The Syracuse City School District is among those trying to find ways to stay engaged with as many students as possible while the community rides out the COVID-19 pandemic at home. Superintendent Jaime Alicea says they’ve been mailing materials home and putting lessons online.
But with as many as one third of students without internet access, they had to think differently. That’s where the WCNY TV classroom comes in.
"Tune in and listen and watch the lessons the amazing teachers and administrators have put together. The staff has been very supportive. It's a great opportunity for us to think out of the box and provide our kids with extra resources so they can continue to be engaged in learning," Alicea said.
It’s on the public TV station’s Global Connect channel, and is also simulcast on their websiteand streamed on YouTube. There are specific grade lessons covering all subject material, with other PBS learning content weaved in. It can be hard to know just what students are learning at home. For those who can learn online, Alicea says they are able to monitor activity using a number of platforms.
"We are making sure the students are really using the internet services, but also that our teachers are using the services."
Alica admits it's a work in progress as everyone adjusts to this new way of teaching and learning.
It looks like teachers and students will be working through what would have been April break next week. Governor Cuomo has mandated that school districts continue to provide remote instruction and meals during that time. Alicea supports the move, though he knows teachers are working hard and have the break in their union contract.
"We're living in unprecedented times. This is something that we must do now, and we must monitor what we're doing. We don't know exactly how long this will take. We need to continue to provide services to our kids and our families."
Alicea says he sincerely appreciates the cooperation of teachers and families during what he hopes will be a once in a lifetime event.
The TV Classroom Network is made possible by the generous support of the Community Foundation of Central New York, the Allyn Foundation, United Way, the Literacy Coalition, National Grid, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, and Geddes Federal Savings.
