Parents and teachers are getting a voice when it comes to their students and the educational void created by the pandemic.

Sen. Bob Menendez was at Kearny High School on Monday to discuss how New Jersey can use nearly $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to bring kids back up to speed in the classroom.

Data from the New Jersey Department of Education shows that one-third of students are performing below their grade level in math and language arts. There is a higher rate of learning loss among Black and Hispanic students.

"There was a moment when [my son] did fall behind a little bit. But, with my connections with the teacher, they were able to give me some insight on how I can help him out,” says parent Nicky Rosa.

"When [my son] first went back to school, it was very hard for him. He was behind and I've seen it with his reading. But, we try to work from home and also help him with the virtual learning at home. It was not easy,” says Jennifer Collins Fonseca, president of the Roosevelt Elementary School PTA.

Parents also shared their concerns about social and emotional learning loss.