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 Foundation Raises Money to Help Families
The Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Foundation has created the Together We Rise Campaign to raise $2.4 million to help families in their network of 28 school communities across Los Angeles during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds support meal delivery, distance learning, college counseling, mental health support, and special education services. When schools closed in mid-March, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools quickly worked with others in the communities to organize meal-distribution hubs around Los Angeles. Within three weeks, they delivered more than 44,000 meals to families in-need and are continuing those efforts.
Charter School Teacher Starts #LearningNeverStops Campaign
A Chicago charter school teacher has found a creative way to let her students know they are not alone. Students at Johnson College Prep are participating in the #LearningNeverStops social media campaign to share pictures of themselves completing virtual assignments. It’s about inclusion, uplifting students, and helping them feel united during the pandemic. The campaign is another way to keep students engaged and motivated. Other schools within the network have also joined the campaign.
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.
