more than forty-five (45) days apart. Four (4) of the six (6) emergency drills must address active threats. The remaining two (2) drills must address

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Back to School Sleep Tips

(Source: CDC)

Parents know that quality sleep is essential to their children’s success at school. With quality sleep, children have improved mood and ability to focus. Sleep is also essential for forming and retaining memories — an important part of learning!

But how can parents help their children get back on a sleep schedule for school after summer or holiday breaks? The secret lies in having healthy sleep habits year-round. A regular sleep schedule, as well as a quality sleep environment and other habits of good sleep hygiene, contribute to children’s academic achievements and overall well-being.

Children look to their parents for guidance on healthy habits. Sleep should be no exception. For both adults and children, a regular sleep schedule helps the body know when it’s time to sleep and wake up. A sleep schedule helps prevent fatigue, exhaustion, and daytime drowsiness.

How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need?

The amount of sleep needed varies depending on your child’s age, activity levels, and individual needs. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests

 Trusted Source

National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information

The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

View Source  the following guidelines:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep

School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep

Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study found that most American children and teenagers don’t sleep enough

Trusted Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats.

View Source

. Nearly 6 in 10 middle schoolers and at least 7 in 10 high schoolers don’t sleep enough on school nights. Of the high school students surveyed, almost two-thirds sleep less than eight hours nightly.

Adhering to sleep schedules with parental support can help students achieve the sleep needed to help them perform their best.

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Back to School Anxiety

 (Source: My Good Brain.org)

But with the right approach, there are strategies that you can employ to make your transition back to school smoother than you think it will be. Whether it’s catching up on missed work or fitting back in with friends, these tips are your trusty guide to getting back on track without the stress.

Start Slow and Steady

When you first think about going back to school, it might seem a bit scary. To make things easier, try taking it one step at a time.

Think about visiting your school briefly before your first full day back. This can help you get used to being there again without the pressure of classes or homework.

Another good step is to slowly get back into a school-like routine at home. Set your alarm for school time, have regular meal times, and set aside time for studying and breaks. This way, your body and brain can prepare for the school schedule, making the real deal less of a shock to your system and a break in your routine.

Talk with Your Teachers

Before you dive back into classes, have a chat with your teachers.

Let them know why you’ve stepped away from school for a time and what they can do to help you now. You could ask for some catch-up sessions, or maybe even for some extra time on assignments at the start. Teachers want to see you do well, and they’ll appreciate knowing the best way to support you.

 

Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a really brave thing to do. Knowing when you need a hand and asking for it is a skill that’ll help you a lot in life, not just in school.

Set Goals You Can Reach

As you get back into school life, it’s super important to set goals you can actually hit.

Working with your school counselor to choose classes and a workload that feels right for you can make all the difference. These goals should be like steps on a ladder—not too far apart so you can reach each one without a stretch.

And remember, the goals you set for yourself aren’t set in stone. If you find your goals to be too tough or too easy, you can always adjust your plan. Your main priority should be to keep moving forward, even if that’s in the form of baby steps.

Keep Using What Works

All those cool tricks you learned to manage your anxiety? They’re still going to be very useful as you navigate student life.

Whether it’s deep breathing when a test is coming up or breaking down big projects into smaller bits, keep those techniques in your daily backpack.

Sometimes, the simplest things like taking a few deep breaths can turn a stressful moment into an “I’ve got this” moment. It’s all about keeping calm and carrying on.

Lean on Your Friends

Going back to school isn’t just about classes and homework.

It’s also about hanging out with your friends. Keep your friends close and don’t be shy to talk to them when you’re finding things tough. They can be your cheer squad, ready to help you laugh and keep things light.

Friends are the family you choose, and they can make even the worst days feel a bit brighter. Plus, helping each other out is what friendship is all about.

Celebrate Your Wins

Every time you hit one of your goals, give yourself a high-five.

Made it through a full day of classes? Awesome. Handed in an assignment? Great job! These might seem like small things, but they’re actually a huge deal when you’ve been away for a while. By celebrating these wins, you are reminding yourself that you’re making progress. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being a little better every day.

Feel like you need some extra support? Reach out to the Anxiety Institute—we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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School Nutrition/eating during the school day

(Source: CDC.gov)

Most U.S. children consume as much as half of their daily calories at school.

CDC recommends that nutrition-related school policies and practices support healthy eating choices.

The school nutrition environment, part of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework, can shape lifelong healthy eating behaviors.

Why it’s important

A healthy school nutrition environment provides students with the following:

Nutritious and appealing foods and beverages.

Consistent and accurate messages about good nutrition.

Ways to learn about and practice healthy eating throughout the time children spend on school grounds—including before and after school.

How it works

To learn about the benefits of healthy eating and academic performance, visit Childhood Nutrition Facts. And to learn more about how schools can address energy drink consumption and other related facts, visit our energy drinks page. Supportive Environments: Nutrition details how school nutrition policies and practices can support a school’s social and emotional climate (SEC) and social and emotional learning (SEL).

Celebrations and rewards

Food and beverages may be part of classroom celebrations, parties, and special events, or offered to students as rewards for achievement or positive behavior. Schools and parents can work together to ensure that celebrations, events, and rewards support health. For example, they can provide only healthy foods and beverages at celebrations and events and offer nonfood items for rewards. These strategies apply to celebrations occurring during the school day or out-of-school time programs on school grounds. Ideas for nonfood rewards include extra time for recess, stickers, or a note of recognition from a teacher or principal.

Staff role modeling

Teachers, school staff, out-of-school time program leaders, and administrators can also practice healthy eating—consuming healthy foods and beverages. In addition, they can make efforts to be physically active and get involved in the school’s employee wellness program. This modeling reinforces healthy behavior with students and supports consistent school messages about the importance of good nutrition.

Resources

Keep Reading:

Comprehensive Framework for Addressing the School Nutrition Environment and Services

Action for Healthy Kids | resources

Alliance for a Healthier Generation | resources

CDC | School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

CDC | School Health Index (online self-assessment and planning tool)

The Connections Between Food Insecurity, the Federal Nutrition Programs, and Student Behavior

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025

WellSAT

 

 

 

 

 

Why Here Comes the Bus?

 

CalAmp Here Comes The Bus is a proven, user-friendly mobile app relied on by hundreds of school districts to keep you informed, safeguard students, and save time.

Here Comes The Bus gives you precise bus location and status alerts. Email and push notification options include:

Student boarded bus or exited bus*: to know precisely where your child is.

Bus is approaching: indicating how much time you have to drop off or pick up your child.

Bus arrived: important arrival confirmation.

Custom messages: giving you other relevant updates when needed.

*Requires Student Ridership enabled.

If your district has enabled “Cancel-a-Ride”, you can avoid time-consuming morning phone calls with transportation staff to cancel pickups. Instead, you can provide staff with schedule updates using a few simple clicks.

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Get Started With the App

 

Follow these simple steps below to get started:

Download Here Comes The Bus on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Click the “Sign Up” button.

Enter your school district code and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”.

Complete the “User Profile” box.

Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number.

Click to confirm you are registering for your school district.

Complete the registration by clicking “Activate My Account” in the verification email.

GET HELP

How to use the app: Knowledge Base with helpful articles and videos.

Technical support: submit a support request here or call (844) 854- 9316

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 Mentoring Across Broward

   Mentoring Across Broward, the District’s comprehensive mentoring initiative, addresses many of the concerns expressed by students, parents, school staff and community stakeholders who are looking for ways to provide opportunities for all students to benefit from mentoring relationships with caring peers and adults.

Mentoring Across Broward, which operates within this department, uses a multi-tiered approach to leverage school and community-based mentoring resources to better serve the needs of students. Youth Mentoring Programs will continue to provide mentoring opportunities for individuals and organizations to meet one-on-one and in small groups with students on school campuses during the school day.

BCPS Sponsored Mentoring Programs

5000 Role Models of Excellence Project

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a dropout prevention, mentoring program committed to closing the minority male achievement (access) gap by guiding minority male students along a carefully charted path through grades K-12 and college or ensuring the attainment of other post-secondary credentials, and increasing their employability in higher wage, high skills jobs within high demand industries.  The program also teaches participants to respect law enforcement, the law, women, school officials, and parents.  Students are also exposed to valuable educational, and leadership opportunities that are designed to develop and strengthen their leadership skills.  The students and adult mentors wear a distinctive uniform consisting of black pants, a white dress shirt, and a 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project signature necktie. For more information about 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project may be found at https://www.5000rolemodels.com/broward, email MentoringAcrossBroward@browardschools.com,or call (754) 321-1600.

