March of 2020, with the closing of schools across the country educators were challenged with creating, literally overnight, an entirely new way of teaching that needed to be delivered in some form of remote instruction. “Continuity of Learning” became the known phrase for what school would become, how lessons would be delivered , where children would learn and who would be delivering instruction. From day one parents become teachers and delivered instruction in the best way possible under the circumstances. Parents became our partners in education in ways that have never before been realized and to them we are grateful.April of 2020, knowing communication with parents & guardians would be critical to the success of what had become the “new normal” Menta launched the Virtual Parent University delivering weekly, both academic and social emotional resources via the Google Classroom for Parents. Parents could find in the Google Classroom video tutorials on using digital curricular tools, tutorials on accessing Menta’s online library, Mindfulness activities for both children & adults, local community resources for food, housing, unemployment benefits, etc.August of 2020, after a brief break from remote learning Menta students return to learning with options, those options would be to learn fully in person for some students, hybrid for some and for those who wish to remain fully remote that too is an option. With parents continuing to be our most valuable partners in what we have termed, The Year of Possibilities. We are more convinced than ever that together, we will make this year one of infinite success for our everyone.September of 2020, Menta’s Virtual Parent University goes Live! Through many weeks of reflecting on the Spring of 2020 and analyzing what we could improve upon, Engagement is something that is often discussed. Throughout the summer and fall there have been countless professional development trainings for staff with the focus on student engagement. We also have made a commitment to parent and guardian engagement and one of the ways Menta will do this is by offering LIVE monthly presentations through the Virtual Parent University. Take a look at our Fall 2020 schedule of LIVE events:September 24th……….PBIS & LiveSchoolOctober 14th……………Brain Breaks & Why Children Need Them.November 4th………….NAMI presents Stress LessNovember 11th…………NAMI presents Stress Less