Thursday, April 23, 2020
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 8
Students say don’t forget the homeless during pandemic
Kevin Hanlon, kindergarten-eighth grade curriculum coordinator, and Assistant Superintendent Marlene Silano prepare Cheshire public schools for remote learning on March 17. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Distance learning takes shape As the coronavirus continues to challenge the status quo of American life, one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is in education.
es via video conferencing and completing lesson plans laid out by teachers online. What has the reception been like?
Erin Gratton, a mother of a first grader at John Lyman Elementary School in MidSchools in the state are closed until May 20, with an dlefield, said while the transition has been difficult, it’s extension possible. In response, school districts have also been a worthwhile eximplemented distance learn- perience. ing. “The only time we use Zoom Distance learning has evolved since late March. Students are attending class-
is for her extra help with math and reading once a week,” Gratton said. “We use
made masks to help those in need.
In the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, local teenagers Audrey Feldman and Jenna Smalley are doing their part to provide relief to those without a home. In partnership with the Friendship Service Center, the Berlin High School seniors dedicated their April break to collecting hygiene products, canned goods, coats, blankets, books and home-
Feldman, who has led multiple service projects with the Friendship Service Center, which is located in New Britain, stated in an e-mail: “For millions across the country, this pandemic entails several weeks of isolation, but not much more. Most people have not contracted the virus and only experience minor inconveniences. See Students, A24
an app called Seesaw every day. Eight of her lessons are there. She also still has art and P.E. Not going to lie, as difficult and stressful as it is, I do love her home and seeing her work. It’s a proud mommy moment.” Renee Cote, a mother of three schoolchildren in Berlin, said while Zoom wasn’t regularly used when school first closed, it has become much more ubiquitous. See Learning, A22
Berlin High School seniors Audrey Feldman and Jenna Smalley dedicated their April vacation to helping the less fortunate.
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By Everett Bishop The Citizen
By Jack Carroll Special to The Citizen