Census deadline nears, distance learning resources for schools and families

Census deadline moved up by one month
After first shifting the deadline for Census data collection to the end of October, the deadline to participate in the 2020 Census has again been moved - this time to September 30th, a full month earlier than had previously been publicized by the U.S. Census Bureau. This means that time to be counted in the Census is running out. New Mexico stands to lose billions of dollars over the next decade if there is not a complete count.
 
We urge everyone to complete your Census today! You can do it online, over the phone, or by mail. If you need help, call the El Valle Community Center at 575-421-0808 and we will have a census worker contact you directly. New Mexico deserves to be counted. If there was ever a time to come together in support of everyone in New Mexico — it is now.
 
Distance learning as school re-open 
As schools prepare to re-open for the Fall with remote learning, challenges for those without a home internet connection remain.  Districts and state agencies are working to resolve these issues, but many families and students are still without connectivity at home as the new school year starts. The West Las Vegas School system is offering an "IT Hotline" for students and families to call if they do not have an internet connection at home (505)426-2565, but there may be a wait time before receiving a response. The Las Vegas City School district IT staff is also working with families to locate options for students living in areas with neither internet nor cell phone coverage.
For those students and families that have internet access but may not know how to use Chromebooks or Google classroom, the Las Vegas City School district has put together a training program for teachers, parents, caregivers, and students to learn how to logon to a Chromebook and how to use Google classroom, Google Meet, and Google Drive in ways that meet their district's needs. The Las Vegas City School IT Department also offers one-on-one training options to district families for these tools.  Call John Tierman at 505-454-5755 for more informatoin or to schedule a session.
 
Additional online learning resources 
The El Valle Community Center has put together a collection of online learning resources, grouped by grade level, for elementary and middle school students. The materials cover a full range of subject areas and provide a mix of printable activities (for work offline) and activities requiring online engagement. These resources will be augmented throughout the school year, with a focus on the humanities, community storytelling, and local history and culture.  Please check back for exciting new additions in the coming weeks!