It’s time to make plans for going back to school. Our Starbridge educational advocates are hearing from families that they and their children are anxious about going back to school after participating so long in virtual and hybrid learning, due to the COVID pandemic.
Do you need a re-entry plan? This issue is for you and your children!
We hope you and your family enjoy the remainder of the summer and wish you a successful school year.
Best to you and yours,
Maria Schaertel
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Starbridge expert advice for going back to school during COVID |
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Laura Arrington, Starbridge Family and Youth Education Coordinator, offers back to school information and guidance:
We have heard that the percentage of mental health claims nearly doubled in 2020. Children ages 11-17 reported moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms, more than any other group. (Source: New York State School Boards Association 2021 law conference poll, The State of Mental Health in America)
All of our children have lived through unusual, stressful times during this pandemic. For all that we may complain about school-year schedules, the loss of structure and routine – especially for children – made our days more challenging. Maintaining social connections and navigating online learning have been tough. Outside of school, students and families have experienced financial challenges, grief, isolation, and fear.
If any of these ring true for you and your child, please know that you are not alone. School staff understand that the last 18 months have been challenging for everyone. The pandemic has impacted physical and mental health and wellness for nearly everyone. If you feel like you and your family need support, you’ve got options:
- Talk with your child’s pediatrician or your family physician
- Call your child’s school. They may be able to talk with you about a re-entry plan or connect you with practitioners or community organizations.
- Look online for support groups or practitioners. Many mental health supports are now available online or through a tele-medicine model.
What can families do to ensure a smooth re-entry into school?
Learn about your district’s policies and procedures for safe schooling this year. Many districts are publishing their plans for buses, classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, and other areas.
Start a conversation with your child:
- Ask how they feel about going back to school
- Ask what they need
- Listen to their concerns and fears without interruption or judgment. What they are feeling is very real to them, so try not be dismissive. Many parents try to be reassuring: “Everything will be ok.” Children can sense if you don’t really believe it.
- Share as much information as you can in an honest and age-appropriate way.
- Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, but we can find out together.”
Work with your child to get ready:
- Walk or drive by school
- Visit the playground
- Start a getting up routine
- Help them find ways to get together with school friends in a Covid-safe way
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Communication with school is important
At the beginning of any year, especially when your child is moving to a new grade or a new school, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s team to open communication. Make sure your child’s team has your contact info, and you have theirs. This includes the best way to contact them – such as phone or email – as well as what times of day are best.
If you know your child is nervous about the return to school, you may want to let your child’s teacher, school counselor, or grade administrator know. Again, your child is not alone in being uneasy and schools are preparing to help students resume regular school life.
Help the team get to know your child as a person AND as a student. A one- or two-page portfolio about your child can be a great way to introduce your child to their team. Sharing your vision of your child’s future can help them achieve it.
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How to help your teen with back-to-school anxiety during COVID |
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Cleveland Clinic pediatric psychologist Vanessa Jensen, PsyD, ABP, suggests the following:
If your teen has been able to handle things in general, give them some space. But if you’re worried, you can always say things like, ‘You seem a little stressed. You know, I’m around,’ or ‘Have you talked to your friends?’ And if they have talked to their friends, you can always follow up with ‘Well if you want to talk to me, I’m here.’
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Upcoming free Starbridge webinars |
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Dating and Disability
August 26, 2021, 12:00pm until 1:00pm
Dating is complicated at the best of times, but social stigma means dating someone with a disability is rarely discussed. In this session, our panelists ― Dominick Evans, Candace Cunningham, and Michael Patterson ― share their stories and experiences on dating and relationships. Each panelist will bring their own unique perspective on their expectations, dilemmas, surprises and goals about dating and disability.
Each event in our Intersectionality: The Pieces of Me series is FREE
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Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education
September 23, 2021, 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm
OR
September 28, 2021, 12:00pm until 1:00pm
Are you and your child ready for preschool?
Join our expert presenters as we guide you through the transition process from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). We will help you to understand the transition process, be an active member of the transition team, and understand the difference between services in EI and CPSE. You will come away from this workshop with a better understanding of what to expect and how to support your child with a successful transition to preschool.
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