Schools
Uplifting News from CCS
Positive News in the Face of Adversity; you are in for a treat with this special edition newsletter
Children's Community School
Online News - Distance Learning Edition - Spring 2020
What's Happening Outside the Classroom
After you read here the many ways our students are continuing their learning at home, click on the screenshot below to watch the first virtual morning assembly with teachers and staff at CCS. This video was created for all of our students to let them know they are cared for and missed!
When Gov. Lamont first announced school closures, one of our first concerns was to ensure that our students continued to have access to the nutritious meals CCS provides them each day. The CCS kitchen team went to work, arranging take-home meals to feed our students and their siblings. Shortly thereafter, it was determined that our families could be included in the Waterbury Public School food distribution. That was all set.
Recognizing our families have varied needs, a survey went out to all families regarding their home technology and digital needs to incorporate distance learning, and whether they needed tutors to help their students. Just a few households only had cell phones instead of computers. Those who needed them were given devices and connected. The awesome CCS teachers reached out to parents to make sure students were getting lessons at home. Most classes had 100% of their households respond. Our students receive 2-3 hours of combined on-screen and off-screen work each day, and one class even meets online as a group every day! The Title 1 tutors provided through the City of Waterbury are hard at work supporting students who request extra help. Mr. Jason, the computer instructor, has been working especially hard these last couple of weeks helping everyone make it happen!
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Our partners are also providing distance learning. We’ll report in future issues how distance learning is working with Bravo Waterbury, the Mattatuck Museum, and our pre-K Readiness Program.
Something to Crow About
For years, CCS has maintained that its students were doing better than their peers – in attendance, behavior and academics. The annual report publishes that information each year. Before schools were closed for the Covid-19 virus, testing was completed for March. Results showed that, on average, CCS students perform 30% higher than their peers in reading and math. That's amazing!
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
How Can You Help?
That is the question that many of you are asking in this unprecedented time. We are focused on our mission now, as we know that we can lean on our partner organizations throughout the community to help our families meet other needs. The truth is, we still need to pay our teachers who are going above and beyond the call of duty. Cash donations are always welcome (go to our website and donate online) and Give Local is coming on April 21 and 22, where your donations can be matched at any giving level.
We’re all still buying groceries and shopping online. Our website highlights several options, but a favorite is the A+ School Rewards program at Stop & Shop. You can benefit Children’s Community School when you shop (with PeaPod purchases, too) and earn cash for the school. Get more information at this Stop & Shop link.
Want to devote your time instead? We welcome guest readers for our younger students; make a video of you reading a favorite story, or you can share a video on how to do a craft. We’d love to see it! Contact us at development@ccswaterbury.org if you would like to help in this way.
Our Contact Information
Children's Community School
31 Wolcott Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
203-575-0659
www.CCSWaterbury.org
