It appears that you will be shopping for face masks along with your backpacks and pencil pouches this year. Parents and teachers are wondering how to approach this coming school year. Back to School is always a time of anticipation, but with the resurgence of COVID-19 over the summer, it is taken to a completely new level of ANXIETY and WORRY. You are rightfully concerned with what the coming school year will look like. The end of the 2020 school year was chaotic for all schools and families leaving our most vulnerable children in a state of shock.
While the initial scramble to transition to an online model for education has passed with many lessons learned, there is now a new and realistic concern settling in for what the coming school year will look like. Whether your school has decided to go with an in-person, online, or hybrid model, it is clear that school will look and feel very different this year.
On the surface, we have heard parents’ concern for their child’s and family's health. Teachers express a concern for their personal health and the added stress to meet their students’ academic needs with so many new obstacles in the way. The uncertainty is a constant stressors for parents, students, and educators.
Under the surface, there is a growing concern for the secondary trauma that children and teachers endure daily when they enter a school with the new restrictions added to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the back of their minds will be the concern of contracting the virus, having a negative impact on even the ‘toughest’ of us.
Socialization is an integral part of the school experience for lower elementary aged students (K-2). What will this look like with social distancing and limited contact with their peers? How will students with special needs access their education in this new format? Is it better to home-school my child for the year, and take more personal control of my family’s health and child’s education? The list of questions goes on. I would love to be able to give you the answer(s). Ultimately, you have to make the best decision for your child’s education and family’s health. This doesn't lessen the anxiety caused by not knowing what the school year will hold and how to best limit the lasting impact on your child emotionally and academically.
Over the past 5 years, Hopkins has focused on the academic growth of students while addressing their social emotional growth through mindfulness. We believe this approach has become even more valuable today, as students of all ages (K-12+) have to manage added levels of stress. By carefully navigating through the challenges of the current landscape, we have the chance to develop resilience in children. At Hopkins Education Services we are supporting parents in navigating the changes to their new educational model. Whether it is chosen or thrust upon you, our education coaches can provide mentor-ship and guidance to ensure your child continues to learn. Knowledge is Power. Here are some great options to get your started:
If your are lost and need help...
At Hopkins Education Services we offer a variety of services for families that have chosen to home-school and need auxiliary support, children who are in class and need one-on-one tutoring, and parent groups to develop compassion resilience so you can be your best and provide the best care.
Contact us to discuss how our Hopkins Education Coaches can help you navigate the unknowns of Back to School this year. After a short survey and online interview we will offer solutions for your unique situation. www.HopkinsEducationServices.com
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