Parents

Dear Parents,

Children will have varying responses to having to stay home and quarantine. It is normal for them to feel anxious or scared. Remind them that you are keeping them safe and that they are staying home to make sure that the germs don't spread so we can keep others safe. Below are some

Guidelines for supporting children of different ages:

Here are some things you might say to a child in early childhood:

• "Someone in your class has the Coronavirus. He is feeling sick but is going to be OK. Everyone in your class is going to stay home until _____ to make sure that the germs don't spread and that we all stay safe. I am here to take care of you! It must feel so weird for your class to close suddenly. It's weird for me too. We are going to figure this out together."

• If they feel worried about a teacher or friend, remind them, "We have been doing so many things at school to keep everyone safe- like wearing masks and washing hands. We take care of each other and are doing all of these things to make sure everyone is OK."

For students in lower school, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Acknowledge that everyone has mixed feelings about isolating at home and that it can be challenging for both kids and adults.

• Encourage your child to express their real questions and feelings.

• Help your children come up with some fun things you can do together to make this time special.

• Help your child find ways to connect to their class. Keep in mind that the teacher will continue to teach the class in person and may not have additional time to check in with your child. Encourage your child to find ways to connect to their teacher through writing an email with questions or achievements they have had throughout the day.

• Help your child stay connected to their peers by setting up after homework zoom playdates or scheduling calls with friends.

For students in middle school:

• Acknowledge that everyone has mixed feelings about isolating at home and that it can be challenging for both kids and adults.

• Encourage your child to express their real questions and feelings.

• Your child may be particularly upset about not being able to see and interact with peers. Being social is very important at this age! Try to brainstorm ways that your child will be able to interact with friends - either through zoom or online games. It is ok (and important) to set limits regarding time spent on these mediums, but it’s best to discuss this with your child first and hear their perspective. If they are only able to connect with their friends by using devices, come up with a plan you both feel comfortable with.

• When engaging in distanced learning, many students have trouble organizing themselves to participate in classes and keep track of assignments. At this age, it is helpful to work with your child to create a calendar in a centralized place that directs them to their classes and links and has a space for them to write down their homework and long term assignments. Conversation regarding how to break down their work into smaller chunks and what times of day they can use to complete assignments is also helpful.

• Encourage your child to advocate for themselves. One of the main skills we work on in middle school is helping our students recognize when they need help and identify the best person to reach out to. We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of teachers, homeroom teachers, support staff and administrators who are eager to see your child thrive. If your child encounters an academic or social-emotional roadblock, encourage them to reach out for help. Keep in mind that the teacher will continue to teach the class in person and may not have additional time to check in with your child. Encourage your child to find ways to connect to their teacher through writing an email with questions or achievements they have had throughout the day.

If your child tests positive and is ill from Covid here are some things you can discuss with your child:

Explain what the home will look like, which room they will stay in, who will be taking care of them and some things they can do. Reassure your child that they will be taken care of now just like with any other sickness, with the only difference being that they will be staying away from others in the home. Communicate that they are safe and that they will get better soon.

If another household member tests positive and is ill:

It can be scary for your child to hear that the virus has entered your home and has infected a family member. Reassure your child that the person who is ill is under good care and they will get better soon. Explain what the house will look like, how the person who is ill will be staying away from everyone else to make sure that others don’t get sick. Have your child come up with ways to make the sick family member feel better by drawing them a picture or finding other ways to make their day.

Parents: Make sure to focus on yourself as well and schedule moments in your day for self-care. This is a stressful time for you and your family but remember- in order to take care of others you need to take care of yourself first.

The Guidance Department will reach out to you during the extent of your child's quarantine. If your child is having a difficult time and would benefit from speaking to a member of our Guidance Department before or after we reach out to you please email us.

Warmly,

The Guidance Team

Dear Parents,

We are lucky to be able to keep our school open throughout this difficult time. We have all taken this risk knowing that at some point we may be asked to quarantine. We understand that being asked to quarantine is not easy, but it is a sacrifice we must make to ensure the health of our school community and so that we can continue in person learning.

We ask that you respond sensitively to the family with the positive Covid result. Please be understanding that we are living with a highly contagious virus, no one wants to get sick. Provide support to the family without burdening them with additional questions about the infection. It is highly stressful to have all family members at home while having to navigate work, children's zoom, entertaining younger children and caring for sick family members all at the same time. Please only reach out if you are reaching out to support the family.

