Family & Student Supports
Coventry Public Schools is committed to continually supporting the health and wellness of our families and community. As such, we have put together this page to help share information with families regarding a variety of issues or concerns you may have.
As a reminder, if any family has a hardship in regard to the pandemic, please contact your child's school principal.
Technology Support
Should you have any technical difficulties accessing any of these links, please know our technology department is available to assist during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To contact the technology department, please use this email address: help@coventryct.org. We have also developed a Family FAQs for Distance Learning page for frequently asked questions that came in during distance learning. We will continue to post to this as we see common questions to best assist families.
- ClassLink
- Google Meet
- Seesaw
- Google Classroom
- Chromebooks
- iPads
- Additional Instructional Links (by building)
ClassLink
ClassLink is our single sign-on program for the district. User names and passwords are the same as used to login to student devices, and students at the K-2 level can login using their Quick Cards. Once passwords are entered, ClassLink will save them for the student to make connecting to school resources quicker. Virtually all resources students will need access to will be available through ClassLink.
Helpful resources for ClassLink
Google Meet
Google Meet is the video conferencing platform we use for remote instruction. For students in Grades K-2, classroom Google Meet codes will be shared through Seesaw, while for students in Grades 3-12, Google Meet codes will be available through the student's Google Classroom.
Helpful links for Google Meet
- Troubleshooting issues with Google Meet
- Google Meet training and help
- Helpful tips for Google Meet
- Rebooting the Chromebook often solves many issues.
- Close any extra tabs.
- Keep the Chromebook plugged in (if at all possible).
- If the image is being displayed backwards, please click here to access a video on how to reverse the image.
- Changing your view in Google Meet - it is recommended for students to use the Spotlight layout, especially if your connection seems to be lagging
- Removing extensions from Chrome can also help with lagging connections in Google Meet. We have removed a number of them but in case additional ones were added.
Seesaw
The main electronic platform used at the K-2 level that can be used to share and disseminate information to families is Seesaw. Seesaw is a portfolio that students can use to showcase their work with families, but can also be used as a way to share out information to parents from the classroom teacher and it would be the platform recommended for the preschool level.
For students to complete assignments, they should be using the Seesaw Class app on the iPad or accessing Seesaw on the Chromebooks by going to https://app.seesaw.me and choosing to login as a student.
For parents to view communications from the teacher, they should be using the Seesaw Family app or accessing Seesaw through any browser by going to https://app.seesaw.me and choosing to login as a parent.
Helpful links for Seesaw
- Overview of Seesaw
- Take a look inside the Seesaw Family App - to access teacher communications at home
- Seesaw Help Center - Families - covers directions and answers to the most common questions
- Remote Learning FAQs from Seesaw
- Remote Learning Resources for Family (from Seesaw)
- Home Learning with Seesaw - Resource for Families
Google Classroom
The primary electronic platform used at GHR/CNH/CHS/CA to share out student assignments/work would be Google Classroom. Google Classroom can be used by teachers to distribute and grade assignments, make announcements and share resources, while students can use the platform to access necessary resources and hand-in work. All of this is connected to the student’s Google Login.
Helpful links for Google Classroom
Chromebooks
iPads
Kindergarten students will be using an iPad to access online instructional resources. As a district, we have blocked various apps and are using filtering offsite through Securly for searches (i.e. in Safari or through Google Chrome). As a parent, you can also assign further restrictions through the settings by following the directions below:
- Launch the Settings app on the iPad.
- Select Screen Time from the left navigation menu. This will bring you to various settings within the iPad that you can configure individually.
- First - select Use Screen Time Passcode. If you have already done this, the message will read Change Screen Time Passcode. It is recommended to change this passcode periodically.
- Next, select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enter your screen time passcode.
- From here, you can now customize allowances and restrictions as you see fit.
