ESL Programs Move Online, with Barriers
ESL programs continue to provide classes via Zoom or other web-based applications. Districts and organizations have provided laptops and iPad to students. Teachers are offering regularly scheduled classes. However, some non-English speakers with little knowledge of technology, however, have trouble accessing online resources for their children on devices at home.

Sussex Tech says only about 30 percent of students have been active. Students report they don’t have access to technology. Participants are experiencing other barriers, such as at-home distractions.

Counselors Continue to Guide Students 
COVID-19 could affect college admissions. Deadlines for fall 2020 are approaching. School district English Language Learner professionals are working with school counselors and colleges to help Latino students with admissions requirements. Online and telephone support has been indispensable, and professionals and volunteers are creating guides to provide step-by-step help navigating higher education systems. Our members have played a vital role. Javier Ortiz has been very busy, working directly with Delaware Technical Community College, school counselors and more than 60 students. Mr. Ortiz has helped students complete applications and financial aid forms.

Help students learn online
As the corona virus crisis continues, parents continue to tackle more challenges at home. Many parents nationwide report anxiety over children’s homework lessons. La Colectiva members have been in touch with Latino families in southern Sussex County to ease frustration that parents are experiencing with technology or schoolwork. Teachers and school liaisons have offered one-on-one walk-throughs of resources, online meetings and homework lessons. Non-English-speaking families are especially vulnerable because of the language barrier. Many bilingual liaisons and teachers, however, have been in close contact, checking on parents and providing one-on-one support. Schools are providing language- accessible copies of children’s lessons. These videos could help: https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2020/04/08/the-best-videos-in-spanish-to-help-parents-students-access-tech-in-remote-learning/

Freeman connects families to the arts  
Music can help ease anxiety and depression, especially during these difficult times. The Freeman Stage has been working hard to schedule a lineup of musicians for the summer offering the opportunity for the community to access a musical experience. Modifications for the summer lineup of events are currently being planned but announcements will be soon to come.

“The Freeman Stage is a place to create everlasting memories with family and friends and experience the joy of the arts — and our goal is to continue that in 2020,” said Patti Grimes, executive director. “Although the situation changes daily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working tirelessly to present the arts this summer.” As part of Freeman Stage’s Arts Access Initiative, the Community Access Program partners with nonprofit organizations in Delmarva that support specific, targeted populations by offering free performances.

The program includes:

  • Access to a high-quality performance
  • Entrance through the VIP Gate
  • Complimentary water bottle for each attendee
  • Onsite liaison for group
  • Group photo to commemorate the experience

To be considered for the program, an organization must be registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Complete the application: www.jotform.com/freemanstage/2020application
Questions? Contact: Denise DiSabatino Allen, arts access coordinator, denise@freemanfoundation.org, 302.213.6997