Leaders at Westbridge have extended our school’s tech support team to help families and students, ensuring they have the devices and internet services they need. When devices break or connectivity is lost, we provide loaner devices and equipment RIGHT AWAY through contactless pick-up, so our students’ progress is not delayed due to “technical issues.” Each staff person has a school issued cell phone, which students use to call or message their teacher directly at any time – even with homework questions.
We customize the remote learning experience for each student – there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to this – we build a program around what the child needs
– Abraham Mathew, School Principal.
Another surprising ‘silver lining’ has been our ability to help parents.
“When a student is struggling or having behavior challenges during a lesson, our staff are right there to model for parents how to de-escalate a potential behavior crisis. Parents are learning by watching us, and we can coach them to use the same strategies at home. They see it working so there is buy-in,” concluded Mathew.
Supporting Students and Families: Chris
Even before the COVID crisis, 17 year-old Chris had difficulty with making connections and building relationships. Once the pandemic forced students to learn from home, things got even harder for him. His mom was willing to help as an intermediary, but the family did not have a computer or internet service. Our tech support team jumped into action, getting Chris’s family a hot spot and delivering a Chromebook to his home. His mom is now actively engaged with teachers, counselors and staff in helping Chris learn. Lessons and support come through Google classroom, text and email, Zoom and by phone. The experience of supporting Chris and his family has strengthened our connections with Chris, and he is again making progress.
Fewer Behavioral Crises
At a time when one might expect an increase in psychiatric crises or hospitalizations for students like ours, that has not been the case for Westbridge Academy.
“With direct staff contact, we have experienced 100% attendance for consecutive days,” said Abraham Mathew, School Principal. “Our students are fully supported and getting the wrap-around supports they need, not only to learn the content and curriculum, but also to cope effectively with the changing world.”
