Build Resilience
Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis has launched the Build Resiliency website to help parents and caregivers explore the characteristics of resilience with their children. Additionally, parents, grandparents, and caregivers can sign up there for information about the new Resiliency Coach program.
Parent and Family
Information for Resiliency and Life Skills Instruction: Grades K-5
Florida
law requires life skills instruction through resiliency education in grades K-12.
To meet this requirement, students in elementary grades receive standards-aligned instruction from the Monique Burr Foundation's Child Safety Matters program and from their classroom teachers during health blocks. Additionally, students will participate in
Resiliency Days on Sept. 17, 2024 and Feb. 11, 2025.
"Resiliency"
means overcoming obstacles, so students will participate in activities that
celebrate citizenship, mentorship, and making responsible choices. Activities
vary at each location, so reach out to the school counselor on your child's
campus to learn more and join the celebration.
Parent & Family Resources for Mandatory Instruction: Grades 6-12
Florida Statute requires public schools to facilitate at least five hours of civic and character education and life skills education through resiliency education in grades 6-12. Orange County Public Schools provides lessons on the topics that are mandated by Rule 6A-1.094124 in the Florida Administrative Code.
This year, the five hours of required instruction will be delivered in the following ways throughout the year:
- Two Resiliency Days where students will complete 30-minute interactive lessons on Canvas. There will be an adjusted bell schedule on Sept.17 and Feb. 11. Content is adapted from the Monique Burr Foundation, Mental Health Matters, which is grant-funded by the Florida Attorney General's Office.
- Red Ribbon Week activities that support healthy, drug-free kids.
- Social Studies required instruction that integrates citizenship and mentorship into topics such as Sept. 11th and Veterans Day.
Parents and families can preview the curriculum here. All student materials are also available through the Canvas app in the OCPS Parent Portal.