Family Remote Learning Update
Brooks Crossing Elementary School
I hope this update finds you well and that your family is beginning to settle into a new routine. As I have updated information, I am going to try use this method of communicating, in hopes that it will minimize the quantity of emails and make things easier for you to find and process. This newsletter will be posted on the Brooks Crossing website, Brooks Crossing Facebook page and Brooks Crossing Twitter page, in case you need to find it again. We continue to work to make remote learning as successful as possible.
There are only so many ways to express that I couldn't be more proud of our Brooks Crossing teacher, student and family community. I realize I am becoming redundant, but it makes my heart so proud. We have all come together to make the best of a challenging situation and I'd say it has been a successful first attempt. We know that this has been an extreme adjustment. Please know that we will continue to refine our process and genuinely appreciate the open lines of communication and patience.
Please read the information below. It contains all of the most helpful information for you.
Sincerely,
Jaime Maccarone
Exciting Brooks Crossing Specialist Opportunities Are Here
SPECIALIST CHOICE BOARD: Reminder that the remote learning site has a specialists section with a choice board for students to select from each day. Choices have been updated! You can find the link right on your grade level’s page (toward the bottom under the grade level content). This is the same choice board, with new options! Be sure to check it out!
Brooks Crossing Story Time - Live!
Our schedule will be as follows:
Tuesdays @7:00 - Mrs. Rogol
Thursdays @ 4:00 - Mrs. Maccarone
A Note from Mrs. Patrych and Mrs. Priano
Dear Brooks Crossing Elementary School Parents/Guardians,
As we adapt to the ever changing information and lifestyle impact pertaining to COVID-19, the South Brunswick School District Elementary Counselors want to provide some general guidance and resources that may be helpful for answering your children’s questions in age-appropriate ways. As we work together to navigate remote/virtual learning, we also want to assure you that we are here to assist you and provide support to you and your family. Here are a few tips to consider when talking with your children about the Coronavirus:
Make time to talk and encourage your children to share feelings about how their routines have changed over the last several days. Give young children information that is developmentally appropriate. Here is a resource titled, SAMHSA Talking with Children Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks for your reference. It is broken down by age group with the best ways you can respond to your child.
Remind your child that worrying about their safety is your job using phrases like, “It’s my job to keep you safe.” Do your best to reassure them that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people stay safe and healthy.
Consider reducing the exposure to media sources about the Coronavirus. Too much information about this topic can lead to worries and confusion. You know your child best. Let their questions guide you, as you decide what and how much information to share.
Children look to adults for cues as how to respond to stressful situations. Keep in mind, children will react to both what we say and how we say it. They are acutely aware of conversations around them.
Please remember, managing your own stress FIRST is the best way to help with your child’s stress. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can during a very stressful time. The following link contains age appropriate media recommendations for entertainment and stress management resources: Common Sense Media.
We are available via email (cindy.patrych-brotman@sbschools.org and alice.priano@sbschools.org) and will also be happy to communicate with you by phone, so please feel free to reach out to us with questions and concerns, if any arise. We will be checking our email regularly and will get back to you as soon as we can on weekdays, while remote learning is in session.
If your child is experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact Mobile Response/Perform Care at 877-652-7624. If you or another adult are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care at https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/clinical/overview.xm or call: 855-515-5700.
Let your child know that we have put together some fun lessons and activities that they can choose from during remote learning: Link to K-5 Work These lessons can be found at the bottom of the Specialists Classes Choice Board under the heading Counseling.
We have provided optional activities and worksheets for students’ enjoyment to continue their social and emotional learning. They are attached below:
Every Day Acts of Kindness for Students
www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
Also, here is a free online mindfulness resource for you to access:
Finally, we hope you know that we are committed to working in partnership with you and are ready to support parents/guardians through this challenging time. All of this information will also be posted on our counselor website which you can always access here: http://bccounselors.weebly.com. It is our hope you find these resources helpful in supporting you and your family. Should you need anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Be well and stay safe.
If you need other mental health resources, please look at this link.
All the best,
Cindy Patrych (Brooks Crossing Deans Campus)
Alice Priano (Brooks Crossing Main Campus)
Looking for Some Fun Art Ideas for Your Child?
Mo Willems (author of the Don't Let the Pigeon . . . series, Elephant and Piggie and Knufflebunny) is hosting live YouTube lessons every day at 1:00. Search LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems
Jarrett J. Krosoczka (author of the Lunch Lady series, Jedi Academy series and many picture books) is hosting live YouTube lessons every day at 2:00. Search jjk studios
Check Out Brooks Crossing's Facebook Page
The link: https://www.facebook.com/SBSDBC/