Hillsborough Dance Studio Transforms Into Student Learning Pods

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — As the all-virtual start to the new school year approaches, Hillsborough’s dance connection has created the Kids Club or a place for parents to send their students to learn under supervision.

"What we really wanted to do was create a safe space for kids to come in and do virtual learning," said Dance Connection owner David Kieffer. "We are not New Jersey certified teachers and we are not pretending to take over the job of a school teacher. We just make sure students are logging on and ready to go to get their school work done. Basically, like parents might do during the day or evening."

Kids Club is offered to children in first through sixth grades with students placed at desks at least 10 feet apart with no more than 10 kids in a room. The program will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"Many parents need to work, some are just worried about sending their kids to school, either way, our community needs a solution to this problem. That's why we created Kids Club," said Kieffer. "Here kids are safe and distanced but still get to be in the presence of other kids and have some interaction. This is a win/win for everyone."

Dance Connection Staff will be there all day with the kids to help out with virtual learning. In addition, if students have music class or other programs to work on, The Dance Connection has space in the lobby and the outer dressing room to spread out even more.

Students will be required to bring their own laptops with headphones to do their work. Parents should pack their children lunch for the day.

As for masks, Kieffer said they recommend students wear them whenever possible, but because the desks are so far apart students will be able to take them off for a break while they are at their work stations.

The program will open Thursday, and will be offered until at least December. The program is $849 per month, and space is limited.

Kieffer opened Dance Connection at 1 Jill Ct. in 2007 and says the pandemic has shown that you must adapt to survive.

"The pandemic has been rough but I think times like these make you understand what your service is that you are providing and show you what you can do for families," Kieffer said. "As a business owner, it showed me that we can really make a difference for these kids and help them get through this difficult time. If anything our obligation as providers of kids' activities is to show kids by example that you must keep going and must find a way to make things work."

For more information call the studio at 908-874-8800 or visit danceconnectionnj.com/kids-club.

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