 

Mentoring’s Tomorrows Leaders

       Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders (MTL) is a peer-to-peer mentoring and at BCPS Mentoring Partners

 

Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Since its inception, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward has created more than 50,000 professionally supported matches for youth relationships that ignite the power, and change lives for the better, forever. Research has proven that the young people in the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, improved academic performance, and an avoidance of risky behaviors such as trying drugs or alcohol. Through our B.I.S.S. (Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success) program hundreds of children in Broward County Public Schools aftercare locations have an opportunity to reach their full potential. We also offer BIG Pride (LGBTQ+?), BIG futures (college and career readiness), BIGs with Badges (local law enforcement), School to work (Workplace mentoring) and Children of Promise (Detering Delinquent Behaviors). Big Brothers Big Sisters is also recruiting mentors to assist in our crusade to impact lives.

 

Address: 3511 W Commercial Blvd Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

 

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5 PM

 

Phone: (954) 584-9990

 

Broward College Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute (PSLI)

 

The Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute (PSLI) is a summer bridge program designed for current high school minority male students (grades 10 -12). This initiative is in partnership with the Broward County Public School’s Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders (MTL) and 5000 Role Models of Excellence male students.

 

www.broward.edu

 

Jason Taylor Foundation

 

The Jason Taylor Foundation and BluApple Poetry Network website.

 

Latinos in Action

 

The Latinos in Action class focuses on academics, culture, service and leadership, and is facilitated through middle and high schools.

 

The course is an elective credit designed to motivate Hispanic students to complete their high school education and attend college.

 

The program covers four major areas:

 

College readiness, personal development, biculturalism and professionalism.

 

Literacy tutoring opportunities at nearby elementary and middle schools.

An exploration of cultural heritage through literary and performing arts.

Leadership opportunities through student-led service, social and professional committees.

For more information, please contact Office of School Performance and Accountability, (754) 321-3838.

 

Visit Lations in Action Website

 

Reading Pals Mentoring & Early Literacy Program

 

Reading Pals is a United Way of Broward County and Broward County Public Schools collaborative effort to increase student reading proficiency with the goal of ensuring that students are reading at grade level by third grade. Mentors work one on one with pre-K and early elementary students reading to/with them for ½ to 1 hour per week. Students participating in the program receive up to 16 books to take home in addition to summer reading kits.

 

Reading Pals Mentoring Website

 

PH: (954) 453-3742

 

Take Stock In Children

 

Take Stock in Children’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for post-secondary education. TSIC offers college scholarships to students who are matched with adult mentors who meet one-on-one with students in middle and high school providing support and guidance that prepares them for academic and personal success.

 

Take Stock In Children Website

 

Telephone: (954) 201-7846

 

Women of Tomorrow

 

The Women of Tomorrow’s mission is to inspire, motivate and empower at-risk young women to live up to their full potential through a unique group mentoring program with highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities.

 

Quick Links

5000 Role Models of Excellence

Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Volunteer Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is currently underway and runs the entire month of August, giving families a full 31 days to make smart purchases without added tax.

What’s Tax-Free in Florida This August?

From August 1–31, you can skip sales tax on a wide range of back-to-school essentials, including:

•   Clothing, shoes, and accessories priced at $100 or less per item
•   School supplies like notebooks, folders, pencils, glue, calculators, and lunchboxes, $50 or less per item
•   Learning aids and puzzles priced under $30
•   Personal computers and accessories (non-commercial use) priced up to $1,500

If you are working on any back-to-school coverage, for your consideration, are financial tips for families from DFCU Financial. Please let me know if you quote the following information or would be interested in speaking with a local representative on the topic. In-person/virtual interviews can be coordinated.

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5 Financial Tips to Maximize Your Savings from DFCU Financial 

1. Make a Budget Before You Shop

Start by reviewing school supply lists, taking inventory of what you already have, and setting a spending limit. A simple plan can help avoid impulse buys and keep your spending in check.

 

2. Spread Out Your Purchases

You don’t need to buy everything in one trip. With the entire month available, you can pace your purchases, watch for store promotions, and avoid the usual last-minute rush.

3. Get the Kids Involved

Back-to-school shopping can double as a learning opportunity. Give kids a fixed budget for their supplies or clothing and let them make choices. It’s a great way to introduce real-world money management.

4. Don’t Forget About Extras

Beyond the basics, consider what else may come up sports equipment, school event fees, after-school snacks. Factoring in these extras now helps avoid surprises later.

5. Compare Online and In-Store Deals

Many online retailers participate in the tax holiday too. Take time to compare prices and bundle purchases to take full advantage of both tax savings and seasonal discounts.

A Smarter Start to the School Year

Whether you’re shopping for one child or many, the key is planning ahead. By taking advantage of Florida’s extended tax holiday and pairing it with thoughtful financial decisions, you can reduce the strain on your wallet and set the tone for a strong, confident start to the school year.

About DFCU Financial:

DFCU Financial is a state-chartered credit union. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, our full-service branches in Michigan and Florida are staffed by local financial specialists uniquely qualified to help members and businesses achieve important financial milestones.

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Live Homework Help

Broward etutor: Free, live tutoring/skill-building in math, science, social studies, English, foreign language and writing for students K-12/college and adult learners. Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:55 PM Help/test prep aligned with Florida standardized tests. Assistance is also available in Spanish.

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HEART – Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team

About the Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART)

For more information, please call (754) 321-1566

 (Source: BCPS PowerBi dashboard pending Florida Department of Education SY23-24 Survey 5 Federal State Indicator format matched to Student Demographics)

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 is a United States federal law written as a legislative response to homelessness. It has been reauthorized several times and it was recently amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. These very important federal laws protect the educational rights of students (PreK-12^th grade) who have lost housing and are experiencing homelessness.  The goal is to remove barriers that might prevent students experiencing homelessness from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school.

Students experiencing housing instability (whether residing with a parent, legal guardian, caregiver, or unaccompanied children and youth) are those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes sharing the housing of other persons “doubled-up” due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar situation; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals; living in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings. Migratory children and youth living in circumstances described above also qualify for McKinney-Vento Homeless Education services.

HOW CAN HEART HELP ELIGIBLE SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN AND YOUTH?

  *Access to school supplies and uniform items

*Coordination of transportation to school of origin (certain rules apply)

*Linkage to school and community services (e.g.; school social worker, counseling providers, medical, dental, and mental health referrals, etc.

*Retrieval of immunization records and State of Florida birth certificates

*Limited after school care program (K-8th)

*Cap and gown rental at no cost to graduating high school students and verication letters needed to apply for college and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Have you heard of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act?

It is a Federal law designed to help eligible school-aged children and youth experiencing housing instability
to succeed in school.

What is a transitional living situation? Some examples include living “doubled-up” sharing the housing

of friends or family due to a loss of housing or income needed to maintain housing. Other examples include
living in a family or youth shelter, living in a motel, car, park or abandoned building due to loss of housing.

What is the main goal of the McKinney-Vento Law?

The main goal is to remove barriers that might prevent students living in transition from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school.

Did You Know | Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Data

Total number of students enrolled in the BCPS during the 2023-2024 school year was 258,741. Of those students, 6,027, were identified as experiencing homelessness compared to 4,955 students the year prior. This reflects a 22% increase. The reported nighttime residence for students experiencing homelessness during the school year 2023-2024 was as follows:

*235 (4%) resided in emergency or transitional shelters.

*4,561 (76%) were sharing the housing of others (doubled-up) due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason.

*470 (8%) resided in a vehicle, park, temporary trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing; bus or train stations, public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as, regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

*761 (12%) resided in a hotel or motel.

Of the 6,027 students identified as homeless, they attended school at the following levels: 266 (4%) attended pre-schools; 3,334 (55%) attended elementary schools; 1,192 (20%) attended middle schools, and 1,235 (21%) attended high schools. Of the total number of students experiencing homelessness, 305 were unaccompanied homeless students (meaning they did not reside with a parent or legal guardian). Of those, 172 were in high school, of which 62% were high school seniors.

