TO:                      HDSB

FROM:                Superintendent Buddy L. Brown

DATE:                 November 19, 2021

SUBJECT:         SUPERINTENDENT’S THANKSGIVING MESSAGE 

During this month of Thanksgiving I have been reflecting on the things I am grateful for. One of the first things that came to mind is the talented group of people I represent and work with daily, from the District School Board to our staff at each of our schools.  Thank you for the work you do to make our District great. Without your commitment, creativity, and high standards, we would not be the District we are, nor the District we strive to be.

I am a man of faith, and with that faith I believe in the principles of faith that surround the Thanksgiving holiday.  I pray and hope for safety in your travels over the next week.  I pray you will maximize and take advantage of the time to spend with loved ones and friends.  I pray for the safety and well-being of our men and women in uniform, both military and civilian that stand watch over us, prepared to give all for our freedoms and our way of life.  I pray for a time of calmness and peace in our community, our nation, and our world.  I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with abundance, happiness, and bright moments.

The Florida Surgeon General and Department of Health have issued a new protocol regarding quarantines for students, effective September 22. The rule can be accessed at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/64DER21-15.pdf. 

The Department of Education has released an updated graphic giving guidance on when students will need to quarantine.  (Click the Related Files link below.) We will continue to update you as we receive new guidance from the appropriate agencies. 

Superintendent Brown has released the following directive regarding school events:

TO:                  HDSB

 FROM:            Superintendent Buddy L. Brown

 DATE:            August 2, 2021

 SUBJECT:      Scheduling of Events on Wednesday

I currently have some concerns about the over scheduling of events and in particular extracurricular activities during the school week.  I have come to the decision that the mid-week day of Wednesday will be considered a time-out period in concerns of activities scheduled outside of the normal school day.

1.  No extracurricular activities will be regularly scheduled to take place after 5:30 PM during this day.  This is to include any practices, athletic events, or other school related activities that are directly controlled by HDSB.
2. Exceptions to this rule may include events that have to be rescheduled due to “acts of nature,” events scheduled by agencies or organizations the school or District has a contractual obligation to, and events approved by the School Principal and/or Superintendent that have a direct positive effect on student academic achievement.

We are an educational institution.  Our goal is to safeguard the well-being of our students while focusing on their academic achievement and preparation to be productive members of society when they graduate from our schools.  To expect these students to maintain their physical and academic stamina without giving them an opportunity to have a time of respite and rest, or even a full evening to focus on academics and family is contrary to our goals.  We will use this mid-point of the week as an opportunity for students and their families to have an evening free from any organized school events.