Parents unite in attempt to help students

BY Amanda Martilla

The school district’s announcement that school will resume virtually in August without in-school classes has caused many Canyon Lake parents to worry about what this will mean for their kids. Many are concerned that they will not have the same opportunities for social interaction or receive enough direct instruction while at home.

Jessi Palmieri decided to take matters into her own hands and form a Canyon Lake community of school district parents on Facebook.

Janice Hoffman is using the LEUSD Parents in Canyon Lake Facebook group to organize a kids’ running club, similar to the 100 Mile Club that they had at school. Running above are, from left, Keely Malone, Kinsley Hoffman, Everlee Vanderbloom, Knox Emerson, Steele Emerson, Deacon Vanderbloom. Photo by Janice Hoffman

Jessi has two children, one in kindergarten and one in second grade, who will both be attending Tuscany Hills Elementary School. When school became virtual at the end of last school year, adapting wasn’t too hard from an academic perspective because they have a home computer and had an excellent teacher, she said. However, her son missed his friends and teacher and it was tough to adapt from a social perspective.

Like many other parents and teachers, Jessi is frustrated with the lack of information available about how school will look for students in the fall. To help connect parents so that they can share information with each other, she created the “LEUSD Parents in Canyon Lake” Facebook group.

“I kept seeing so many posts about the upcoming school year and wanted something that was easily accessible to the members of our community,” Jessi said. “This way, parents can seek advice, find playdates and ask for help. The goal was to link up by age groups and set up activities during free hours.”

When school became virtual at the end of last school year, adapting wasn’t too hard from an academic perspective Jessi Palmieri said. However, her son missed his friends and teacher and it was tough to adapt from a social perspective. Photo by Jessi Palmieri

The group already boasts 380 members and has allowed parents to not only stay informed, but to also allow them to connect with tutors and plan activities. The group is open to all Canyon Lake parents.

Canyon Lake residents who are current or former teachers have offered to teach small groups of students. This has become a trend nationwide, with the groups being nicknamed “school pods” or “pandemic pods.”

Even parents whose kids have graduated from high school are volunteering their time and skills to help out. Reading days, art lessons and PE activities for small groups are a few examples of what is being planned.

Janice Hoffman is a Canyon Lake parent who is in the process of organizing a kids’ running club, similar to the 100 Mile Club that they had at school. The group plans to meet every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. beginning Aug. 11. The location is tentatively set for the Gault Field. Anyone interested in joining should bring running shoes, water and a journal to track laps. For the latest updates, visit the events tab of the LEUSD Parents in Canyon Lake group.

“The group is awesome,” Jessi said. “Many members have come forward to offer services and provide help. As the year goes on, I foresee more playdates and group activities.”