Please visit the Family Wellness Website for resources related to nutrition, food access, basic needs assistance, mental health, counseling support, referral resources and other wellness topics. There are ongoing updates and additions to the site to support families from all four districts.

Family Wellness Resources

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved extension of free school meals for all students through the 2022-2023 school year! This means that meals will continue to be offered at no cost to all students.

Free and Reduced Cost Meals Application

Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is very important for families to still complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2022-2023 school year. This allows districts to establish eligibility for P-EPT benefits and other school programs. Families who have been eligible for Free and Reduced Meals in the past, must apply again for 2022-2023. Please know that the application is confidential with only the Director of Food Services and administrators having access. All students receive the same meals. National School Lunch Program

King Philip Schools Free and Reduced Application for FY23 KP Free Meals Letter

Norfolk Free and Reduced Lunch Application for FY23

Plainville Free and Reduced Lunch Application for FY23

Wrentham Free and Reduced Lunch Application for FY23

FY23 Application Directions.

For more information on the School Meals Program in each district, please visit the food services page on the districts' websites.

King Philip Norfolk Plainville Wrentham

HOLD THIS DATE!

The first regional Parent/Caregiver Wellness Education Event for this school year will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. 6:45 pm.

Please join us in-person to view a livestream presentation by Dr. Michele Borba, Ed. D., the author of Thrivers, The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Dr. Borba is an internationally known educational psychologist, parenting and child expert, author and speaker. Dr. Borba is also a former classroom and special education teacher. She shares solution-focused strategies for parents to support the development of character skills that support children's resilience. The parents who engaged in the summer read of Dr. Borba's book have appreciated her ready to use strategies.

Appropriate for parents/caregivers/educators of children and teens of all ages. Child care will be provided. Watch for details about this and other events!

Interface Referral Services, William James College

Available through grant funding to students in the 3 elementary districts of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham, and the students of King Philip Middle and High School. Families can call to speak to a mental health professional for resources and to receive personalized, matched referrals to mental health providers for their child.

Interface Referral Helpline, 888-244-6843

(Note this is not a crisis hotline.)

SAFE Coalition Support Helpline: 508 488-8105 www.safecoalitionma.org

Educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns through resources and programming for Adolescent Wellness, Family Recovery and Collaborative Care. SAFE also offers clinical support for domestic violence, sexual assault, and for children impacted by substances. Local office in Norfolk. Brochure

Visit the Family Wellness Resources Website for other counseling, support group and crisis information.

PPAL, The Parent/Professional Advocacy League, focuses on the mental health needs of children, youth and families across the state. They are currently hosting focus groups to learn from the voices and experiences of parents/caregivers to help shape the future of family supports in central Massachusetts. Parents with children having with mental health needs who live in Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham are invited to attend the virtual Canton Area focus group to be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 12-1. Register for link to attend

If you can't attend and wish to share your input about PPAL family supports through their survey.

Digital wellness involves finding a balance between positive, beneficial technology use and overload from constant online communication and screen-based media. As students transition back to school, it is a good time for family discussions about digital wellness.

On the 2021 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, 39% of middle school and 38% of high school students reported spending 3 or more hours online not for school or homework. Many younger children also have access to digital devices beyond their school day.

The Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital provides an excellent guide to support families of children and youth 0-25.

Family Digital Wellness Guide 2022

To learn about cyberbullying specifically, visit The Parent's Guide to Cyberbullying

Families often talk about increased pressure for children to have cell phones at younger and younger ages. The Digital Wellness Lab shares the Parent's Guide to a Child's First Cell Phone.

Dot Pearl

Regional Director of Wellness

Email: pearld@kingphilip.org
Website: Family Wellness Resources Website
Location: 18 King Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508 520-7991, ext. 2312