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Teachers’ Herculean Task: Moving 1.1 Million Children to Online School Teachers’ Herculean Task: Moving 1.1 Million Children to Online School
(32 minutes later)
In the days before remote instruction began, Chauntae Brown, a second-grade teacher at P.S. 80 in Jamaica, Queens, scrambled to teach parents without Wi-Fi how to use cellphone hot spots. She rummaged in her garage to find materials — a world map, a “Welcome” sign, an apple-shaped chalkboard — to transform her living room wall into a classroom. She grabbed a plastic tiara because, she said, “I’m the queen of this castle.”In the days before remote instruction began, Chauntae Brown, a second-grade teacher at P.S. 80 in Jamaica, Queens, scrambled to teach parents without Wi-Fi how to use cellphone hot spots. She rummaged in her garage to find materials — a world map, a “Welcome” sign, an apple-shaped chalkboard — to transform her living room wall into a classroom. She grabbed a plastic tiara because, she said, “I’m the queen of this castle.”
At 8:45 a.m. on Monday, as her students logged on for their first day of remote learning, one after another, she was thrilled to see them blurt hello for the first time in a week. But all did not go smoothly. A third of the students were not present. There were technical issues. And the class had the feel of a slumber party, since so many children were in their pajamas or in their beds, with parents in the same live shot.At 8:45 a.m. on Monday, as her students logged on for their first day of remote learning, one after another, she was thrilled to see them blurt hello for the first time in a week. But all did not go smoothly. A third of the students were not present. There were technical issues. And the class had the feel of a slumber party, since so many children were in their pajamas or in their beds, with parents in the same live shot.
By the second day, though, attendance was up to 88 percent, and most students were dressed for school. There were fewer technical problems, fewer parents to be seen. Students were so excited about Ms. Brown reading “Mercy Watson to the Rescue” aloud that several had already clicked through future assignments.By the second day, though, attendance was up to 88 percent, and most students were dressed for school. There were fewer technical problems, fewer parents to be seen. Students were so excited about Ms. Brown reading “Mercy Watson to the Rescue” aloud that several had already clicked through future assignments.
“I said, ‘Friends, you’re eager, but you have to do the day that it says, because Ms. Brown might change her mind,’” she said.“I said, ‘Friends, you’re eager, but you have to do the day that it says, because Ms. Brown might change her mind,’” she said.
Anything could change, on any given day, as the largest public school system in the country adapts on the fly to a public health emergency without precedent.Anything could change, on any given day, as the largest public school system in the country adapts on the fly to a public health emergency without precedent.
Last week was the first week that New York City’s 1.1 million students were back in session, after schools were closed for a week to transition to remote learning. And given that school will be conducted via computer screens for weeks, if not through the end of the academic year, the city’s 75,000 teachers are faced with a challenge unlike anything else in their careers: holding the attention of students from ages 3 to 18, educating them in accordance with guidelines, and providing them a patina of normalcy despite not having any of the control of a classroom setting.Last week was the first week that New York City’s 1.1 million students were back in session, after schools were closed for a week to transition to remote learning. And given that school will be conducted via computer screens for weeks, if not through the end of the academic year, the city’s 75,000 teachers are faced with a challenge unlike anything else in their careers: holding the attention of students from ages 3 to 18, educating them in accordance with guidelines, and providing them a patina of normalcy despite not having any of the control of a classroom setting.
Looming over the entire enterprise is a cloud of fear and urgency. It is critical that remote learning succeeds. The alternative is that over a million children, in crucial developmental stages of their education, will be permanently set back, with no opportunity to salvage lost time.Looming over the entire enterprise is a cloud of fear and urgency. It is critical that remote learning succeeds. The alternative is that over a million children, in crucial developmental stages of their education, will be permanently set back, with no opportunity to salvage lost time.
In addition, the vast majority of New York City public school students are poor and an estimated 114,000 students are homeless. Around 75 percent of New York City public school children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch. For many students, school was often the only place to get three hot meals a day and medical care, and even wash dirty laundry.In addition, the vast majority of New York City public school students are poor and an estimated 114,000 students are homeless. Around 75 percent of New York City public school children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch. For many students, school was often the only place to get three hot meals a day and medical care, and even wash dirty laundry.
