Dear Parents,
The following plans are intended to serve as a transition from summer leisure to a school routine. Plans prepared for the weeks of August 17 and 24th focus on themed activities for different subject areas. While the activities follow the same theme, they can be completed in isolation. Your child can pick and choose from activities based on their interests.
Plans prepared for the week of September 3rd are designed not only to prepare your child for academic activities as the school year starts but also to prepare them for returning to a school setting that looks different than it did. Activities focus on addressing changes in the school, guidelines for students to follow, and feelings students might have about this new school year. As your child engages in the activities, pay particular attention to their reactions. It is important to be available to talk to your child about any concerns or stresses they might have coming into this new school year and to frame the conversation in a positive way. Validate your child’s concerns and worries but also present them with information and positivity to help their thinking. For example, your child may be concerned about wearing a mask. You can agree that wearing a mask can be challenging but then follow up with why masks are important and fun things you can do even with a mask on.
The following link provides resources for parents to help prepare their child to go back to school as well as identify potential stressors, how to talk to your child, and how to provide mental health support for your family during this difficult time.
There are also many e-books available for free to download or to read online with your child. These books address information about COVID-19, staying at home, and feelings one might have about the pandemic
https://nycdoe.libguides.com/COVID-19ebooks/free
During this time, both children and parents are undoubtedly feeling the strain from the uncertainties of COVID-19. We must continue to stay positive, put our trust in God, and work to make our schools the safest places for our children. We are looking forward to opening our doors and finally being able to greet (from 6 feet away, of course) our students and families.