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Principal’s Corner by Nicky Severtson

 

As our new normal is becoming routine and implementation for distance learning is in week three; we are finding students are both excited and challenged by this time. Our teachers have put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort in creating lessons and using technology to keep students engaged and connected to their learning and with each other. Academics are important, just as is our students’ and families’ emotional health. It is increasingly important to remember we are all facing challenges in the middle of this global pandemic. Our school social workers and school counselors are vital pieces to ensuring that all students and families are supported. They have been reaching out and offering assistance and resources when needed.

We certainly understand this can be a stressful and overwhelming time for anyone. This is a team effort and we are committed to working through it with you. We have compiled some helpful tips to make things a little easier:

Children often take their emotional cues from the adults around them, so it is important to remember to model good self-care for them. This could be as simple as limiting their exposure to the ongoing news broadcasts. The information can be overwhelming for them and difficult to understand.

Acknowledge your child’s feelings, answer their questions and address their concerns. Help your child communicate their feelings and remind them that it’s OK to feel sad, mad, afraid or confused. Remind them that no matter their feelings, it is still important to make good choices.

Take this time to engage in fun activities at home, like building a fort out of blankets, reading together, baking, putting puzzles together, or playing cards or board games. Simply put, just be present and spend time together as a family.

We’re in this together!

Nicky Severtson is the principal at Sibley Elementary School.