Staff-Guidance

Dear Teachers,

For many of us, this is an overwhelming time. Learning new technologies, figuring out how to teach remotely, and adjusting learning goals in this unchartered territory is stressful. Compounding these struggles are the pressures of feeling anxious about the virus and for many, simultaneously managing homebound children. The Guidance Department is here to support you and your students. If you’re concerned about a student or feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to us. This is a new situation for all involved and navigating new situations can often feel overwhelming. The following is some guidance and support that we are offering:

Taking Care of Yourself

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

• It is so important to engage in self-care. Part of that means being self-compassionate and relaxing your expectations- allow yourself to be more flexible in terms of your expectations for yourselves and your students. For example, for some, having children in the background will be unavoidable. Just do your best and allow yourself to be vulnerable and human.

• Try to find pockets of time for self-care and quiet. For parents, 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.

Supporting your Students

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

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

• Be mindful about sharing developmentally appropriate information.

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

• Try to balance supporting your student 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.

• Reach out to the Guidance Department if you are concerned about a student. We will be hosting daily “hangouts” for students based on the age groups as well as hotline hours for parents and students.

The Guidance Department will host teacher chats via Zoom as follows:

• All teachers- Mondays @ 8:00pm-8:30pm with Renee

• Lower School teachers- Thursdays @ 8:00pm-8:30pm with Lee

• Middle School teachers- Tuesdays @ 8:00pm-8:30pm with Simone

Also, please feel free to reach out to any of us if you would like to arrange time to chat privately.

Sincerely,

The Guidance Department