How GEAR UP Schools Are Virtually Supporting Students and Families
April 8, 2020
Lebanon High School GEAR UP Coordinator Wendy Eilers (top row, second from left) spearheaded a social media campaign with messages for the graduating class of 2020 from teachers and staff.
In addition to providing meals, technology, and instructional resources to students and families, GEAR UP schools are virtually maintaining relationships, building college-going cultures, and supporting students' postsecondary plans.
Our school has been incredibly proactive with making sure students are fed, classes are ongoing, virtual check ins throughout. It has been amazing!! Everyone is so incredibly grateful we were already set up with 1:1 technology from 6th-12th grade. This would not have been possible without GEAR UP!
Corinne Flake, GEAR UP Coordinator, Dayton Junior/Senior High School
Maintaining communication
- Cottage Grove High School is using Remind to text students and parents with important updates
- Gold Beach High School has called every family by phone to check in and ask about food and technology needs
- Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe is using Facebook Live to answer FAQ in both English and Spanish
- Bandon School District Superintendent Doug Ardiana is hosting a weekly online talk show, interviewing students and staff members and providing advice for learning at home
Building a virtual college-going culture
- Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School continues to share college acceptances on social media
- Taft and Newport set up new social media accounts dedicated to college and career readiness
- College T-Shirt Tuesday continues at Ponderosa Middle School
Supporting students' postsecondary plans
- Newport High School counselors are offering virtual drop in hours every week
- McKenzie River Community School students are learning financial basics through an immersive online game
- Rogue River Junior/Senior High School continues to use Google classroom for scholarships and all things college and career
- Lebanon High School is helping students complete scholarship applications by the deadlines
- Brent Caulley, GEAR UP Coordinator at McKenzie River Community School, has recorded several videos helping seniors with what they need to do, including deciphering financial aid award letters
