WATCH: Brevard Public Schools Holds Board Meeting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

By  //  April 15, 2020

Letter from BPS Superintendent Mark Mullins

ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard Public Schools held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics including recorded public comments.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following letter was sent out to BPS families on Friday by BPS Superintendent Mark Mullins.

Dear BPS Families,

As week two of distance learning comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your patience and flexibility as we are all still adapting to this new normal.

I continue to admire and appreciate the support that has been shown to our teachers as they navigate these uncharted waters and adjust to remote instruction.

In all this uncertainty, one thing is abundantly clear… they miss your kids tremendously!

I know this has not come without sacrifice or struggle on your end as well, as you are likely trying to strike a balance between your own workload and those of your child’s/children’s, while juggling multiple schedules, learning new technology and communications platforms, and attempting to keep everyone organized and on task throughout the day.

I recognize that homeschooling was not a life you or our teachers chose, but you’ve risen to the challenge and we appreciate your increased partnership.

By the end of last week, approximately 90-percent of BPS students were logging into the online system daily. This percentage does not reflect students who are working with paper packets as accommodations for special needs or for lack of a reliable way to connect online. That is incredible testament to the commitment of our families.

WATCH: Palm Bay Hospital Staff Receives 456 Meals From Siggy’s, Yellow Dog CafeRelated Story:
WATCH: Palm Bay Hospital Staff Receives 456 Meals From Siggy’s, Yellow Dog Cafe

I wish I could be writing you with more answers and definitives, but just like you, we are anxiously awaiting word from the state as to when things can return to some form of normalcy. Our main priority continues to be the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff and we will make no decisions without taking their well-being into account.

Right now, we are still planning to welcome students back into our schools on Monday, May 4.

Should we be directed otherwise, we will have an alternate plan to maintain our remote curriculum. For those parents with seniors, I know this must be an especially anxious and difficult time, as so much hangs in the balance by way of graduation and all of the well-earned and much anticipated activities and celebrations that come with this important life milestone.

I have spoken with our high school principals and we share a common desire for our seniors to experience a traditional graduation ceremony.

As of right now, we are sticking to our established graduation dates, but we may need to consider alternative options, based on when the CDC deems it safe to resume public events and gatherings. I will be meeting (virtually) with our Student Government leaders next week to discuss this and other alternatives for graduation and to brainstorm ways to ensure our Class of 2020 receives the recognition they so deserve.

For those families with rising VPK and incoming kindergartners, I know you are awaiting information regarding registration and orientation, and I promise you, once we have new dates and can reschedule these events, we will communicate them to you.

I know and share the frustration that comes with the unknown and the weariness that grows with each passing day, but I also know that we are a resilient community and we will get through this, together.

Please know our team is here to support you in whatever way we can. Reach out to us. Let us know how we can help you or where we could improve. Some things may not be possible, but what we don’t know, we can’t attempt to fix. I value your feedback and appreciate your continued support.

I hope the three-day weekend provides an opportunity for renewing, relaxing and recharging.

Please stay healthy,

Mark W. Mullins, Ed.D. Superintendent

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS