MARY FORD WORKS TO CONNECT SCHOOL AND HOME, DESPITE COVID CHALLENGES

As a new Early Learning & Family Center, Mary Ford was poised to serve the youngest of scholars through kindergarten, and their families. While their scholars are still getting the strongest academic foundations possible, inviting families to engage in their child’s early school experience, in a COVID environment, has been challenging.  

To address this challenge, Mary Ford has been conducting a series of family events that take place virtually while allowing participants to share in a common experience. The first of these events was the Virtual Family Pizza Night in November. Families were given a bag of supplies including ingredients for homemade pizza, a book about diverse families, and a series of academic and social-emotional activities to complete together. They logged onto a scheduled zoom meeting and completed the activities as directed by the team. 

On Tuesday, December 15th, Mary Ford hosted the second event in this series including a virtual concert, giveaways, a book talk, a Christmas tree with decorations, 5 days of learning activities, and ingredients for holiday cookies. In total, over 130 families have participated in these events, far surpassing the attendance of most face to face events. 

Ms. Ruth Taylor, Principal of Mary Ford, stated “events like these are only possible when you assemble a team with a common vision, that works seamlessly together, as we have done. With the support of our Parent Advocate: Iroasha Washington, Guidance Counselor: Patti Clerc, and Teacher Librarian: Katherine Freligh, we can create a full multi-media, interactive, and inclusive experience.” 

The next family event will be in February and all Mary Ford families are invited and encouraged to participate. Ms. Taylor states “0-5 years old is the time when parents can have the biggest impact on their child’s future academic success. It is critical that we find effective ways to partner with all families, whether virtual or face to face; our events are helping to accomplish that goal”.

Click HERE for the full Press Release

December 2020: The team interacting with the virtual participants

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Qs2UKlqXgWOJn5mDXMdU49_5tGTo2U_/view?usp=sharing

November 2020: The team makes pizza live on Zoom, while participants follow along and make their own at home. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Q70aUOtCqEWsX56jgy910_tp6F9YMTh/view?usp=sharing

December 2020: The team dances with the children and families participating virtually

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nhgMocEpEwJdPuGlDyrULKFW9qIpiYh7/view?usp=sharing