Local program provides one-on-one academic help for students during pandemic
A Houston program is providing one-on-one academic help to make sure students stay connected in a safe way. The Education Building at The Forge for families Center takes pride in assisting parents through the pandemic. They navigate students through the virtual learning process and help with homework and assignments. Thomas is the Program Director at the Forge for families Center. To learn more about the Forge for families center, click here.
Educators worried about learning loss Texas students experiencing during pandemic
Educators and child advocates are particularly worried about the learning loss theyโre experiencing during this pandemic. The Texas Family Leadership Council and representatives from local, state and national nonprofits joined the Texas Federation of Teachers to highlight the pandemic learning loss that Texas children are facing. When educators and child advocates talk about pandemic learning loss, they are most worried about students in the earliest grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second and Third. The concerns around pandemic learning loss go beyond academic achievement. At the onset of the pandemic, Mental Health America of Greater Houston started offering free self-mental health screening tests.
HISD Superintendent Grenita Lathan, local leaders welcome students back to campuses for in-person learning
HOUSTON โ The largest school district in Texas has reopened its campuses Monday by bringing back some students for the first time this semester. HISD Superintendent Grenita Lathan and other local leaders welcomed students back during a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Heights Elementary School while discussing how to bridge the gap for the digital divide. Lathan said she and countless others are preparing to welcome thousands of students back to campuses for in-person learning. Since March, the district has given out 36,200 hot spots and 110,000 devices to students in need, Lathan said during the press conference Monday. โThis is truly a historic and transformational accomplishment in our district,โ Lathan said.
Tips to keep your kids safe from the new dangers that come with distance learning
But before you take that leap of faith, by finding help on Facebook, the Montgomery County District Attorneyโs Office has a warning. Threat 2: Online predatorsโInternet access can be dangerous for children,โ said Chris Suefert, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney. During the first eight months of 2020, the Montgomery County District Attorneyโs Office has charged 59 defendants for internet crimes against children. Kidsโ increased access to the internet has also increased the risk of predators contacting and grooming children online. Investigators have continued to make significant arrests of suspects who are accused of soliciting children online and exchanging images and videos of child sexual abuse.
LIST: These are the technology and gadgets your child will need for virtual learning
A Houston family shared advice on how to prepare for virtual learning. Set a virtual learning scheduleThe key to success, Portilla said, is to have rules and set a schedule to keep children on track. What tech items do I need for virtual learning? A computer for the child to use to participate in virtual learning is an essential item, according to Portilla and other experts. If you need more advice on virtual learning, she just put together an e-book called โ10 Steps to a Simple & Grace Filled Homeschool Year Guide & Workbook.โYou can find the book and more information here.
One Good Thing: Boy starts his own business to buy computer for online learning
A 12-year-old Nicaraguan boy started his own business to save money for a computer to attend online classes. Mario Urroz says he's been using his mother's cell phone to do homework ever since his school closed due to the coronavirus. With money being tight, Mario decided to start selling cacti. Mario buys them from a local farm, puts them in colorful painted pots and then sells them on social media. Mario is hoping to have enough money to buy a computer by December.
Aldine ISD hosts virtual town hall addressing questions on transportation, technology and health
HOUSTON โ The Aldine Independent School District unveiled its reopening plans for the upcoming school year. Parents learned more about the changes in a virtual town hall hosted by the district. District administrators tackled those topics, including transportation, technology, and health and safety of students, during Thursday afternoonโs virtual presentation. After that, students will have two options: continue virtual learning or head back to the classroom for in-person instruction. Student Health & SafetyEducators said the health and safety of students is their number one priority.