Link Education Partners is working to ensure that Link Community Charter School has the resources to sustain a robust distance learning program and vital student services over the course of the health-related school closure. Read Executive Director Maria Pilar Paradiso’s message below regarding response to the closure and why your support is so important now. Click here to donate on line now.
March 25, 2020
Dear Link friends,
I hope that this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every member of the Link community. This is an unprecedented time in our region, nation, and world. Things are changing by the minute and we are called on to re-imagine how we live, work, learn, and play. At Link, we believe in the strength and value of community and know that together we must respond to this crisis with compassion, dedication and a creative spirit.
For Link families, many of which are in need, we must do more than a traditional school. Link Education Partners has been working with Link Community Charter School to provide support to scholars and their families as they transition to online learning and cope with what can be a completely overwhelming situation. Together, we have been working to provide:
- Chromebooks
- WiFi hotspots
- Technology support
- Books for independent reading
- School breakfast and lunch pickup
- Continuation of arts instruction and advisory lessons
- Support from our social workers and nurse
- Continued support for high school transition to our 8th graders
- Remote access to school operations
As Link continues with distance learning over the coming weeks, we expect to confront new challenges and emerging needs, but we remain committed to supporting our students through this situation. Technology has become more important than ever as we strive to harness its opportunity for learning, while recognizing the digital divide is very real for underserved communities. We cannot clearly identify all of the needs at this time but we must be ready to help our families with creative approaches and resources in the coming days, weeks and possibly months.
The coming months are vital as we move towards our final fundraising push of the year. We have however cancelled fundraising events, including our 50th Anniversary Alumni Gala and Annual Women’s Breakfast in light of the current situation. We are truly grateful for the strong partnerships that have always sustained our mission. And your continued support will be critical as we move forward.
We will continue to update you on our work. And, together, we will draw from the strength of our community and we will persevere, supporting our young scholars.
Sincerely,
Maria Pilar Paradiso
Executive Director, Link Education Partners