Parents Challenge empowers parents to choose schools they think are best for their children, and stands ready during this particularly difficult time to do even more.
When Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order suspending all in-person learning in public and private schools, he also directed that alternative learning opportunities be made available to students. Parents Challenge responded to this call by reaching out to the families in our program to reassure them that we stand ready to assist them in any possible way during the COVID-19 crisis.
Parents Challenge Survey Report 4.14.2020 – conducted by QREM Evaluation Organization
U.S. Department of Education Releases Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
COVID-19 Update - October
We are in month 10 of this pandemic, and we cannot put enough emphasis on the importance of utilizing the safety protocols that assist in mitigating COVID-19. Masking, hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces frequently should, and will be the way of life for the foreseeable future.
Help Make Learning Fun and Save Over 60%
Is your child feeling overwhelmed by hours of online learning? Adventure Academy helps kids take a brain break by making learning fun!
Just like today’s popular video games, kids can explore a 3D universe and interact with other players.
Family, School, & Community Engagement Newsletter: Department Launches 2021-22 FAFSA Cycle
What to Do and How to Help
For those who are homeless and need a place to live, there are options. Here’s a look at homeless resources, homelessness during the pandemic, and how those willing to help can get involved.
Financial Support
Families: With all the financial situations, good/bad, that many of us are facing, please take a look at some tips and resources to help you manage your finances or seek financial support to build healthy financial habits.
Homelessness During the Pandemic
What to Do and How to Help
For those who are homeless and need a place to live, there are options. Here’s a look at homeless resources, homelessness during the pandemic, and how those willing to help can get involved.
Screen Time Diet
Helping Your Teen Find The Balance With Tech
For teens, the wave of daily activity on Snapchat, Instagram and games like Fortnite can consume hours a day at the best of times. And since lockdown, with leaving the house mostly out of bounds, getting teens to spend a healthy amount of time with their screens has become even harder.
Bootcamp - 15 Household Items You Can Use to Workout
Families:
Workout resources right in your home. Who needs a gym?
Thanks to Andreanna.
Digital Boot Camp (Week 1)
Hello Families:
Here is an excellent way to get in shape or stay in shape during this pandemic. Information provided by Andreanna Trujillo, PC family.
Betsy DeVos on Coronavirus: What Are the Feds Doing to Help Schools?
Comprehensive parent site
Hello Families: Resource from Lori
Here is another great resource for summer help, dealing with the issues of today and overall support for in-home instruction.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court Just Struck Down Discrimination in Education
Hello Parents: We often remind you that you are your child’s 1st teacher and you should be the one that determines what educational choice works best for your scholar(s). Now the Supreme Court validates Parents’ Rights. Please read press release. It is a great day for decisions to be decided on behalf of PARENTS. Yeah!!!
FREE! Kids Learn-to-Knit Online Course
Now is the perfect time for children to learn to knit. It’s the ideal activity to relax with during the summer holidays, and with limited outings and social distancing rules in place, a creative outlet is just what they need. It’s online…
Article - Home Schooling
Hello Parents: For families that are home schooling or considering home schooling. This Harvard professor explains her 5 reasons why home schooling should be banned. I thought you would enjoy.
Combat Summer Slide with Our Summer Boost
Research suggests kids lose up to 2.6 months of valuable reading and math skills over the summer. Our antidote is Summer Boost, a weekly dose of engaging educational content to keep your child’s brain active all summer!
June 2020 Stem Education Newsletter
The U.S. Department of Education (ED or the Department) hopes this STEM newsletter will serve as constant source of opportunity, inspiration, and resources…
Family Financial Help
Hello Families: During this time Controlling your Finances is important to keep your families financially healthy. Check out this link for resources.
Get creative with Week 4 of Summer Boost!
Boost learning this summer by getting creative and completing activities as a family.
June COVID-19 Update
We know that in these challenging times many of us are ensuring our voices are heard including joining peaceful protests and sit-ins. According to U.S. Surgeon General VADM Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., “Based on the way the disease spreads…
In-person summer camps?
Hello Friend, We’ve been getting a lot of questions since the Governor announced guidance for in-person summer camps. Well, we are pleased to announce we are open and have a very exciting summer music camp lineup for kids and teens!
