Created by NECSD SEL Team Members: Patricia Lofaro, School Counselor; Carrie Frost, School Social Worker; Susan Barringer, School Counselor; La'Shawn Martinez, School Counselor; Jason Michalek, School Counselor; Michael Regan, Supervisor of Exceptional Learners
In response to recent events regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Newburgh Enlarged City School District has prepared an online toolbox to support students and families in coping with social and environmental stress. The following SEL toolbox contains useful information, tools, and resources to support your children in understanding and managing difficult emotions that may arise during this time, while remaining active and engaged in social emotional learning activities.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19?)
Check out this video to learn more!
This is a time where you might see and hear a lot of information online, in the news, and when talking with family, neighbors and friends.
Not all information you see and hear may be correct-it is important to know the facts.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Coronavirus.
Myth Busters
It is important to remember that people who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19 than other Americans.
Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in.
People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that:
VIRUSES DO NOT TARGET SPECIFIC RACIAL OR ETHNIC GROUPS!
What can I do when I'm feeling worried or stressed?
Kids and adults can feel stress in different ways. Stress can affect not only our feelings, but also our bodies.
Stress is what you feel when you are worried or uncomfortable about something. This worry in your mind can make your body feel bad. You may feel angry, frustrated, scared, or afraid- which can give you a stomachache or a headache.
Watch the video below to learn more about stress.
What is stress?
What is mindfulness?
WILL YOU ACCEPT THE MINDFULNESS CHALLENGE?
Look below and choose AT LEAST 1 helpful tool to use EVERY DAY for the next 3 WEEKS!
WHAT CAN I DO TO TAKE CARE OF MY SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELLNESS?
IN RESPONSE TO A LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19), THE FOLLOWING LIST HAS BEEN CREATED WHICH INCLUDES LINKS TO EDUCATION COMPANIES OFFERING FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR RESOURCES, LESSONS, AND ACTIVITIES!
WHERE CAN I GO AND WHO CAN I CALL WHEN I NEED HELP?
It is natural to have many questions and feelings during emotionally stressful times. Remember to talk with a trusted friend or adult about how you are feeling.
Local and National Help Numbers and Hotlines
1-855-OCLINKS (Orange County Healthcare Agency Helpline)
TEXT "Got5" TO 741741 (NYS COVID-19 Crisis Text Line)
1-844-863-9314 (NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline)
1-800-273-TALK (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-845-391-1000 (Text-4-Teens: A Teen to Teen text support hotline)
1-888-750-2266 (Mobile Mental Health Hotline)
1-877-YOUTHLINE (968-8454) (Teen-to-Teen Counseling Hotline)
1-800-832-1200 (OC Mental Health Association Helpline)
Community Based Organizations & Resources
Access Supports for Living- Walk in Clinic in Newburgh, NY: 845-562-7244
Orange County Department of Mental Health- Child and Family Clinic: 845-568-5260
Cornerstone Family Health Center: 845-563-8000
Department of Social Services 845-291-2002
Independent Living: 845-565-1162
Mental Health Association: 845-342-2400
PARENT TOOLBOX
Find helpful tools and resources for parents to talk with their children and seek out support if needed:
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors/professional-development/learn-more/coronavirus-resources
https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
https://nyssswa.org/crisis-response/coronavirus-school-response-resources/
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf