New Summer Programs For 'Struggling' Students: Princeton BOE

PRINCETON NJ — The Princeton Public Schools Board of Education said they are planning to introduce new programs in the summer, to help children 'struggling academically’ due to the pandemic. In a letter to the school community, the board member laid out their plans for the year.

When the pandemic began early last year, the school district shut down and had to pivot to remote learning classes. During the fall, they introduced hybrid learning. But many noted that children missed social interactions due to virtual learning.

The board recognized that the abrupt pivot to remote/hybrid learning was challenging for many students. “We know that some are struggling, academically as well as emotionally,” the board said in their letter.

One of the goals for this year would be to "measure" and "remediate" the pandemic’s impact on students.

These measures will include tutorial programs and could also include new summer programs for students who experienced learning loss.

“These programs, as well as activities to help students reconnect with one another, will be essential as school slowly begins to return to normal this fall,” board members said.

The Board said they were optimistic of seeing students back in schools, now that the COVID-19 vaccine is here.

Also on the agenda for the year is selecting a new school superintendent. The school district is currently being led by Barry Galasso on an interim basis, after Steve Cochrane retired on June 30, 2020.

“The Board has spent many hours reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates and will continue with candidate interviews later this month. We look forward to updating the community as the process continues,” they said.

The board also encouraged parents and guardians to join them on Zoom meetings to share their ideas and concerns for the school district.

“The Board is committed to working together in the best interest of our students, staff, and community,” they said in their letter.

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