Brevard County Schools Face New Challenges with Reopening
By Space Coast Daily // October 21, 2020
From knowing how to switch your broadband online to keeping your children focused on classes, there are many battles parents face with e-learning.
On the other hand, families who opt for part-time or full-time in-person classes are dealing with expanded cases and risks of contracting the virus.
Since its first day back to school on August 24th, parents and staff of Brevard County Schools have faced many challenges. Here’s what you need to know about the plan and what has occurred so far in the school year.
Brevard County’s Back-to-School Learning Options
According to the 2020-2021 academic school year plan, the following learning options are offered to Brevard County schools. It’s also important to mention that, if necessary, Brevard Superintendent Mark Mullins has the authority to modify district guidelines to accommodate changes in the pandemic status.
Full-Time In School
While following health and safety guidelines, students can attend full-time in-school classroom learning. It follows the traditional schedule and setting.
eLearning
Children follow a schedule and curriculum online and interact with their peers and teachers on a virtual platform. This option lasts for a nine-week period and follows the same pacing as if in the classroom.
Part-time eLearning, Part-time In-School
Families have the option to limit their child’s time in the physical classroom by combining eLearning and in-person classes. This option also follows the standard school schedule.
Full or Part-Time Dual Enrollment
When applying for dual-enrollment, eligible high school students can also follow the hybrid method of e-Learning or in-person instruction.
Schools Close Temporarily
However, schools that have reopened and welcomed students to in-person classes are reporting new cases and are obliged to close once more. Since the beginning of the new school year, certain schools have temporarily closed their brick-and-mortar classes on a case-by-case basis. Families were notified if they were in close contact and are required to quarantine for 14 days.
Golfview Elementary
After detecting new COVID-19 cases in Golfview Elementary Magnet School, Rockledge, the school planned to close for three days for disinfection and monitoring. It extended their closure for one more week to reopen later in September.
Enterprise Elementary
In late September, Enterprise Elementary School shut its doors for three school days after “expanded cases” of COVID-19. It has since reopened and resumed activities on Monday, September 28th.
Eau Gallie High School
As a result of COVID-19 cases, the Eau Gallie High School campus has been closed from October 16th to October 25th to prevent further spread of the virus. While all activities, in-person classes, and transport has been halted, the district will offer school meals. Free walk-in COVID-19 tests are being conducted for any Eau Gallie students and staff with a school ID.
Brevard County Schools are promoting transparency and awareness by reporting new COVID-19 cases every Tuesday and Friday. You can find an updated report of cases and quarantine of each school on their website.
Families and Virtual Learning
Families who have opted to put their children in eLearning are facing challenges of their own but are quickly adapting to the new setting. Parents who aren’t ready to place students in face-to-face instruction yet are prioritizing safety.
Luckily, some families are reporting that they’re making progress. In an interview with Spectrum News, Christina Harvey, mother of two, explains her experiences and reinforces why she chooses virtual learning for her children. She states that she’s making the best choice for her family and community.
Final Word
Brevard County Schools and the Department of Health are doing everything they can to keep options open for students both in and out of eLearning.
By providing free school meals and offering to test staff and students, the district is doing its part to keep the school year running with the resources it has. As for parents, on top of taking additional precautions, it’s up to their discretion on which form of learning is best for their child.