Families have shared that the biggest support they received came from friends who sent messages of Refua Shelema, friends who offered to pick up groceries or medications, and friends who dropped off small projects to keep young children occupied.

Having your own child home in quarantine is also very stressful. Make sure to find moments to self care throughout the day.

Find ways to ease your burden by having your groceries delivered home and ordering some take-out on hard to manage nights! Here are some suggestions from parents:

Grocery Delivery

Freddy's - app or call 718 787 1777 X 2

Moishe's - app or website

Jerusalem Glatt - website

Kosher Korner - app or email Yeco492@aol.com

King Tomato Farm-email gsakingtomato@aol.com

Kosher Palace- email orders@kosherpalaceonline.com

Produce 2000- email producemarket2000@gmail.com

Instacart - Website

Uber-Eats for quick dinners

If you continue to struggle or need any additional support our Guidance Department is always just an email away.

Warmly,

The Guidance Team

Dear Parents,

COVID-19 is likely triggering a number of feelings. Worry about the virus, uncertainty about how to manage obligations like work and appointments, and anxiety about how to deal with being homebound with your kids! This is a new situation for all involved and navigating new situations can often feel overwhelming. The Guidance Department has put together some ideas and supports.

Managing the feelings

Parents

• You can expect to feel overwhelmed and anxious this week- recognizing and accepting these feelings can help.

• Try to find pockets of time for self-care and quiet. Designating time each day when children are engaged in independent activities so that you can have time to yourself will go a long way in maintaining your equilibrium. If there is another adult in the house, try to arrange to give each other breaks.

• Use your support system to vent and strategize how to manage the quarantine.

• Make sure to engage in activities that bring you peace and joy.

Kids

• Welcome questions, be open to hearing concerns, and reassure children that they are safe.

• Recognize that all children will react differently and normalize your children’s reactions- let your children know that others experience the same feelings that they are having.

• Be mindful of what children are exposed to by limiting exposure to media coverage, being careful about conversations you have with other adults in front of your children, and sharing developmentally appropriate information.

• Be aware of the impact that your reactions have on your children.

• Try to balance supporting your child and hearing their concerns with encouraging them to think of different things and move on; when we dwell on worries they tend to grow.

• Focus on what children can do to keep themselves safe- they can engage in healthful behaviors (e.g., eating the right foods, practicing good sleep habits, engaging in movement) and make sure to wash their hands throughout the day.

Managing the time

Different families have different needs for structure and routine. You know your family best, so adapt the ideas below to meet your needs.

• Children thrive when they have consistent routines. Anxiety related to quarantine and the virus make routines even more important. Try to develop a schedule for your family and consider posting it in a place that everyone can see. Start by adding the Live Learning schedule and designated times for completing assignments. You can designate specific times for meals, activities, and other routines that typically happen in your home.

• So many of us feel that we don’t get enough time to bond with our children and families. Try to look at this phase as an opportunity to create meaningful memories and experiences. Here are a few ideas of ways to spend meaningful time together. Some ideas include:

  • Make a scavenger hunt- you can involve older children in creating the clues

  • Make lunch fun by creating a top chef competition

  • Bake cookies

  • Play board games

  • Paint with gadgets using forks, cups, potato masher, cars and other cool items

Keeping active

Being at home for days on end can make kids stir crazy! Try to incorporate daily physical activities to keep your kids healthy and entertained. Here are some ideas:

• Create an “obstacle course” in your living room or basement. Here is a fun link for creating one.

• Search YouTube for exercise or yoga videos for kids

• Go outdoors! (As long as you’re maintain safe distance from others)

Getting support

We will host daily “Hangouts” that students can join to connect with peers and guidance staff to speak about what’s on their mind. Hangouts will be posted on the school calendar with the appropriate links to join.

The Guidance Staff will also be available during the following “hotline hours” to speak with students and/ or parents either by video or phone. Please email staff members directly to reserve time to speak. Additional times can be reserved as needed.

Marge Slobetz: by appointment (mslobetz@barkaionline.org)

Dr. Renee Krochek: 2:00-3:00 (rkrochek@barkaionline.org)

Lee Glaser: 4:00-5:00 (lglaser@barkaionline.org)

Dr. Simone Hidary: 1:15-2:15 (shidary@barkaionline.org)

Please feel free to reach out to us if we can be of any help.

Sincerely,

The Guidance Department