Shaheen Hosts COVID-19 Conference Calls with Granite State Teachers and School Administrators
**Recording of the calls with NH school administrators and NH teachers are available on Youtube**
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted conference calls with teachers and school administrators from across New Hampshire to discuss their experiences working to provide Granite State students with a quality education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges they continue to face. The conference calls continued Shaheen’s telework efforts to hear directly from leaders all across the State who are responding to this public health emergency, including local officials, small businesses owners, health care providers and non-profit service organizations and charities.
“New Hampshire’s teachers and school administrators have done a tremendous job serving Granite State students, working tirelessly to adapt to the challenge of remote learning despite the heavy burden they bear from this crisis,” said Shaheen. “From expanding access to broadband across our state to making sure our most vulnerable students continue to get the nutrition they need, today’s conversation highlighted the urgent issues that need to be addressed in Congress. These conversations will inform my bipartisan efforts to deliver New Hampshire’s teachers, school administrators and students the resources and support they need to make sure our children continue to get the best possible education during these difficult times and beyond.”
Shaheen has worked to stay connected with Granite State educators and students during COVID-19 and support their efforts to provide and receive the best education possible amidst remote learning. Last month, Shaheen joined the students of Holderness Central School’s 4th grade social studies class, Northwood Elementary School’s 8th grade social studies class and Nashua High School South’s “Woman as Hero” class via Zoom, all of which are now learning remotely as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Shaheen is a cosponsor of legislation aimed at ensuring all K-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices during the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Shaheen called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help provide Wi-Fi hotspots or devices with Wi-Fi capability to students who lack internet access at home. Shaheen also sent a letter urging increased federal funding for schools and school employees, such as cafeteria staff, bus drivers and custodians, who are working overtime to support their communities during the pandemic. In addition, Shaheen has written to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern for children with disabilities amid the school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
