New Hazelton Elementary School

The staff and I are thinking of you all at this time. Friendly reminder to stay safe and healthy by practicing social distancing, washing your hands constantly and staying home/ in isolation as much as possible.

The teaching staff are in training this week and next week learning how to teach and conduct lessons online. Your child’s teacher will be making personal calls home to touch base with you and your child prior to Easter.

The support staff are calling homes to check in and to ask questions about your access to technology and to verify that your contact information is up to date.

Thank you for being patient while we navigate through these unknown times.

With respect to student supplies, etc. we will be working on a plan which we will notify you. At this time all families are asked not to come to the school until further notice.

In the meantime, there are many exciting and engaging websites for children and Apps (many free) that you could download to let your child use.

We wish all our families the best – reach out to others by calling and/or practicing social distancing – We are all in this together! As a community, we are going to be strong, patient and gentle with one another.

Blessings

Ms. Campbell

During this time, it is understandable for children to have questions or express concern about the COVID-19 virus.  As parents, teachers or caregivers, it is important to stay informed and communicate in age-appropriate ways that address children’s questions and helps them take steps to keep themselves and others healthy.

Here are some tips and resources to help:

• Don’t be afraid to talk about it: Convey the facts and set an emotionally reassuring tone.
• Be age-appropriate: Teens can process and handle a higher level of detail than five year olds. Focus on answering your child/student’s questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly; it’s okay if you can’t answer everything.
• Follow their lead: Invite your child or student to ask questions and share their perspective: Invite them to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus and express how they feel.
• Check yourself: Feeling anxious?  Take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child’s questions.
• Focus on actions you can take: Emphasize safety precautions everyone can take to help keep themselves and others healthy: good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, social distancing and staying home if you aren’t feeling well.
• Stick to routine: Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.
• Keep talking: Tell kids/students you will keep them updated as you learn more.  Let them know the lines of communication are going to be open and as you learn more, you will share the information with them, too.

Resources:

• BCCDC Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 for Children and Students
• BCCDC COVID 19: Recommendations for Students, Parents and Guardians