Among the many challenges with distance learning is ensuring a quiet and organized environment that can help your child focus. Using some inexpensive materials, you can create a wonderful learning space that will motivate your child and recreate a classroom feeling. Here are a few examples to inspire you.

When creating the learning space, keep in mind the following:

1. Lighting – To prevent eye strain, make sure that the work space is well-lit. Desk lamps, reading lamps, or task lamps are recommended. Natural lighting from a nearby window can be a great light source, but make sure to minimize any glare on the screen, which can make your child's eyes work too hard. You can move or adjust the workstation or close the blinds to avoid glare.

2. Comfort – Choose a chair that your child can sit comfortably in, and ensure that the table or desk can accommodate your child's books, devices, and other learning supplies.

3. Preferences – Have your child select some of the items to be included in the learning space. For example, they can add photographs of family members and friends or of special places. Have your child decorate the space with crayons, stickers, or cut-out figures.

Meet the Magnets

Every Fall, Local Districts Northwest and Northeast organize Meet the Magnets nights to showcase our many wonderful magnet programs and help families match students' interests with school specializations. This year's Meet the Magnet events will be held virtually - on September 30th for high schools and October 7th for middle schools. Click on one of the flyers below to find the Zoom log-in information.

The Monroe Community of Schools proudly features the following magnet programs:

• Alta California Elementary Gifted STEAM Magnet

• Gledhill Elementary Science, Technology, and Math Magnet

• Vintage Magnet Elementary School

• Holmes Middle School Humanities Magnet

• Sepulveda Middle School Gifted Magnet

• Sepulveda Middle School Kinesiology and Sports Medicine Magnet

• Monroe High School Fire Academy Magnet

• Monroe High School Law and Government Magnet

• Monroe High School Police Academy Magnet

Free Enrichment Opportunities for District Students

L.A. Unified has made two different enrichment programs available for students. A World of Learning is available to all students in Grades K-12 and offers fun virtual learning experiences in Arts, STEM, Computer Science, and Marine Science. For high school students only, there is an additional program in which students can earn credit in A-G classes. More information is available on the flyers below.

Early Education Programs in the Monroe Community of Schools

The Early Education programs in Local District Northwest include Early Education Centers (EEC), CA State Preschool Programs (CSPP), and Expanded Transitional Kindergarten (ETK). These programs serve children ages 2½ to 4 from income-eligible families. Preschool for All Learners (PALs) and Preschool Collaborative Classrooms (PCC) are also offered through Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at select schools.

Good news! Many of our programs currently have space available. All Early Education programs are currently in session, serving children through distance learning. Students receive three hours of daily instruction: ninety minutes of synchronous direct instruction in whole and small groups, and ninety minutes of asynchronous activities. See sample daily schedules below. Parents and families are provided with access to children's independent work time activities and suggested extension activities.