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CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

If your child has a chronic health condition and may need assistance while in school, he/she should be referred to the principal at your child’s school.

 Parent/Guardian Instructions for Students with Chronic Health Conditions

Students may require assistance with medical procedures while in school.  Some examples include students with diabetes, asthma, seizures or severe allergic reactions to peanuts or insect stings.

All medical procedures are child-specific. Examples of medical procedures are as follows:

*Clean Intermittent Catheterization

*G-Tube Feedings

*Suctioning

*Blood Glucose Monitoring/Insulin Administration/Glucagon

*Epi-pen administration for severe allergic reaction

*Diastat rectal gel

A completed Authorization for Medication/Treatment form is required for all medical procedures to be performed during the school day.

Planning for Students with Chronic Health Conditions

Each student with a chronic health condition should have a health care plan and his/her condition entered on the A06 Health Screen. The goal of the care plan is to provide school personnel with the information necessary to assist the student with health concerns while in school.

Some students will require advance planning to meet emergency care needs due to their medical conditions or physical abilities.  An Emergency Plan of Care should be done ahead of time and be easily accessible to those individuals assisting students in emergency situations.

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 Exceptional Student Education

Broward County Public Schools serve over 32,000 students with disabilities and offers a free and appropriate public education in compliance with the federally mandated IDEA. A continuum of services and programs are available to meet the individual needs of students eligible for special education and related services, ages 3 through 22. This continuum of services may be provided in a variety of settings, which include general education classrooms, resource rooms, specialized day schools, and hospital homebound. Eligible students are provided supports and/or services as per their Individual Education Plan (IEP) that are based on each child’s unique needs, as related to their present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.

Exceptional Student Education Division staff provides professional learning opportunities and instructional programming to facilitate high quality instruction for students with disabilities. Supplemental services are provided in collaboration with discretionary projects such as Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System/Florida Inclusion Network and the Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET).

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Kids of color get worse health care across the board in the U.S. research finds

 

   Imagine your child has broken a bone. You head to the emergency department, but the doctors won’t prescribe painkillers. This scenario is one that children of color in the U.S. are more likely to face than their white peers, according to new findings published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

Researchers reviewed dozens of recent studies looking at the quality of care children receive across a wide spectrum of pediatric specialties. The inequities are widespread, says Nia Heard-Garris, a researcher at Northwestern University and a pediatrician at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, who oversaw the review.

No matter where you look, there are disparities in care for Black Americans, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian Americans — pretty much every racial and ethnic group that’s not white,” she says. “They have really done an amazing job inpainstakingly pulling together the data that really highlights the widespread pervasiveness of inequities in care,” says Goyal, whose own research has examined disparities in pediatric care.

Researchers say the causes of the inequities are wide-ranging but are ultimately rooted in structural racism, including unequal access to healthy housing and economic opportunities, disparate policing of kids of color and unconscious bias among health care providers.

“Anyone who has their eyes open knows that the disparities exist. Where we’re really lacking is talking about tangible solutions,” says Jindal, who was the lead author on a companion paper that offered policy recommendations to counteract these widespread disparities in pediatric care.

These solutions may ultimately require sweeping policy changes, Jindal says, because “we cannot have high-quality health care or equitable health care without addressing each of the policy issues with the other sectors of society,” Jindal says.

Black Americans expect to face racism in the doctor’s office, survey finds

Heard-Garris says there are lots of examples of inequalities across specialties. The review found children of color are less likely to get diagnostic imaging and more likely to experience complications during and after some surgical procedures. They face longer wait times for care at the emergency room, and they are less likely to get diagnosed and treated for a developmental disability.

The strongest disparity evidence was found in pain management. Kids of color are less likely than their white peers to get painkillers for a broken arm or leg, for appendicitis or for migraines. “Those are some really severe examples of how this plays out,” says Dr. Monique Jindal, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and one of the authors of the review.

The researchers looked only at studies that included children who had health insurance, “so we cannot blame the lack of insurance for causing these disparities,” Heard-Garris says.

Compiling evidence of health inequities from across a wide array of pediatric specialties was a “tremendous” undertaking, says Dr. Monika Goyal, associate chief of emergency medicine at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., who was not involved in the research review.

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School Culture Affects Black Student Achievement

   As students prepare to return to school this fall – some for the first time in a year and a half – there are many things for parents and educators to consider. We are still in the midst of a pandemic and living in an environment where racial disparities are being brought to the forefront where they can no longer be swept under the rug to be ignored, tolerated, or forgotten.

But it doesn’t mean we are there yet. Institutional racism runs so deep that I am unsure we fully recognize it, although it is present, asking to be uncovered and healed. It comes out in our student’s beliefs of themselves, their views of the world, their feelings of safety and connection (or lack thereof), and their survival behaviors. This is especially true for our Black communities.

The truth is, many Black parents are hesitant to send their children back to school this fall, not only because of the uncertainty related to the pandemic but also due to systematic racism, bullying experienced by students, and the low expectations set forth by some administration and staff for Black students.

And this topic is what fueled a lively conversation during a recent get together with friends. I sat there, in my dining room, listening as friend after friend, all of whom are highly educated professionals from nurses to educators to lawyers, shared experiences where they either …

1) heard comments made by teachers or other school personnel that influenced how they viewed themselves and what they could potentially achieve or not achieve.

2) were left out of AP class and National Honor Society discussions.

3) were only considered for basic classes at a community college and not given any other options to explore or consider, such as more prominent schools.

To some, there is still a limiting ideology that Black students don’t have what it takes to excel in AP or advanced courses. In fact, they are sometimes systematically not even considered for those programs. Rather, they are either discouraged from participating and/or not even made aware that they exist by the very people that are entrusted to provide them educational guidance.

As our conversation began to provoke more serious thought, I was reminded of a story my goddaughter once told me about her experience on the first day of high school. She was sent to the counselor’s office when she showed up to one of her AP classes because the teacher thought she must have been in the wrong class. These types of microaggressions are experienced by Black students day in and day out and it can take a toll on their well-being and overall success in school. Although confused and embarrassed at the time, my goddaughter also reflects on that day with a great sense of pride because, despite what her teacher may have thought, she felt confident in who she was and knew she belonged.

All of this had us asking, What about today’s students? This isn’t just something from my generation or something that happened six years ago when my goddaughter was in high school. It spans across lineages and touches the children of today.

The L.A. Report

A recent report entitled “The Impact of Racial Bias on Black Students in L.A. Unified: How School Culture Affects Black Student Achievement and the Decisions About Returning to Campus During the Pandemic” highlights the continued lack of acknowledging anti-black disparities within the district despite all the data and information that tells us Black students are historically excluded (a new term I’m using instead of “underrepresented” thanks to Dr. Kelebogile Zvobgo) from Gifted, Talented and other honor programs.

One student from the report says, “We were told we weren’t ‘equipped’ to take certain classes. It comes from the top down … admin, teachers, and people who make decisions on campus.”

The L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) is the 2nd largest district in the country with over 1,000 schools and 574,996 students. As the Latino population grows within the district, Black students who make up only 7.6% of the student population, are feeling more and more marginalized.

The report was written by Speak UP United Parents, a grassroots organization of parents who seek to be a powerful voice of change for educational policies. Their mission is to “engage, educate and activate parents and community members to advocate for excellent, equitable public education at their children’s schools, in their communities, with elected representatives, and at the ballot box.”

The report surveyed 500 parents within LAUSD and focus groups over one year. In this report, Black parents report:

27% of their children’s behavior improved while learning at home.

34% felt their children received more support from teachers during virtual learning versus in-person learning.

Distance learning made disparities in education impossible to ignore.

They feel like schools are stacked against them.

They feel abandoned.

They do not feel welcome in their child’s school.

The system is indifferent and, sometimes, even hostile toward them.

Their children felt less connected with the school than their Asian, White, and Hispanic counterparts.

Only 44% of their children felt they were treated with respect by adults in the schools.

They had to advocate more for their children since they were in the minority and may not be as financially well off as other families.

Additionally, the report highlights that gaps in test scores between Black and White students who are also minorities in LAUSD (10%) ranged from 28%-40% depending on the subject. For elementary and middle school students, those gaps in test scores were closing by less than 1% each year and, in high school, the gaps were slightly increasing.

