Jefferson Press
April 2020
Principal Corner
What a time we are living in! The virus has us living in ways that are foreign to us and that in many ways have brought us much MUCH closer to that which matters most, our families! I am extremely proud of the work that the district has undertaken to bring learning to ALL of our students. Remember that we as a public school serve all and that has made getting all students equal access to learning a little challenging. We are currently in the process of getting computers and wifi to all of our families. We are on the verge of moving forward with “online learning” Stay tuned!
As usual, my friends at “Love and Logic” continue to write incredibly appropriate articles like the one below.
“By the time my kids return to school, they will know how to prepare more complex meals, jump-start a dead battery, pay bills, and sew buttons back on their clothes.” - A Love and Logic Dad
Many families are experiencing a time with kids who are home from school for extended periods. There are, of course, positives and negatives to this.
Some good news—just because conventional school isn’t happening, it doesn’t mean that learning must stop. We have heard from some of our wonderful Love and Logic parents that they are having great results using this time to teach some practical life skills. What a great time for kids to get hands-on learning of tasks like cooking, changing a tire, doing laundry, banking, sewing, creating a resume, or playing a musical instrument!
What would happen if more young people emerged from this time feeling more capable and less dependent on adults? How many more kids could emerge from this time with great new skills that will serve them throughout life?
How might we identify good skills to work on during this time? Some parents take a look at things they WISH their kids knew how to do for themselves, depending on their kids’ age and developmental level. They also look at tasks that might benefit the family or community while considering each kid’s individual strengths and interests. One other guide to finding some good candidates for teaching skills—situations that kids might get into where skills are needed such as changing a flat tire or jump-starting a dead battery.
You know how to do all kinds of really cool stuff. Hopefully, you will get a chance during this time to share some of these practical life skills with the upcoming generation. Perhaps, in return, kids will teach the adults some new things as well.
We certainly don’t mean to minimize the difficulty of this time for many people. However, we do believe in turning adversity to advantage. It is our sincere hope that you and the ones you love will be able to use this time to connect and to teach each other. Like generations before us, we may look back on these difficult days as cherished times of togetherness, resilience, and growth.
Community Resource ideas from our Counselor
Community Resources
For immediate assistance on available community resources please dial 211 from an Idaho phone or visit https://211.idaho.gov/. You can also find available community resources by downloading the self-rescue manual at https://selfrescuemanual.com/.
Food Assistance
For food assistance please visit the Idaho Food Bank’s Food Assistance Locator https://idahofoodbank.org/getfood/ or page 16 of the Self-Rescue Manual.
Housing Assistance
For housing assistance please call 211 and ask for Navigation or call Our Path Home at 208-495-4240.
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