Dear Parents,
We hope you are enjoying your summer. We are excited to welcome your children back to school!
In planning for your child's transition back to school, it would be helpful for you to start talking with them about their feelings about coming back to the building, the wearing of masks, washing hands, and social distancing. We want to help you as much as possible with this, and have attached articles, videos, and book suggestions below on how to do these things in a way that we hope will feel comfortable, as well as foster feelings of safety for your children and for you.
We will be available on September 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th should you need assistance. Please email Mrs. O'Connell or myself if you wish to schedule a time to speak with us on any of the dates above.
Looking forward to working together with you to make this a great school year for your children.
Warmly, Dr. Sarah Rubin, Mrs. Gillian O'Connell and Dr. Jenn Woods
We realize that this is an extensive list and do not want to overwhelm everyone, but we want you to have options. While you may find that there are some similar themes, each is quite useful. If you read or peruse an article, share one video with your child, and try a picture book or social story, then you have accomplished so much.
VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npXP5wqNzaI —better for older learners. Video explaining the importance of masks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk —video social story; modeling how to use a mask —nice video modeling for our younger learners. Who doesn't like Elmo?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdj9JeluBhA —Interesting to hear kids talk about wearing masks. Relatable material
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-wWz_SUyb4 —another video for younger learners involving a professional from Langone Medical and a puppet, on mask wearing.
BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/Smiling-Ear-Wearing-Masks-Having/dp/1735299707 —great for younger children or anyone who likes to cozy up with a picture book.
ARTICLES Here are some very informative reads:
—some of the information we have heard regarding the importance of wearing masks. —speaks to different age groups across grade levels. https://drdarria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/KidsMask-Wearing-1.pdf —great article and well organized content. —great information that is like the previous article but a bit more concise.
https://childmind.org/backtoschool/ —covers so much and concisely —coping with Covid is hard on our youngsters. This guide explores that issue. https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/preparing-kids-school-covid-19/ —excellent information from professionals at Boston Hospital.
RE ENTRY GUIDE http://www.nyasp.org/resources/ParentRe-EntryGuide2020-2021.pdf —lengthy and only for those who want to delve a little deeper. Not a must read! Pins https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180284791321821889/ —Pinterest can be helpful for those of us creative at heart! Nice connection to special education. SOCIAL STORIES —great for our younger learners and children with special needs.
…And last but not least, a great link that we read in the NY Times regarding a TV show on PBS called "Camp TV". There is still a few weeks of summer left, and we thought it would be helpful for you to see this as a way to fill the day a bit! Here it is as extracted from the Times: Most summer camps, virtual and otherwise, are winding down now. But children who never enrolled — or just want an encore — can attend " Camp TV" Before you recoil at those last two letters, let me cite three more: PBS This television series has not only public broadcasting's bona fides, but also a mission to help prepare campers ages 5-10 for school. Originally shown from July 13 to Aug. 7, "Camp TV" is still airing weekdays on some PBS stations. (Check local listings.) And you can stream all 20 episodes free on the show's website. Hosted by the actor Zachary Noah Piser ("Dear Evan Hansen"), who plays the head counselor, the hourlong installments needn't be viewed in order. With a theme like "Crazy Hats Day" or "Pets Day," each offers movement, performance, whimsical math exercises (e.g., making a graph of your stuffed animals), a storybook reading, science projects and crafts. The WNET Group, the parent company of several New York and New Jersey PBS stations, created "Camp TV," which includes appearances by artists and teachers from institutions like Lincoln Center the New Victory Theater and Liberty Science Center It also features the Memphis Zoo in its "Going Wild" segments, which highlight live animals. Who knew that female rose-hair tarantulas could live into their 20s? (Sorry, Charlotte, you were just the wrong species.)
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