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to support AmeriCorps members’ service in virtual classrooms.

Isabel Barros is the ��ɫ��Ƶ Boston Alumni Board Chair and she served at the Jeremiah E. Burke High School for two years. She works as an adjustment counselor at Somerville Public Schools.��

Dear ��ɫ��Ƶ Boston Community,��

During my time as a ��ɫ��Ƶ AmeriCorps member, the brightest spots in my day��came from the people around me.��From��greeting students with smiles as they arrived at school��to��connecting with my teammates after another powerful day of service, there was always��joy��to be found.��We learned so much about empathy and caring for others that year.��Eight years later and I still get so much joy from connecting with my teammates.��(Shout��out to the Burke!)��

��ɫ��Ƶ was built around the power of people supporting others. Though these are unprecedented times, ��ɫ��Ƶ’s��ability��to bring people together for good has not wavered. While so much is uncertain, and – let’s face it – scary, I am filled with hope when I see how our community has come together.��

From making sure families and children have enough to eat, to checking in on our��older��neighbors, to staying home and doing our part to protect the health and wellbeing of��people more at risk��– the care we have for one another will see us through this time. And we all have a role to play in serving others.��

When schools closed, ��ɫ��Ƶ Boston quickly shifted their service. AmeriCorps members are currently providing academic support in virtual classrooms��–��answering questions,��assisting teachers in planning lessons,��and reviewing assignments. They’re calling families’ homes to check in with students and build connectedness. Students love hearing from them!��

To our ��ɫ��Ƶ AmeriCorps members – we know this isn’t the service you imagined, but I can’t stress enough how your��work��is more important now than ever. Thank you for your flexibility and dedication to leading��with empathy, kindness, and open hearts.��

To our supporters – I invite you to join ��ɫ��Ƶ Boston in celebrating their incredible young leaders, who are helping to ensure that students continue to receive��critical��academic services, coaching, and mentoring in these difficult circumstances.��As part of the , you’ll hear stories from AmeriCorps members, alumni, teachers, and principals��about the impact��our service��has��on students. We are proud of the impact we have in the classroom, and even more proud of the opportunity to support our students when we can’t be in school.��

As someone who works in public schools, I��know the difference a����ɫ��Ƶ AmeriCorps member��can make in��supporting��home learning,��and just��by��being��another caring adult for students to lean on��during this tough and confusing��time. Whether in school or in virtual classrooms, corps members bring joy into learning spaces. They’re a bright spot for students��– just��as����ɫ��Ƶ, and the people who are part of��this community, is��a bright spot for me.��

Yours in Service,��

Isabel Barros��

��ɫ��Ƶ Boston Alum (2011-2012); ��ɫ��Ƶ Boston Alumni Board Chair;����ɫ��Ƶ Boston Board Member��