It has been jarring, surreal and draining, more than a dozen educators said in interviews, to adapt to a completely new way of working, with everyone forced to interact on screens, for at least part of the school day, as the statistics from the world outside get grimmer and grimmer.It has been jarring, surreal and draining, more than a dozen educators said in interviews, to adapt to a completely new way of working, with everyone forced to interact on screens, for at least part of the school day, as the statistics from the world outside get grimmer and grimmer.
By Sunday, the number of people in New York City who had died from the coronavirus was 776, out of more than 33,474 confirmed cases.By Sunday, the number of people in New York City who had died from the coronavirus was 776, out of more than 33,474 confirmed cases.
Richard A. Carranza, the schools chancellor, cautioned last week that “not everything is going to go as we plan.” Attendance figures were unclear, since schools were still collecting data from self-reporting.Richard A. Carranza, the schools chancellor, cautioned last week that “not everything is going to go as we plan.” Attendance figures were unclear, since schools were still collecting data from self-reporting.
A “technology gap” persisted in a system filled largely with low-income students, he noted, with 175,000 laptops, iPads and Chromebooks distributed before remote learning commenced to the estimated 300,000 students who lacked devices. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 wireless-enabled devices are expected to be handed out in the coming weeks, according to the Department of Education.A “technology gap” persisted in a system filled largely with low-income students, he noted, with 175,000 laptops, iPads and Chromebooks distributed before remote learning commenced to the estimated 300,000 students who lacked devices. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 wireless-enabled devices are expected to be handed out in the coming weeks, according to the Department of Education.
And while Mr. Carranza urged “flexibility and patience,” he also saluted teachers, administrators, parents and students for “rising to the occasion.”And while Mr. Carranza urged “flexibility and patience,” he also saluted teachers, administrators, parents and students for “rising to the occasion.”
“We are literally flying the plane as we’re building the plane,” he said.“We are literally flying the plane as we’re building the plane,” he said.
The success of remote learning will look very different for different grade levels, and there are several factors — from the academic subject, to the temperament of the student, to the strength of the internet connection and the user interface of the technology — that can affect the outcome.The success of remote learning will look very different for different grade levels, and there are several factors — from the academic subject, to the temperament of the student, to the strength of the internet connection and the user interface of the technology — that can affect the outcome.
Gloria Nicodemi is part of a co-teaching team and teaches earth science to ninth and 10th graders, most of them Chinese-Americans qualifying for reduced or free lunch, at East-West School of International Studies in Flushing, Queens.Gloria Nicodemi is part of a co-teaching team and teaches earth science to ninth and 10th graders, most of them Chinese-Americans qualifying for reduced or free lunch, at East-West School of International Studies in Flushing, Queens.
“It’s only day two but it feels like week five,” she said on Tuesday. “This is my 16th year teaching, and I feel like I’m a first-year teacher. The amount of work and new things that I’m encountering on a daily basis is astounding.”“It’s only day two but it feels like week five,” she said on Tuesday. “This is my 16th year teaching, and I feel like I’m a first-year teacher. The amount of work and new things that I’m encountering on a daily basis is astounding.”
Ms. Nicodemi and her teaching partner opted not to do live video teaching, but rather to post assignments in Google Classroom at 7 a.m., and then ask students to turn in their work by 5 p.m.Ms. Nicodemi and her teaching partner opted not to do live video teaching, but rather to post assignments in Google Classroom at 7 a.m., and then ask students to turn in their work by 5 p.m.
They have made themselves available, with specific office hours, to respond to live questions. They have also set up smaller Google meetings for groups of five students for more personalized attention. But it has been frustrating that they can’t, say, pull a student out of class for a few minutes and go over something in the hallway.They have made themselves available, with specific office hours, to respond to live questions. They have also set up smaller Google meetings for groups of five students for more personalized attention. But it has been frustrating that they can’t, say, pull a student out of class for a few minutes and go over something in the hallway.
“We had kids asking, ‘How do I draw on this document?’ and I was like, that’s a really good question,” she said. “I know what I would do, but I don’t think they have the same tools on their computers.”“We had kids asking, ‘How do I draw on this document?’ and I was like, that’s a really good question,” she said. “I know what I would do, but I don’t think they have the same tools on their computers.”
Ms. Nicodemi said that doing live, scheduled video chats with her students would have been challenging because her own two children, in first and fourth grades, were doing remote learning as well in their two-bedroom apartment.Ms. Nicodemi said that doing live, scheduled video chats with her students would have been challenging because her own two children, in first and fourth grades, were doing remote learning as well in their two-bedroom apartment.