Speak UP’s report highlights disparities that are not only prevalent in LAUSD but in several other districts. If you talk with Black families in various parts of the country, I think you will find similar sentiments of their experiences with the school culture and environment. I have seen it discussed in various social media platforms and groups that I am a part of as well as in the lives of my close family and friends.

Making A Difference

Some students are blessed with a solid foundation. But what about that student who does not have that teacher or staff member who is willing to go to bat for them or encourage them in an environment that is not supportive? Or that student whose parents are too busy trying to make ends meet to advocate at their child’s school with the energy and proactiveness it takes to be fully engaged in a system that is clearly working against them?

This is where the good news comes in: studies show that one caring, consistent adult can make a huge difference in the trajectory of a child’s life. That’s all it takes … one caring, consistent adult. What if we choose to be that adult for a child?

My friends and I ended our dinner conversation dreaming of what it would look like for all students, no matter color, creed, religion, orientation, or socioeconomic status to have access to the same quality education that seeks to develop each child in their wholeness and celebrates the differences that truly make us all unique.

We all recognized the part we play in that dream through our respective families, communities, professions, and relationships. My hope is that you do as well. I pray that anyone working with Black students and families will keep in mind the findings of this report. Not all Black families have the same experiences in schools, however, it must be noted and acknowledged for all of us to do our part in making schools more equitable for all.

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11 Books Every Black College Student Should Read

Discover these must-read books that explore the Black experience and inspire personal growth.

Maca and Naca

Going back to school is the perfect time to refresh your reading list with books that educate, inspire, and empower. For Black college students, literature can offer a profound sense of connection, history, and encouragement. Here’s a list of 10 essential books that every Black college student should read to broaden their perspective and enhance their journey through higher education.

1. “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois

Amazon

This classic work by W.E.B. Du Bois is a foundational text in African American literature and sociology. It explores the concept of “double consciousness” and the systemic barriers faced by Black Americans. Du Bois’ collection of essays offers an in-depth look at the challenges of post-Civil War America and remains deeply relevant to discussions about race today.

2. “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Amazon

Written as a letter to his teenage son, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” is a powerful exploration of race in America. Coates’ lyrical prose and poignant reflections on what it means to be Black in a society that often devalues Black bodies provide an important perspective for young adults navigating college life.

3. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Amazon

Zora Neale Hurston’s novel is a beautifully written story of self-discovery, love, and independence. Set in the early 20th century, it follows Janie Crawford, a Black woman in search of her own voice and identity. This book is essential for understanding the complexities of race, gender, and agency in a historical context.

4. “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin

 

Amazon

James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time” is a searing examination of race relations in America. Comprising two essays, Baldwin’s work is both a personal reflection and a call to action, urging readers to confront the brutal realities of racism. It’s a must-read for understanding the intersections of identity, politics, and social justice.

5. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 

 

Amazon

“Americanah” is a contemporary novel that tells the story of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for college. Through her experiences, Adichie explores themes of immigration, race, and the Black experience in America versus Africa. It’s a thought-provoking read for any student grappling with cultural identity.

6. “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi

 

Amazon

Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to Be an Antiracist” challenges readers to rethink their understanding of racism and what it means to be actively anti-racist. This book is both a memoir and a guide, offering tools for recognizing and combating racism in personal, institutional, and societal contexts. It’s an essential read for fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

7. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

 

Amazon

This autobiography is a gripping account of Malcolm X’s life, from his troubled childhood to his rise as a powerful voice for Black empowerment. The book provides deep insights into his philosophies, the struggles of Black Americans, and the importance of self-education. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and critical thinking.

8. “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde

 

https://amzn.to/4cMOyQM

A collection of essays and speeches by poet and activist Audre Lorde, “Sister Outsider” covers topics ranging from race and gender to sexuality and class. Lorde’s writing challenges readers to think critically about intersectionality and the ways in which different identities interact. This book is a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of identity politics.

9. “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson

 

Amazon

This historical narrative by Isabel Wilkerson chronicles the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans left the South for cities in the North and West. Through the stories of three individuals, Wilkerson provides a detailed account of this monumental movement and its impact on American society. It’s a vital read for understanding the socio-economic and cultural shifts in America.

10. “Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot” by Mikki Kendall

 

Amazon

Mikki Kendall’s “Hood Feminism” critiques mainstream feminism for often overlooking the needs and voices of marginalized women, particularly women of color. Kendall argues that issues like poverty, housing, and education are fundamental feminist issues. This book is crucial for students who want to understand feminism through a more inclusive and intersectional lens.

11. “The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump” by Clay Cane

 

Amazon

Clay Cane’s The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump, a New York Times bestseller, just dropped in paperback this week and is one of the most talked-about political books of the year. Selected as a must-read by NAACP President Derrick Johnson and praised by President Barack Obama as a “real achievement,” the book traces the journey of Black Republicans from revolutionaries like Frederick Douglass to grifters like anti-civil rights Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. This essential, eye-opening read for Black college students offers insights often absent from traditional classrooms, making it a powerful addition to any back-to-school reading list. Purchase here.

These books offer a range of perspectives that are crucial for understanding the Black experience in America and beyond. They provide a rich tapestry of voices, stories, and lessons that can help Black college students navigate their own paths with a deeper sense of history, purpose, and empowerment. Make space for these reads in your backpack or your e-reader—they’re more than just books; they’re tools for growth and understanding.

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101 back-to-school tips for parents and kids

From creating a homework caddy to nailing your after-school routine, these back-to-school tips will have you prepped for the school year.

By Care.com Editors

As summer comes to an end and back-to-school season begins, it can be hard to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule — for both kids and adults. The trick, of course, is to plan ahead. Start preparing everyone a few weeks early, and make sure you have a solid child care plan in place. If you’re hiring a babysitter, nanny or tutor this year, consider bringing them on a little early to help get your child on track before the first day of school.

To help you with the transition, here’s a complete list of back-to-school tips for parents you can use to ease kids back into school life while also managing your own stress. Read through this list of 101 tips and identify the strategies you think could help you and your family stay organized and on top of things this school year. Then, test out different approaches as a family so you can figure out which ones work for you and which ones don’t.

Key takeaways

• Planning ahead helps families ease into the back-to-school routine with less stress.
• Adjust schedules early, get organized, and consider extra support like tutors or sitters.
• A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, confident start.

Mental and emotional back-to-school tips

1. Set your kids’ sleep schedules back to “school time” two weeks before the first day of school.
2. Use an egg timer to get your kids used to focusing for specific periods of time.
3. Encourage your kids to read at least one (or one more) book before the school year begins.
4. Discuss what your kids can expect on thefirst day of schoolso they feel more prepared.
5. Ask teachers for class rosters so you can connect your kids with new classmates.
6. Talk openly with your kids about their feelings about returning to school and be ready to answer any questions.

Schedule and time management back-to-school tips

7. Let kids choose a planner or scheduling tool they’re excited to use.
8. Help your kids put together a rough outline of their school and activity schedules.
9. Create a family calendar or choose a calendar app that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments.
10. Set up weekly meetings to review your kids’ schedules for the week(s) ahead.
11. Set a time each week to sync up individual calendars with the family calendar.
12. Schedule blocks of time to check in with each child to see how things are going.

Before- and after-school tips

13. Hire a before- orafter-school sitterto help care for your kids while you’re at work.
14. Have a backup transportation plan in case your kids miss the bus.
15. Get your kids involved inprogramsthey can do after school to keep them active.
16. Keep track of existing extracurricular activities to prevent overscheduling.
17. Refresh your rules aboutscreen timefor the school year. What’s allowed and when?
18. Work out an after-school schedule that allows time for snack, relaxation, play and study.
19. Make a list of funafter-school activities and gamesto keep your kids entertained.
20. Create a regularpet careschedule that outlines who does what for each animal and when.

