The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on every aspect of our society, from schools to hospitals, to the economy, nothing has been left untouched. Our youth and their families and communities continue to be at the forefront of the work that St. Stephen’s Youth Programs does each day. While we navigate the new world around us, we are working diligently to strengthen the relationships with our families in a number of ways.
In the first 48 hours following the suspension of our afterschool program beginning 3/16, our staff conducted a comprehensive needs assessment - via video chat or over the phone - reaching nearly 200 families, about 80% of those in our community. Based on these results, we have identified and are mobilizing to meet these needs:
- For our elementary and middle school students supporting online learning through loaning of Chromebooks and providing translation services for families and BPS teachers through our Parent Mentor program
- Through online learning, providing academic support, tutoring enrichment such as virtual field trips to aquariums, literacy read alouds, and active time.
- Tor teens, we continue supporting our adult-teen mentoring pairs, advancing online SAT preparation and support for remote learning, professional development, social and emotional support. and fun times to gather for virtual connection
- For alumni, we are helping them navigate the logistics and practical details of returning home, doing online learning and working through the emotional and financial impact of abruptly leaving their schools.
- We are also providing direct financial assistance in the form of gifts card to use at local supermarkets and modest cash grants ($125) to help pay bills; we anticipate making these cash awards every two weeks and have established a set of guidelines to help us make award determinations
- For all of our employees, including our 40 teen staff, we are committed to paying and maintaining all relevant benefits, including health insurance, for our staff during the crisis.
B-READY LEARN & YLC
There is lots of coaching happening for students and parents in using Google Classroom and some of the other online tools for remote learning. A few of our most savvy staff even shared some tips with teachers. Individual check-ins and supports on the academic content are happening, too, and our plan is to get group chats and read-alouds and other fun, group online get-togethers with familiar faces started next week.
PARENT ORGANIZING AND ENGAGEMENT
Our parent engagement and organizing programs continue (almost) unabated. We just have moved online. We are continuing to have twice weekly English language classes (for beginners and intermediate), Citizenship classes (in partnership with Roxbury/Dorchester Power in Action), and Zumba classes! We are supporting families with material needs, such as money for food, and other supports, such as how to use Google Classroom (so they can help their children with online learning) and how to submit for unemployment benefits.
Parents will be testifying next week at a virtual hearing with the Commonwealth’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to be sure that Boston Public Schools continue to get the financial support needed for high-quality education (and wrap-around services) to happen
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