She also worried, as many teachers do, about the long-term effects of prolonged screen time on young people.She also worried, as many teachers do, about the long-term effects of prolonged screen time on young people.
She created a schedule with Post-it Notes for herself, her husband and their children, blocking off “Do Not Disturb” hours for herself so she could work with students or colleagues.She created a schedule with Post-it Notes for herself, her husband and their children, blocking off “Do Not Disturb” hours for herself so she could work with students or colleagues.
Lauri Posner, a longtime fifth-grade teacher at P.S. 87 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, also reported that the first few days were utterly exhausting.Lauri Posner, a longtime fifth-grade teacher at P.S. 87 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, also reported that the first few days were utterly exhausting.
“It was nonstop from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.,” she said. “There’s no way a human being can sustain this.”“It was nonstop from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.,” she said. “There’s no way a human being can sustain this.”
She had never heard of Zoom until two weeks ago. But at least she had some familiarity with Google Classroom, unlike many colleagues who only used their computers for email.She had never heard of Zoom until two weeks ago. But at least she had some familiarity with Google Classroom, unlike many colleagues who only used their computers for email.
After working all weekend, she did a trial run with students on Sunday, cognizant that many households had only one device, shared by parents or siblings.After working all weekend, she did a trial run with students on Sunday, cognizant that many households had only one device, shared by parents or siblings.
When Ms. Posner tried to record herself reading a chapter of the book “Under the Egg” on Monday afternoon, the drumbeat of rain on her air-conditioner drowned out her voice.When Ms. Posner tried to record herself reading a chapter of the book “Under the Egg” on Monday afternoon, the drumbeat of rain on her air-conditioner drowned out her voice.
Improvisation has been key. On Monday, her students participated in a live class offered by the New-York Historical Society, as a substitute for a visit she had originally planned to the new Dorothea Lange exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art.Improvisation has been key. On Monday, her students participated in a live class offered by the New-York Historical Society, as a substitute for a visit she had originally planned to the new Dorothea Lange exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art.
Yet class participation online can be a vastly different experience. One girl who is usually outspoken was wearing a hoodie with the drawstrings pulled very tight during the first day of remote learning.Yet class participation online can be a vastly different experience. One girl who is usually outspoken was wearing a hoodie with the drawstrings pulled very tight during the first day of remote learning.
“Very out of character for her,” Ms. Posner said.“Very out of character for her,” Ms. Posner said.
She also laments the lost opportunities for preteens to develop social skills.She also laments the lost opportunities for preteens to develop social skills.
“So much about teaching is about helping them negotiate and reach consensus,” she said. “You want kids to have those disagreements and uncomfortable situations and work through them, and you can’t do that at all online.”“So much about teaching is about helping them negotiate and reach consensus,” she said. “You want kids to have those disagreements and uncomfortable situations and work through them, and you can’t do that at all online.”
Gabrielle Utting, who teaches 11th and 12th grade English to predominantly Latino students at the High School for Environmental Studies in Midtown Manhattan, said that she had planned to teach 25-minute classes, half the normal length, via Zoom from her kitchen table in her one-bedroom apartment.Gabrielle Utting, who teaches 11th and 12th grade English to predominantly Latino students at the High School for Environmental Studies in Midtown Manhattan, said that she had planned to teach 25-minute classes, half the normal length, via Zoom from her kitchen table in her one-bedroom apartment.
But because her boyfriend, who works in finance, had too much equipment taking up space, she moved to the bedroom.But because her boyfriend, who works in finance, had too much equipment taking up space, she moved to the bedroom.
Was the bed made? Yes. Was there anything on view that was too personal? No. What about that guitar in the background? No, it wasn’t hers.Was the bed made? Yes. Was there anything on view that was too personal? No. What about that guitar in the background? No, it wasn’t hers.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
One student logged in from a very dark room, because she was the only person awake in her household. Another had a pet parrot who would not shut up. Ms. Utting’s dog, Desmond, made an unexpected cameo, prompting students to pick up their own dogs for all to see.One student logged in from a very dark room, because she was the only person awake in her household. Another had a pet parrot who would not shut up. Ms. Utting’s dog, Desmond, made an unexpected cameo, prompting students to pick up their own dogs for all to see.
“It’s been a little weird and uncomfortable,” she said, “but it feels good to laugh at each other’s pets because it is a stressful time.”“It’s been a little weird and uncomfortable,” she said, “but it feels good to laugh at each other’s pets because it is a stressful time.”
