Cambridge Communicator
April 3, 2020
Principal's Message
Live with Ms. Pemberton!!!
Don't forget, I will be going live on Facebook each Monday from 6pm-6:30pm via this link --> https://www.facebook.com/SBSDCA
“Live with Ms. Pemberton” will be a time when I will talk to the children and have some good ol' fashion fun! If your child has a question that they would like me to answer, please email it to
Ms. Riccio at Linda.Riccio@sbschools.org by 9am each Monday morning. There is no such thing as a silly question, let’s have some fun!
Goodbye and Good Luck!
Welcome!
Spotlight on Staff
School Nurse - Mrs. Kerwin
Mrs. Jill Kerwin is our new nurse and couldn’t have joined us at a better time! She has transformed her space into a warm loving environment that children feel safe and supported in. She not only supports our students, but thoughtfully provides support to our staff. When not working, Mrs. Kerwin enjoys arts and crafts. Fun fact: Not only is Mrs. Kerwin is a staff member, she is also a Cambridge parent!
Join Us on a South Brunswick Window Safari!
Virtual Art Classes
Family Resources
March 20, 2020
Dear Cambridge 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.
I will be available via email and will also be happy to communicate with you by phone as needs arise. I may not be immediately available, but I check my email frequently throughout the day and will respond as soon as I can.
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.
I have a weebly that has additional activities to help with stress and mindfulness. You can find my weebly at:
I 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 are free online mindfulness resources for you to access:
Finally, I hope you know that I am committed to working in partnership with you and supporting parents/guardians through this challenging time. All of this information will also be posted on my counselor website which you can always refer to. There is a link for CA Parent letter 3-18-20 on the main page on my weebly. My weebly is also accessible from the school website under the specialist pages. It is my 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 me. Be well and stay safe.
All the best,
Christine Doles
Cambridge School Counselor
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South Brunswick District Mental Health Directory
Elementary Mental Health Resources and Links
How to Talk to Children About COVID-19
Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Video & Article
Talking to Children about Coronavirus - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
InnerKids: Coronavirus Resources for Families and Schools: Things We Think You'd Like to Know
My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What?
Coping with the Stress of an Infectious Disease Outbreak
A Psychologist’s Science-based Tips for Emotional Resilience During the Coronavirus Crisis
SAMHSA Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
What to Do If the Coronavirus Health Guidelines Are Triggering Your Anxiety or OCD
How Do You Manage Fighting Kids During a Lockdown? We Asked the Experts
Parent Technology & Media Recommendations to Support Home Learning
Common Sense Provides Resources for Parents to Prepare for Coronavirus School Closures
Upcoming Dates
4/10 - 4/17 - Spring Break