Hospital School Helps Kids Stay Engaged in Education

When a child becomes ill, families have a new set of issues to deal with. Some Pediatric Hematology and Oncology parents have had questions and concerns about their child attending school while hospitalized.

 

Marianne Tripp, our Hospital School teacher, has seen many parents face this issue in the 30 years she has worked in the children's hospital. In addition to teaching children in kindergarten through 12th grade, Marianne advocates for children who need modification in school work, credit attainment and grade advancement.

 

Her best advice is to not put school on the "back burner" when a child is ill or hospitalized. When school and education are discounted, children and teens may fear they will not have a productive future. There are additional benefits in the feelings of independence, the joy of learning, building an identity, normalizing the environment and socializing with peers.

 

The American Family Children's Hospital's Hospital School is open from 9am-noon and from 1-3pm, following the Madison Metropolitan School District schedule. Marianne can be contacted at (608) 890-8211.

 

 Watch a Video Tour of the Hospital School