Keeping kids connected

School counselors keep in touch with students stuck at home

With in-person classes suspended across Ohio until at least May 1 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, many children are without the structure and support systems which can be taken for granted.

The counselors of the Riverside School District have reached out to the student body in attempts to stay close while current safety measures keeps them at a distance.

Through the district’s website and a letter emailed to parents and guardians, Riverside has provided the contact information for students to reach the counselors directly.

“Each counselor is doing something a little bit different,” said Riverside counselor Kathy Francis. “At LaMuth, we are going to do check-ins with kids through email. Through programs like Google Voice, Google Hangouts we can chat live with students if necessary. I personally made some stationery and plan to write notes to some students that they will receive in the mail.

“At this point I have been emailing a couple of the kids, but we are mostly talking about how boring it is to be at home with no school. And the funny thing is the kids are commenting on how they can’t wait to get back to school!”

The letter, written by Riverside’s director of guidance, Scott Bailis, was sent to the parents and guardians of students and suggested that parents moderate their children’s media consumption, provide safety reassurance, but also allow them to express any concerns they may have.

The letter also stresses the importance for adults to help children maintain a routine and structure while they are away from school.

Riverside’s website has also highlighted five key aspects to remember while self-isolating:

• Separate what is in your control and what is not

• Do what helps you feel a sense of safety

• Get outside in nature • Challenge yourself to stay in the present

• Stay connected and reach out if you need support.