Imagine your whole world turned upside down as a child, losing everything—some friends and family. Three cities are among others in Broward County where more than 250 students displaced by Hurricane Dorian will continue studies.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has partnered with Broward County Government to help students displaced by Hurricane Dorian to get what they need to be successful in school.
“We appreciate the support from Broward County Government and our community for all of the families who have lost so much due to Hurricane Dorian,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We want their transition to Broward County and our schools to be as smooth as possible and these donations will go a long way toward helping students stay on track with their education.”
A school-supply drive to aid students is ongoing through October 30th with a main drop-off point at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale—Broward’s Government Center.
Donated school supplies will be distributed to students and families from the Bahamas via the District’s Welcome Center, located in the Lauderdale Manors Early Learning & Family Resource Center at 1400 NW 14th Court in Fort Lauderdale.
The Welcome Center provides families with support for student registration into District schools, and once registered, connects families to school social workers and provides school supplies, uniforms, clothing, food and information on local resources. In addition, the Welcome Center offers access to a variety of health services in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Broward.
“I am grateful for this partnership with Broward County Public Schools and hopeful that we can make a real difference in the lives of these families displaced by the hurricane,” Broward County Commissioner, Nan Rich, told press. “A child’s education is vital to their success in life and I am proud that we are able to step in and help.”
Impacted schools are encouraged to start their own school supply drives for students whose lives have been uprooted.
Below is a list of items needed for displaced students from the Bahamas in Broward County:
- Book bags (by school level, if possible)
- No. 2 Pencils
- Colored pencils
- Pens
- Pencil cases
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Crayons
- Crayon Boxes
- Glue
- Glue Sticks
- Markers
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Rulers
- Spiral Notepads
- Composition Books
- Erasers
Middle and high school students also need the following:
- Binders
- Calculators
- 5-Subject Spiral Notebooks
Selected schools and students remain anonymous.
