LEARNING

Nationwide, community members are protesting the teaching of social-emotional learning – largely because conservatives have linked it with another flashpoint in public education: critical race theory.

The move to Western equipment is increasingly important as Ukraine runs low on Soviet-era arms.

Phone lines at many of the city’s Catholic schools were jammed with calls this week from weary parents inquiring how to enroll their children.

It’s about being better parents, partners and humans when we aren’t compelled to go hide in the bathroom for a little peace.

“This is the kind of area we live in, so you can imagine that you’re always going to feel protective of your children.” As schools reopen across the country, Black students have been less likely than white students to enroll in in-person learning — a trend attributed to factors including concerns about the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on communities of color, a lack of trust that their schools are equipped to keep children safe, and the large numbers of students of color in urban districts that have been slower to reopen classrooms. “Now that they’re home, we feel safer,” said Johnson, who was keeping her two young daughters home despite options being made available for in-person learning.

Meanwhile, days after threatening to roll back restrictions on Chicago businesses if COVID-19 cases continue to spike, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday by imposed a 10 p.m. curfew on all nonessential city businesses. —Karen Ann Cullotta4:31 p.m.: On the worst day of the pandemic, the US reported 75,687 new COVID-19 cases. Remote learning has been a challenging adjustment for many students, teachers and parents since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March. —Christen A. Johnson2:01 p.m.: Chicago-area grocers stock up to ward off shortages as COVID-19 cases rise. The announcement comes as Pritzker and state health officials warned of increasing COVID-19 positivity rates and hospital admissions across the state.

Parents, if you’re looking for something new, different and interesting for your kids, the National Hurricane Center has put together webinars for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. During each webinar, students will learn about hurricanes, the hazards that come with them and how to tell people about the storms. And while it is geared toward the three grade levels, others can join in, too. After you submit the registration, the webinar organizer will use it to communicate with you. Do you have out-of-state friends or family who would be interested in the session?