(Sacramento, California) – As a service to the Sacramento region, Fortune School has launched a free, high quality Distance Learning Hub that any parent can access for instruction in grades K-8. Fortune is sharing the content its teachers created for students enrolled in its own schools with all students in the community. Fortune School is a network of K-12 public charter schools authorized by the Sacramento County Board of Education. Fortune School is providing free office hours to the public with credentialed teachers where parents and students can get homework help. Go to www.fortunedistancelearning.com for free access to Fortune Distance Learning Hub.
On March 25th Fortune School launched its new distance learning program for over 1,800 students and families that attend their seven public charter school campuses. With a student population of over 90% minority and 85% low income, the school system is providing a distance learning program through a family friendly Distance Learning Hub like the one it has just released for free to the public.
“We know that this is an ambitious online learning initiative that we are undertaking; however, our families and staff have adapted very well to this new structure and I believe it’s because we know what’s at stake here. Sacramento is in a different place than it was a mere three weeks ago. Life has changed. So, we changed. We altered our delivery system of our high-quality learning programs for our students and families because we can’t let them fall behind,” said Margaret Fortune, Founder and CEO of Fortune School. “It’s important that we be good stewards of the Sacramento region, which is why we are sharing Fortune Distance Learning for free with all of our neighbors who, like us, are suddenly homeschooling. We have designed a distance learning program that is built to last until the end of the school year.”
Fortune School distributed nearly a thousand Chromebooks to families that needed them to ensure they had the resources necessary to connect them to the online learning portal. Fortune Distance Learning uses Google Classroom as their learning management system and Google Hangouts to host face-to-face meetings with scholars and teachers. With a structured daily schedule, learning content has been curated by Fortune’s Curriculum and Instruction Department.
“It is important to focus on keeping our local school community together. To do so, we created a daily schedule for families that includes teacher office hours on Google Hangouts, morning meetings with the principal and yoga and fitness fun on Facebook Live, as well as breakfast and lunch,” said Fortune.
Food service began on March 24th at William Lee College Prep in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood for any Fortune School scholar in the region. “Grab and go” breakfast and lunch are available between 11AM – 12:30PM, Monday – Friday. Additionally, Fortune School will continue to offer Special Education services and support to scholars with IEPs. They will also make counseling services available to all scholars who need socialemotional support via virtual drop-in hours with counselors via Google Hangouts.
For more information about Fortune School visit www.fortuneschool.us.
About Fortune School Fortune is a network of 7 tuition-free public charter schools in Sacramento and San Bernardino. The schools include: Hardy Brown College Prep, Fortune School, William Lee College Prep, Alan Rowe College Prep, Ephriam Williams College Prep Middle School, Hazel Mahone College Prep, and Rex and Margaret Fortune Early College High School.
What People Are Saying about Fortune Distance Learning
“In spite of our unforeseen circumstances, the Fortune School family has been able to bless us all with what we need. They have stayed in touch to keep us informed and continue to do so. They supply us the things we need to be successful in this season. Most importantly, they are ensuring there are resources available for any challenges we may have. We’re in this temporary state together and we got this!” – Danielle Nance, Parent at Fortune School
“The threat COVID-19 brings upon communities of color is the increasing widening of disparity gaps in areas like technology, employment, healthcare, and especially education. It is good to see black education leaders, like Margaret Fortune and Fortune School, act swiftly in leading the charge in creating opportunities and resources for distance learning so our children will not be left behind.” – Pastor Tecoy Porter, President, Sacramento National Action Network
“The Fortune school Distance Learning Program is setting the bar for the Sacramento region in regards to distance learning during these unforeseen times. As a partner and a parent, communication has been seamless and transparent. Communication was provided to parents, rather swiftly with information on how to pick up a chrome book as well as resources for internet installation. Professional Development has been available as a parent and a partner to navigate the distance learning apps and tackle any challenges that may arise. I am grateful for the opportunity to further engage Fortune School Scholars in the Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) pedagogy, as young people will dive into SAYS virtual writing workshops based on the foundations of performance poetry and spoken word, and experience live instruction. As we navigate new territories in distance learning, SAYS is honored to be in continuous partnership with Fortune School, leading the new frontier of distance learning while honoring our young people and their education.” – Patrice Hill, Program Director, Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), University of California Davis
“Fortune School has done an amazing job towards their mission of reducing the achievement gap in education for African American students. Their newly implemented distance learning program proves their commitment towards their mission. The Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce is so pleased and proud to be working with Fortune School.” – Azizza Davis Goines, President/CEO, Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce
