I hope everyone had a good Labor Day weekend. Like everything else these days, I'm sure it wasn't necessarily your typical long weekend to cap off the summer, but for most Maryland school children and their parents it was the last hurrah before a school year like none other got started.
This morning, kids across the six public school districts that our Y serves are starting school, not by lining up for a school bus to take them to their school, but by firing up a computer and embarking on a virtual version of school. For kids and parents alike, the first day of school is typically a fraught morning. This year, it's particularly challenging. The challenges of learning via a screen, and working from home while your kids are "at school at home" are too numerous to list here.
The good news is that, across central Maryland, our Y has stepped up and is offering what for many kids and families is a life-line. At over 20 locations (which includes both schools and the Y's family centers), the Y's highly trained and licensed youth development associates are providing support and space for kids to complete their school work in a safe, structured and familiar environment, and by so doing allowing parents the peace of mind they need as they head to work (which for many may mean simply heading to another room in their home).
This is a totally new experience for all of us: kids, parents and the Y. There will invariably be hiccups and challenges to overcome for all parties. However, I have complete confidence in our associates and organization to push through those challenges and to make this work. One thing we have in spades is experience working with young people and schools. It's that long track record of experience and expertise that gives me and all parents the confidence that we will make this grand experiment in educating our kids during a pandemic a success.
This recent news story, which features the uber-talented Ikeia Prince, provides a great overview and a nice example of the attention that this service is getting.
WBAL TV_Y Academic Support Centers
So, happy first day of school everyone. Working together, we will make this an experience that is educational, enriching and fun!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland