Social Emotional Learning

See Below Coping with COVID-19 and Community Resources.

Contact me at seodom@jeffcoschools.us

My social work career began in 2001, wherein I gained experience in family counseling, foster care, school social work, and restorative practices. After entering the school system as a school social worker in 2015, I discovered that I could reach students and families in the most effective manner. Supporting students so they may thrive socially, emotionally and academically, is both a privilege and a pleasure!

On a personal note, I enjoy mountain hiking, trail running, overseas travel, and volunteer for several organizations including the scouts. During summer breaks, I find time to read, create, horseback riding, and aspire to play the ukulele.

Food & Nutrition Services

Grab & Go Meals Info: Under the current stay-at-home order, meal pick-up is allowed.

To better serve the Jeffco community and to accommodate the large numbers of meals we are serving, we are moving some of our grab-and-go meal sites.

All site location changes will be effective Monday, April 13, 2020.

• Each MWF, 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts will be provided
• Meals will be provided at curbside location through car trunk, car window, or by walk-up
• Parents or other caregivers may pick up meals for children who are not present. We will ask for and write down names of children who are not present to receive meals.
• Meals are available at no cost to all children ages 1-18yrs old.
• Please do not come to the sites if you are sick.

FOOD SERVICE LOCATIONS

Grab and Go Meals

Anyone 18 and younger

Food Pickup:

Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30a - 1p

Alameda High

Arvada High

Bear Creek High

Columbine High

Dunstan Middle

Jefferson Jr/Sr High

Lakewood High (starts Mon, 4/13)

Pomona High

Wayne Carle Middle

Golden High

West Jefferson Elementary

Wheat Ridge High

Visit this webpage for updated information about district meal services.

Coping with COVID-19. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for families. Fear about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults, teens and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and our community stronger.

Everyone reacts differently to stress. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include

• Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
• Children and teens
• People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
• People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call

• 911
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSAexternal icon) website.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Reduce stress in yourself and others by Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful..

When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them. Learn more about taking care of your emotional health.

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope. This information was provided by the Center for Disease Control.

March 13, 2020.

Dear Jefferson Families,

We understand that the school closure can cause a strain on families and that access to food resources may be needed. We are providing you with a comprehensive list of food resources that you may be able to access while the school is closed. If you are in need of other resources please contact the Human Services Department of the county that you reside in.

13 de marzo, 2020.

Queridas Familias de Jefferson,

Entendemos que el cierre de la escuela puede causar tensión en las familias y que el acceso a los recursos alimenticios pueda ser necesario. Le proporcionamos una lista completa de recursos alimenticios a los que puede acceder mientras la escuela está cerrada. Si necesita otros recursos, comuníquese con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos del condado en el que usted vive.

Action Center: Jefferson County residents only 303-237-7704 8745 West 14th Avenue Lakewood, CO 80215

Advent Lutheran Church: Arvada/Westminster residents only/Tues. & Thurs. 10:00 to 12:00 303-428-7501, 7979 Meade Street Westminster, CO 80030

Agape Christian Church: Fridays 11:00-1:00p.m. 303-296-2454, 2501 California Street Denver, CO 80205

Community Table: North Jefferson County 303-424-6685 8555, West 57th Avenue Arvada, CO 80002

Aurora Interfaith Community Services: By appointment only 303-360-0260

Calvary Food Shelf: Golden Residents Only/ Once a Month 303-279-2188 1320 Arapahoe Street Golden, CO 80401

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: 303-831-7010

Christ’s Body Ministries: 303-860-1272, 850 North Lincoln Avenue Denver, CO 80203

Church in the City: 303-322-5733, 1580 Gaylord Street Denver, CO 80206

City Harvest Food Bank (VOA): 303-297-0408 2620, Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205

Colorado Health Network: Must Apply First 303-837-1501

Community Food Share: Boulder & Broomfield County Residents Only 303-652-3663

Community Ministry: Restricted to Zip Codes: 80204, 80219, 80236, 80223, & 80227, 303-935-3428, 1755 S. Zuni Street Denver, CO 80223

David Clifton Ministries: 10-2:00 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri. & 6:30-8:00 p.m. Fridays 303-893-8363, 1533 Glen Ayr Dr., Lakewood, CO 80215

Denver Human Services: 720-944-4347, 1200 Federal Boulevard Denver, CO 80204

Denver Indian Center: 2nd, 3rd, 4th Wed. & Fri. 9-12 and 1-3 p.m./Tribal Registered: 303-936-2688, 4407 Morrison Road, Denver, CO 80219

Denver Inner City Parish: 303-629-0636

FISH of East Denver: 303-234-5283

Emergency Family Assistance Center: 303-442-3042, 1575 Yarmouth Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304

Evergreen Christian Outreach: Mountain area residents only, 303-670-1796, 27640 Highway 74 Evergreen, CO 80439

Faith Mountain Church: 303-980-1683, 12344 West Alameda Pkwy., Lakewood, CO 80228

Family Rescue Ministry: Call First 303-297-1885, 5725 East 39th Avenue Denver, CO 80216

Father Woody’s Haven of Hope: 303-607-0855, 1101 West 7th Avenue Denver, CO 80204

Food Bank of the Rockies: Multiple pick-up sites/Call for Distribution Sites 303-371-9250 10700 East 45th Ave. Denver, CO 80239

Fort Collins Rescue Mission: 970-224-4302 316 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Gateway on Mt. Zion Church: Food Bank on Fridays 12:30-2:30p.m. & 3rd Sunday of the Month 8:45-9:45a.m. 303-670-1319, 306 S. Lookout Mountain Road Golden, CO 80401

Gathering Place Women and Children: 303-321-4198, 1535 North High Street Denver, CO 80218

Greater Park Hill: Community Park Hill Residents Only 303-388-0918 2823 Fairfax Street Denver, CO 80207

Growing Home: Houses The Homeless, Feeds Families, & Cares For Children 303-426-0430 3489 West 72nd Avenue, #110 Westminster, CO 80030

Mother Cabrini: Resources Website https://www.mothercabrinishrine.org/about-us/resources

211 United Way: https://unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1/

Mean Street Ministry: Phone: (303) 232-2500 Address: 1380 Ammons St, Lakewood, CO 8021

United Way 2-1-1

A statewide community resource connecting individuals and families to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more. https://unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1/

Jeffco Action Center

The Jeffco Action Center is the largest Jeffco Community hub and offers five-day food supplies, clothing, household items, mail services, rent assistance, utility assistance, and connections to community outreach partners. Food services are available for drive-thru and walk-up service. Appointments required. 720.215.4850. https://theactioncenter.org/get-help/

Meal Delivery

The Denver Emergency Food Network delivers free, prepared meals to homebound families and elderly individuals in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Sign up for meals on the waitlist below. We are usually able to deliver meals 3-7 days after you request them and will text/email when we’re delivering. https://www.denverdelivered.com/

RTD Access-a-Ride

RTD Access-a-Ride is providing grocery delivery service during the COVID crisis to those with disabilities and are eligible for Access-a-Ride services. https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/access-a-ride

Social and emotional learning (SEL) enhances students’ ability to deal effectively and ethically deal with daily tasks and challenges. Jeffco Public Schools has adopted the five core components of social and emotional learning outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making (CASEL, 2017).