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https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💕" title="Two hearts" aria-label="Emoji: Two hearts">to parents, guardians & students! Today starts the 1st full week after learning schools will be closed for the rest of the school year. We all saw it coming & know it& #39;s the right call for public health, but still very stressful & made even more so with a rough transition
Blaise & I just had a Zoom mtg w his wonderful teacher & K1 class. She’s doing her best to tailor remote learning to each student& #39;s needs as assessed prior to shutdown. But fewer than half the families in the class were able to take part in this quickly scheduled 10am meeting.
I& #39;ve also heard from other families this morning who have been confused by sudden instructions for immediate new requirements & deeply worried about the growing inequities we will see across @BostonSchools.
ICYMI on Friday, HS student Shelby T. shared inspiring insights on how young people are adjusting to #COVID19 & school closures. We discussed self-mgmt, food insecurity, & HS seniors grieving their senior year together. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcUQN_94lOg">https://www.youtube.com/watch...
Supporting our families means not just closing buildings but also addressing disparities students have faced since long before #COVID19 & needs that go beyond academics. We must equip teachers to navigate the challenges of remote learning & partner to reach every child & family.
This means removing barriers to online access & technology AND ensuring an equitable, supported transition to remote learning, particularly for students with special needs & English language learners.
To be clear, it& #39;s not just about finding the right apps & measuring who is logging on. Every family is experiencing a near-impossible juggling act right now, and this will go on for an unprecedented length of time.
Schools play an important role in food access & economic support for families. Our BPS plans should also boost public safety--addressing domestic violence risks, mental health & trauma supports, & giving certainty to summer programs & paid youth jobs that are safe during #COVID19