Lunch prep back-to-school tips

21. Buy reusable bottles to increase water consumption during the day.
22. Discuss the different pros and cons of bringing versus buying school lunches.
23. If they choose to take lunch some or all days, let your kids involved in creating and preparing their daily lunch menus.
24. Purchaselunchboxesor reusable bags to help save the environment.
25. Use thislunchbox packing listto help plan your grocery shopping in advance.
26. Buy bulk packaged snacks or bag up finger foods like grapes or carrots that can be easily added to lunches.
27. Make a week’s worth of sandwiches on Sunday, wrap in tin foil and freeze. Thaw them the night before.
28. Organize lunch items in one part of the fridge for fast and easy lunch prep.
29. If they choose to buy lunch, get copies of school menus in advance to discuss lunch choices.
30. Pre-pay for school lunches online, if your school allows, or figure out a weekly allowance for buying school lunch.

Back-to-school shopping tips

31. Shop for school supplies and clothes early to avoid the rush.
32. Inventory your kids’ wardrobes and toss/donate things they’ve outgrown.
33. Get the lists of school supplies, books and technology your kids will need.
34. Inventory last year’s school supplies before going out to buy more.
35. Repurpose and relabel plastic tubs to organize all school supplies.
36. Create a list and budget for back-to-school shopping.
37. Include your kids in back-to-school shopping by letting them pick out their supplies.
38. Let your child choose their clothes, shoes and other items they’ll need.
39. Replace old backpacks with ones that are sturdy, ergonomic and kid-friendly.
40. Stash a small amount of emergency cash in your kids’ book bags, just in case.
41. Create a dedicated space at home for your kids to store their school supplies and technology.
42. Make a plan fororganizing school supplies— and keeping them that way.

Organization back-to-school tips

43. Add some kid-friendly organization solutions, like low hooks for kids’ coats and shoe baskets or cubbies to your entryway.
44. Establish rules for where kids should put lunchboxes, etc. when they come home.
45. Create an “inbox” for kids to leave things that need your attention, like permission slips.
46. Use sticky notes to flag important items that kids should pay attention to.
47. Keep a single, easy-access file for vaccination records and other important papers.
48. Designate a plastic tub as a put-away bin for anything out of place.
49. Use asee-and-store toy rackto make it easier for kids to stay organized.
50. Give everyone a shower caddy to keep bathroom supplies organized.
51. Use under-the-bed storage for off-season clothes and toys that aren’t regularly used.
52. Set up a hanging organizer in your child’s closet with five slots for clothes, one for each day of the week.
53. Dedicate a rack in the garage, basement or entryway for sports equipment.
54. Set up a laundry system that makes it easy to sort and wash clothes.

Tips for the night before

55. Encourage your kids to lay out their school clothes before going to bed.
56. Have kids pack their school bags.
57. If they bring their own lunch, have the kids pack their lunch boxes.
58. Have kids pack their gym or sports bags.
59. Make sure any bags, equipment or must-bring items are left by the door.

Back-to-school sleep tips

60. Set an alarm or notification 30 minutes before bedtime.
61. Establish regular bedtime routines, using theseprintable checklists.
62. Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend bedtimes.
63. Remove tech devices, such as phones and tablets, from kids’ bedrooms so the focus is on sleeping.
64. Use night lights, white sound machines and fans for kids who can’t get to sleep.

Back-to-school morning tips

65. Set your clocks forward 10 minutes. This makes it easier to be on time.
66. Make sure your kids (and you!) have an effective wakeup alarm that works for them.
67. Use this checklist to establish a regularmorning routine.
68. Map out a bathroom schedule to avoid family fights for bathroom time.
69. Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend wakeup calls.

Homework back-to-school tips

70. To help with time management, determine together how long it takes kids to do assignments
71. Teach kids to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines.
72. Establish a specific space like the family office as an official “homework station.”
73. Remove distractions like TVs and video game consoles from homework areas.
74. Set a regular alarm each day that signals the start of homework time.
75. Try apps likeiHomework 2or myHomework to help your kids organize assignments.
76. Give kids a short break, such as a short walk, after each assignment they finish.
77. Help your kids develop a filing system for organizing their documents for each class.
78. Model good behavior by doing your own work/projects while your kids do homework.
79. Make a homework caddy that can be used to carry school supplies through the house.
80. Use positive phrasing, such as, “You can go outside after your homework is done,” rather than, “You’re not going outside until this is finished.”
81. Schedule study blocks on the weekends before big tests, midterms and finals.

Tips for staying connected with teachers

82. Figure out ways tobe involved in the classroomthis school year.
83. Touch base with teachers early on to troubleshoot any issues your kids may be having. Here arequestions you can ask the teacher.

Decluttering back-to-school tips

84. Go through the kids’ wardrobes every two to three months to get rid of things that no longer fit.
85. Frame a couple of your child’s best works of art and file or toss the rest (when they’re not looking, of course).
86. Go through your kids’ schoolwork once a month to toss the things you don’t want.
87. File or scan assignments you want to keep.

Tips for setting back-to-school goals

88. Have your kids set realistic goals for the new school year, such as reading 30 books or filling a journal. Tips forgoal setting for kids.
89. Work out a to-do list ofage-appropriate choresfor each child and help them set weekly goals for completing them (without being asked).
90. Help your kids prioritize their activities by tying them to their year’s goals.
91. Create a rewards system for when kids meet goals or do extra things around the house.

Fun back-to-school tips

92. Carve out blocks of fun time for your kids, based on what they enjoy doing most.
93. Establish a set “family time,” whether it’s during dinner or before bed.
94. Give kids a specific day when they can choose all the activities you do together.

Child care back-to-school tips

95. Hire a housekeeperto help with cleaning and crossing things off your to-do lists.
96. Considerhiring a dog walker. One less thing to worry about!
97. Hire a tutor orhomework helper(many even tutor virtually) to help you navigate schoolwork.
98. If you have a regular nanny or sitter who’s open to doing extra work, negotiate a price for them to take on some helpful tasks, like prepping or preparing dinner, cleaning high-traffic areas or doing grocery shopping or running errands.

Back-to-school tips for you

99. Schedule at least one 30-minute block in your calendar each day for self-care.
100. Do something fun to diffuse this stressful time of year for all of you.
101. Take a breath. You are doing this.

With these back to school tips — and with you as their calm and collected guide — your kids will be better able to approach the school year feeling prepared, excited and ready to get to work.

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*****BCPS Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility application at www.myschoolapps.com**** 

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Choose Peace/Stop Violence

The Choose Peace/Stop Violence initiative is a continuing partnership between Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), United Way of Broward County, and Broward County Public Schools’ Diversity, Prevention and Intervention Department. The collaborative focuses on anti-bullying, youth violence prevention, and academic improvement through positive development promotion and sustainable tools to change the climate and culture of the schools. The year-round highly visible Positive Social Norms campaign has been successfully implemented for the past 7 years and includes multiple broad-based strategies to sustain positive transformation and a safe environment. The campaign’s school-based activities feature different themes and include social media components. They are designed to focus on friendship, fairness, cooperation, peaceful conflict resolution, consequences of actions and are complemented by lessons plans.

The effort is implemented through a universal campaign by which district schools receive information regarding activities for School Board approved prevention days. September kicks off the yearly campaign which sets the tone for cultural change. Activities include the “Go Blue to End Mean” awareness campaign inspired by the Secret Deodorant’s “Mean Stinks” project. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of bullying among middle school girls. “CHALK4PEACE” a large success throughout our county every year, is a sidewalk chalk project for children which takes place worldwide every September and spreads messages of inspiration on sidewalks. “IMAGINE PEACE” Wish Tree, inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s interactive artwork for worldwide peace and understanding, invites people to tie a written wish to a tree branch. “Wish Tree” has been integral to exhibitions around the world. These projects are also featured by the Broward County Library System Youth Services Division and the After School @ YR Library programs.

As part of the Choose Peace/Stop Violence message the CSC has provided additional funding to bring Rachel’s Challenge, a program designed to equip and inspire students to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion, to Broward County Schools. Rachel Scott was the first victim that was killed in the Columbine massacre. Rachel left her writings behind, including seven diaries filled with her visions of kindness, compassion and changing the world. Rachel’s Challenge was born out of the seeds that she planted during her short life. At a school-wide presentation at Glades Middle School, students had the opportunity to meet Rachel’s uncle, Larry Scott, and accept Rachel’s Challenge of showing kindness and compassion to those around them. The program is not just one event. The Agents of Change school-based clubs function as the infrastructure to continue the message. Its members receive special training from the Rachel’s Challenge organization on carrying out that message through various Choose Peace activities at the school.

