Connection:

The act or state of connecting. The state of being connected: anything that connects; a connecting part; link; bond: association; relationship.

At LPS we are making those contacts a priority by connecting classmates with each other and with school staff as a way of checking on families regularly. If we find that there is a family that we have not heard from, we make a plan and try various methods - text, email, phone calls, social media or a knock on the door - to be sure that a contact is made. Supporting families is our primary role and driving force right now - for all ages.

This week LPS staff has reached out via:

• handwritten letters

• classroom platforms/video

• online meetings

• delivering packets of materials directly to homes

• delivering yard signs to graduates

• lining up to cheer on our seniors as they came to school to pick up their cap and gowns.

Seeing each other, even while wearing masks and distancing, was so valuable and strengthened that feeling of connection.

Each week we will focus on supports for a specific age group. This week our focus is on the elementary years. Here are a few ideas to help support this group both socially and emotionally.

MINDFUL ACTIVITY

Practice this "Mindful Jar" activity and see how your emotions can cloud your thoughts. Practicing mindfulness while focusing on the swirling glitter in the jar will help you focus on one emotion at a time.

During this time of social distance and isolation it is so important to stay connected with others. Please make sure that you and your child are contacting friends and relatives in an effort to “see” the people you care about. Maintaining strong relationships, which is particularly vital during times like these, requires the continual nurturing of communication with each other. Relationships enhance your child’s development and confidence throughout his/her life. Through relationships, children learn how to think, understand, problem solve, persevere, communicate, behave, show emotions and develop social skills.

My family has planned a “game night” every week. We get on Zoom and play a game together - the laughter is so healing, as is seeing that the people we love most are doing alright.

Please join this opportunity for any parent at Leland School to connect.

Kelly France, LMSW, CAADC will be leading this zoom connection opportunity and offering some tips and tricks on how to navigate social distancing. Everyone has their own struggles and their own experiences at this time - those families with enough physical resources are finding themselves emotionally struggling. These feelings are normal as we grieve the loss of control over many areas in our life.

Please grab a cup of tea, coffee or water - find a space where you can get comfortable, and join this zoom for a chance to connect to others and maybe learn a couple ideas of how to navigate this new experience.

You will not need to participate if you don't want to . You can join and learn from others or just check out how virtually meeting together feels for you.

Kelly France is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97731046847?pwd=UENRTXNwV2JOMnE3SG05bkhic01jZz09

Meeting ID: 977 3104 6847
Password: 3HVJGt

MI Parenting Resource is a free, online program meant to support caregivers across the state of Michigan in strengthening their parent-child relationships and gaining new tools for enhancing positive child behaviors. It is available starting May 18, 2020

LPS Staff & the Social Emotional Support Team

Leland Public School

International Baccalaureate World School