Beginning September 28, 2020, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) will partner to provide more than 1,000 students in- person access to their virtual learning lessons via 15 locations in both schools and city recreation centers.
The new program, Student Learning Centers, is designed to provide students, in grades K-5, who are less likely to be engaged in virtual learning with a way to complete their lessons. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, students will participate in virtual learning in small cohort groups led by a distance-learning proctor. Additionally, students will take part in recreation-lead activities designed to move their minds and bodies.
To serve students most in need while observing social distancing guidelines, the program will be limited to 10 to 15 students per group. Consideration will be given to the children of parents who continue to work in-person during the pandemic and students who were unable to actively participate in the spring virtual learning, who attend the student learning center host school, or that attend any other school eligible for the Concentrations of Poverty Grant.
If a family believes their student meets these criteria, they are encouraged to complete the Student Learning Center Application between September 1 and September 9, 2020 at: www.baltimorecityschools.org/SLCfall2 020. Families may also apply by calling the Student Learning Centers hotline at 443-984-2001.
“As we learned in the spring, the transition from a traditional classroom to a virtual learning environment can create challenges for some of our most vulnerable students – including those without ready access to, or familiarity with technology, internet, and other resources,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer of Baltimore City Public Schools. “I am proud that City Schools and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks are collaborating to meet that need by providing safe and healthy spaces where students who need extra support can learn.”
“Much like City Schools, Rec and Parks has worked through the pandemic to serve the city’s youth and families through daily meal service, pool operations, and youth programs,” said BCRP executive director, Reginald Moore. “Since March, the agency has served more than a half-million residents with daily food service alone. We are eager to continue our support alongside City Schools.”
Both schools and BCRP recreation centers will host the Student Learning Centers at the following locations: William Paca Elementary; Waverly
Elementary Middle; Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary Middle; Dorothy I. Height Elementary; Elmer A. Henderson Elementary Middle; Wildwood Elementary Middle; Mary E. Rodman Elementary; Sinclair Lane Elementary; Pimlico Elementary Middle; Sandtown- Winchester Elementary Middle; Farring Bay-Brook Recreation Center; Lakeland Recreation and STEAM Center; John Ruhrah Elementary Middle; Beechfield Elementary Middle; and Baltimore International Academy East.
Each center was evaluated and selected based on their locations, available air conditioning, access to wireless internet and proximity to outdoor space. Each facility will be outfitted with the proper health and safety equipment for students and staff including face shields, cloth masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Additionally, health screenings will be mandatory for all staff, students and visitors.
After the survey period, selected families will be notified and instructed to enroll between September 14-16.
The two agencies will work together to help parents through this process. To learn more about the Student Learning Centers, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to @BaltCitySchools and @RecnParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for details.