As we enter the third week of school closures, SchoolFacts Boston will continue to provide resources to help families navigate this challenging time. As of late last week, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that all schools will remain closed until May 4.  All city and state residents who do not fall under the essential employees list are still urged to remain home and to practice social distancing when making essential trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, or even taking a walk outside.

As mentioned in last week’s update, the state has partnered with WGBH to create an online distance-learning center with resources arranged by grade level for teachers and students.

To date, all of our previous updates with coronavirus-related resources are available on the SchoolFacts Boston Blog. 

EDUCATIONAL

• Tilt Parenting, a tremendous online community for families raising “differently wired kids,” has put together a comprehensive page of online activities for all students, including favorite virtual zoo visits, online educational experiences, and live author events and related resources. 
• With a focus on serving students with disabilities, the Cotting School has established a page on their website that shares mindfulness and movement activities, virtual trips, occupational therapy ideas, and links to stress management websites, among a host of other resources.
• CNET’s dedicated page to distance learning provides a list of online classes for “every age and grade.”
• Mashable’s online learning page provides opportunities for students and the adults in their lives amid coronavirus. Kids can learn how to code while their adults take classes at Stanford University or Coursera.
• Another gift for students and adults alike: online access to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances for a limited time, as well as dance lessons for those seeking to enhance their own skills at home.
• Available in English and Spanish, EdNavigator is offering daily resources for those at home with children, called “One Great Thing for Tomorrow.” You’ll find tips on things to read, online learning tools, activity ideas, and questions to start conversations at dinner. 

INFORMATION & HELP

• In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the 2020 Census is still underway. Make sure you and your family members are counted; Boston has a dedicated page and forms are available in 13 languages.
• For essential employees working in the midst of this crisis, DCF-involved families, or families living in shelters, this emergency child care providers list has been compiled for those in need of emergency child care when no other options are available to them.
• Emotional support is essential as we face additional stress and uncertainty. The Samaritans are available to listen and to help; all calls are free and confidential, 877-870-4673. Additional resources on their website available here. 
• For those out of work, the application for unemployment benefits from the state of Massachusetts may be accessed online here. While the online forms are in English, there is helpful assistance for Spanish speakers here.
• The Boston Public Schools has dedicated this page to information on school closures related to the coronavirus pandemic. The page includes information on how students can access meals and technology during the closure.  
• While the city’s parks remain open for “passive recreation” like walking and jogging, residents are urged to practice social distancing while outside as well. Mayor Walsh reiterated this message yesterday as reports of basketball games and other close-contact activities have been reported.
• City of Boston COVID-19 updates are available here. For information on available resources, the non-emergency phone number for the city is 311.
• State of Massachusetts COVID-19 updates are here. The non-emergency phone number to reach the state is 211.
• Citywide meal sites are also available for Boston residents. 
• The Boston Foundation has a page dedicated to the funds being established to help area families in need.
• Amplify Latinx is also sharing resources including a reminder to follow coronavirus updates on Spanish media: El Mundo, El Planeta, Telemundo.

Please follow the guidelines provided in the resources shared above and contact city and state officials with any questions you may have. If you’ve found additional resources to share to help Boston families in the weeks ahead, please let us know, info@schoolfactsboston.org. 

Please note that this situation is rapidly changing so we will continue to update you as information becomes available.