Additional Instructional Links (by building)
- Hale Early Education Center (Pre K)
- Coventry Grammar School (K-2)
- George Hersey Robertson School (3-5)
- Capt. Nathan Hale School (6-8)
- Coventry High School/Coventry Academy (9-12)
Hale Early Education Center (Pre K)
- Games that Promote Learning
- Sesame Street
- PBS Learning
- Unite for Literacy - hear some non-fiction books narrated
- Storyline Online - listen to celebrities read their favorite children’s books
- Online Zoos-view photos from zoos and aquariums
- 7 Fun Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism-coin rubbing, ice painting and more
- San Diego Zoo Live Cam-select animals to watch in real time at the zoo
Coventry Grammar School (K-2)
- Unite for Literacy - hear some non-fiction books narrated
- Booth & Dimock library catalog-online resources available
- PebbleGo - online encyclopedia for kids
- Storyline Online - listen to celebrities read their favorite children’s books
- Virtual Museum Tours-visit museums around the world
- Online Zoos-view photos from zoos and aquariums
- San Diego Zoo Live Cam-select animals to watch in real time at the zoo
- 7 Fun Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism-coin rubbing, ice painting and more
- Vocabulary Games: Students with Special Needs-games to build vocabulary such as Name Everything You See
- Social Emotional Learning Activities- activities for deep breathing, kind words, coping with change and much more
- The Sneeze: How germs spread- 3 minute YouTube video
- Mystery Science lessons about germs and viruses- open and go lessons that inspire kids to love science
- Myth Busters: The Safe Sneeze-5 minute YouTube video
- Corona Virus Q and A-Time for Kids article
- Learning Activities for Students with Special Needs - includes activities for varied needs
- 30 Games and Activities for Self-Regulation - supporting abilities to engage in appropriate behavior
- Scholastic Learn at Home- Daily multidisciplinary resources
George Hersey Robertson School (3-5)
- Unite for Literacy - hear some non-fiction books narrated
- Booth & Dimock - online resources available
- Scholastic Go - online encyclopedia
- Tinkercad- design on your computer
- Writing Activities- engaging writing topics
- Interland - learn about online safety
- Scholastic Learn at Home- daily multidisciplinary resources
- Common Sense Media- curated lists of media to support home learning
- Code.org- tutorials and games to teach computer coding
- Virtual Museum Tours- visit museums around the world
- Online Zoos- learn about animals from around the world
- The Sneeze: How germs spread- 3 minute YouTube video
- Mystery Science lessons about germs and viruses - open and go lessons that inspire kids to love science
- Myth Busters: The Safe Sneeze- 5 minute YouTube video
- CoronaVirus Q and A- Time for Kids article
- Learning Activities for Students with Special Needs- includes activities for varied needs
- 30 Games and Activities for Self-Regulation - supporting abilities to engage in appropriate behavior
Capt. Nathan Hale School (6-8)
- Unite for Literacy - hear some non-fiction books narrated
- Khan Academy offers practice exercises in math and other content, instructional videos
- Booth & Dimock library catalog online resources available
- Interland - learn about online safety
- ResearchItCT - connect to the CT State library
- Gizmos - science and math simulations
- Scholastic Scope - online magazine
- ScienceWorld - online magazine
- Virtual Museum Tours visit museums around the world
- Online Zoos-virtually learn about animals around the world
- The Corona Phenomena- Science education article
- Myth Busters: The Safe Sneeze 5 Minute You Tube Video
- NY Times Lesson of the Day: How Coronavirus Hijacks Your Cells Lesson to learn about the science behind the coronavirus
- NPR: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus Comic exploring the coronavirus
- Learning Activities for Students with Special Needs - includes activities for varied needs
Coventry High School/Coventry Academy (9-12)
- Khan Academy: College Board PSAT and SAT support and practice
- Booth & Dimock library catalog- online resources available
- Interland - learn about online safety
- ResearchItCT - connect to the CT State library
- Virtual Museum Tours visit museums around the world
- Online Zoos: Virtual tours and exhibits
- The Corona Phenomena: Information on the Coronavirus
- Myth Busters: The Safe Sneeze:Fun video from Myth Busters about the distance a sneeze can travel.
- NY Times Lesson of the Day: How Coronavirus Hijacks Your Cells:Informative article with questions and writing prompts related to Coronavirus
- Learning Activities for Students with Special Needs: Special needs site with activities for learners.
Remote Learning Guides (by School)
Additional Supports for Families
As a district, we have worked to assemble the resources below to support families. If you have a more immediate concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school or the contacts listed throughout.
For general information and links to resources within Connecticut, find the following area providers helpful:
Food/Nutrition
- Will the district offering school meals for students during any closure?
- Are there any other resources families can go to for nutrition assistance?
Will the district offering school meals for students during any closure?
Yes - breakfast and lunch options are offered and available to any child age 18 or under. Beth Pratt, our Food Services Director, will send out regular communications through SchoolMessenger that include the sign up form should we move to hybrid or remote learning. If you are not receiving these emails, please contact either Beth Pratt directly at bpratt@coventryct.org or your child's school.
Are there any other resources families can go to for nutrition assistance?
Yes - please visit or call the community resources listed below if you or your family are in need of nutrition assistance:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Coventry Food Bank - call 860-742-5324
- Foodshare (1st Congregational Church) - call 860-742-8487
Physical Health
- Is there anyone I can contact in the district if I have a health question?
- Where can I find information regarding COVID-19?
- Where can I go if we need health insurance?
Is there anyone I can contact in the district if I have a health question?
Yes - our school nurses are accepting emails or phone calls if you have any health related questions. Please use the contact information below to reach out:
HEEC
Ms. Ibrahim
email: librahim@coventryct.org
CGS
Ms. McCormick
860-742-4558
email: JMcCormick@coventryct.org
GHR
Ms. McKeever
860-742-7341 ext. 3128
email: tmckeever@coventryct.org
CNH
Ms. Doane
860-742-7334 ext. 4353
email: cdoane@coventryct.org
CHS
Ms. Rockx
860-969-1046
email: lrockx@coventryct.org
Where can I find information regarding COVID-19?