We are ready to help you beat that "COVID-19 Slide" this summer!
The summer “Brain Drain,” also known this year as the “COVID-19 Slide” is a phenomenon that teachers know all too well….
Keep your child active with Summer Boost!
Research suggests kids lose up to 2.6 months of reading and math skills over the summer. Combat summer slide with our weekly Summer Boost of engaging educational content, sure to keep your child’s brain active all summer!
Updates and Articles
Families: As we begin to transition to summer, I want to share a few articles and other updates with you. I will not continue to provide instructional information during the summer. All of the resources we have provided for the past two months are located on the website under Parents – COVID-19. We will send program updates and other resources regarding COVID-19 as needed.
Goodreads Newsletter
Looking for the perfect recommendations for your summer reading plans? We asked some of the most popular authors on Goodreads to select books for their readers. See what Margaret Atwood, James McBride, Anne Tyler, Ottessa Moshfegh, John Scalzi, and many more writers are picking just for you!
Libraries Power-Up to Offer Remote Summer Learning Opportunities
The White House, the Department of Education (Department), and other federal agencies continue to release and update a significant amount of guidance to support schools, educators, and families regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Get this week's 5-Minute worksheet, game, and activity
Spending only 5 minutes a day learning something new can have a significant impact on children. Education.com worksheets, games, and activities are designed to support learning new skills, building confidence, and fueling creativity.
Online Art Classes and Martial Arts
Pikes Peak Artist Collective is offering monthly ONLINE ART LESSONS!
Okinawa Karate & Kobudo Center is offering free online training from now until the end of May.
COVID-19 Weekly Update
This pandemic has impacted us in ways that we could not have imagined. We now have evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is attacking our children. Our children are a vulnerable population to which careful attention needs to be paid. This update provides insight into how COVID-19 may affect them, and what we can all do to help. Also included in this update is information on social distancing and the use of masks.
COVID-19 WEEKLY UPDATE
This pandemic has impacted us in ways that we could not have imagined. We now have evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is attacking our children. Our children are a vulnerable population to which careful attention needs to be paid. This update provides insight into how COVID-19 may affect them, and what we can all do to help. Also included in this update is information on social distancing and the use of masks.
Children and COVID-19
When infected with COVID-19, children do not present as typically as do infected adults. Their symptoms are more often milder. Children less than 18 years of age have been reported to present with fever, sore throat, headache, cough, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or respiratory distress. Most recently, medical centers across the United States and globally are reporting that children are presenting to hospitals with an illness currently called Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome. Not all affected children have tested positive for the coronavirus, but reports from Europe and several cities in the United States show a definite link. Physicians are considering this as a delayed immune response in children to the virus. However, more investigations and studies are needed to define the syndrome’s cause as more and more cases are being identified.
The most common symptoms associated with Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome are:
- Rash
- Red eyes
- Bright red tongue
- High fever
- Abdominal pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea
- Shock with very low blood pressure
- Poor function of kidneys and heart
Though there have been several deaths in children associated with this group of symptoms, the majority of affected children do well following treatment in a hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be issuing guidance to physicians and health care providers on recognizing this syndrome and reporting identified cases.
Some COVID-19 symptoms in children are so mild that the disease is missed, which means children can have the disease, not be diagnosed, and play a role in the transmission of disease to others. For this reason, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children two years old and older wear face masks when in public. For younger children, it is important to let them help design their masks or use the fabric of a favorite character to encourage them to be cooperative. Face masks should not be worn by children less than two years old because the mask may cause suffocation due to the small size of the younger children’s airway. Young children can be taught to wash their hands even if it requires making a game out of it with small rewards for successful participation.
It is extremely important that we are vigilant about the impact of COVID-19 on our children as more is learned from physicians and health scientists.
Need help explaining COVID-19 to your child? Click here: n.pr/2SYzMAg for a free children’s book written by a pediatrician about this coronavirus.
