ATLANTA — With school back in session, students all over Georgia will be hitting the books while teachers start to pinpoint learning gaps from virtual classes and pandemic breaks.

Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer learned how a local non-profit is stepping up to help students catch up on what they may have missed.

“Academic success, healthy lifestyle, and character and leadership,” said David Jernigan, president of Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Channel 2′s complete guide for back to school 2021 in north Georgia]

Jernigan told Channel 2 that the non-profit is using $2.8 million in education grant money to find new ways to help local students. Statewide, Georgia’s Boys and Girls Clubs are receiving $15 million through Gov. Brian Kemp’s office.

“We’ll be able to hire teachers to be that bridge that gap between our schools and clubs,” he said. “We’ll be able to do additional training with our teachers and staff and make sure they are up on how to support young people academically.”

“And to provide that extra wraparound support that families need right now,” Jernigan added.

BACK 2 SCHOOL

• Back to School 2021: Here’s how to check your county’s vaccination rate
• When does my district return to the classroom?
• How to reduce your child’s COVID-19 risk if they’re too young to be vaccinated

Parents can find that support at the 25 clubs across 11 local counties. The sign up forms can be found here.

Bridging the learning gap is a common goal for school districts.

In Atlanta Public Schools, every child is being evaluated for what some teachers call a “COVID slide.”

Stouffer also spoke with an elementary school principal who is concerned about early reading skills. Researchers are also finding gaps in math skills.

But it is a new year and a new start.

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