Some students are acclimating, and some are struggling. The same goes for parents and guardians. At this very moment, parents are Tweeting that they QUIT! - opting out of school for everyone's sanity. Like, school is not a priority right now. Many of us can't entertain this notion.
We are in a crisis. It has left many of us struggling to manage a new and unimaginable way of life. Folks are desperately trying to stay healthy while sick friends, co-workers, and family members are struggling to survive.
Home has become the place for work, school, and daily life. The internet is our platform for connection with the outside world.
We hope this parent-talk is something that helps you get through many of the issues coming up during this pandemic. In particular, how we continue to foster ways in which our children can thrive with remote-learning.
We will lead a virtual discussion with three considerations through the lens of our Students of Color. And, we encourage you to contribute to the talk by submitting your questions/thoughts in advance and during the parent- talk.
We will consider
social-emotional needs/experiences in age of COVID/School at home
home-school vs remote-learning and where equity & inclusion fit in
parent|guardian well-being and it's impact on our student's well-being
How do we support our independent school students of color as they learn remotely?
How do we continue to disrupt narratives that challenge equity and inclusion in and outside of our elite institutions, virtually?
When do we say, 'that's all for today'?
Let's talk about that with other anxious, yet committed parents and community leaders. Your link to join will arrive with your reminder.
The event can be subject to change. Our facilitators are real people, with real lives, based in NY & NJ. You also have a lot going on with work, nurturing kids, and yourselves, along with the anxiety that comes from social distancing. If you miss the talk, don't worry. We will record and share.
Guiding the conversation will be:
Gina Parker Collins, a long-time indy school parent of a recent graduate, now a college freshman whose spring semester was eclipsed by COVID and an upper school sophomore. Both are adapting to school remotely. Gina is also the founder of RIISE -Resources In Independent School Education, a lifestyle network building bridges between families of color and independent school culture by focusing through a culturally-conscious lens on awareness, access, application, enrollment, & beyond.
Rachel Henes, is a social worker, mom of two young children, and the director of Hallways, a non-profit program that promotes social and emotional capacity building in independent and affluent school communities.
Akim St.Omer, is a graduate of Little Red and Boston College. During his 19 year career, he has worked in a variety of schools and non-profit organizations. Currently, he is the Independent Schools Partnership Specialist at the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Before his time at Girl Scouts, he was an Associate Teacher at Ethical Culture Fieldston School and before that was a Communications Fellow at The Dalton School. His work has been at the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it impacts educational organizations.