Society Hill Dance Academy offering learning pods to students

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As the new school year approaches and the uncertainty of school days still lingers, the Society Hill Dance Academy is reaching out to help families who plan on providing their children an education without sending their kids to school during the pandemic.

Society Hill Dance Academy will host three virtual learning pods at its studio at 1919 E.Passyunk Ave. weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Employees, who go by the title of Virtual Learning Navigators, will assist children in kindergarten through fifth grade and will support students with their daily school assignments as well as creative dance and art activities. Each school day will include a 45-minute dance lesson conducted by an SHDA dance instructor to integrate physical activity into the schedule.

“As a parent, my initial response to virtual homeschooling was a feeling of being overwhelmed,” said Shana Heldorn, owner of Society Hill Dance Academy. “That is why we wanted to create a safe virtual learning environment for children that includes music and the arts in its programming to give parents the peace of mind that they need and kids the enrichment that they are craving.”

The cost of the program is $250 per week. If space is available, different partial-week or partial-day programs may be arranged.

All Virtual Learning Navigators have a college degree and undergone background checks. They all have experience working with elementary-age children and will be in direct communication with each student’s teacher to coordinate the daily lessons. At the end of each day, a summary of daily activities and any additional homework will be sent home to the parents.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, students and teachers will have their temperature taken each time they enter the facility and will be given hand sanitizer upon entry. They must wear a mask at all times while staying socially distanced from other students.

“We are very excited to see EPABID-businesses and artists coming together to support parents with support for virtually educating their children during these challenging times,” said Adam Leiter, executive director of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. “While working on a playful and fun concept to educate the students, it’s very important to create a safe and smart environment that is not only following but exceeding the state and CDC guidelines.”

The Society Hill Dance Academy, which opened in 2002, has undergone extensive renovations in preparation, including the installation of medical-grade High Efficiency Particulate Air filters and eight bathrooms. The two-story studio has over 10,000 square feet of event space. Segmented classrooms with tables and chairs will be available in all three pods. Interaction between the pods will be prohibited.

All students need to bring their own internet device and headset or headphones for focused learning. Interested parties can reach out to Shana Heidorn at info@societyhilldance.com or call 215-574-3574.