Dear Unity Families:

As we all continue to navigate these unusual times I would like to remind you all that, as the school counselor, I am available through email at mcleveland@unityschool.com, or your child may complete this google form and I will follow up with them accordingly. We are currently part of the biggest distance learning implementation in history. We are not homeschooling; we are overseeing distance learning all while some are simultaneously attempting to work from home.

This is uncharted territory for all of us, and there are bound to be a multitude of emotions. Students have learned through my lessons as well as through weekly Lessons in Living classes that there are comfortable and uncomfortable feelings and that they are neither right nor wrong. What matters is what we do with those feelings.

My assumption is that some of the children are beginning to get to the stage of “I hate school.” Understand that this is not a case of them truly hating school. Rather, it is a case of them hating the way in which school is currently taking place. This is normal. The most creative and engaging lessons will not negate the simple fact that our children are missing school. This is not the way they perceive education. They are frustrated. They are missing social interaction. Their worlds have been turned upside down. They are holding so much uncertainty inside and do not fully have the coping skills to express their feelings or manage them. On a Friday afternoon at 2:30 six weeks ago, they were told to pack up and take all their academic things home with them; life since then has not been the same.

When our children use the word hate to describe someone or something, our knee-jerk reaction tends to be, “No, you don’t.” When we tell our children how to feel, their feelings become repressed and can often spill over as sadness or anger in other areas. The best course of action is to address even the harshest of words with empathy. Avoid a response such as, “This is not a choice,” or “Don’t say hate.” Instead, respond with understanding. For example, “I can tell you’re really upset.” A helpful option could be to ask your child to draw or journal how they are feeling; it will allow them to release feelings and give you a better understanding of how they feel. A parent/child journal which is created as a safe place for you and your child to interact, ask questions, express emotions, etc. is something I highly recommend regardless of our current situation.

Social-emotional skills are at the core of all meaningful learning and are key to our overall well-being. I am adding two calendars for students and parents to use if desired. The Caring Connections is used with the permission of Conscious Discipline and is for younger students. The Coping Calendar is used with the permission of Action for Happiness and is for older students.

The point of distance learning is to create structure and normalcy. The goal of distance learning should be to engage kids in learning, to provide connection, and provide a continued sense of normalcy. If I can be of any assistance to your child or your family in creating this, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

In addition, in an effort to address the emotional needs of all of our Unity students I will be joining the Lessons in Living Meets next week and will continue each week as needed. Please be sure to have your child join the Lessons in Living Meet if these conversations can be helpful for them. My intention is to have meaningful conversations with all of our students, and I am confident these conversations will address some of the emotional needs of our Unity family. I am looking forward to seeing many of our children beginning next week. In the meantime, let them cry and give them a hug that says, “I know it’s hard” and kiss away those tears. Many times the answer is simply love and lots of understanding.

All the best,

Mrs. Cleveland