VHS Learning (VHS, Inc.), nationwide provider of supplemental e-learning for high school students, announced its support for schools facing closure due to the Coronavirus outbreak.  

Schools forced to close for health reasons and schools currently creating contingency plans can use VHS Learning services and support to keep students on track and help students and teachers stay connected. The organization currently partners with more than 660 schools worldwide, in 40 states and 44 countries.  

Services offered by VHS Learning include:

• More than 220 online course options
• Online course platform for communication between students and faculty
• Training for teachers new to online learning
• Orientation for students new to online learning
• Professional development and systems for administering an online program and monitoring student progress
• Consultation on e-learning strategy and best practices

To find out more visit: https://vhslearning.org/online-learning-during-school-closures, or contact VHS Learning directly at info@VHSLearning.org or 978.897.900.

Read Across America Day (March 2)

Dr. Seuss’ birthday is a great day to collaborate with your school or local library. For classroom activities, check out the educator’s guide at seussville.com

You can also find plenty of tools and resources at readacrossamerica.org

Irish-American Heritage Month 

In 1991 President George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating March as Irish-American Heritage month. After Congress passed a number of public bills,  presidents have been issuing an annual proclamation since 1997.

The American Presidency Project page offers detailed information.

Did you Know the first NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1762. That’s 14 years before the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence!

According to the U.S. Census, 32 million, or 9.9% of U.S. residents, claimed Irish ancestry in 2018.

The National Education Association also offers free resources for grades PreK through 12 for teaching about St. Patrick’s Day.   

Women’s History Month

You just can’t beat the Library of Congress for historical resources about Women's History Month. Be sure to check out the tabs at the top of the page that include interviews with amazing women in all fields. At the bottom, you can meet some women in space. The For Teachers tab has resources and lesson plans chosen by teachers.

Your Dream offers 30 Powerful Quotes for Women's History Month.  

STEM month 

Rasmussen College offers 11 Engaging STEM Activities for Kids.

And here are Hands on Engineering STEM Projects for kids.

Cross posted at collaborationsdigitalandotherwise.weebly.com

Deborah Marshall is the Department Chair of Career & Technical Education and Lisa McKnight Ward is the librarian at Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Both are Nationally Board Certified, former Teachers of the Year, who have taught multiple subjects including AP and IB courses. They have over a decade of experience collaborating on technology-based learning. Read more at collaborationsdigitalandotherwise.weebly.com/