This post is part of an ongoing series sharing the positive stories that have come out of the challenges our schools are facing. To see all of the posts in this series, click here.
In a short amount of time, COVID-19 has changed the way we live. The term social distancing is a new norm—and families around the world are forced to adapt to new routines. While the lives of many have changed significantly, one thing that has remained consistent is the drive of school leaders and teachers to continue serving their students the best way they can. Despite the problems many Americans are facing, there are many examples that show how educators are going the extra mile.
Charter School Principal Surprises Student at Work
Many charter schools are known for building positive relationships with parents and students. A great example is how a principal at Grand Traverse Academy in Michigan delivered news to one of her students in a unique way. The principal surprised the high school senior at a drive-thru restaurant where the student worked. The principal could not wait to congratulate her on earning the title of valedictorian for the class of 2020. Upon learning the news, the student’s face lit up with excitement. Watch her full reaction here.
Charter Schools Help Former Students During Pandemic
Where do I go, and how will I get food? These are many questions displaced college students had amidst COVID-19 closures—including a senior at Brandeis University in Boston. The 22-year-old, who aged out of the foster-care system, did not have a home to travel back to. Years prior, she graduated from KIPP Charter High School in Washington D.C. She recently reached out to her KIPP Through College Advisor who helped her request accommodations for her situation. The university is allowing her to stay in a dorm during the shutdown. In addition, KIPP helped the student pay for food and groceries. To-date, nearly 200 grants have gone out to help students in the KIPP alumni network during the pandemic. In Texas, IDEA Public Charter Schools helped two of their former students make it home safely after school closures. They paid for plane tickets home for a student at Northeastern University in Boston and another student at Kalamazoo College in Michigan.
Charter School Mom Provides Support Through Discussion Group
The leader of the San Antonio Charter Moms Discussion group is providing support to charter parents during the pandemic. She has been focused on helping families find solutions as it relates to meal programs, internet access, online learning techniques, and social distancing. She also hops on Facebook Live during the week at 10 a.m. ET to discuss challenges, ways to cope, and she answers questions from parents. She shares more about her experiences and answers questions from parents here.
If you have an uplifting story to share about educators going the extra mile, please send it to me at brittnee@publiccharters.org.
Brittnee Exum is the manager of communications and marketing at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
