During times of uncertainty, it is important to provide students with developmentally appropriate information & wellness/self-care activities that allow them to understand what is happening, and to help them stay calm. The links below were created to provide guidance and resources for students and families. You may also contact our school counselors. Links to counselor contact information and websites are below.

Activities for Elementary Parents & Families

Activities for Middle/High School Parents & Families

Talking With Your Elementary Child About School Closures

Elementary students may have questions about the future or be experiencing uncertainty about virtual learning. If you notice that you are feeling anxious or worried, that may not be the time to address your child. Take some time to address your own feelings before discussing with your child.

You can help create a calming environment by:

Limiting your child’s exposure to the media (news stations, social media, radio).
Talking with your child in a calm and neutral voice.
Acknowledging your child’s fears and answering questions without providing overwhelming information.
Click here for more information on talking to your child about CoronaVirus.

Managing Emotions

Cope with stress by looking for the positive. Keep your mind busy from worries and do something fun!

Enjoy some family time (movie nights, board games, puzzles, cards, etc.)
Move your body.
Clear your mind (yoga, guided meditations, calming music)
Draw, write, color, paint and create!
Practice kindness (write thank you notes to community helpers, make a gratitude list, give compliments).
Video chats, calls and messages with friends and family.
Read a book.
Cook or bake a fun recipe.
Have an indoor picnic.
Have an at home spa day or self care day.

Talking With Your Teen About COVID-19

Middle or high school students have probably had conversations with their peers and teachers. They might have fears about what this will mean for their own health, schooling, schedule or safety.

You can provide your child support by:

Addressing questions they may have. It is important to keep the conversation going and discuss the situation with them if they are interested.
Acknowledging any worry, anxiety or fear they have and remind them that these feelings are normal. Offer comfort and honesty.
Helping to guide your child’s worry into things they can control – like learning more about how to prevent the spread of the virus (washing hands, getting lots of sleep), engaging in mindfulness activities, and concentrating on making concrete plans of what their daily schedule might look like.
Asking your child questions and being ready to listen. Speak calmly and reassuringly. Give your child space to share their fears.
Discouraging humor to discuss the topic. Humor can be a way to help teens cope, but discourage this as the only way to talk about the virus.
Sticking to the facts in your conversations and talk to your teens about what they see on TV or read online. Point them towards reliable sources of information like the CDC website or VC Emergency.