Weekly Update: May 8, 2020
Weekly Update: May 8, 2020:
Dear Grinnell Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families, and Friends:
Happy Friday! I hope that this weekly update finds you and your family safe, healthy, and navigating these very different days. This week our directors and staff have been busy planning for summer school activities, examining our vision for the return to learn plan, and reviewing our feedback from surveys that have been sent out to our senior families regarding graduation ceremonies as well as some summer school options for students beyond the SLICK program. Please watch for an update next week on options for students!
This upcoming week the Board will host a virtual board meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 and we will be discussing graduation options. The date selected will be based upon feedback from our survey. The type of ceremony will be based upon the Governor’s announcement on June 1, 2020 regarding summer activities and events, if this ceremony will be virtual or live. Our plan for our families will be to have a date ready to share with plans on graduation activities if live or virtual. Thank you for your patience as we ensure that our plan will include safety precautions, a review by our Emergency Management groups and the Iowa Department of Public health. We look forward to celebrating our seniors!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
I want to thank all of our parents and community members who celebrated our teachers this week! Thank you for your wonderful support to an amazing staff!
Parent Burnout during COVID-19:
I had an opportunity to listen in on a webinar this past week with Dr. Lisa Coyne, Harvard University assistant professor-psychology department, who walked participants through the risk factors that parents and guardians face during these different and stressful times. The title of her webinar was called Overcoming Parental Burnout during COVID-19: Understanding the Risk Factors. I asked during this session if she could provide resources that I could share with our families. Below is a link that focuses on how to prevent burnout, and includes strategies and tips for navigating your stress. I found this to be a very helpful resource. Key takeaways: Be sure not to hold yourself to unreasonable standards or expectations. You do not have to be perfect! Provide yourself breaks and walk outside, look for color on your walks outside and find those things that bring you joy, and let yourself off the hook! Create a support group with peers and friends and practice mindfulness activities. Just remember if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or angry, take a step back and re-focus toward something that gives you a short break. The link below has some videos and other tips that I think are very helpful.
Parent Tips to prevent Burn Out during Covid-19
Middle School Students create Art at home:
Thank you to our students for sharing your artwork and to Mr. Wardenburg for keeping art alive and active on-line.
Have a wonderful weekend! Stay safe and stay healthy!
Janet