Binghamton families cope with virtual learning

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y) In Upstate New York, the first week of virtual learning is coming to an end. There is no doubt that this school year will be a challenging one for both teachers and students. However, it is easy to look past the strain this school year will also have on parents. With children learning from home, that makes parents the new teachers and some are concerned that it is more than they can handle. Shadedria Bratton said she is thinking about sending her first-grader back to physical school. “They have so many social distancing procedures now, I think school is safe,” Bratton said. She shared concerns that she will not be able to offer her son the full curriculum as a teacher would, especially in such a crucial time in learning such as the first grade. “Do you know how hard it is for single moms to make sure their kids are getting the proper education all while working or going to school full time themselves?” She added. Local social worker Antionette Stroman reminds parents that teachers are mandated reporters. “If you do not want CPS bothering you, please refrain from doing things in the background that you wouldn’t do if we were at the home. Please watch what you say to your children while they are on remote learning and please be cautious of what is in the background of the home as well,” Stroman said. Mercedes Fernandez said at this point, she is doing the full-on job of a teacher and it is overwhelming. Others have shared that it may be more overwhelming for the parents than the children. “It’s off to a rough start for mom and dad, but it’s shocking how well my five-year-old has adapted to going to school for the first time online,” Shayna Clement said. Some neighborhoods in the Binghamton area are joining forces to get through virtual learning. Each household takes a different day and parents can pick which subjects they are most comfortable helping with. As of now, parents have the option of sending their kids to school or keeping them home. Children who do report to school must follow social distancing guidelines, have temperatures taken and sanitize at each stop throughout the building. Pending further observation, Binghamton City Schools are planning to reopen their doors to everyone starting January 2021.