Covid 19 has brought multiple challenges for Miami Public Schools. We are proud of the protocols and practices that were developed and implemented with our Return to Learn Plan. The plan prepared us to provide both virtual and in-person instruction during the 2021-2021 school year and allowed us to provide consistent practices and protocols in response to COVID 19.
In partnership with state education agencies, the federal government has provided funds to address the challenges that schools are faced with during the pandemic. In consultation with the administration, teachers, parents, and community groups, the following strategies and purchases have been identified as needs for our district to continue to successfully serve our students and staff within our district. ESSER III funds will be expended over a three-year period and provide necessary funds to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID 19.
Part 1: Strategies for Prevention and Mitigation of COVID 19
- District-wide supplies for cleaning, sanitizing, and prevention of the spread of COVID
- School Nurse
- Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs)
- HVAC repair and replacements where needed
Part 2: Strategies to Address Learning Loss
20% of ESSER funds must address the learning loss and its effects experienced by students during the pandemic. Addressing the needs of students after the loss of learning is of utmost importance. The following strategies have been targeted to address these needs:
- Mental & Behavioral Health Liaison
- Family Care Coordinator
- Naviance academic advisement software
- School Counselors
- Academic Learning advisor
- Hot Spot service
- Online Curriculum
- Virtual Instructors
- Summer School Instructors
- Devices
- Professional Development
- SEL Programming
- Academic Tutoring
- Parental outreach / digital media equipment
- Remediation/intervention for student demographic groups
Part 3: Other ESSER III Expenditures spent over three years
- Facility improvements and repairs
- School vehicles to assist with meal delivery and student educational need delivery
- 14 passenger bus to assist with student transportation and meal delivery
- School Safety and security officers
- Attendance tracking
Part 4: Ensuring interventions are in place for all student demographic groups and respond to the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students
Miami Public Schools will identify students upon enrollment that may fit the following disproportionate categories, based on section 2001(e)(1), consisting of low-income families, students of color, English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care and migratory students.
These students will be provided with support at each school site in the areas of academics, social and emotional learning, mental health supports, and health supports. MPS provides students with a variety of structured interventions and opportunities for remediation if needed. The district will also employ additional counselors and will employ a mental and behavioral health liaison to assist with social, emotional, and mental health supports. With the addition of a school nurse and certified nurse assistants, we will work with students and families to mitigate the spread of COVID and other communicable diseases. They will also assist with contact tracing and parental support when needed.
Miami Public Schools welcomes feedback and input from all stakeholders on the spending plan. Please provide feedback on the following link: ESSER III Survey