The Haves and Have Nots
By DianneN
@DianneN (247079)
United States
April 6, 2020 10:39am CST
With schools being closed in New York City there are over 1,135,000 students left to fend for themselves.
Our grandson attends an affluent private school, which can afford laptops and iPads for every student. He’s been enjoying online classes.
However, the New York public schools were not set up for online teaching and providing a laptop for every student to bring home. Our granddaughter, who attends the public school system of NYC had no alternative to complete her education.
Her mom found an excellent and highly rated private online school for which there is a hefty fee. She is enjoying her new teachers, classmates, and online and offline activities.
As an elective, she chose American Sign Language (ASL). Her mom knows it and they practice together. Our grandson is learning it by osmosis. lol
What bothers me severely is that there are so many other children who aren’t as fortunate. They have no means to learn. As a result, my husband made a gift to our granddaughter’s public school to help the less fortunate buy computers and register for online classes anywhere. It’s never too late to learn.
50 people like this
46 responses
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
6 Apr 20
Thanks! He wishes he could afford to give to every school in the world.
New York City is the largest school system in the USA, so I can understand how they’d not have enough money to provide for every student unlike the wealthier towns and cities here.
5 people like this
@marguicha (215584)
• Chile
6 Apr 20
Your husband is the best there is.
In my country, there is a great difference between good private schools and public schools too. Sofía is learning in her mom´s laptop. It seems that her own tablet is full with games.
So, as Claudia works online, Sofía has to study in the evening. Vicente does it from books and he is learning. He only has to give his tests online.
In my country, there is a great difference between good private schools and public schools too. Sofía is learning in her mom´s laptop. It seems that her own tablet is full with games.
So, as Claudia works online, Sofía has to study in the evening. Vicente does it from books and he is learning. He only has to give his tests online.4 people like this
@FourWalls (62254)
• United States
6 Apr 20
The company I worked for had to deal with NYC schools, and you cannot believe the red tape we had to machete through to get our money from schools. This post doesn’t shock me, given that experience. You would think they’d do better, but.....
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
6 Apr 20
That was very kind of your husband. What a wonderful gesture. He is a very kind kind man! I wish there were more like him around the world would be a much happier place!
3 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
6 Apr 20
@DianneN Every little bit helps Dianne. Just imagine if everyone gave $50 how much that would add up to! I know some cannot even afford that but even so it would make an enormous difference!
3 people like this
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
6 Apr 20
@garymarsh6 Well, every little bit helps, so you’re right about that!
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
6 Apr 20
Another negative effect of this mess.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (170172)
• United States
6 Apr 20
I think most school systems are doing their best to provide laptops for kids who need them, but a bigger concern really is kids who rely on schools for some of their food needs.It's a shame parents can't take care of that, but some seem incapable.
They have to be fed first before they can try to learn. Sweet of hubby to make a donation like that, good for him!
3 people like this
@Tina30219 (81538)
• Onaway, Michigan
6 Apr 20
Your husband is so sweet to do that. I know I feel bad for all of those students out there that can’t do online classes .
3 people like this
@Tina30219 (81538)
• Onaway, Michigan
6 Apr 20
@DianneN I agree . I am sure they will appreciate the help your husband gave.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95401)
• Marion, Ohio
6 Apr 20
@DianneN He sounds like a very good man. It would help a lot if some of these congressmen and stars would do things like that.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
7 Apr 20
@wolfgirl569 Thanks, and I agree. Sports figures and CEOs, too!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156587)
• United States
6 Apr 20
That was generous to give a gift to the schools so some students can continue their educations. Not every household has a computer; and it bothers me that schools would assume that they do.
3 people like this
@isweartokira (3465)
• United States
6 Apr 20
yes, it's so strange to see all the schools closed, I feel bad for those who don't have a chance to learn like your grandkids have.
I took ASL in high school (mostly because I didn't want to speak in front of a class 
) and I really enjoyed it! I wish I'd kept up with it but I can still sign a little. I hope she enjoys learning it!
) and I really enjoyed it! I wish I'd kept up with it but I can still sign a little. I hope she enjoys learning it!3 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
7 Apr 20
We are fortunate that our schools are offering Chromebooks to the students who do not have access to one. Fortunately we do have a laptop for Little Miss to use once they get a plan set up. Our schools are closed for the rest of the school year.
Wonderful of your husband to help in this dire time. Kudos to you both.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
7 Apr 20
@DianneN her preschool teacher called to ask if we needed one for Little Miss. Was glad that we have a laptop so it will open up another for someone in need.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
7 Apr 20
Good for you! I don’t see New York schools opening any time soon.
Hopefully, the students were given Chromebook ps to use at home to continue online education before your schools closed for the year. It’s important to keep young minds active and skills sharp.
Thanks! Hubs always helps when he can.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
7 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly
There are so many websites to use with 4 and 5 year olds to help with reading readiness, math, etc.
There are so many websites to use with 4 and 5 year olds to help with reading readiness, math, etc.1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (36469)
• Toccoa, Georgia
6 Apr 20
It is sad not every kid can afford the online education. That is good that your grand daughter is learning sign language. Back when I was young and in girl scouts, I learned the alphabet in sign language. I still remember a little bit of it.
2 people like this
@jrlcentral (2601)
• Roxas, Philippines
7 Apr 20
That's a pretty noble gesture, what you and your hubby did. We have the same problem here in the Philippines. Even some private schools don't have an online education program implemented yet. Fortunately, though, it's summer here so kids are on a vacation. But we don't know if the school would resume on time by June
1 person likes this
@jrlcentral (2601)
• Roxas, Philippines
7 Apr 20
@DianneN I hope so. If no one will come up positive in the two weeks, maybe the quarantine will ease up a little at least.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247079)
• United States
7 Apr 20
@jrlcentral Hopefully!
It will take much longer here in the USA.
We still have covidiots running around.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
7 Apr 20
It is a shame that not every kid can have computers and learn the same. But thats life, unfortunately.
2 people like this
