Tutoring Team

RES News - Tutoring Team

Education at Dr. Walter Cooper Academy, during the Pandemic…

The “No Visitors” policy at all Rochester City Schools, continues to prevent the RES Tutoring Team from resuming its work at Dr. Walter Cooper Academy (RCSD School #10) (DWCA). However, with the recent availability of a Covid-19 vaccine, there is now some “light at the end of the tunnel."

On February 8 th , “hybrid learning” will begin at the RCSD’s pre-K-6 schools, including at our School. However, remote learning continues to present challenges. The current Average Daily Attendance rate hovers around 90%. That is lower than the pre-Covid, in-person learning period, but it has stabilized since the beginning of this school year. The faculty continues to problem solve with individual students and families, as they work to keep them connected.

The RCSD surveyed the families of all students as to their preference for a “hybrid learning” vs. a continued remote learning protocol, during the pandemic. Approximately one-third of our Cooper scholars will be returning on February 8 th in the “hybrid learning” model. Families have lots of reasons for the decisions they are making from family health issues, to scheduling, to everything in between.

A program of increased focus on mathematics teaching, has been modified into a school-wide focus towards mathematics and the Response to Intervention protocols which will impact all our students, including our African American students. Small groups of students have been identified, and instruction is taking place. These plans will shift and adapt as students begin to return to the building.

Dr. Walter Cooper Academy – Food Pantry A “Food Pantry” has been established at our School to help meet the needs of our students and their families. The School has created a “wish list” registry on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YH8I3SAZLVPR?ref_=wl_share

The list includes shelf-stable groceries, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items, such as deodorant, feminine products, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.

Or, if you would prefer, food donations can be delivered to the 353 Congress Ave. building (Post Avenue entrance), or by mailing a grocery gift card, in $25 denominations (no $$$ please) to “DWCA Food Bank” Attn: Camaron Clyburn, 353 Congress Ave., Rochester, NY 14619. Please call first @ (585) 324-2010

Dr. Walter Cooper Academy – Clothing Cupboard The DWCA Clothing Cupboard has been very successful. Much has been donated. Some clothing has already been distributed to families. Once students return to in-person learning, we expect that additional needs will be brought to our attention.

New (or gently-used) clothing, especially children’s winter garments, can also be delivered to the school (Mon – Fri, 9:00AM – 2:00PM). Please call first @ (585) 324-2010.

Meanwhile, if you have questions, please reach out to RES Past-President, Lee Loomis (leeloomis46@gmail.com) or (585) 738-3079 (mobile & text).