Education

Every new school year brings opportunities for growth and improvement. Schools are usually given ample amounts of time to prepare, run tests, and experiment – up until the pandemic hit.

With mandatory school closures earlier this year, institutions were left grappling with how to continue operating with such an abrupt change in dynamic. As the need for distance learning caught on with a new academic year up ahead, schools – and students – who are not as well-equipped may face additional hurdles.

Through incredible partnerships between United Way, building trades unions, Associated Bank, and so many others, our third Strong Neighborhood House will soon be serving residents of Machesney Park and Loves Park.

"I believe given the current situation, the Move the Middle initiative has an even greater responsibility to ensure students' needs are being met."
—Nicole Bennett, Director of Education Initiatives, United Way of Rock River Valley

United Way of Rock River Valley is changing its grant allocations to Winnebago County agencies to strategically convene and align partner agencies around its Middle School Success focus and the strategies that support it — Strong Neighborhoods and Early Childhood Literacy.

It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise. Parents should reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library creates children's libraries in countless homes across Ogle County.

The seeds of success in life are planted at birth. While experiences and obstacles, developed relationships, and community support are all vital for an individual to be successful, there’s a very simple addition to life that can significantly improve one’s chances of being happy and healthy: books.