COVID-19 Pandemic Tips for Kids in Open Private School

Students have been dealing with alternative schooling since March. Now, the school year is up and running again, but the schools stand empty. As we begin this rather unique school year, questions surround all areas. Some schools have slowly decided to physically re-open. Families must weigh their options and determine what is best for their students. Students who remain online, face challenges in cognition. They also lack the social/emotional interaction that school provides, and additionally have to navigate unfamiliar territory in the virtual world. Whereas students who opt to attend physical school once the buildings open must assess the risk factor. As many choose to return to classrooms, we want to share the latest information with parents.

Here are some important questions to ask teachers and school administration:

May I review your school re-opening plan?
What steps have been taken to improve student safety?
How is the school addressing children’s mental health in this difficult time?
What are the increased sanitation practices?
What can I do as a parent to help?

At Beacon Hill School-Hollywood, we have decided to slowly and safely physically re-open. We have added personal hygiene/Covid safety measures into our curriculum at all age levels. Teachers and janitorial staff perform frequent, scheduled cleaning procedures for facilities to ensure surfaces are disinfected, while school-wide implementation of physical distancing in classrooms and throughout the campus is also in effect.

From a UNICEF article, these are some measures suggested to schools and adopted by Beacon Hill to help reduce the chance of infection:

Staggering mealtimes
Moving classes and activities to temporary large spaces or outdoors
limiting class size
Requiring masks

For more information on children going back to school during this pandemic, please read these pages below:

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-will-return-school-during-covid-19-pandemic-look

Virtual learning can be quite challenging to manage for working parents. For assistance and tools to help with this process, read more from the following web pages:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Back-to-School-Planning-for-Virtual-or-At-Home-Learning.pdf

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/heading-back-school-in-pandemic

Find Out More About Our School Programs

What Parents are Saying

This school is wonderful. My son has been behind in everything due to his previous school, but is catching up tremendously thanks to Beacon Hill Hollywood. THE STAFF IS WONDERFUL...”
- Parent

“I absolutely love this Beacon Hill School!!!
My son has been attending since he was 2yrs turning 3yrs, now he is 4yrs old and in his second year at Beacon Hill School!
My son is thriving...”
- Parent

“My son came from public school where he wasn't doing so well academically and socially. I took him out of public school and enrolled him in BH.
He's doing so much better in his academics he has made the Honor Roll for Q1 and Q2...”

- Parent

“Beacon Hill is an amazing school. The Principal is a consummate professional who has committed herself to the relationship she has with students, parents and faculty. The programs are far advanced...”

- Parent

“My daughter has completed her second year at Beacon Hill School. She
will be starting the 1st grade on Aug. 5th this year. She has completed
the national based exam SAT for kinder-gardeners and scored a perfect
score...”

- Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Beacon Hill School have Pre-Kindergarten?

Yes, the Early Childhood Department consists of programs for children of 1 year , twos, threes, and Junior Kindergarten.

Public schools and many Kindergartens have usually around 180 days or so for attendance. How many days does Beacon Hill School Pre-Kindergarten have?

Our Early Childhood Department and grades are in session for 212 days.

Are classes full with many students?

We believe in keeping our classes small so that the needs of each individual can be met. We cap classes at 14 for Early childhood and 22 for grades.

Does the school teach on or with computers?

We are extremely proud of our state-of-the-art computer lab. We have 20 Pentium processors that are networked together and are connected to the Internet at 1 G speed. We utilize a filtered platform from a web company. Our computer classes are taught by a computer systems analyst and includes developing keyboarding skills, understanding how to use the word processor, setting up databases, and working with spreadsheets.

Do students at Beacon Hill School do standard testing and do well?

Our student body has traditionally scored better than the local public schools and above the national average on the standardized tests.

How does the school deal with standards?

Students who attend Beacon Hill School are expected to maintain very high standards, both academically and socially. The Parent-Student Handbook outlines in detail policies concerning homework, tests, grading, honor roll, student behavior and disciplinary procedures.

What options are available in the summer time at Beacon Hill School?

Beacon Hill School has Summer Camp in July. This program has been in place for more than 60 years. We have a robust active Summer Camp. Besides all types of learning we also have acres of fun featuring swimming, sports, field trips and special events for an unforgettable experience! We open at 6:30am to 6pm from the start of July to the end of July for our Hollywood area Summer Camp.

How long has Beacon Hill School been established and is it a family owned or a corporate school franchise?

Founded by Irving and Cherie Liss in 1959, Beacon Hill School continues to be run by the Liss family under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Liss. Beacon Hill School is an independent, traditional, all-faith, coeducational school incorporating preschool through grade eight in Hollywood, Florida.

Private schools can be very good but can lack some standard accreditations and school memberships, how does Beacon Hill School fair with this?

Beacon Hill School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, Middle States and is a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the Broward County Non Public School Association. We also have many awards and achievements.

Does the school have science classes and any special subjects for children?

We have a fully equipped Science Laboratory. Our academic program consists of English, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics as well as the special subjects of computers, Spanish, art, physical education, and music/dance/drama. Our curriculum meets and exceeds all requirements of both the State of Florida and Broward County.