Why Everyone Should Continue to Practice Social Distancing and Use Face Coverings
As communities begin to open commercial businesses, retail outlets, and other industries and venues, it is important to continue to mitigate the spread of this novel coronavirus by NOT engaging in risky behavior and continuing to practice social distancing measures. Numerous video images and news accounts show that the relaxing of stay-at-home orders have increased social engagement without masks being worn or reduced efforts to engage in physical distancing. Data is proving that:
- Social distancing works to mitigate the spread of this virus;
- The CDC has confirmed that the use of face masks protects you and others;
- New information is being gathered day by day about the virus itself, its spread, and its impact on our bodies, which means we need to continue our vigilance;
- Communities of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 (See chart below).
Have a Book Idea?
Want to become a PUBLISHED AUTHOR…..it runs for a week and at the end of the week your book is submited to the company to print and publish your book. Very cool! It is virtual, for now. The cost is 149.00 for the week. Grades 3-5, 6-8. 9-12.
Weekly sessions starting June 15 or 22 online and maybe live in July.
May 2020 STEM Education Newsletter
Families: I realize this newsletter contains lots of information that may or may not be of interest. I also realize it is important that we send you all the information we receive and not make assumptions to what you need and want to be exposed or informed about. There are some interesting student opportunities at the bottom of the newsletter that may be of interest to you. Have a fantastic week.
Welcome to Summer Boost!
Parents: I believe schools are winding down the virtual instruction this week. At home instruction needs to continue to make sure our scholars stay sharp and prepared for the next grade. Please check out the many resources you have been provided over the past eight (8) weeks. Some are grade specific, but many cover K-12 instruction.
In-person support groups restart — at NAMI office
Library reopening - At Home Art Show
Math Support
Families: If your scholars are struggling with algebra, geometry, chemistry. Check out this NYC 16 year-old student that is tutoring online. Great way to get resources to support your scholars who need math support.
Get this week's 5-Minute worksheet, game, and activity
5 Minutes Count
Spending only 5 minutes a day learning something new can have a significant impact on children. Education.com worksheets, games, and activities are designed to support learning new skills, building confidence, and fueling creativity.
Explore this week’s 5-Minute worksheet, game, and activity.
Resources for You
Hello Families:
Great article that focuses on the importance of Educational Freedom.
https://projectforeverfree.org/stop-trying-to-take-away-options-from-parents-like-mine/
Also, many of you were not able to attend the last virtual session and therefore did not receive the great resources to avoid the “Summertime Slump” developed by Judy Hanke. It is attached.
Stay safe and healthy.
Episode 6 of "Train Your Brain Tuesday" is Live!
With many states starting to open, please continue social distancing and shelter in place for their health and the safety of others. Wear masks or face coverings when in public and wash your hands frequently to continue to flatten the curve in your community
COVID-19 WEEKLY UPDATE
With many states starting to open, please continue social distancing and shelter in place for their health and the safety of others. Wear masks or face coverings when in public and wash your hands frequently to continue to flatten the curve in your community.
Weekly Practice for your Second Grader
Happy Mother’s Day!
We hope you enjoy the day and take a moment to treat yourself. And, as always, to help support at-home learning… we are providing access to Weekly Boost, educator-curated worksheets, activities, and more aligned to the school year.
Teen Scene: May 2020
Pikes Peak Library District will take a phased reopening approach for our 16 facilities that prioritizes the health and safety of our patrons and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how you can use the Library remotely, including access to digital resources and virtual programs.
Video and Baby Singing
Good Morning Families: I am sending this article for you to see a video of a single mom (ER doctor) and her struggles with working and homeschooling. Just a bit of inspiration for us all. Go to middle of article to see the video.
Get this week's 5-Minute worksheet, game, and activity
Explore this week’s 5-Minute worksheet, game, and activity.
Bill Daniels on Our American Stories
Families: Please enjoy this story of Bill Daniels – The Daniels Fund has been a major donor to Parents Challenge for over 20 years. He was a personal friend to Steve and Joyce Schuck.
Weekly practice for your Second Grader
FREE WEEKLY BOOST RESOURCES
To help support at-home learning, we are providing access to Weekly Boost, educator-curated worksheets, activities, and more aligned to the school year.
