The coronavirus shut down our schools for 66 days this spring. That’s over ⅓ of the school year. In a split second, teachers were forced to rethink entire teaching plans and move classrooms online. Administrators had to quickly find the technology and devices for 2,900 students to access remote learning. Children were forced to accept that they would only see their teachers and friends on a screen for the rest of the school year. 

The pandemic has left Gloucester’s schools with unforeseen challenges, additional student support needs, increased expenses, and urgent needs for technology, supplies and resources to prepare for the coming school year. 

The School Response Fund, created by Gloucester Education Foundation, will provide flexible support, so demands can be met quickly to current and evolving school needs. These include tutoring to help students rebound from learning loss during school closure, and resources to meet student and family social-emotional needs in the wake of the pandemic. Additional technology and supplies for learning at home may also be needed if remote learning continues.

Please donate online at www.thinkthebest.org to GEF’s School Response Fund. No amount is too small, and every gift is appreciated.