HOUSTON – As students prepare to head back to school, some families are concerned they will not have the technology needed to help their children succeed in virtual or distance learning. Specifically, in the African American community, many students have not engaged as much in the virtual learning landscape, as we have relied on brick-and-mortar institutions.

Will students have the proper resources?

A sweep of all the local school districts’ websites shows most have already started distributing equipment to students, with others announcing plans are underway.

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan said, based on surveys, the district has about 22,000 devices that it needs to deploy to students who do not have access to laptops or Chromebooks. HISD also has 16,000 hotspots to distribute to students by Sept. 8.

Fort Bend ISD noted that teachers are busy learning the various tools and systems that will be used to deliver a rigorous online learning experience, as well as the important health and safety protocols. They have begun scheduling times for students and parents to pick up equipment.

Earlier this month, Aldine ISD held the first round of device distribution targeting families that had chosen the learning-at-home option. To get technology in the hands of more students, the district hosted another device distribution event on August 14.

Check the website for your child’s school district to request equipment.

Charity organizations are helping as well.

Community Works CDC, the non-profit organization of Free Indeed Church International, has been helping the underserved community of northeast Houston for 15 years.

Volunteers held a Tech Drive to collect the necessary virtual education tools for students.

Another organization, Comp-U-Dopt, stepped in to provide devices to qualifying students. According to its website, Comp-U-Dopt has already distributed more than 20,000 devices.

To register for a computer in Houston, your child must attend a K-12 school in Harris County and not have access to a device at home. There is a limit of one device per household, and the students can keep the devices forever.

Contact www.compudopt.org/houston for more information.

It is understood that not all students have access to Wi-Fi/ internet at home, so some districts are also providing hot spots.

For those who may be able to afford discounted service, internet providers such as AT&T and Comcast have designed programs offering internet plans for as low as $10 a month to help families.

Check with your local cable and/or internet providers for deals.

So, once you have the devices, how do you get moving in the right direction?

Do you know the difference between synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning?

Virtual synchronous instruction requires students and teachers to interact in real-time through a computer or electronic device.

In virtual asynchronous instruction, students work independently, and teachers provide daily feedback.

Familiarize yourself with these two formats in order to best assist your child.

Also, make sure your child adopts a normal routine for learning at home, similar to what they practice at school. Wake up on time, brush your teeth and wash your face, comb your hair, eat a well-balanced breakfast and lunch, take a moment to stretch and wiggle for recess and – by all means – DRESS APPROPRIATELY!!!! No pajamas while logging on.

Overall, parents and caregivers just need to be ready, this could last a while. School districts are reporting virtual learning could range from three to six weeks, with some schools delaying the start of in-person learning until after Labor Day weekend, but the COVID-19 crisis has plans changing quickly — and often. Our advice? Be ready for the long haul. Be ready for ANYTHING!

 

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search