I hope to keep updating this: Many of us are sheltering in space, under orders enforceable by law. Those who are not – should be! Our Trump led Federal Government is failing us- so Governors and local authorities are stepping up. The numbers of cases of COVID-19 pandemic carriers and patients is on the rise, as well as related deaths. We must, at all costs, avoid a the potential for our medical systems to crumble under the weight of this pandemic. Let us hope that all American abide the stay at home orders and social distancing, despite the enormous hardship. We must! We must all be part of solution rather than execrable the problem.
Our kids are home, we are juggling work, some of us are losing jobs, our families are in danger if elderly, immune suppressed, healthcare workers, etc. Let us help each other by working together to rid ourselves of the pandemic: That means stay at home! Shelter in place, regardless of lack of orders! Do your part!
Things to do: (Please feel free to add to the in comments:)
A new series of free online programs called Keep Kids Smart with ART will aim to help parents and their children who are home from school, along with other new digital online visual arts programs at no cost for all ages, including seniors who are keeping social distance and who might feel isolated.
The team at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, and the teachers at its Art School campus, are creating these new free online initiatives for parents and students.
These ideas resulted from consulting with an American father who lives abroad with his family. He shared his experience, strength and hope about the challenges his family has faced while staying at home due to school closures because of the coronavirus.
The Museum team sees this as a way to give back to the community and to be of service during this challenging time. Also further below are tips for parents on how to use art at home with their children, to keep kids engaged.
“A special new series called Keep Kids Smart with ART will be available online to help parents and their children who are home from school. You will also find other new digital programs especially made by the Museum, for all ages. We will continue our service to the community by creating new virtual educational and enriching experiences online and via our social media channels. Follow and connect on social media (@bocamuseum, #BocaMuseumfromHome).” Read the full statement about the Museum’s temporary closing here.
— Irvin Lippman, executive director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art
According to the National School Boards Association, kids who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Studies show that art helps kids earn higher report card grades because skills developed through art lead to better learning in other areas.
Tips for parents and students on using art in your home:
- Provide a special “creative zone” at home.
- Make sure that your “creative zone” is mess-friendly and able to stand up well to spills and art-related fun.
- Focus on the fun process, not on the outcome.
- Create a special area to showcase your child’s artwork.
- Watch and encourage your children as they work on their art.
- Ask them questions to engage them while they create.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 along with their Guidance for School Settings.
Additional Resources for Elementary and Secondary Schools:
- Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students [PDF, 385KB] (March 16, 2020)
- OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility Webinar (Length: 00:07:08) (March 16, 2020)
- Protecting Student Privacy: FERPA and the Coronavirus (March 12, 2020)
- CDC guidance on Considerations for School Closures (March 13, 2020)
- Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Outbreak (March 12, 2020)
- Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (March 12, 2020)
- CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (updated March 12, 2020)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 - The Readiness Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center website, https://rems.ed.gov/Resources_Hazards_Threats_Biological_Hazards.aspx, has useful information, resources, trainings, and tools for addressing infectious diseases, related topics, and protecting the school community.
- The USDA released new information on flexibilities that will allow students to access meal service during school closures.
- The Office for Civil Rights issued a Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing potential discrimination associated with COVID-19.
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations: Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease
Additional Resources for Higher Education Institutions:
- The CDC issued Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (March 2, 2020)
- The Office of Postsecondary Education issued Guidance for interruptions of study related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Federal Student Aid issued Coronavirus Information for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students (March 9, 2020)
Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:
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