For more information, contact:
Madison Area YMCA
Marketing & Communications Department lcozewith@madisonymca.org  

For Immediate Release  

 Kirby Virtual Learning Program Enhances Digital Education Resources through Special Funding 

Caption: Pictured is Arjan Jain, age 5 from Summit, using a Fire HD 10 tablet and HD headphone set for virtual learning at the Madison Area YMCA.  

(Madison, NJ) November 13, 2020 – School-age students participating in the Madison Area YMCA’s Virtual Learning Support Program now utilize brand new state-of-the-art technology and electronic devices to assist with their remote studies. As a non-public school, and nonprofit organization, the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA was eligible to receive nearly $7,000 for digital purchases to support the needs of its school-age students.  

These funds were made available through the Madison Board of Education, and went to the purchase of smart speakers, Chromebooks, Kindles and iPads for Kirby students in kindergarten through grade 5. Students have begun to use these devices and expand their virtual participation in their district’s academic programs including remote learning. By displaying these academic sessions on larger, interactive screens, the Kirby Center hopes its students will remain engaged and excited. 

Kirby School Age Director Katie Koontz is excited about the possibilities available for her students and said, “Our ability to acquire these new resources ensures that we maintain a high level of academic virtual support. Our students are working hard in their studies and these new devices help us provide a higher level of assistance”.  

To meet the needs of the school-age students and their families, the Virtual Support program continues to adapt to schedule changes in the local school districts. With the help of skilled Y staff, the program is equipped for pivotal change should the districts alter their schedules for increased virtual learning. 

The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA provides a highly supportive environment for its students and offers early childhood care and education for ages 6 weeks through grade 5. Interested in enrollment? Select classroom opportunities are available. Please email Director of Child Care Services Karen Fusco at KFusco@madisonymca.org. Be sure to view a virtual tour of the Kirby Center at www.madisonareaymca.org/childcare-education.  

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