The energy in the carpool line at iPrep Academy was palpable. Students poured out of the school and into their parents’ cars, excited for summer vacation to finally begin. Carlos Roig, the 9th grade class president at iPrep, was drumming on the fence and one mom held up a sign that said "Goodbye iPrep, Hello MBSH."
Wednesday marked the last day of an unusual school year. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho came to iPrep to congratulate students and speak to the press. He also gave some details about upcoming summer programs the county is offering.
“Students will receive social and emotional support, mental health support. They will receive athletic activities as part of this portfolio of experiences. Arts, music, there will be something for everyone," Carvalho said.
WLRN is committed to providing South Florida with trusted news and information. As the pandemic continues, our mission is as vital as ever. Your support makes it possible. Please donate today. Thank you.
The programs will run from June 14 to August 20 and more than 62,000 students are already registered for either the summer camp or summer school program. Carvalho said the county will announce to what extent the programs will be in-person, a week before the start date.
The county will also be offering free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of their enrollment in a summer program. These meals will be offered at one of 50 distribution sites across the county, and will also be available at the summer programs.
During his speech, Carvalho condemned the recent flurry of shootings in Miami-Dade.
“We are departing this school year to a certain extent with a bruised heart over the level of violence that continues to occur in our community, particularly gun violence. That is simply unacceptable," he said.
Mia Noritake, a fourth grader at iPrep, came up to speak during the superintendent's visit. She thanked her teachers and friends for making the school year great.
"Although this year was really hard, we had a lot of fun learning new things," she said.
