Dear Morningside Center friends,

We're hopeful that physical distancing has led to a plateau in new coronavirus cases in many places. And yet, more and more people we know have been afflicted, and some have died -- including a growing number of educators.

In this heartbreaking time, we recommit ourselves to being part of a caring community with you that inspires kindness, hope, joy, and determination. (And if you need a spot of that hope and joy right now, please see our self-care tips for educators.)

Educators have the momentous job of not only coping with this crisis in their lives, but helping their students through it. Below, we share some activities to help students grapple with the change and loss they may be experiencing now.

... And a shout-out to folks at our three PAZ After-School Programs, who have produced a beautiful joint newsletter in English and Spanish.

Students use a set of interactive charts to investigate the current state of economic and racial inequality in the U.S.—and make their own charts showing how they would like to see that data change.

Students explore ways to creatively connect, show each other support, and display kindness amid this pandemic.

For more, visit our continuously updates pages of lessons, tips, and resources for coronavirus and remote learning.

Planning to teach about Earth Day? See our collection of Earth Day lessons, including:

"SEL is the foundation, the heartbeat of the classroom...It’s about connecting everybody and making them feel safe and secure before you get to the academics." By Tim Walker at NEA Today

After the Pandemic Comes the Epidemic of Lost Learning and Family Insecurity "This is a chance for us to refocus our attention and ensure that every child and family has the educational and social resources to survive this unprecedented moment... heal from the trauma, and thrive far into the future." By Rey Saldaña at Education Week

Branching Out. Some restful online resources for adults and young people from Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural center in the Bronx.

The lessons Morningside Center provides are free - but they're not free to create! These are hard financial times for our organization, but we know that kids and teachers need our support right now to cope with the crisis. Please give to our Emergency Fund for Caring Classrooms.