Norwalk Public School students including Sheldon Thomas, 10, join their learning pod at the Carver Community Center, October 2, 2020, in Norwalk, Conn.Photo: Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media
See the entire article in The Hour here.
NORWALK — When Norwalk Public Schools announced their plans to have middle and high school students return to school in a hybrid model this fall, many working families were left wondering what to do with their children on days they weren’t in the classroom.
Last week, some found a solution: The district, in partnership with the Norwalk Public Library and the Carver Foundation, launched “learning pods,” where students can go on their virtual learning days to remain under the supervision of a paraprofessional during the school day.
Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said the learning pods were designed to serve families of essential workers and those who don’t have the means for private tutors or child care during the work day. The learning pods aim to provide that care, as well as tech and academic support for students…
Some 200 families applied for the learning pods before the district closed applications, of which about 115 are for middle school students. Families of essential workers are prioritized, and those in need of child care and those who were economically disadvantaged. The district hired specialized paraeducators to help the students during their time in the pods and to serve as an IT help desk for parents when the students are home.
Parents who would like to enroll their children in the pods, and in new pods being developed elsewhere, should contact their child’s school principal for more information.