Resources for Returning to School
GISD Center Based Programs
Purpose of this Newsletter
We know there is a lot of information and resources and that can be overwhelming. We have tried to organize the information below for you. We also encourage staff to share any relevant resources with parents to help pre-teach the concepts to students before returning to school. Many of these will require pre-teaching that may need to begin now before the start of the new year.
***PLEASE MAKE COPIES TO YOUR OWN DRIVE OF ANY AND ALL RESOURCES YOU PLAN TO USE AND EDIT. ***
To do this, go to "File" and "Make a copy." This will make a copy in your drive and you can then edit.
Resources for Hygiene and Hand Washing
This folder includes a variety of social stories and visual supports for increased hygiene measures. Many are pre-made tools but can also be used as a model for an individualized story or visual.
Visual Tips for Health
Large Collection of Visuals
Good Hygiene Yes/No Activity
Resources for Wearing Masks and PPE
This folder includes many pre-made stories again but also includes several more specific and editable stories that we encourage staff to use and personalize with staff photos. The first two stories linked below allow you to make a copy and edit for your classroom staff and students. These stories and resources were compiled to help prepare students for the possibility that staff may be wearing masks, which is new to many students.
A Social Story About Staff Wearing Masks
A Social Story About Wearing Protective Gear at School
Visual Support Story
Resources for Teaching and Addressing Change
Students will be facing MANY changes to our environments, our appearance and our routines. We can use visual supports to help teach change with the intent of lessening anxiety. Be sure to access the first resource "How to Teach Change" and read the article Change is Good. This folder also includes editable social stories that you can use to introduce changes within your classroom, building and routines to prepare students. Using a universal Change sign is recommended across classrooms and the building.
How to Teach Change
My Classroom is Different Story
Change in Daily Activities Story
Resources about Social Distancing
This folder includes many pre-made stories again but also includes several more specific and editable stories. We encourage staff to consider specific scenarios your students may encounter and adapt the story as needed. The first two stories linked below allow you to make a copy and edit. The third resource linked below gives tips for using visual supports to promote social distancing.
Personal Space Social Story
Social Distancing Story
Setting Up Visual Indicators
Resources for Bus and School Entry Procedures
GISD Bus and School Entry Resources Folder
We recognize that new procedures for bus boarding will be very different for students and we hope to prepare them for this new routine with the following resources. We have included a social story and a video model about these procedure. We also have one specifically about why students may have to stay home due to a fever.
Video Modeling for Bus Procedures & School Entry
Tips for Planning to Return to School
The resources in this folder are mostly tips for staff to better prepare students for return to school. We recognize that although students may not be required to wear masks, we can still take the opportunity to try to teach them how to tolerate masks. We have also heard concerns that students may not like seeing STAFF in masks and have compiled tips on how to prepare students for seeing staff wearing PPE. This will require pre-teaching that may need to begin now before the start of the new year.
Helping Students Tolerate Masks
Helping Students Understand Staff Will Wear Masks
Returning to School Story
Covid-19 School Closure Resources
Each of the resources and sites below continue to be updated with new and additional resources. Be sure to check back often and share with colleagues and families when appropriate.
GLEAN April Newsletter with Tips for Engaging Students with a School Routine at Home
Students or parents can call this line and be connected with a licensed professional from the GISD (social workers, counselors, therapists) during the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Callers are able to leave a message after hours and will receive a call back during operational hours.
The licensed professional answering the call may assist in the following areas:
- Provide support to assist students and parents dealing with stressful situations.
- Provide assistance in accessing resources and getting the help students/families need.
- Refer students/families to other local and county agencies for additional support.
Teacher Consultants and Coach Leaders
Teacher Consultant, ASD:
Laura Henry - lhenry@geneseeisd.org
Alex Keesling - akeesling@geneseeisd.orgBarb Olszewski - bolszews@geneseeisd.org
Angie Grindel, Consultant for Behavior Support - agrindel@geneseeisd.org
Kelli Pierscinski, TC for Students with Disabilities - kpierscinski@geneseeisd.org
GISD's Regional Collaborative Network (RCN) has partnered with Livingston ESA to strengthen our resources and collaborate to bring you MORE amazing things from START. We are GLEAN (Genesee-Livingston Educational Autism Network).