Waverly does Back to School in style.

By Rachel Galvin

COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes in our daily lives, one of them is in the school system. The Observer had the chance to speak to a few people affected by these changes to get their opinions on how it is going this year.

“The first day of virtual school at Deerfield Beach Middle School (DBMS) exceeded my expectations,” said one parent, Lisa Cornell Davis. “Communications from Superintendent Runcie and principal Dr. Fulton have been informative, detailed and helpful. It was smooth sailing thanks to the leadership. One of our initial fears was lack of social interaction with a 100% online experience, but each teacher did a wonderful job encouraging engagement using Teams Video Conferencing while introducing icebreakers to get to know everyone on a personal level.  The teachers, students and leadership are resilient, creative and flexible. They are history in the making. They care about our health and safety.  They are pioneers in education … and it’s not only working, it’s working well!”

Avery is all smiles on the first day.

Michelle Olson-Rogers, whose daughter attends Grandview Prep, a private school in Boca Raton, where they are back to having in person classes, said, “I think every family’s decision to go back to school is extremely personal. There is no right one during a pandemic. However, as a parent, you know in your gut what is best for your child. It is up to God and good hygiene to keep us safe this year! We personally decided to go back to school in person because our school has created small cohort environments where we feel extremely safe.” 

Jack can’t wait for Kindergarten.

Joanie Cox-Henry, whose son, Jack, is in Kindergarten this year, said, “We did distance learning for pre-k 4 once the school closed due to the pandemic. St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (in Boca Raton) and its teachers and staff did an outstanding job bringing the curriculum online. We had math, reading, art, science, religious education and even PE online. My son, however, really struggled with the isolation of not being in a classroom setting. He deeply missed the in-person connection of learning and he, of course, missed seeing his classmates and teachers at school each day. As a parent, I struggled with juggling home life and school life all in our living room. Daily life became more chaotic, especially with a 2-year-old child home as well.”

Emily looks happy to start the school year.

Sam is ready to get to work.

“Virtual school at A.D. Henderson University School (in Boca Raton) has gone remarkably smooth,” said Leslie Moore. “My 7th grader and 2nd grader spend most of their school day on video conferences with their teachers at opposite sides of the house. The video conferences can get loud. Emily also video conferences with the P.E., Media and STEAM teachers weekly. She also has designated break times each day for physical movement, reading, recess and lunch. I’m close by to help with technical issues which can get frustrating at times. Her teacher has been amazing. My 7th grader has eight subjects spread over two days taught through 90 min. video meetings. She talks a lot about her electives: art, robotics and chorus. She seems to have easily transitioned to online learning though I know she wants to be with her friends. We picked up computers and course materials from the school over the summer an, other than a few technical issues, this process has been fairly easy.”

Sophia is ready for 8th grade.

Tinka Ellington-Hooper’s daughter Sophia attends Saint Andrew’s School in Boca. She said about working from home, “Everyone at school has worked really hard to implement virtual schooling effectively. The new school year has been going very well. It’s different of course but also has it’s positive aspects. Through virtual schooling, we are doing what needs to be done right now to keep everyone safe and still have the kids receive a quality education.”

On Sept. 15, Superintendent Runcie announced that he is planning on reopening schools on Oct. 5 with certain procedures, like mask wearing, in place and certain things like science labs not being open, and homework turned in electronically. For info. on how things will be reopened, visit https://storage.googleapis.com/pt06-1/messages/attachments/85c2b4b2f814ce639a96deadc732c6bc/BCPS202021BoardApprovedFinalPlan.pdf

Qualified residents impacted by COVID-19 will soon be able to apply online for rental assistance, thanks to the Broward County Commission.

Broward County has allocated $25 million in federal CARES funding for a program that will help residents pay portions of unpaid rent for the months of April, May, June, July and August 2020. Funds are not a loan, and do not have to be paid back.

Individuals may be eligible if they meet the following requirements:

• They are a Broward County resident
• They or someone in their household experienced a documented loss or reduction in income related to COVID-19
• Due to the loss of income related to COVID-19, they were unable to pay their rent
• Their landlord agrees to participate
• Assistance equates to a partial payment of rent. For months one and two of the owed rent amount the rental assistance program will pay, and the landlord must agree to, 75% of the amount due. For months three, four and five of rent assistance , the program will pay, and the landlord must agree to, 60% of the amount due. Late fees, if any, will not be covered by the program.

Payments are made to landlords, therefore if a landlord is not willing to complete the documents, the tenant will not be eligible for assistance.

Broward County’s Family Success Division is managing the application process and will approve and distribute funds until depleted.

Application Period Opens August 31

The application period is Monday, August 31 through Sunday, September 6, 2020, from 8AM to 10PM daily. Applications may be submitted online only, at Broward.org/CARES. A computer is not necessary, and the application can be completed on a smartphone or tablet. No in-person applications will be accepted.

Because applicants are required to attach significant amounts of substantiating documentation, residents who believe they are qualified are encouraged to begin today to collect documentation required for the online application process. For details, visit Broward.org/CARES. The application must be completed in one sitting and cannot be partially completed, saved or returned to at a later time.

Examples of the types of documents that may be required depending upon each unique situation are:

• Copy of valid government-issued ID
• Rental lease agreement or Tenant Verification Form, completed by landlord
• Late notice for past due rent/eviction notice/past due notification
  Paystubs
• Evidence of unemployment or loss of income if self-employed
  Once a resident’s application is assigned a case manager, he or she may be asked to supply other documents such as bank statements. Again, consult the website for details on documents that may be required at time of application.

“Our residents are hurting,” said Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness. “This $25 million rental assistance program can provide much needed financial assistance to many, many families who need our help, and help protect landlords and small businesses who need to collect rents to pay mortgages and other expenses related to property ownership.”

COVID-19 has impacted many Broward County families in many ways. If you have loss of income not related to COVID-19, and need help during this difficult pandemic, please visit our Family Success Division website to see what other resources may be available to you.

Broward County is trying to make sure numbers stay low, especially with the anticipation of an increase in activity over the Labor Day weekend, by increasing fines on those who do not wear masks. The county has estavlished a $100 fine but people could face a fine up to $1000.

The county has given out more thean 1680 warnings and citations since March 1. They say that as a result, the number of cases, etc. has declined. They hope that upping the fee will keep the numbers headed in a downward direction.

“Every member of the community has a role to play in protecting us from the virus,” said County Administrator Bertha Henry. “The wearing of facial coverings while in public places is a proven way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and increase the overall health of our community. We want everybody who lives in or decides to visit Broward County during this pandemic to know that we are a ‘mask community.’”

Municipal code enforcement authorities may establish their own fines for violations of the facial covering requirements; but are encouraged to follow Broward County’s lead to reduce confusion and ensure consistency throughout the community.

The enhanced enforcement program takes effect immediately.

District One Commissioner Michael Hudak is happy to host Saturday office hours via teleconference, Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. To schedule an appointment please contact the City Manager’s Office at 954-480-4263 or web.citymgr@deerfield-beach.com .