Families & Students
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School Safety and Mental Health
As families help facilitate learning, while regularly addressing their students’ emotional and mental health needs, there are challenges and opportunities the COVID-19 pandemic presents. Families may be experiencing physical and mental health challenges within their family or community, all while dealing with new work-related situations, child rearing, and supporting their child in a virtual learning environment.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) focused activities, articles and books for families to share with children at home can be found on the web page SEL for Parents, Guardians, and Families. Supporting students’ social and emotional development during this time can help to build and strengthen resilience. Likewise, encouraging children to stay active, exercise, and spend time outdoors can benefit physical and mental health.
To support parents and caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, DPI has created A Focus on Mental Health and Wellness resource focused on four areas:
- General Mental Health and Wellness
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness
- Parent, Caregiver, and Educator Mental Health and Wellness
- Positive Parenting and Safe Home Environment
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home offers practical ideas and resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Returning to School Health Resources
The Student Services, Prevention and Wellness (SSPW) team may also serve as a resource for parents and caregivers regarding mental health and wellness. You may contact the SSPW team at [email protected] or (608) 266-8960.