We’ve been speaking with educators about the current state of the education system due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Most recent On Saturday, April 11, after consulting with public health experts and educators about the ongoing trajectory of the virus, and the potential for continued disruption for the remainder of the year. Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza announced that New York City public school buildings will not reopen during the 2019-20 school year. Teachers and students will finish the school year in remote learning. 

Lisa Alexander Dunnigan began her career as a seventh-grade teacher, at Carrollton Junior High School, in Carrollton, GA. She went on to hold positions of increasing responsibility, at Douglas County Schools in Douglas, GA, including School Counselor, Assistant Principal, and Principal. In 2012, due to the multiple instructional gains made by her staff and students during her tenure, Lisa became the Title I Executive Director for the Douglas County School System. She recently retired and will work on The Wright Stuff Chics, Teach Your Heart Out and her family nonprofit, The Pink Santa Hat Movement, Inc.

A child’s education begins at home, but parental involvement doesn’t end when that child steps through the school door.

Studies show that children not only do better in school when their parents are involved, they also tend to go further in the education system.

To help you stay connected while your child is in class, many school systems are using a high-speed notification and response service called the Immediate Response Information System, or IRIS.

Developed by TechRadium Inc., IRIS sends routine, priority and emergency messages electronically from school to parents, guardians and emergency responders. These messages – which range from informing you of your child’s attendance record and grades to alerting you of early school closures due to inclement weather – are sent to home and cell phones, e-mail accounts, pagers, fax machines, and PDAs.

Though better communication between school and home is one-way parents can become more involved, the following tips offer further ways parents can participate in their children’s education:

* Talk regularly. Whether it’s at dinner or during the drive home from school, ask your child questions about the school day and about homework assignments.

* Help your child practice good study habits. Create a quiet, clutter-free study space. If homework help is needed, assist with the work but don’t do it for your child.

* Get suggestions from teachers. If your child is having trouble in a subject or is displaying behavioral problems, arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss the matter and possible solutions.

* Attend meetings. You can learn about new and pending school policies at school board meetings. PTA meetings also can provide aid and support for parents.

To learn more: