It is hard to believe it is already Spring Break - a week when we will get to enjoy a bit of time to rest and recharge. When we started this online learning environment, on March 17th, spring break seemed so far away. We have come a long way from that very first day when students were home logging into classes and completing assignments. Some students struggled, some thrived. Most importantly we hope that your students stayed engaged with their classes and continued their educational journey.

As we head into spring break a couple of reminders:

• Marking Period 3 ends Friday, April 3rd
• Report cards will be viewable on the parent portal on Friday, April 17th
• Classes resume Monday, April 13th

Thank you for always supporting your students during this journey. Please have a restful and peaceful Spring Break. We ALL deserve it!

Stay Healthy, Stay Safe and we will see everyone on April 13th!

If you are noticing that your children seem worried or anxious, you’re not alone. As we end our third week of school closure and a state order to stay-at-home, children may be experiencing increased stress due to uncertainty about the situation, missing their usual routine and interactions with friends, family, and teachers. With constant reporting on COVID-19 on TV and the internet, it is not surprising that many people are feeling unsettled.

Dealing with this uncertainty is difficult for both children and their caregivers. Here are some strategies to help you cope:

• Create and maintain routines. Schedule activities such as schoolwork, physical movement, crafts, and chores throughout the day.
• Be mindful of what children are being exposed to through the internet, television, and personal conversations with others. Too much exposure to the news coverage feeds anxiety and fear in children. It is recommended that children limit their television viewing, and instead encourage them to play games (e.g., board games), draw, journal, and read books.
• Provide support by being present, remaining calm, and assuring them. Let children know it is okay to be nervous, and that you are there to care for and support them.
• Give children factual, age-appropriate information about the potential risks and appropriate preventive measures that are being undertaken.
• Reassure your children that both school and government officials are working carefully to ensure that everyone stays safe

Children may also have questions about what is happening, and how and when this will come to an end.

Below is a link to an article and short video from Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project with some advice on how to answer your child’s questions to help alleviate some of their stress.

Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty How caregivers can answer children’s questions while fostering a sense of safety