BPS Headlines - Weekly e-Newsletter

December 11, 2020

IN THE NEWS

BPS, in Collaboration with Department of Health, Adopts New CDC Quarantine Recommendations

Last Friday, the Department of Health issued their response to the CDC's latest quarantine recommendations. The CDC now says the quarantine period can end after 10 days, if the person has not developed any symptoms, and can end after seven days, if the asymptomatic person also tests negative for the virus. Based on the information Brevard Public Schools has updated its quarantine protocols as follows:

All asymptomatic contacts to a case (showing no signs of illness or symptoms) from a SCHOOL exposure will now be quarantined for a period of 10 days and can return on Day 11 starting immediately. However, students returning on Day 11 who participate in sports or activities in which social distancing is not possible or probable, must sit out of that activity until after Day 14.

All contacts to case due to FAMILY exposure will continue to quarantine for the period of 14 days. Parents can ask for their case to be reviewed by the DOH as part of an epidemiology interview. This review can be completed on or after Day 10.

If an asymptomatic close contact gets a PCR (molecular) test ON DAY 6 or later and receives a negative result, they may end quarantine after completion of Day 7.

Parents/employees who want to exercise the option of testing to end their quarantine period early, regardless of what kind of contact to case they are, must submit a copy of their test directly to the Brevard County Department of Health via fax at (321) 454-7158. The DOH will evaluate the lab and will directly communicate with the school principal if the quarantine period will be adjusted.

Please call the Brevard County Department of Health at (321) 454-7101 with any questions. More information about COVID-19 is available from the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/covid19.

Melbourne High Chamber Orchestra to Perform During Statewide Music Education Conference

Congratulations to the Melbourne High School Chamber Orchestra for being selected to perform during the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Virtual Professional Development Conference & All-State Experience (January 13-16, 2021). The ensemble will perform virtually at the President’s Concert on January 13th from 8:00-9:00 p.m. READ MORE HERE.

BPS MOVERS & SHAKERS

West Shore's Foo Named

Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist

Congratulations to West Shore senior Nathan Foo for being named a semifinalists in the prestigious 2020-2021 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, offered annually by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Only 1,609 Semifinalists were chosen among 99,403 applicants this year (just 1.6%), as a result of their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to their community. Nathan is the only student from Brevard County who made the Florida list.

Semifinalists are currently submitting their Semifinalist applications. Only 250 will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving a $20,000 college scholarship. Best of luck Nathan!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Scholars Program.

BPS Smart Podcast - New Episode

Family Engagement & Dealing with Holiday Stress

Host Sara Almond is joined by BPS Family Engagement Resource Teachers Ginny Gleason and Gevonne Blum who share what family engagement means at BPS, along with practical tips on how to navigate a holiday season that may look different than years past.

Holiday Survival Guide

Croton's Carly Lane is a Spectrum News 13 A+ Teacher

Croton Elementary 4th grade teacher Carly Lane was nominated as a Spectrum News 13 A+ Teacher for how well she prepares her students for both in-person and virtual learning. CLICK HERE to watch the story.

Each Tuesday morning, Spectrum News 13 and anchor Tammie Fields feature an A+ Teacher who is inspiring and leading students across Central Florida.

To nominate an A+ Teacher, email teachers@charter.com along with the name of the person you are nominating, be sure to include contact information, including email and phone number and a short explanation of why you believe they deserve this honor.

WHAT'S COOL IN SCHOOLS

Heritage High

The Advanced Manufacturing program at Heritage High School is providing students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of automation technology, its application in manufacturing, engineering and robotics, and its effect upon our lives and the choice of a career.

Students use the Design Process to create a product and follow through with their ideas. They draw and manufacture their products. Precise measurements are needed and students are required to assemble a product while understanding the engineering behind it. Teamwork is essential in manufacturing. The product must be assembled and completed despite any differences within the team. Students work together in a collaborative atmosphere, improving their communication skills and having fun learning new things.

Sea Park Elementary

Students, teachers and staff at Sea Park Elementary are putting their artistry to work creating a rock garden as a fun and colorful way to add a touch of flair to the outside grounds and show how much Sea Park rocks!

Quest Elementary

During this holiday season, the students and teachers of Quest Elementary are doing their part to spread a little holiday cheer. For the second consecutive year, they are working with the Friends of the Children of Brevard to provide holiday gifts for underprivileged foster children in Brevard County. Students and staff donated more than 200 gifts to the Angel Tree project. "This is just one of the many ways the Quest community comes together throughout the year to foster compassion and demonstrate their generosity," said Principal Christine Boyd.

Cheryl Fortmayer, Cafeteria Manager

Viera Elementary

Nominated by Mary Gabriel, School Secretary

Currently no outside food can be brought in to schools to recognize birthdays and other celebrations as a result of COVID-19. This has been disappointing for many elementary families who traditionally send in treats for their children's classes to enjoy.

Recognizing this loss, Viera Elementary's cafeteria manager Cheryl Fortmayer stepped up to fill the void. She has been creating birthday treats to celebrate students since the start of the school year, and not just simple ice cream cups or rice crispy treats that could be ordered beforehand, as those are still not an option. Ms. Fortmayer has been baking cupcakes and cookie cakes to make her students feel extra special.

Even for a seasoned café manager like Ms. Fortmayer, this was an added challenge to undertake during a pandemic, in a new school, with limited staff (until recently), especially when there are 3-4 birthdays in one day!

On top of all the regular lunches, extra free lunches, curbside deliveries, and birthday celebrations, Ms. Fortmayer also went out of her way during National School Lunch Week to put together fun activities and surprises for students during their lunchtime.

"Cheryl is an employee that has gone above and beyond at Viera Elementary and this year has become our school's Birthday Hero as well! We are so grateful for all her efforts and her amazing heart!"

Know an employee, teacher or student who has made a difference at your work site or school?

We want to hear about them!

email us at:

GotHeart@brevardschools.org

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

BPS College & Career Readiness Session 3: Florida Bright Futures and Scholarships

Last week our College & Career Readiness team hosted a virtual meeting to discuss Florida Bright Futures and other scholarship opportunities. A recording of the session and PowerPoint presentation can be found on the BPS College & Career Readiness site or by CLICKING HERE.

Additional tips and helpful contact information can be found in their presentation HERE.

Career Source Brevard Provides Helpful

Guidance for Juniors and Seniors

If your high school junior or senior is starting to plan for their career, here's a helpful resource from Career Source Brevard to get them started on a path to success!

CLICK HERE to view the presentation.