AHN Teacher Introduces #LightentheLoad Initiative

In late March, math teacher Jessica Lamm along with other AHN teachers like Sister Lisa Perkowski took the initiative to encourage students at home to partake in activities to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lamm encourages students to take pictures of themselves doing these activities and use #lightentheload to spread awareness. 

The first action that students can take is donate blood to their nearest OneBlood location. According to the organization, OneBlood is in dire need of blood donations due to the recent COVID-19 spread. Appointments for blood donation can be made here. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Fw8zQpnvq/

Another action that students can take to #lightentheload is to donate old electronic devices. Because of the recent shut down of schools due to COVID-19, public schools have announced the transition to online learning for their students in the coming weeks. However, there are many public school students who do not have a device to access their classwork.

“I wanted to bring #lightentheload to Academy in so many ways, but with the timing of the Caronavirus situation and the content of my Computer Science Principles Classes first semester – the digital divide was something that could not be ignored.  As schools around the US go to online learning, they are doing so without the real consideration of the many students who do not have access to technology.  It is such a norm that we all take for granted that many did not even think it was a problem.  But the considerable amount of students with no device tells otherwise,” said Lamm.

Lamm is working in partnership with sophomore Maria Alvarez and AHN Alum Julie Scardino to collect devices for Egypt Lake Elementary school and other schools in the area.  Lamm encourages AHN students to drop off old and unlocked tablets, ipads, laptops, etc. and their charging cords to the AHN lobby for donation. Students should put the device in a plastic bag with their name written on it and drop it off in the device box. 

Lastly, students can sew a medical mask from their old Rose Project shirts in order to support healthcare workers because of supply shortages due to the COVID-19 spread. The AB Mask pattern is designed to cover the N95 mask, to help extend its usage. Students can download AB masks patterns and sew them at home. There are sewing machines available that students can borrow and those interested can contact Sister Lisa directly. Collection for the masks will be in the AHN lobby and the masks will be delivered to St. Jude’s All Children’s hospital and other hospitals in the area.

Thanks to Sister Lisa @holynamestpa, her virtual sewing lessons have students, faculty, alums & staff sewing away at home making much-needed fabric mask covers out of t-shirts for the medical community! The 100’s of mask covers will be donated to @TGHCares & @StJude.
#ShareTBLV pic.twitter.com/eLVzfjODgn

— Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee (@TampaBayLV) March 27, 2020

Students are encouraged to post photos of themselves #lighteningtheload on social media. For now, collections for all items will be in the front lobby of AHN.