Over the next few weeks, our Kaneland students will be returning to in-person learning 5 days a week for the first time in nearly a year for all those families and students choosing to return. Remote students that have chosen the remote learn structure will remain remote students. While many students and families have long waited and are excited for this day to come, it does not necessarily come without anxiety. In many ways, this return will be like the start of a new school year when it is natural for all children to have some butterflies about all the new experiences that lie ahead. We should expect that children will be experiencing increased anxiety about going back into the classroom every day.
Please know that KST is in a good place and does not anticipate any need for students to change classes or teachers. As a staff, we will work to make this transition as smooth as possible, but of course, it will take support from families as well.
Important Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, March 24th - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Planning Day
Thursday, March 25th - Friday, March 26th - Mrs. Aversa will reach out to families who have chosen a different learning structure.
Monday, March 29th - Friday, April 2nd - SPRING BREAK
Monday, April 5th - School Improvement Day (No Student Attendance)
Tuesday, April 6th - Asynchronous Learning (please note the change from the originally scheduled date on 4/7)
Wednesday, April 7th - First Day ALL In-Person Learning and Remote Students Resume.
Here are some ideas for parents to help ease their children's anxiety with this transition.
Stay Informed
Maintain Open Communication
Let your children know that it is normal to feel anxious in new situations. Remind them of times they have started something new and overcome fears in the past. Emphasize that learning to adapt to changes leads to a growth mindset, greater confidence, and resiliency.
Review Safety Procedures
You cannot guarantee that your children will not get ill, but you can express confidence that schools have done months of planning to minimize risk and keep everyone safe. Assure your children that all reasonable safety precautions are being taken and they can do their part by following safety protocols. Review the safety protocols that you know are in place at their school.
Demonstrate an Optimistic Outlook
Model a growth mindset by recognizing that we all have the capacity to change, grow, and develop. When children see growth mindsets in action around them, they are much more likely to internalize and apply this way of thinking for themselves.
Reframing events and circumstances into a more favorable view goes a long way in promoting a more hopeful outlook. It is not always easy to do, but it is mentally healthier for us to look at all we have learned and overcome from the past year, rather than focus on all that we may have lost.
Let your children know that it is natural to be a little nervous anytime we start something new, but that they will be fine once they become familiar with their classmates, teachers, and school routines.
Model Positive Coping and Problem-Solving Skills
Children naturally learn through observing others in their environment. Demonstrate coping and problem-solving behavior whenever you can. While children learn through observing actions, they need to observe the language in use too. A great way to do this is to verbalize the steps you are taking to handle a problem of your own...and when a problem is still not easily fixed, let them see how you respond to that disappointment in a healthy way.
If the first few days upon returning to school are a little challenging, try not to overreact. Young children, in particular, may experience separation anxiety or shyness initially, but teachers are trained to help them adjust. If you drop them off, try not to linger. Reassure your children that you love them, will think of them during the day, and will be back. Remain calm and positive.
Reinforce Children's Ability to Cope
Remain Flexible
Establish Your New Routine
Reestablish Connections
Find ways to get your children reacquainted with peers they may not have interacted with in some time. Arrange a time for your children to get together with some of their classmates, virtually or safely in person, before in-person learning starts to help them re-establish positive social relationships.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Know that Resources are Available
Although it is normal and expected that your children will be experiencing a greater amount of anxiety during this time of transition, it can be helpful to reassure them that anxiety is an adaptive measure to help protect ourselves against perceived danger. It helps us make good decisions and remember to do things such as washing our hands, wearing a mask, and being conscious of maintaining social distance to help keep all of us healthy.
If your children experience anxiety from transitioning to in-person learning that they are struggling to cope with, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Besides the classroom teacher, many other support staff at school are available to assist including the school psychologist or school social worker.
