Every child needs a mentor!

There are more than 272,000 students in Broward County Public Schools. Many of these children are at-risk and need just a little extra attention from a caring adult to help them succeed. There is no better way to ensure a child's success than to serve as their mentor. One hour per week is all it takes to change the life of a child. Think about it, one hour is the amount of time it takes to have lunch with a friend, read a few chapters of your favorite book or have a roll of film developed.

Central office employees at KCW, HORTT, TSSC and HRMS who don't have classroom responsibilities, with their supervisor's approval, can be granted one hour a week release time with pay, to mentor a child. As a mentor, you can use that hour to share your experiences, knowledge and time with a child. The Youth Mentoring Programs Department of Broward County Public Schools recruits, trains, and places mentors in more than 200 schools. In addition, the department provides support and coordinates the efforts of several district scholarship and mentor programs offered through other organizations.

Take time to care by calling the Youth Mentoring Programs office at 754-321-1972 and sign up for a mentor orientation near you.


Four Schools Now Digital Learning Environments

Four Broward County schools have been chosen to serve as "Digital Learning Environment (DLE)" pilot schools. Those schools include Monarch and Miramar high schools, Attucks Middle School and Broward Estates Elementary School. Schools participating must implement as many components of the instructional technology plan as possible, including age-appropriate personal learning devices, redesigned classrooms and electronic textbooks.

A key component of this bold initiative was the distribution of a laptop computer to each student. The laptops are equipped to function as a student's notebook, calendar, homework pad and more. Through its use, research in the classroom is enabled, student project presentations are enhanced and student collaboration is fostered. In order to participate in the $5 million initiative and receive a laptop, students and parents were required to undergo training, which took place during the school day in September and October. Stay tuned to future issues of The 411 for updates on this exciting initiative.

Reap Benefits From Your EAP

The District's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offered as part of your benefits. It's a confidential service, free service that offers support and assistance to employees and their District-insured dependent family members. With the goal of total wellness, the EAP offers support and assistance in the form of prevention and intervention services. If your life is feeling out of balance, give the professionals at the EAP a call - they're there to meet your needs.

Individual services are available for behavioral/medical concerns including, but not limited to: physical illness; marital/family distress and conflicts; emotional problems (e.g. depression); stress/anxiety; bereavement/grief and loss; eating disorders; parenting; interpersonal relationships; work-related issues; medical/pain management relationships; alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependency abuses.

A variety of workshops are also offered throughout the year for all work locations. Call to discuss your location's needs and schedule a workshop. Topics offered include, but are not limited to: Coping with Stress; Depression: Signs and Symptoms for Self and Loved Ones; Creating a Respectful Workplace - Conflict Resolution; and Self-esteem and Team Building.

The issue of confidentiality is of the highest importance to the Employee Assistance Program. EAP files are considered medical/psycho/social files, and as such are governed by Federal Regulations on confidentiality. Information can only be released with a client's written consent or when the law requires (e.g. issues of abuse, threats to harm self or others, criminal investigation). For increased confidentiality purposes, the EAP is located at 4100 South Hospital Drive, Suite 205, Plantation, FL 33317.

Contact the EAP by calling 954-797-4755 between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or by fax, 954-797-4758 to access services or make an appointment.