After requests from Club parents, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County continues to remain open for distance learning. All 13 Clubs across Palm Beach County initially opened for distance learning when the school year started virtually on August 31. When the school district gave parents the option of sending their children back to the classroom in late September or continue virtually, many Club parents chose to keep their children the Clubs for distance learning.
“We heard from many parents requesting that we stay open for distance learning, even after the school district re-opened classrooms. I believe parents felt confident with our COVID-19 safeguards that were extremely successful during our day-long summer camp program. I also believe parents wanted their children to attend to be able to take full advantage of our traditional after school programs as well,” said CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda.
To accommodate Club members distance learning from our Clubs, operating hours are extended from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Free breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack are provided to all members. 60 certified teachers assist with any homework or distance learning issues during after school sessions. WiFi connectivity was also beefed up to provide the best connectivity for students to download and upload assignments as needed.
To ensure Club members stay safe, Clubs will continue to follow stringent CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Added precautions include maintaining strict protocols that limit the interaction of Club members and staff, areas occupied by staff and kids are sanitized every 45 minutes, temperature checks for every single person entering the Clubs with no visitors allowed, and staff and children are required to frequently wash their hands and wear facemasks.
“Sometimes doing the right thing is not the easy thing, but we do whatever it takes to make sure that our Club members are safe and provided the services that they need. There is a significant added expense to operate our distance learning program however, we feel it is in our Club members’ best interest to continue to provide this option as long as parents choose to have their children learn virtually.”
In addition to the added distance learning hours, all Clubs are open for Club members who attend classes in person to join our traditional after school programs. Many Clubs still provide free transportation from nearby schools to help working parents.
If you would like to donate to help Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County stay open during school hours to help children with distant learning and support our traditional after school programs, please click on the button below.
