Child Care, WiFi Gap Among Worries As Newark Schools Go Remote

NEWARK, NJ — The need to be “on” and to “do it all” is creating incredible stress on Newark families as New Jersey’s largest public school district continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, the Newark Public School District announced that classes will stay remote-only until at least November due to COVID-19. Many teachers have been pushing to begin the year virtually, worrying that a premature return to class could endanger students and staff.

But while Newark’s decision to keep kids at home for now should be “applauded,” there are also several concerns that come along with it, according to Catherine Wilson, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN).

“There are a lot of expectations about the district being able to serve everyone adequately,” Wilson told Patch.

“I applaud the district’s decision to put the public health needs of students, families, and teachers first, but the district shouldn’t be expected to have all the answers,” Wilson said. “What’s needed here is a multi-sector approach. Local government, philanthropic organizations, and social sector organizations need to work together to solve the educational, economic, social, and health challenges that families are facing and will continue to face as this pandemic unfolds.”

Wilson said there are numerous challenges that parents in Newark will face when the new school year starts, regardless of whether they’re returning to job sites or working remotely along with their kids.

CHILD CARE

Parents without child care options are in a tough boat, Wilson said.

“They’re not only trying to complete their professional work and responsibilities but are also trying to meet the educational, emotional, and social needs of their children whose needs have to be met 24/7,” Wilson stated.

“The need to be ‘on’ and to have to ‘do it all’ is creating incredible stress on families, in addition to the existing financial stress they’re already facing,” she said.

• See related article: 'A Moment Of Reckoning': Coronavirus Could Break U.S. Child Care

FOOD INSECURITY

Another consideration is food insecurity, Wilson said.

“In Newark, more than 80 percent of kids are eligible for free breakfast and lunch at their school,” Wilson stated. “Since they’re not able to attend school right now, not knowing where their next meal is coming from or parents wondering how they’ll be able to feed everyone at home is another added layer of worry for parents.”

• See related article: Newark Schools Feed 90 Percent Of Students Breakfast, Study Shows

WIFI GAP

In Newark, there are 4,500 kids who don’t have access to Chromebooks and another 500 families without access to WiFi, Wilson said.

It’s a gap that’s impacting many students’ ability to learn remotely, she added.

“There must be computers for each child, not only for each household,” Wilson said. “This requires the philanthropic and social sectors to come together, organize partners on the ground, and determine how best to provide support at all levels.”

Without these essentials, children can’t learn – even if they’re eager to, Wilson pointed out.

“What we’re seeing at all levels is a gap in resources and it’s up to us in the social sector to work together to help solve for this,” Wilson urged. “The United Way of Greater Newark has provided financial support to the district and I encourage other organizations to do the same – whether it’s through other financial donations, food donations, by leveraging partners who might be manufacturing technology or otherwise.”

• See related article: United Way Of Greater Newark Raises $4M For Coronavirus Relief

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