PED NEWS RELEASE

 The Public Education Department today launched a Quarantine Response Hotline to provide on-demand technical support and homework help to students who are missing school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 The hotline, 800-805-1192, is available to quarantined and self-isolating K-12 students in districts and charter schools participating in ENGAGE New Mexico, a Public Education Department program created early in the pandemic to help keep students engaged in learning.

 “As the pandemic evolves, we have to pivot again and again to embrace new strategies,” said Public Education Secretary (Designate) Kurt Steinhaus. “A year ago, that meant remote learning. In the current Omicron surge, we have a lot of students missing class because they’re required to isolate or quarantine. Last year’s remote-learning options aren’t always available, so offering this homework hotline is another pivot to meet student needs.”

 Eligible students can call the hotline between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday to get connected to an academic success coach provided by the Graduation Alliance, the Public Education Department’s ENGAGE New Mexico partner. Video chats are also available to students needing more in-depth assistance, and callers can choose to receive help in English or Spanish.

 Students who are missing school due to the COVID-19 pandemic do not have to be referred to the ENGAGE New Mexico program for ongoing support to get help from the hotline, and there is  no cost to students, districts or charter schools.

 The Public Education Department partnered with Graduation Alliance in spring 2020 to provide individual academic coaches for students in grades K-12 and their families who might be struggling amid remote learning. In its first year, ENGAGE New Mexico provided more than 11,000 “interventions” – the program’s term for student coaching sessions.

Find out here if your district or state-chartered school is participating in ENGAGE New Mexico.