As more and more school work moves online or even to homeschooling, we may never know the true impact on student learning.

What You Need To Know

  • A growing number of students across the region are either taking classes online or are being home schooled

  • Depauville Free Library is offering in-person tutoring to help students learning from home

  • The Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting donations to keep the tutoring program going strong

One North Country library is trying to help bridge that gap, but is now asking for your help to make it happen.

In any other year, Keith Hartle would be sitting in his regular seventh grade class at LaFargeville Central.

Of course, this year is anything but regular. Instead, Keith is being homeschooled. It's not easy.

"It's very, it's making everyone a little stressed out right now," he said of 2020 schooling. “Nobody can really focus on the good stuff in life."

That's why Keith is so thankful for this place: the small Depauville Free Library. During the pandemic, it has hosted tutoring sessions for students who may not be able to go to their actual school each day.

"Without it, you kind of struggle to get everything done and do it right," Hartle said of the tutoring.

The tutor is long-time, local teacher and administrator Anita James. There's currently about a dozen students taking part and a second tutor will soon be added.

"I try to provide some of that catch up service to them. I try to make them feel like they can get it done, they can learn it. It might take them a little longer, but that's what we work on," James said.

So, to ensure kids like Keith Hartle can stay on track, the program needs help. For every dollar donated by the public, up to $2,000 for the purchase of a tablet or two and other key supplies, the Northern New York Community Foundation has offered to match it.

You can make your donation through the NNYCF at www.NNYCF.org