COVID-19 Update: March 18, 2020
March 18, 2020
Dear Potter’s House School Family,
Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19. At this time of uncertainty during the mandatory school closure, we are grateful for your continued patience as we gather factual information and coordinate remote learning for our students.
The Potter’s House is scheduled to be back in session on Monday, April 13, 2020. This return date could be extended depending upon new government mandates. We will inform you immediately in the event that this date changes.
REMOTE LEARNING
Learning continues at the Potter’s House over the weeks to come. Grade-level teachers have been connecting with students in their advisory or homeroom regarding resources and expectations during this time. Middle and High school students are using Google Classroom regularly for instruction and assignments according to their school schedule. Elementary teachers are using print and online materials and giving directions for learning at home. Thank you to our teachers for providing significant amounts of instruction and enrichment opportunities.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The latest on food plans from each school district as of March 17, 2020. Most districts are offering both breakfast and lunch foods and many are packaging multiple meals to pick up. Some districts are also offering delivery or neighborhood drop-off, so families may want to visit their district’s website or social media for additional details.
Families are invited to pick up meals for any child ages 18 and under, and students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active IEP.
See the full list and details at https://www.kentisd.org/Core/News/Article/1474
INTERNET OPTIONS
Everyoneon.org – https://www.everyoneon.org/
EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit that creates social and economic opportunities by connecting everyone to the internet. Since 2012, EveryoneOn has facilitated access to affordable technology solutions–in-home internet service, desktops and laptops–and free digital literacy training through our offer locator tool, cross-sector partnerships, and local programming efforts. We work closely with schools, public housing communities, and other diverse organizations to facilitate internet adoption.
Comcast
In response to COVID-19, please be advised that Comcast has increased the speeds of its Internet Essentials home internet service from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps. Additionally, households who enroll now will be eligible for 60 days of complimentary service. The formal announcement is attached for your reference and is also available here. As a reminder, Internet Essentials provides a $9.95 per month home internet service exclusively to low-income households.
Comcast is also making its Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots free for anyone to use. Millions of the hotspots are scattered throughout the country; you can find hotspot locations here.
Charter
Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
PREVENTION
Please follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control to prevent the spread of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
ADDRESSING ANXIETY
With the spread of COVID-19 and the community responses happening at the local, national, and international levels, your children may be asking questions about what it is and what it means. Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. Let them ask questions and be there for them. General Recommendations:
- Remain calm and reassuring. Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.
- Make yourself available. Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
- Monitor television viewing and social media. Limit access; constantly watching updates can increase anxiety.
- Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.
- Be honest and accurate. Don’t give answers that kids are not asking for. Less is more.
- Know the symptoms for COVID-19.
- Communicate between home and school if a child is having difficulties as a result of stress or anxiety related to COVID-19.
For more information: A Parent Resource