In northern Maine, where families are heavily reliant on the fishing industry, many families are unemployed and tourism is shut down. The Cobscook TREE (Transforming Rural Experience in Education) initiative, a collaborative, place-based effort that addresses challenges affecting many rural, high-poverty schools, is deploying inventive strategies to continue supporting children and families. For example, TREE is maintaining its focus on fostering community connections by organizing “bedtime stories” for children with school staff and “Microadventure Mondays,” in which students participate in enrichment activities such as basic finger knitting and a t-shirt design contest, among others.

"The response has been huge as parents seem to be looking for learning that is fun and not graded or stressful. The parents have reached out regarding needs for supplies whether it be as simple as paper and markers or internet hotspots and devices. For some families even just assisting in paying for phone data had made the difference."

- Brittany Ray, TREE Director

In addition, TREE is continuing to support students’ mental health needs by having mental health therapists, who usually work on site at schools, provide telehealth services. The initiative is also assisting families with other immediate needs, including access to food. By coordinating with the local food pantry, TREE is helping to supplement school meals for vulnerable families.