Governor: Home learning the rule in RI for rest of this school year
Distance learning — “How long will it last?“ is the question Gov. Gina Raimondo said she has heard more than any other.
And Thursday came her answer.
“I have decided that we need to continue distance learning K through 12 for the remainder of the school year,” the governor announced at her afternoon briefing.
The day’s coronavirus numbers, she noted, reinforced the need for the decision.
“Unfortunately our numbers are still climbing." With 412 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours (for a total of 6,256), eight new fatalities (total of 189), and 267 people in the hospital, "we still haven’t turned the corner and today is an uptick. We are not out of the woods.”
Four of those who died were in their 60s, two in their 70s, one in their 80s and one in their 90s. Four were residents of nursing homes.
She added that Rhode Islanders must stick to their social distancing ways, no matter how tired some may be of it. “We have worked too hard, too long to throw away that good work.”
Difficult school decision
“It’s a hard decision,” the governor said. “Distance learning is not easy.” It has taken a toll on parents, students and teachers alike.
“It’s hard,” she said, “but it turns out you are really good at it. Turns out you are among the best in America at it.”
One of our biggest concerns was that students would not engage, Gov. Raimondo said. “That is not what is happening. Participation rates have been truly remarkable” — over 90 percent almost every day.
That success, along with the fact the state seems still not to have reached its coronavirus peak, were key reasons for the decision, the governor said. She said she has discussed the matter with other governors and added that 39 governors have now made the same choice.
“To be honest, I had hoped to wind up in a different place. I wanted to give these kids a chance to end their school year in a traditional setting.”
“But the reality is that to take that much risk for a few weeks of traditional school would be irresponsible.”
To students, the governor urged, “Let’s finish strong. Let’s hit the cover off the ball and not lose steam … That means buckle down and don’t slack off.”
The governor said they will shortly be issuing a state-wide school calendar for the months of May and June, one that includes adequate time for teacher planning.
Commissioner of Education Angelica Infante-Green echoed the governor’s remarks about the success so far of remote learning. “The good part of this is that Rhode Island is the model for rest of the country,” she said. “It feels nice to be in the lead with education.”
School help for families
For parents who are having trouble supporting their children with distance learning, Gov. Raimondo announced a partnership with the Highlander Institute to expand the institute’s Learning Hotline — available until now only to teachers but now open to parents.
Call 904-414-4927 or visit highlanderinstitute.org.
And for families encountering mental health issues with children — anger, sadness, anxiety and more — the governor said the mental health Kids Link is now available. The 24-7 hotline can be accessed at 855-543-5465. Experts can help with questions and connect with professionals — the help is covered by health insurance.
“There is not a person in Rhode Island who is not struggling in some way," the governor said.
To the graduates
“To my special friends in the Class of 2020 — this is a bummer,” the governor said. “I’m sorry. This was your senior year spring” — it was supposed to be a fun time with friends.
There won’t be traditional proms and graduations, or much in the way of spring sports she said, “but we are going to do a lot of other stuff” to recognize you and your talents. The state, she said, is working on creative and fun alternatives for high school seniors, she said — “It’s going to be a lot better than you might think.”
She also announced a partnership with Rhode Island PBS to create a statewide televised graduation celebration.
She also added an assignment for students — I want you to fill our your FAFSA financial aid forms — “It’s not a fun form to fill out” but opens the door to college financial assistance.
Older workers
The governor said she received “strong” reaction to her remarks the day before about the fact that reopening work places may have to be handled more carefully for workers over age 60.
“You are going to be able to go back to work,” she told older workers. “We love you and want you to stay active.”
The fact is, she added, that the older you are, the greater the risk the virus poses. “We would never do anything discriminatory,” she said, but we want to keep you safe.
One questioner asked whether she is concerned that some people might be less likely to hire older workers given those concerns. There will be no tolerance for discrimination of any kind, she said, including both older workers and those who need child care.
Aid on the way
A bit of good news, the governor noted, is the arrival of $625 million in federal aid to the state, for which she offered special thanks to the state's congressional delegation. She said they are awaiting guidance on how the money can be used, adding that "we are going to need every penny."
Ramadan
Tonight is the start of Ramadan, the governor said, a moment the Muslim community anticipates all year. She wished all a happy celebration but repeated her urging to “please remember social distancing.”
Nursing homes
Given the immense public interest in nursing homes and the safety of those living in them, the governor said in response to a question, that there will soon be postings on the state website providing a breakdown of statistics for nursing homes.
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