Sebastopol Center for the Arts offers distance learning
In response to the impact of COVID-19 on education in Sonoma County, Sebastopol Center for the Arts is launching a Supervised Distance Learning Program with Arts Enrichment for elementary schoolchildren. The Center is addressing the challenges of distance learning, including social isolation and mental and emotional distress, by providing crucial care and support for working families in a safe facility.
"The hardest thing for me being a parent, a woman, and a firefighter, is that some days I don't sleep. I work all day and night. Then, I come home to teach my kids...My husband works too… What are essential workers, like me or nurses supposed to do? How are they supposed to function?" said Christina G., a Sebastopol parent.
Starting November 2, the Center’s Distance Learning Program will provide a safe and supportive environment for children’s virtual learning experience, critical social connection, and daily arts enrichment activities. All Distance Learning Assistants are trained in academic support and provide technical support and classwork assistance, and all staff are trained in COVID-19 safety procedures. The Center’s 17,000 square foot building allows for safe 6-foot social distancing, in designated spaces for groups of 12. Outdoor patios are used for lunch and COVID-safe play and exercise as well as Ives Park across from the Center.
GoFundMe Campaign to Offer Scholarships for Children to Attend
The Center is running a fundraising campaign to raise $69,000 for the program. The goal is to make it affordable for families in need by offering 50% subsidized/scholarship spots. Each 501c3 tax-deductible donation helps to ensure access for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, especially our most underserved, ELL, and bilingual Spanish speaking students. The GoFundMe fundraising campaign can be found online at https://gf.me/u/y4bbdb.
“The Center prides itself on excellent teaching artists, who are passionate about spreading joy through arts-based learning,” said the Center’s Education Manager Dana Swint. “This program will inspire engaged learning and creativity, in a nurturing environment. We’re all in this together, and we are committed to supporting families and students navigating this difficult time. Help us help children in our West County community,” said Swint.
About Sebastopol Center for the Arts
For more than 30 years, Sebastopol Center for the Arts has supported local artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers. The Center is a dynamic community arts organization established in 1988, committed to “Enriching Lives through the Arts.” Its high-quality, award-winning community arts programming includes exhibitions, performances, and children’s and adult classes and events in Visual, Performing, Literary, Ceramics, Open Studios and Film Arts. Visit www.sebarts.org for more information. The Center is a registered 501(c) (3)organization, EIN 68-0168638.
