Due to the continued health threat associated with COVID-19, unless circumstances change, summer classes operated by the Palm Beach County School District will be held virtually, and all district-operated summer camps are canceled.
“These two decisions are understandably disappointing for our students and families,” Superintendent Donald E. Fennoy II said. “I was holding out hope that both programs would continue as normal this summer, but that is just not possible in the midst of this pandemic. Much thought and consideration went into this decision. The safety, health and wellness of our students and staff is the district’s ultimate priority.”
The district continues to follow the guidance of federal, state and local elected leaders and public health officials, and will continue sharing information in a timely and transparent manner.
The PBCSD summer programs affected by this decision include:
• All district summer camps are canceled.
• ESY (Extended School Year) will take place virtually. Accommodations will be provided to the best of the district’s ability.
• Credit and course-recovery options will be provided virtually.
• The third grade Summer Reading Academy (SRA) is canceled.
• Some beginning English Language Learners (ELL) students will continue with academic opportunities, and resources will be mailed to their homes.
• Enrichment programs for children of migrant workers will also be offered by virtual instruction, along with materials mailed to their homes.
• Additional academic opportunities will be offered through individual elementary schools.
Plans regarding extended learning and summer school opportunities will be finalized in the coming weeks. Families will be notified through their child’s school.
Families that already paid fees for summer camps will automatically receive refunds. No action is necessary on the part of the parent/guardian to receive a refund. Those who paid by credit card will receive a refund to their credit card account. Payments made by cash or check will be refunded by check through the U.S. Mail. The district will be working with schools and their afterschool program directors to issue these refunds over the next few weeks and appreciate your patience as this work takes place.
The district understands the hardship that the cancellation of summer camps held on our campuses will cause, particularly for parents who depend on these programs as a source of childcare. For that reason, the district is currently working with our partner agencies to see what other opportunities may be available for children. More information on that is forthcoming.
On April 18, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that due to COVID-19, all K-12 school campuses in the state will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Palm Beach County School District distance learning continues through May 29, which is the last day of the 2019-20 school year.
Visit the district’s Distance Learning web site at www.palmbeachschools.org/distancelearning for more info.
