Counselor's Corner
Vol. 3, Issue 2 - January 2021
The New Year - Coping with Covid-19
As we welcome in 2021, the Kreps Counselors would like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone. Hoping for a much better year than 2020 bestowed upon us, may 2021 bring health, happiness and prosperity to all.
As this coronavirus pandemic has added much stress to our lives, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for our children, as well as, the adults. The impact it has had on education, let alone our daily lives, has been astounding. For most, remote learning has been frustrating, disheartening and isolating, to say the least. The feelings and emotions we are experiencing are natural and expected. As a social beings, we are missing out on a much needed connection and relationships. The negative effects of physical and social distancing on adolescents is immense. Expressing and dealing with the impact of these negative aspects of our current situation, not suppressing them, is critical to the well-being of our children, along with the adults.
In this issue, coping with Covid-19 will again be addressed. Included are recent articles that will focus on how to support our children, their emotional well-being and resources to assist both parents and children.
We hope you find the articles informative and useful. Please feel free to reach out to your child's grade level counselor or any of the counselors listed below at 609-443-7767 or via email, for additional support for your child:
- 6th Grade Counselor - Mr. Jolyon O'Rane - jorane@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4134
- 7th Grade Counselor - Mr. Frank Vespe - fvespe@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4135
- 8th Grade Counselor - Ms. Hillary Stryker - hstryker@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4133
- Student Assistance Counselor - Mr. Roswell Perez - roperez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4175
- School-wide Intervention Counselor - Ms. Jackie Miller - jmiller@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4148
Coping with Stress and Dealing with Mental Health - provided by the CDC
Pandemics can be stressful....
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Take care of your mental health
You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
- Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).
- Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.
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Get immediate help in a crisis
- Call 911
- Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
Suggested Books for Coping Skills
- No Worries! An Activity Book for Young People Who Sometimes Feel Anxious or Stressed
By Lily Murray and Katie Abey
This series of workbooks encourages creativity to explore negative feelings, work out worries, and cope with anxious or fearful feelings. Recommended for children and caregivers to do together. - When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief
By Marge Heegaard
A book with suggestions for therapeutic activities help children process emotions and questions around a negative event and associated grief. Svobodny recommends this for school-age or older children only.
Supporting your Children
Below are three articles with tips and resources for supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic.
1. ChildTrends.org - Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.childtrends.org/publications/resources-for-supporting-childrens-emotional-well-being-during-the-covid-19-pandemic2. High Focus Centers - How to Support Your Teen
3. Washington Post - How to Stay Psychologically Resilient during Coronavirus
Hope and Healing - Mercer County Division of Mental Health
- Individuals and Families
- First Responders
- Senior Citizens
- Frontline Workers
Kreps School Counselor Information
School Counselors will have access to school email to respond to parent or student concerns and questions. We recognize that this may be a stressful time for our Kreps community and we want to be able to support your family. If any academic or social-emotional concerns should arise, please feel free to email a counselor.
609-443-7767
- 6th Grade Counselor - Mr. Jolyon O'Rane - jorane@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4134
- 7th Grade Counselor - Mr. Frank Vespe - fvespe@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4135
- 8th Grade Counselor - Ms. Hillary Stryker - hstryker@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4133
- Student Assistance Counselor - Mr. Roswell Perez - roperez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4175
- School-Wide Counselor - Ms. Jackie Miller - jmiller@ewrsd.k12.nj.us - ext. 4148