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No. 2 Vol. 11
www.thewestorangenews.com
November 2016
Local Kindergartener Thrives With Help From His Robot
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By Nicole Greco ike all kindergarteners, Henry Chang is practicing his letters and numbers right along with his classmates. But instead of learning all these lessons in his Mt. Pleasant School classroom in West
Orange, he’s there through a robot. While undergoing cancer treatment at home, Henry uses VGo, a remote-controlled avatar which provides a live two-way video stream. VGo allows users to see, hear, move
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and speak remotely as though they were in there in person. Henry is able to watch his teacher, and he converses with his friends by controlling the four-foot robot from a laptop. The technology is allowing him to stay in school and keep up with his classmates. According to his principal, despite the distance, Henry’s excelling academically and socially. “He’s thriving in kindergarten,” said Principal Julie DiGiacomo, “When Henry is not in class, but present virtually, the children will include him in activities. On a recent visit, I witnessed a child call him over to her table saying ‘Henry come over here’ and Henry moved his robot to the table.” The robot was provided to the Mt. Pleasant School by The Valerie Fund, a Maplewood-based nonprofit which assists children with cancer and blood disorders. While VGo is also used in healthcare settings, allowing doctors to connect with patients in other locations, the implications for success in the classroom compelled The Valerie Fund to help the children they serve return to the classroom. Over the past two years, The Valerie Fund has equipped TES
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20 local students with a VGo, allowing them to interact in classroom discussions, attend school assemblies and share after-school activities. Commenting on the success of The Valerie Fund’s VGo program, Morristown Medical Center- Goryeb Children’s Hospital Educational Liason Joann Spera noted that a robotic telepresence would allow sick and injured students a more well-rounded education. “School districts try to accommodate special needs by providing online courses, in-home tutors, special busing, videoconferencing and more,” said Spera. “These options are limiting since students, particularly in middle school and high school, miss out on the classroom experience continued on page 4
West Orange News Thanksgiving Photo Contest Enter By Nov. 30
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ost a picture of your family gathering around the Thanksgiving table by Nov. 30 and you will be eligible to win tickets to a play at Centenary Stage or a Gift Certificate to a local Restaurant. To enter go to www. mypaperonline.com/contest. Post a picture Vote for your favorite! Winners will be notified Dec. 9th, 2016. For more information and rules please visit: www.mypaperonline.com/contest.