At Glades Middle School there is just such a student club: the “Agents of Change”. “Our school felt privileged to have been able to host Rachel’s Challenge for our students, and even our toughest students were touched by the message of spreading kindness,” said Principal Ricardo Santana. “Our Agents of Change at Glades Middle is dedicated to continuing to spread compassion in our school and inspire students to make a difference everyday”.

For more information about Choose Peace/Stop Violence contact: Anita Fraley, Community Relations & Media at United Way of Broward County (954) 453-3727 | afraley@unitedwaybroward.org

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First Day of School Rituals That We Love

 

• Take first day photos
• Create a scrapbook
• Organize school supplies
• Set goals together
• Throw a back-to-school party
• Get a night-before-school treat
• Read a special book
• Try a “Park Till Dark” Night
• Take a selfie
• Draw selfie portraits
• Ring the bell
• Write anonymous notes
• Learn about them
• Tell them about you
• Make a time capsule
• Share some advice

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Managing Obesity in Schools

 

Obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 young people aged 6–19 years in the United States.

Schools reach a majority of children and adolescents and can affect this trend.

Schools can involve people and places to help youth achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

A comprehensive school ap-proach supports the health and well-being of all students by focusing on nutrition and physical activity.

Why it’s important

In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.

In 2017–2018, about 1 in 5 school-aged children were affected by obesity:

*20.3% of 6–11 year-olds.

*21.2% of 12–19 year-olds.

Obesity among 2–19 year-olds:

*25.6% for Hispanic children.

*24.2% for Black children.

*16.1% for White children.

*8.7% for Asian children.

Many factors contribute to childhood obesity, including:

Metabolism—how your body changes food and oxygen into energy it can use.

Eating and physical activity behaviors.

 Community and neighborhood design and safety.

   Short sleep duration.

   Negative childhood events.

       Genetic factors cannot be changed. However, people and places can play a role in helping children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Changes where young people spend their time—homes, schools, and community settings—can enable youth to access nutritious foods and be physically active.

Addressing obesity in schools

       Schools are a priority setting for obesity prevention efforts because they reach the vast majority of school-aged youth. They provide regularly scheduled options for physical activity and offer nutritious foods in school meal programs.

Schools can adopt in-school and after-school programs, policies, and practices that are cost-effective and cost-saving, helping students:

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

       Consume fewer foods and beverages high in added sugars or solid fats.

Increase daily minutes of physical activity.

In-person learning offers children consistent access to: physical activity opportunities; healthy meals; and services from school nurses and counselors.

A comprehensive approach can address childhood obesity in schools, especially for elementary and middle school students. Scientists know less about what school-based obesity prevention approaches are effective for teenagers.

A comprehensive approach means routinely directing attention to nutrition and physical activity in schools. It can involve school nurses, parents, caregivers, and other community members, such as pediatricians and after-school program providers.

A comprehensive approach supports the health and well-being of all students.

It does not single out students according to their weight status or body size.

Overweight and obesity are   sensitive issues for students, and families and must be addressed with compassion, understanding, and care.

School-based programs to promote physical activity and improve diet quality have not contributed to increases in depression, anxiety, or body-dissatisfaction. However, it should be noted that many studies do not collect information about these unintended effects.

REMINDER: Schools should not emphasize physical appearances or reinforce negative stereotypes about obesity.

Recommendations

How school nurses can help

School nurses play a key role to prevent and reduce student overweight and obesity. School nurses can address the complex physical, social, and health education needs of children and adolescents who have overweight or obesity. School nurses have the knowledge and skills to:

Create a culture of health and wellness in school.

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ADHD in the Classroom

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience more obstacles in their path to success than the average student.

Teachers and parents can help children with ADHD do well in school.

To meet the needs of children with ADHD, schools may offer ADHD treatments, such as behavioral classroom management or organizational training; Special education services; or Accommodations to lessen the effect of ADHD on their learning.

CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. Learn more about their services.

 How schools can help children with ADHD

       The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the school environment, program, or placement is a part of any ADHD treatment plan.

       AAP also recommends teacher-administered behavior therapy as a treatment for school-aged children with ADHD. You can talk to your child’s healthcare provider and teachers about working together to support your child.

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Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART)

    The Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART) ensures students experiencing housing instability have equal access to education in Broward County Public Schools. Through advocacy, resources, and support services, HEART works to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success. Learn how HEART supports students and families in need.

Would you consider supporting the work of the Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART)?

Broward County Public Schools’ Homeless Educational Assistance Resource Team (HEART) is committed to providing comprehensive support to students and families affected by homelessness. Through the McKinney-Vento program, we offer:

Immediate Enrollment: Ensuring students can enroll in school without delay.

Transportation Assistance: Providing transportation to and from the student’s school of origin.

Academic Support: Offering tutoring, mentoring, and other educational services.

Referral to Resources: Connecting families with community resources, including housing assistance, healthcare, and social services.

Advocacy and Counseling: Advocating for the rights of homeless students and providing counseling to address their emotional and social needs.

The ultimate goal of the McKinney-Vento Act and the HEART program is to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students experiencing homelessness from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school.

The HEART program aims to create a stable and supportive educational environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their housing situation.

To determine eligibility for services, please complete the Student Housing Questionnaire online by logging into the parent portal or clicking the link: https://browardschools.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/

For more information or assistance, please contact the BCPS HEART Program at (754) 321-1566

211-Broward

Florida Supportive Housing Coalition

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)

Schoolhouse Connection

The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)

The National Network for Youth (NN4Y)

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Managing Diabetes at School

 –Getting back to school takes more preparation for kids with diabetes.

-Develop a Diabetes Medical Management Plan with your child’s doctor.

-Share the plan with teachers and other staff at your child’s school.

 Start the year off right

 Getting back into the school routine takes a little more preparation for kids with diabetes. And since kids spend much of their day in school, dependable diabetes care really matters.

Some students can test their own blood sugar, inject insulin, and adjust levels on an insulin pump. Younger students and those recently diagnosed will need help with everyday diabetes care.

You’ll work with the school to keep your child safe and healthy, no matter what the school day brings. Here are some important pointers.

Make a diabetes management plan

No two kids handle their diabetes exactly the same way. Before the year begins, meet with your child’s health care team to develop a personalized Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Then visit the school and review the DMMP with school staff. Anyone responsible for your child during the day and after school should be familiar with the DMMP.

The DMMP explains everything about diabetes management and treatment, including:

Target blood sugar range.

Whether your child needs help checking their blood sugar.

Your child’s specific low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) symptoms.

How to treat low blood sugar.

Insulin or other medicines used.

Meal and snack plans, including for special events.

How to manage physical activity/sports.

The DMMP works with your child’s daily needs and routine. Make sure to update it every year or more often if treatment changes.

504 plan

You may want to work with the school to set up a 504 plan. The plan explains what the school will do to make sure:

Your child is safe.

Your child has the same educational opportunities as other students.

The 504 plan makes the school’s responsibilities clear and helps avoid misunderstandings. A new plan should be set up each school year.

Team up with school staff

Work with teachers and other staff to make sure all the bases are covered for a safe and successful year.

School nurse

The school nurse is usually the main staff member in charge of your student’s diabetes care. One or more backup school employees should also be trained in diabetes care. This employee should be on site at all times during the day, including after-school activities. The 504 plan explains how this works.

Teachers

Make sure to visit the classroom(s). Some teachers may have had kids with diabetes in class before. But there’s still a learning curve because every student is unique—and so is every teacher.

This is a great time to talk about class rules. Are students allowed to leave the room without asking? Should they raise their hand? The more your child and teacher understand each other’s needs, the easier self-care activities will be.

You may want to ask if the teacher could talk to the class about diabetes. What is diabetes? What needs to be done every day? Ask the teacher to do this without pointing out that your child has diabetes.

Also let the teacher know signs to look for if your son or daughter’s blood sugar is too low. Does he or she get irritable or nervous? Hungry or dizzy? The teacher may notice the signs before your child does. He or she can alert your child to eat a snack or get help.

Kids with diabetes need to be physically active just like other kids. In fact, physical activity can help them use less insulin because it lowers blood sugar. Talk with the physical education instructor about what your child needs to participate fully and safely.

