In the Superintendent's Message last week, Dr. Seniuk quoted Fred Rogers as saying that during a crisis "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." In addition to our dedicated teachers, staff and parents, North Merrick is fortunate to have created a Mental Health and Wellness Coalition last fall. The coalition, led by Todd Benjamin, a licensed social worker, and composed of staff, parents and mental health professionals, has continued to connect virtually during the school closure to meet the needs of the school community.

The members of the North Merrick Mental Health and Wellness Coalition have joined the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) in their pledge:

“We pledge allegiance to the families of our world that we recognize we are closer and more connected than we may seem. And through the love for which we stand, one world, many beliefs, indivisible with liberty, health, safety and justice for all”

Go to the North Merrick district Facebook page to view the pledge and like or share on social media!

Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette, and Old Mill Road Schools continue to utilize mindfulness as a foundation to the distance learning curriculum. The principals are incorporating mindfulness activities with their morning messages using several resources, including Kira Wiley's Mindful Moments and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement (see the Gratitude Calendar above). The schools will be participating in the international rainbow initiative by placing rainbow drawings in their home windows and sending them by email to the schools.

Kira Wiley has provided her Mindful Moments for Kids album for free download at https://kirawilley.com/free-mm.

The CDC provides many resources for families and offers these tips for talking to children about the pandemic. See the full article.

• Remain calm and reassuring.
• Make time to listen and talk.
• Avoid language that uses blame or stigma.
• Pay attention to what children are seeing and hearing on TV and online.
• Provide honest and accurate information.
• Teach children everyday activities to reduce the spread of germs.

Mr. Benjamin's letter from the coalition to parents also contains other related resources. It is posted on the COVID-19 Information section of the district website or click here.