For general information regarding COVID-19, please refer to our Health & Safety page, which includes links to the CDC and the Eastern Highlands Health District.
Where can I go if we need health insurance?
Remote Learning
Below are a variety of supports you may find helpful if the district were to move to hybrid or remote learning:
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged in At-Home Learning - from Connecticut Children's Medical Center
- Is Your Teen Struggling with Online Learning? Six Things They Can Do to Get Through This
- The Ambiguous Loss of the End of the School Year - How Parents can Help their Kids Cope, from Psychology Today
- CPAC (Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center)
- Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic - from Common Sense Media
- Tips for Effectively Working from Home When You Have Kids- from NBC Connecticut
Technology
- Where can I go if we are having trouble accessing online resources for learning?
- Is there a way to access internet services at a reduced rate?
Where can I go if we are having trouble accessing online resources for learning?
If you or your child are having difficulty accessing any online learning resources, please contact your child's school.
If you need technical support, please email help@coventryct.org and someone from our IT department will get back to you to help with any issue you may be having.
Lastly, please refer to our Family FAQs page for answers to many common questions.
Is there a way to access internet services at a reduced rate?
Please know - if you need assistance with accessing internet at home, please contact your child's school.
Beginning in March 2020, several providers in Connecticut worked to ensure that families have the access they need to conduct business and complete schoolwork. As part of the Federal Communication Commission's Keep Americans Connected Pledge launched on March 12, eight internet service providers in Connecticut (Comcast, Frontier, Altice, Optimum, Charter, Spectrum, Cox, Atlantic, Verizon, and AT&T) have committed to not terminating business or residential service, or charging late fees for anyone who can't pay their bill due to hardship caused by COVID-19. They also have committed to provide Wi-Fi hot spots to any American that needs them. These pledge commitments will be in place for at least a 60-day period. Below is a listing of those services that were available and we will update this as new information comes in.
- Comcast announced a plan to ensure low-income families have internet access that will be effective as of March 16. The benefits include 60 days of free service for new Comcast customers, and higher internet speeds for all qualifying customers. Free internet link: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 Families can check their eligibility and learn more about available programs at www.internetessentials.com .
- Comcast/Xfinity is also providing free public hotspots . Information regarding locations can be found by accessing this link - https://wifi.xfinity.com/ .
- Altice and Charter are offering 60 days of free broadband to households with K-12 and college students who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are not already subscribers to their services with no installation fees. This can be accessed by calling 1-844-488-8395.
- AT&T is waiving home internet data caps during the entire COVID-19 outbreak.
Update 4/30/2020
The program will now be in effect through Tuesday, June 30th. Anyone needing assistance with the Lifeline program can call (800) 234-9473 or email LifelineProgram@usac.org. In addition, more information can be found at their website linked here, including links to companies and information on how to apply.
Financial
Housing concerns
Evictions have been temporarily suspended until May. On 3/31/20 the governor announced mortgage relief to residents and businesses facing hardship due to COVID-19. Participating banks are offering mortgage-payment forbearance of up to 90 days, relief from fees and charges for 90 days, no new foreclosures for 60 days.
Utilities
CT has banned utility shut-off (not including oil) during this crisis. If you are facing shutoff, or were shut off, call PURA at 800-382-4586.
If you are need assistance with energy costs, please visit Operation Fuel.Income Assistance
The Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance (or TANF) program provides families and need financial assistance and work opportunities. For more information, please visit their website.
Social Emotional Resources
- Who can I contact at my child's school if I have questions or need support?
- Mental Health and COVID-19
- Self-Care
Who can I contact at my child's school if I have questions or need support?
Our building administrators and related services staff are here to support families at any time. Please use the contact information below:
Lia D'Amato
Laila DaSilva
Dena DeJulius
Victoria DeVeau
Beth Giller
Erin Henrickson
Jennifer Janssen
Megan Legassey
Christian Marcinczyk
Marie Pappano
Kathryn Strange
Kathryn Zadrowski
Mental Health and COVID-19
This is a stressful time that is bringing about many changes for people. A number of area and national resources have put together helpful resources to support families during this time. Please see some of the ones listed below:
- Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19 - from the National Association of School Psychologists
- Stress and Coping (from the CDC) - Information for parents to reduce stress in themselves and their children
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies (from the CDC) - Age-based tips and resources for helping children cope with emergencies
- Coping with Stress (from WHO) - tips for adults
- Coping with Stress (from WHO) - tips for supporting children
- Crisis Schooling during COVID-19: supporting your child(ren) in a time of stress and change
- The Pandemic Toolkit Parents Need: 8 expert tips to help families stay regulated - from Psychology Today
- 6 Strategies for Parents to Keep Calm and Carry On During COVID-19 - from Connecticut Children's Medical Center
- Supporting Families During COVID-19 - from the Child Mind Institute
- Helping Your Family De-Stress During Coronovirus Uncertainty - from Common Sense Media
- Social and Emotional Activities and Practices for Families - from Greater Good in Education
- Mental Health and COVID-19 - guidance, advice and resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention