Safe Learning Hub in Lewiston
With one of the youngest and largest school systems in the state, the challenge of providing education amidst the pandemic-related restrictions has been significant for the city of Lewiston. Like many schools across the country, Lewiston Public Schools moved to a “hybrid model,” offering two days of in-person education and two days of remote learning each week.
We heard concerns from parents who worried about their children falling behind. Single moms wondered how they could work and help their child on their “remote” days out of school. Others knew that they couldn’t help the way their child needed due to language barriers or were overwhelmed with having too many children at home at one time.
With lessons learned from a successful (and COVID -19 free) Super Summer Day Camp, Alyssa Morgosh and her team moved forward to create the Downtown Safe Learning Hub for students Pre-K through 12th grade, with an emphasis on elementary students in need of English Language support or special learning aid. The Safe Learning Hub is designed to provide a setting for students to achieve grade-level competency in math, reading and writing and excel in school through mastery of concepts.
This challenge has created an amazing opportunity to stand in the gap for our students who live in the Tree Streets Neighborhood and Alyssa Morgosh is seeing incredible results. Reflecting on the impact of the Safe Learning Hub, Alyssa stated that “One of the biggest impacts of the program has been the chance to provide kindergartners to 3rd graders with individual attention. Many of our kids move to the United States and jump right into school, struggling to juggle a new language and culture, along with everything else.”
“...our kids have skyrocketed in their literacy ability. The fact that they have had 3 remote learning days each week, has created a tremendous opportunity for tutoring.”
Volunteers and paid staff act as “Literacy Coaches,” and in the span of a month, Alyssa notes that, “our kids have skyrocketed in their literacy ability. The fact that they have had 3 remote learning days each week, has created a tremendous opportunity for tutoring at the Downtown Safe Learning Hub. “
Although not part of our planned programming in 2020, adding school day programming has developed into a chance for a “wholistic” approach to mentoring. We have always strived for this approach and adding a strong education approach to our program naturally compliments the social and spiritual elements already there. The kids see us as stronger mentors. We still have fun, and sharing God’s love is always at the forefront, but this has opened doors to serve families in a more impactful way.”
Alyssa adds, “This year they get a chance to get back on track with grade level competencies. This is a huge intervention in their academics. In many ways, what we are seeing is a new level of Community academic support.
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CONNECTING FAMILIES TO RESOURCES
One of the most unique opportunities has been to serve these incredible families throughout the pandemic. Most were part of our “Brain Food” project, which distributed grade level education packets alongside school lunches from March 16th through June, as well as the Super Summer Day Camp.
These families show up in English Language Classes, Friends and Neighbors Network meetings and other community events. Maintaining a connection with them has created a continuation of community and hope during a year where it is easy to feel alone and anxious.
In November, each child in the Safe Learning Hub was given new boots, coats, socks and knit hats. These items were donated earlier, and made available to families. As part of the distribution, staff and volunteers fitted each child and then washed their feet, following the example of Jesus, to humbly serve without reservation.
NEIGHBORHOOD TEENS BECOME CLUTCH TUTORS
Sometimes God provides for the needs of our neighbors in some unique ways. The hybrid learning plan created an unprecedented educational need for elementary students and teens, but the Safe Learning Hub created an opportunity for them to help each other.
Through some funding from John T. Gorman Foundation, we have been able to hire youth and young adults from the neighborhood as tutors. Alyssa reflects that, “There is a tremendous impact because the kids automatically resonate and look up to people who have been in their shoes. “
“They need to learn how to, like, say the words. I don’t say it for them. I remember learning that way.”
If you remember learning it, you are good at teaching it. Teens who have gone through the English Language Learning process have a natural ability to guide elementary students and share the nuances of what helped them learn just a few years earlier.
These teens also give great insight on how to keep the students focused and on task. Ridwan’s gives his advice, “Patience is key. I was just like them. Exactly -- Like 100%. I didn’t listen.”
Ana, tutor and a young mother who has recently immigrated from Angola, has also benefited from practicing English with the elementary students. “When they are talking, I learn how to speak. With the experience I am getting here, I can also help my kids at home with their school work.”
Our opportunity to minister to the teens helps to build leadership skills through Powered for Life, a curriculum that help teens develop grit, become dependable and problem slove while understanding Gods plan for them to join Him in his redemptive work.
Remote learning requires so much independence and motivation and adaptability. That struggle has taken a tole on high school students as well.
Difficulty due to internet access can result in missed days and assignments. Each teen tutor is also given the opportunity for tutoring, 3 - 4 days per week. “The Tutoring is keeping my attendance up, I get my remote learning done. I talk a lot but I get a lot done too,” says Ridwan.
This opportunity for ministry was unexpected, but our Father is working out His plan in our middle of the strange days. May we live in hopeful anticipation of what is to come.
