Sophie Gray
Local Journalism Initiative
School District 53 is making food security and access to technology priorities during the pandemic that is keeping students of all ages learning from home.
In an emailed statement, Board of Education Chairperson Rob Zandee said he wanted to clarify the priorities of the board to keep students fed and connected to their teachers and peers through continuing current programs for those in need.
“Education is a great equalizer and our communities and families rely on school services,” said Zandee.
Such supports are meals provided during normal school hours and programs like the Osoyoos Rotary’s Backpack program, which anonymously gives students in need backpacks full of food to take home for the weekend. These programs have been adapted to keep the 191 students who rely on the program properly fed while at home. Now, said Zandee, the district is providing students with gift cards or other donations to replace daily meals.
On top of meal programs, students’ access to technology in order to stay connected with teachers and peers became an obvious issue. The district has sent 197 devices home with students and families to help bridge the technology gap as well as providing 36 students and their families with internet access.
“Supporting students and families without technology or connectivity was also a top priority so that students could engage and stay connected to their teachers remotely,” said Zandee.
In addition, School District 53 is continuing to provide counselling support for students through phone calls and video sessions. High school students are also receiving support from outside partner agencies.
Even with these supports, some students continue to struggle to learn remotely. Therefore, the district is looking at bringing these students in for some face- -to-face instruction in a consistent way while maintaining physical distancing to help with academic and social-emotional learning.
More information can be found on the district’s website as the COVID-19 situation in schools continues to evolve.