Cafeteria

Get menus and nutritional information from nutrition services (the school cafeteria) to help your child plan insulin use. Some students bring lunch from home because it’s easier to stick to their meal plan.

After-school staff

Get familiar with the daily school schedule, including any after-school activities. You’ll want to know where and when you can find your child if needed. Some parents use a free smartphone app to help them stay informed and in touch with their child.

Make a diabetes checklist

Create a backpack checklist you and/or your child can use every day to be sure all supplies are packed:

Blood sugar meter and extra batteries, testing strips, lancets

Ketone testing supplies

Insulin and syringes/pens (even if an insulin pump is used)

Antiseptic wipes

Water

Glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbs like juice or hard candy

Put together a “hypo” box (see below) for the school office in case of low blood sugar.

Also make sure your child:

Wears a medical ID necklace or bracelet every day.

Tests blood sugar according to schedule.

Knows where and when to go for blood sugar testing if help is needed.

Knows who to go to for help with low blood sugar.

Make a “hypo” box

In case of low blood sugar, provide a go-to box of supplies for the school office or nurse’s office. Provide another for the classroom if possible. Label it with your child’s name and remember to keep it stocked!

Glucagon

Test strips

Lancets

Blood sugar monitor

Glucose tablets

Juice boxes

Crackers

Stay well all year

Make sure your child has had all recommended shots, including the flu shot. Kids with diabetes can get sicker from the flu and stay sick longer. Being sick can make blood sugar harder to manage.

Remind your child to wash hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. It’s one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

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Back-to-School Tips: Routines and Schedules

Establish consistent school routines, and begin practicing them around two weeks before the first day of school. This gets kids into the habit and helps families work out any kinks before school gets underway.

Create a daily schedule, and review it with everyone. Visual schedules can help children (and parents) understand what to expect each day and prevent last-minute confusion.

Post and maintain a dry-erase board calendar to coordinate everyone’s long-term schedules too.

Establish a morning routine, encouraging kids to do things in the same order each day. This could include wake up, make bed, take a shower, eat breakfast, brush teeth, etc.

Start a school night routine as well: Lay out clothes, pack lunches, fill backpacks, and place them by the front door, and so on.

Establish a routine for kids to follow when arriving home from school: Hang up coat, take off shoes, put backpack in homework corner, change school clothes, have a snack, 30 minutes of screen time, homework, help with dinner, etc.

Rehearse transportation routines:

If your child will walk or bike to school, do several practice runs together to see how long it takes and plan for inclement weather.

If you’re driving them, work out the timing and route (remember to allow time for the drop-off/pick-up line). Review with your child who is allowed to pick them up after school, and go over any backup plans.

Review bus schedules and visit your child’s bus stop. Discuss general bus safety rules.

Practice lunchtime routines. School lunches are often shorter and filled with distractions. Some kids even forget or run out of time to eat! Set a timer for 20 minutes and practice unpacking and eating lunch, then repacking the lunchbox. Remind kids that lunchtime can be fun and relaxing, but nutrition comes first.

To help routines stick, create checklists and slip them into plastic sheet protectors. Kids can check off the items with dry-erase markers as they complete them, then erase and start over the next day.

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10 Safe Driving Tips for 2025

As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our goals and resolutions. Many of us focus on self-improvement—whether that means getting in better shape, spending more time with family, or learning new skills—but what about improving our driving habits? Safer driving not only protects you but also helps safeguard your loved ones and everyone on the road. This year consider making a commitment to safer driving with resolutions that can have a lasting impact.

NHTSA encourages you to start the new year with a commitment to these 10 important safety goals:

Buckle Up. Every Trip, Every Time

Wearing your seat belt can save your life and reduce the risk of injuries if you’re in a crash. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. You should never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. Misuse can have dangerous consequences. If you have passengers, make sure everyone is properly buckled before hitting the road. Remember: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.

Ensure Children Are in the Right Seat

It’s important to choose the right seat, install it correctly, use it every time your child is in the car, and know when it’s safe to transition to another type of car seat or seat belt. NHTSA can help you through the process with car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size, detailed car seat installation instructions, and finding a car seat inspection station to have a certified technician check your work. NHTSA also offers seat belt safety tips for tweens. Remember that the back seat is the safest place for children under 13.

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 Bike Safely and Enjoy Your Ride

       Bicycling is one of the best ways to get exercise, see the sights and reduce your carbon footprint. However, bicyclists face a host of hazards. They often must share the road with vehicles, and injuries can happen even on a designated path.

Bicycle-related deaths and injuries peak in the warmer months and remain high through October, according to Injury Facts®. Preventable deaths from bicycle incidents have increased 53% in the last 10 years. Of the 1,377 bicyclist deaths in 2023, 937 involved motor vehicles.

With about 80 million bicyclists sharing the road with motorized vehicles, it is vital bicyclists – and drivers – take some safety precautions.

How Can Drivers Keep Cyclists Safe?

The far-hand reach is a simple technique that will stop you and your passengers from opening your vehicle door in front of an oncoming vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian. This works for streets, sidewalks and parking lots.

Cyclists, Check Your Equipment

Always inspect your bike prior to riding.

• The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place
• Make certain all parts are secure and working properly
• Check that the tires are inflated properly
• Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
• A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight also are recommended

Plan to Be Seen

Make certain drivers can see you.

• Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing
• Whenever possible, ride during the day
• If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights

Wear a Helmet

Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of length of the ride. Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Follow these guidelines from NHTSA to properly fit the helmet:

• Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug
• Position the helmet level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipped backward or forward; this will be about one to two finger widths above the eyebrow
• Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears
• Center the buckle on the chin strap under your chin
• Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug; no more than one to two fingers should be able to fit between the chin and strap
• When fitted, the helmet should not rock more than 1 inch side to side or front to back on your head
• Watch Fitting a Bicycle Helmet

Follow These Rules of the Road

Stay safe by following these rules:

• Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
• Ride single-file in the direction of traffic
• Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards
• Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections
• Never hitch onto cars
• Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder

May is National Bike Month

During National Bike Month, cycling enthusiasts across the country celebrate the many benefits of cycling.

The League of American Bicyclists, which advocates for a “Bicycle Friendly America,” sponsors Bike Month each year. The 32-page National Bike Month Guide has everything you need to plan a Bike Month event in your community. The League’s Ride Smart program also is a great resource for educational videos, classes, tips and other information about bike safety.

Other Resources

• Bike Riding Safety video (NHTSA)
• How Bikeable is Your Community? (NHTSA)

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The Mis-Education of Black Students: Teaching the Truth in a Time of Oppression

“There would be no lynching if it didn’t start in the schoolhouse” —Carter G. Woodson

Public schools, it seems, are, once again, the fresh front in the culture wars, the next “democratic institution” to be undermined and remade in the sanitized sepia of revisionist white supremacy. The politics of white grievance have always spread through mis-education.

Fresh off a series of electoral repudiations of various efforts to acknowledge in meaningful terms the impact of systemic racism on our children, our schools and society, and a general gnashing of teeth from white conservatives, there is a moment of possibility in the air for alt-right demagogues and would-be heirs to the MAGA trash throne.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is heir apparent. While a federal judge once again blocked its implementation earlier this month, DeSantis was able to pass into law last year his Stop WOKE Act, which prohibits the teaching and mention of systemic racism in schools and workplaces; was able to water down the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course and is now going after the state’s social studies textbooks, getting one publisher to omit references to race, including in the story of Rosa Parks’s arrest.

And while I laud the efforts of those who are fighting back — including three Florida high school students, represented by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crum, who said they planned to sue DeSantis over trying to kill the AP African American Studies course —the Florida governor’s actions are harbingers of more to come from his ilk as anti-CRT legislation is being passed from coast to coast.

‘It’s Erasing History’: Daryl Scott on Black Studies and the AP Clash in Florida

   White America’s power and position are so deeply entrenched in the very fabric of American schooling and society, the notion that it can be dislodged or undermined by the modicum of diversity, equity and inclusion work now being done in our public schools would be laughable if it didn’t have such chilling and dangerous consequences for Black and brown children.

From how we finance public schools to how we assign our children to them, the prevailing structure of traditional public education is inexorably tilted against Black and brown students. The form and function of our traditional public school systems are a direct reflection of historical political power dynamics produced by racial and economic inequity.