April 2020 Youth Voices: Federal Student Loan Payments Suspended and Interest Waived During National Emergency
Fun and learning hand in hand
Getting There is All the Fun
That’s why we designed educational activities to draw them in, fuel their curiosity, and make learning fun.
Another COVID-19 Update
Families: Continue to stay safe and healthy. Many businesses are reopening, but we still need to use wisdom as we navigate outside of our homes. Keep the vulnerable population inside to avoid them being exposed to the virus. Wear masks, gloves, use sanitizer. Be wise.
Saw this and thought you would enjoy
Great opportunity to spread of sunshine… Shared by Judy Hanke
A teacher brought balloons to school and asked the children to blow them all up and then each write their names on their balloon. They tossed all the balloons into the hall while the teacher…Saw this and thought you would enjoy
Great opportunity to spread of sunshine… Shared by Judy Hanke
A teacher brought balloons to school and asked the children to blow them all up and then each write their names on their balloon. They tossed all the balloons into the hall while the teacher mixed them from one end to the other. The teacher then gave them 5 minutes to find the balloon with their name on it. The children ran around, looking frantically but as the time ran out – nobody had found their own balloon…
Then the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person who’s name was on it. In less than 2 minutes everyone had their own balloon.
Finally the teacher said, “Balloons are like happiness. No one will find it looking for theirs only. Instead if everyone cares about each others they will find theirs as quickly as possible.” 🎈
*Cannot take the credit, saw it, loved it, sharing it!*
Episode 5 of "Train Your Brain Tuesday"
It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for our next edition of “Train Your Brain Tuesday!” In this episode, we have a very special guest. Jeff joins us from his home and is a retired fighter pilot from the U.S. Air Force. Hear his story about what it takes to be a great pilot and what cognitive skills HE uses to fly.
Audible - Free resources
Great resource for families. Credit goes to Step Up For Students out of Florida.
Last month, as the COVID-19 pandemic began closing our nation’s schools, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was the recipient of a very persuasive essay from nine Florida students. The five-paragraph essay eloquently outlined how “Audible would help students with learning disabilities, speakers of other languages, and any student whose school is closed because of the pandemic.”
Secretary DeVos Makes Available Over $13 Billion...
Flexible CARES Act funds empower state and local education leaders to think creatively to address student, educator needs during national emergency
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today that more than $13.2 billion in emergency relief funds are now available to state and local education agencies to support continued learning for K-12 students whose educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus.NEW Independent Study Packets
To Our Parent Community,
Here are more free at-home learning resources to help you while schools are closed.
Final week of Math Month!
This Week’s Free Math Game
It’s been fun to celebrate Math! We hope you enjoy this final week’s game and Guided Lesson.
Food Box Delivery
FOOD BOX DELIVERY PROGRAM
If you are in need of groceries and do not have transportation, call Pikes Peak United Way at 2-1-1. We will deliver a food box to your doorstep within 24-48 hours.
Resource provided by Whittemore Family
Resources designed to support YOU
We Support Your Hard Work as a Parent
Our expert-designed resources will help you guide your child’s academic and social-emotional growth.
Discover New Content
Art projects that build math skills. Games that teach science. Reading that inspires writing. Discover new and creative resources to help your child fall in love with learning.
Episode 4 of "Train Your Brain Tuesday"
During these uncertain times that include school closures and big shifts away from normal routines, many of our LearningRx families have shared concerns about the impact on their students academic performance.
Leave no Subject Unlearned
With more than 30,000 expert-created resources in Math, Reading, Science, and more, your child can explore different subject areas while building skills and confidence.
Ways to stay entertained at home
Looking for a hobby or just something new to do? Give these activities a try.
Weekly Practice for your Second Grader
To help support at-home learning, we are providing access to Weekly Boost, educator-curated worksheets, activities, and more aligned to the school year.
From CPCD/Head Start: The Wheels on the Bus... Create Stability!
Families: This might be a resource to help with essential needs, such as school supplies, food, diapers, rent.
GET SUPPORT WITH AT-HOME LEARNING
… To help parents transitioning to at-home learning, we are providing free access to some of our best learning resources (see below for details).
TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Information about social distancing, isolating from others, and more.