Hi Tuscan Family!
When reflecting on the challenges your kids are experiencing, have you ever thought to yourself “What can I say to make this better?”
Sometimes, it feels impossible to know and understand what we can say to best support our children in their time of need. While we can offer advice, sometimes, the best way to be supportive is to listen. Listening is a powerful tool in helping our children to feel like they are heard and understood. This is a strong social-emotional skill based in creating a safe, open environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their thoughts, both positive and negative. The impact of simply listening, followed by a supportive gesture (like a hug), holds more power than you might think.
How can we introduce this concept to our children? Below is a read-along video of one of my favorite books, The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld that reinforces the power of listening. Watch this video with your children, and create a routine of checking-in with them. Some ideas to get you started:
· When sharing a meal, have everyone (grown-ups included!) share one good part of their day and one challenging part of their day.
When you see your child struggling with a difficult feeling, offer support by simply being with them. Your physical presence with them is already comforting. Reinforce that you are available to listen when they are ready to talk. Sometimes silence can feel awkward, but can lead to powerful conversations.
Ms. Buggy
Tuscan School Social Worker
MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL NURSES: PROCEDURE FOR CONTACT TRACING IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
The SOMSD school nurses developed a chart to summarize the response to COVID+ activity in the school community and to provide clarification on school notification procedures.
When a SOMSD staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, it is the responsibility of that staff member or the parent of the student to notify the principal who notifies the superintendent. The respective local Department of Health (DOH) – South Orange or Maplewood - will be notified immediately. The local DOH, who receives the actual lab report, conducts Contact Tracing. Based on the circumstances of each case, the local DOH provides the District with guidance as to the appropriate and timely notification of staff and families of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality.
Click here to view the "NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY PROCEDURE" document
TUSCAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood
Email: ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/tuscan/
Location: 25 Harvard Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-5221