April 2020 —

We're Here for You!

HiSET and High School Diploma Completion(HSDC)

High School Completion(HSC) students have the option of continuing their studies remotely during the shutdown. All students were given a survey, asking about their interest in continuing and their access to technology. If you are a current student and have not filled this out, please do so now!

Though our HiSET Testing Center is currently closed, students can continue to prepare for their HiSET exams using a platform called HiSET Academy. Peg is also using Khan Academy and tutoring via Zoom to explain math concepts. HSDC students may also continue remotely using the course platform OdysseyWare, class sessions via Zoom, and by collaborating with instructors by phone.
All students can schedule advising meetings with Academic Coordinator, Caitlin Clark, to discuss community resources, questions about unemployment, career planning, and general support during this challenging time.

Finally, Community members who find that they have time to work towards completion of their high school credential and would like to focus on academics can sign up through our website. Intakes will be conducted via phone or video conference, and all learning will be conducted remotely for the foreseeable future.

College NEXT, our semester-long College Transitions class that offers students 3 matriculated credits through UMA, has successfully transitioned to a remote format. Instead of meeting in person at UMA-Rockland Center we are conducting classes through Zoom, and utilizing BlackBoard for discussions and assignments. Access to loaner laptops that enable students to continue remotely was coordinated by our Learning Center. While we miss seeing them in the live class, we are still serving these dedicated students in math, English, college advising, and technology through virtual tutoring and instructor office hours.

Guest speakers from the Rockland and Rockport Public Libraries and UMA-Rockland Center have joined College NEXT classes through Zoom. There have been hiccups and challenges, but we have been encouraged by our students’ perseverance! They have shown great commitment to the program even as they juggle remote schooling with their own children, class work, and in several cases, continuing to work in their essential positions. We look forward to congratulating students successfully completing their course in May!

English Language Learning for Adults

Our Tuesday evening class is still meeting remotely via Zoom. Students can join in conversation from 4-6PM with instructor, Elizabeth Dilalla. Other tutoring sessions, including Citizenship Exam prep, are also available to be scheduled throughout the week. Interested participants can register online here, or call us at 207-594-9764 from 9AM-1PM, Monday-Friday.

VIRTUAL Yoga for the People!

Our Yoga for the People series is designed to bring yoga to all shapes, sizes and abilities with a goal of providing support, alternative strategies, and encouragement in a fun and eclectic class setting. Our focus is on improving health, focus, and positivity through yoga. This is a great opportunity to try yoga for the first time in a judgement-free zone, or to try the pose extensions offered to those who prefer the challenge.

We have been conducting classes via Zoom for the past couple of weeks with great success! We hope you’ll join us and enjoy a class from the comfort of your own home. Click here to view our morning and evening course selections.

After-School Arts Programs Go Virtual

If you have a student that would like to participate in remote after-school art activities, please complete this short questionnaire.

Arts in Action Community Teaching Artist, Alexis Iammarino, will be offering art opportunities for middle and high school students to do remotely which include: Visual Journaling, Mural Arts Presentations and creating your own Comic/ Graphic Novel. Please contact Alexis Iammarino, Arts in Action at: rasaartsinaction@gmail.com if interested.

Art Club Students at TGS were sent home a care package from instructor, Cindy McGuirl, with their academic assignments. Cindy is in contact with families weekly via email with at-home art activity ideas. Several students have returned photos of their work to Cindy and have expressed gratitude for the continued connection to Art Club. Cindy can be reached at dancingblanket@gmail.com.

RSU 13 Adult & Community Education has provided after-school arts programming for over 20 years through generous contributions from the Anonimo Foundation.