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!
MPI Releases Official Trailer for “A Piece of Cake” Starring Rich Sommer
We are pleased to share with you the trailer for the upcoming MPI Original short A Piece of Cake, starring Rich Sommer (GLOW, Mad Men).
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.
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
HSD2 Elementary Learning: At-Home Packets
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…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.
Discover new content - EducatIon.com
Support Yourself - From Apple
Tips for keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy.
Care For Your Body. Eat well-balanced meals. This means lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—and a limited amount of sugar, salt, and red meat.
Community and Technology Resources
- Community Resources – Food, Rent and Utility Assistance Resources (view PDF below)
- Need Help Sorting Through the Avalanche of Online Resources for Kids Who Are Now Learning at Home? 11 Sites for Parents to Look At 11 Sites for Parent Resources
Not Getting a Paycheck?
Here’s what you can do when a paycheck isn’t coming in temporarily:
Free Financial Education
Learning at Home
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way for children to learn about personal finance at home, we invite you to check out these free, interactive online courses designed for students in grades K-12.
How to Deal with Stress
How to Deal with Coronavirus-Related Stress & Anxiety
Being prepared with coping mechanisms can help keep you grounded when stress starts to get the best of you. These are some simple steps to put your wellbeing first.
Students Handling the Pandemic
Here are stories of students and what this crisis is meaning or doing to them. Please read and have those difficult and critical conversations with your scholars. Remember they are not adults and they are not handling this crisis as AN ADULT. They are children and need their parent(s)/guardian(s) to help them navigate and understand what is going on.
Train Your Brain Tuesday: Episode 3
Free Worksheets and Printables for Kids
Daily Plan
Hello Families:
This is week 4 of providing instruction to your scholars attending private, traditional and charter public. Home school families you are also establishing a new norm because many of your external resources may be closed or have limited resources. I encourage everyone to please make sure you take time each day for yourself and realize that you cannot do everything.
Family School Newsletter: Podcasts: Listening for Entertaining and Learning
This is a long newsletter from the US Department of Education. It is full of resources and information that you need to familiarize yourself with. If you want to receive the newsletter, please sign-up. Take care and stay safe and healthy. Let us know how we can support you.
COVID-19 Resource List
Online Resource
2 to 8 year olds
Hello Families:
Here is an online program for 2 years to 8 years of age: abcmouse.com.
COVID-19 Update
Learn Everywhere
Hello Families: Please read and join. Share with friends, family and neighbors.
I have heard from several of you that you want to be able to talk to others and see what parents and students are engaging in on a daily basis. Well, join this Facebook Group and the magic begins with exploring, talking to others, gaining valuable resources and activities that will help ease your frustration and help you gain confidence in meeting the needs of your children.
SPARK – CREATIVE AT HOME ACTIVITIES
"Train Your Brain Tuesday" is HERE!
Join us EVERY TUESDAY as Kim Hanson, CEO of LearningRx, demonstrates brain training exercises that kids ages 5 and up can do on their own, with their siblings, or with the entire family!
These fun, challenging activities can all be done with common items you have around the house. Kim is also giving away FREE brain-building activities in addition to the ones she demonstrates. Watch our newest episode below that focuses on brainy exercises that build attention and processing speed. Then head to our website to download activities mentioned in the video.
Letter to families from National Teacher of the Year
Mental Health Tools and Resources for COVID-19
Too Funny to not Share
Internet Access for Families Impacted by School Closures
Online support groups? Yes, we can do this!
Bill Gates and Sal Khan Live this Friday
LearningRx 1-on-1 ONLINE brain training for your clients
Small Business Support:
Covid-19
Viral Summary
NOTE: Two types of viruses: DNA and RNA
Johns Hopkins University has sent this excellent summary to avoid contagion, share it because it is very clear: The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipids (fats) which, if absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or mouth mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and converts them into multiplier and attacker cells.Parents Challenge Update
Enjoy!!! We need to laugh during this time.
The Latest News for You
Income Tax Deadline Extension
Governor Jared Polis has extended the income tax payment deadline for all Colorado taxpayers by 90 days until July 15, 2020. Interest from the due date of the payment until July 15, 2020 is waived. All income tax returns that were required to be filed by April 15, 2020 are granted an automatic six-month extension, and are due on or before October 15, 2020.#StandUpBeCounted
Every household will receive a census form by 4-1-2020.
Children under 5 are the most under counted group in the nation. Don’t forget the little ones! It will be 10 years before the next census and we want to make sure they get every bit of educational and medical funding available that the federal government has to offer.