One thing she has been surprised by is how many students have struggled with the technology.One thing she has been surprised by is how many students have struggled with the technology.
“We often think that younger people are better with technology — and they are better with certain technology, like phones — but they don’t live in homes with desktops, so they’re actually not that tech-savvy,” she said.“We often think that younger people are better with technology — and they are better with certain technology, like phones — but they don’t live in homes with desktops, so they’re actually not that tech-savvy,” she said.
Some teachers, sensitive to the emotional trauma the coronavirus has wrought on students, have adjusted the curriculum.Some teachers, sensitive to the emotional trauma the coronavirus has wrought on students, have adjusted the curriculum.
Brian Simmons, an English teacher at Food and Finance High School in Midtown Manhattan, which draws mostly disadvantaged students from all five boroughs, said he had planned to teach “Alive,” the account of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes, featuring survivors resorting to cannibalism.Brian Simmons, an English teacher at Food and Finance High School in Midtown Manhattan, which draws mostly disadvantaged students from all five boroughs, said he had planned to teach “Alive,” the account of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes, featuring survivors resorting to cannibalism.
He has pivoted and selected Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist,” about a boy searching for a treasure, as an allegory for people facing a major transition.He has pivoted and selected Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist,” about a boy searching for a treasure, as an allegory for people facing a major transition.
“This is not a book I would have considered in a hundred years to teach to a 12th grade class,” he said. “But these kids are being robbed of their graduation, their prom. How can we give them some sense of normalcy and inspiration?”“This is not a book I would have considered in a hundred years to teach to a 12th grade class,” he said. “But these kids are being robbed of their graduation, their prom. How can we give them some sense of normalcy and inspiration?”
And not just in academics.And not just in academics.
For years, Mr. Simmons, who is also the dean of mindfulness and restorative interventions, has offered a meditation session on Wednesdays after school, open to students and staff members. Maybe five people would show up, maybe 25.For years, Mr. Simmons, who is also the dean of mindfulness and restorative interventions, has offered a meditation session on Wednesdays after school, open to students and staff members. Maybe five people would show up, maybe 25.
He now offers a similar initiative, called “Calm and Connected,” and plans to interview social workers, authors and others, while taking questions online.He now offers a similar initiative, called “Calm and Connected,” and plans to interview social workers, authors and others, while taking questions online.
One upcoming guest: a yoga instructor who has worked with incarcerated youth since 2007 and will discuss how to combat cabin fever.One upcoming guest: a yoga instructor who has worked with incarcerated youth since 2007 and will discuss how to combat cabin fever.
“I want to give them some sense of structure — this was part of their pre-corona life,” he said.“I want to give them some sense of structure — this was part of their pre-corona life,” he said.
Some teachers have also given new meaning to the concept of remote learning.Some teachers have also given new meaning to the concept of remote learning.
Lacey A. Tragesser, who teaches 3-K at River East Elementary in East Harlem, talked to her class of 15 children and their parents or relatives three times, live, on Monday.Lacey A. Tragesser, who teaches 3-K at River East Elementary in East Harlem, talked to her class of 15 children and their parents or relatives three times, live, on Monday.
From the comfort of her tiny apartment, 15 blocks from the school, she read a book, “What To Do With a Box.” It was essential, she said, for her 3-year-olds to see her and their classmates, since they had been out of school for a week.From the comfort of her tiny apartment, 15 blocks from the school, she read a book, “What To Do With a Box.” It was essential, she said, for her 3-year-olds to see her and their classmates, since they had been out of school for a week.
Then she drove to North Carolina, where her family has a cabin in the Nantahala National Forest. Live instruction resumed Wednesday, with Ms. Tragesser seated at a handmade wooden desk outside and reading books aloud in sync with the Reggio Emilia approach.Then she drove to North Carolina, where her family has a cabin in the Nantahala National Forest. Live instruction resumed Wednesday, with Ms. Tragesser seated at a handmade wooden desk outside and reading books aloud in sync with the Reggio Emilia approach.
“I brought the computer outside, and we did a mini-lesson on exploring the outdoors,” she said, in what she called “WFW (work from woods).” “They were so excited to see trees and blue sky and the sun.”“I brought the computer outside, and we did a mini-lesson on exploring the outdoors,” she said, in what she called “WFW (work from woods).” “They were so excited to see trees and blue sky and the sun.”
Eliza Shapiro contributed reporting.Eliza Shapiro contributed reporting.