I worked with fellow educator-activists at the Center for Black Educator Development to create the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy in Philadelphia, which have since expanded to Camden, New Jersey, Detroit, Michigan and now Memphis, Tennessee. Our approach integrates proven best practices of the Children’s Defense Fund, the Philadelphia Freedom Schools, and the independent Black Schools movement, with a culturally responsive, affirming and sustaining early-literacy curriculum.

At our summer academy, expert Black educators coach aspiring Black college teacher apprentices and work with high school pre-apprentices exploring careers in education. The effect for our underserved Black and brown elementary students is the personalized literacy boost they need, coupled with a deepening of their racial identity.

Scads of research studies provide evidence that effective, coherent, student-centered systems; rich, robust, rigorous content; and cultural proficiency are the magic ingredients of high-quality learning. Too often we have inadequacies or incompetencies at each one of those levels. None of our systems are aligned for cultural proficiency and creating the kinds of learning opportunities our students need to both be successful academically and feel connected with and supported by their teachers as people.

Research also shows that exposing students to challenging and even uncomfortable topics in the classroom increases tolerance and interest in civic matters. Navigating controversial topics in the classroom builds communication and critical thinking skills. With a well-equipped teacher, students can ask difficult questions, grapple with ambiguity and appreciate the perspectives of other people.

However, too many teacher preparation programs and their faculties have proven time and time again to be woefully short of truly culturally responsive to Black and brown communities. The heights of tenured teachers’ college posts are too far removed from the lived experiences of Black and brown students.

We know that when Black students have Black teachers, they do better in school. When they have one Black teacher by third grade, they are 13% more likely to enroll in college. With two Black teachers in the mix early on, that stat jumps to 32%. When Black boys from underserved communities have a Black teacher, they’re far more likely to experience on-time high school graduation. In fact, their dropout rates plummet by almost 40%. Our young people told us in focus groups, “We need Black teachers.” Fortifying the student-to-educator-activist pipeline is what we seek, because we know it is critical to teaching Black children superbly, which is a truly revolutionary act.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson in his genius knew that there would be no lynching if it did not start in classrooms. Dr. Jarvis Givens writes that Woodson asserted that the violence inflicted upon Black bodies began at the level of ideas and knowledge: “The knowledge system of schools constructed Black people as ahistorical subjects, obscured historical systems of oppression, and taught students to look to White-Eurocentric colonial ideology as a human standard. At an epistemic level, Black people were “human beings of the lower order.”

Schools failed to offer African American students any cogent social analysis of their historically constructed oppression, no alternative system of representation to interpret Black life. Woodson recognized this phenomenon as a structured system of “mis-education.”

For Black Lives to Matter, Black Minds Must Matter

The work we do is critical to the education of Black children nationwide. We owe it to Black families who entrust schools with the care of the persons of most value, their children. We hope to express to those parents that we, too, value their children. We see what is possible with greater cultural proficiency in teaching, what is possible when students and teachers are connected in a supporting and trusting way. From strengthening a student’s racial and ethnic identity and promoting a sense of belonging to improving critical thinking skills and strengthening reading and math understanding, culturally proficient teaching makes big differences for students — for all students.

The moment shows us both the challenge and opportunity in creating more culturally relevant and informed schools. The current post-truth political climate puts in sharp relief the need for rigorous and clear-eyed teaching in our public schools.

An unsettling proportion of Americans now hold views that are increasingly ahistorical and untethered from reality on everything from voting rights to race relations. Beyond showing how easily whole segments of society can be manipulated, we also see the urgent need for teachers that are well prepared for the profession and possess the skills and competencies needed to equip students with what they need to navigate ambiguity, uncertainty, and outright racism, particularly of the sort manufactured for political advantage.

Doing so will require all of us to do our part. That means teacher preparation programs and institutions must step up and be accountable for outcomes and finally, fully embrace a culturally informed curriculum. It also means that we need to do a much better job of getting more Black and brown young people interested in and pursuing a career in teaching. And it means that we need schools to engage and empower communities of color and co-create a vision of public education that reflects their diverse needs and aspirations.

There’s a tremendous amount of work to be done and precious little time to do it. Everyday that goes by is another opportunity for us to slide further from the more perfect union that we all deserve to see realized. Progress isn’t promised, but it is possible if we have a public education system that supports it. That starts with ensuring teachers can teach — and are prepared to teach — the truth without fear or reservation.

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Making Space for Black History in the Classroom

Black History is hard to talk about, but learning about it builds my students’ confidence and empowers them to take life into their own hands.

When I was a junior in high school, I was kicked out of class for asking the teacher when we were going to learn about Black History. It was Black History Month.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the first week of February. Monday passed, no Black history. Tuesday, still no Black History. On Wednesday, I finally spoke up. I asked the teacher, “When are you going to teach us about Black History? Are you going to teach us anything about Black people?” He turned red and said, “I will not deal with this in my classroom,” and asked me to leave. So I tossed my textbook on the ground and walked out of class.

Growing up, I learned a lot of European History in school, like Shakespeare or Victorian literature. I had a sixth-grade teacher who was interested and taught us about Black History — but other than that, I literally do not remember learning anything about Black History in my K-12 education.

Today, it’s not that different. A lot of my students were never taught any Black History until my class. They’re learning about things like the Harlem Renaissance and Reconstruction for the first time — as juniors and seniors in high school. In a way, I can understand why. Black History is graphic and violent, and we don’t want to traumatize our students. But in order to break those barriers, we first have to talk about it.

Black History is important for all students because most of the things that happened in history are still happening today. We think of slavery as a thing of the past, but mass incarceration and its gateway, the school to prison pipeline, are the new slavery. I teach my students about these issues because It helps them understand what kind of society they live in and how this reality came into being.

It’s especially important for Black students: Without understanding what happened and is still happening to their people, they won’t know how to maneuver in society once they step out of my classroom and into the real world. It’s like going into a fire not knowing that you’ll get burned. I want to prepare them for the harsh realities that they’re going to face every day as they become adults.

Black history is hard to talk about, but learning about it builds my students’ confidence and empowers them to take life into their own hands.

Already, I can see the impact on my students after they are introduced to these subjects. They start learning how to think critically and debate with each other. Their parents will call me and say how much they appreciate it because they didn’t know how to introduce some of these ideas to their kids, or when was an appropriate time. Black History is hard to talk about, but learning about it builds my students’ confidence and empowers them to take life into their own hands.

Right now, it’s even more important to have these conversations because of the current debate about teaching “critical race theory” in schools. Oklahoma, where I live, is one of nine states that passed classroom censorship bills last year that try to silence conversations about race and gender. I have chosen to defy the law and have not altered my teaching, but I know a lot of teachers who are afraid to talk about these issues because they could lose their teaching licenses if someone complains and they are found to be in violation of this confusing and overbroad statute. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about teaching race in the classroom, and I hope it doesn’t prevent more students from getting a real and inclusive education — especially during Black History Month.

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First Day of School Tips

The first day of school is a significant milestone, filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes a bit of anxiety. Whether you’re a student gearing up for a new grade or a parent ensuring everything is in order, preparation is key to starting the school year on the right foot. Our comprehensive guide offers practical tips and checklists to help both students and parents get ready for the new school year, covering everything from school supplies to mental preparation and establishing routines.

School Supplies: The Essentials

One of the most tangible aspects of preparing for the first day of school is gathering the necessary supplies. Having everything ready not only helps students feel prepared but also sets the tone for an organized and successful year.

Mental Preparation: Getting in the Right Mindset

Mental preparation is as crucial as having the right supplies. A positive mindset can greatly influence a student’s ability to adapt and thrive in a new school year.

Setting Routines: Building a Strong Foundation

Establishing routines is essential for creating a stable and productive environment. A well-structured routine helps students manage their time effectively and reduces stress.

Practical Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Child

Parents play a critical role in helping their children prepare for the first day of school. Here are some practical tips to support your child effectively

Conclusion

Preparing for the first day of school involves more than just buying supplies. It requires thoughtful planning, mental preparation, and the establishment of routines to ensure a smooth and successful transition. By following these tips and using the provided checklists, both students and parents can start the 2025-2026 school year with confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, preparation and support are key to making the most of the academic year ahead. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable school year!