DES families,
In light of the recent news regarding our extended closure, DES will have the next two weeks of student materials ready for students to pick beginning tomorrow, April 2. This work is organized into each week with the expectation that the work should be completed by Friday, April 17. We urge you to create a schedule for your child to complete just one or two assignments each day spending 30 minutes for early elementary (K-2) students up to 1 1/2 hours for 3rd and 4th graders.
During this "shelter in place" difficult time, we also recommend the following social-emotional guidelines:
- Pay close attention to your own feelings of stress or anxiety. Practice continued self-care strategies, including eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and finding time to take breaks.
- Acknowledge and support children in processing their full range of emotions and concerns. Find ways for children to express their feelings through conversation, music, art, dance, writing, or other activities. Tune into how they’re feeling throughout the day, and offer quiet time or breaks as needed.
- Provide age-appropriate information and accurate answers about the news while limiting excessive television or social media.
- Share with children what you’re doing to keep them safe. Help children learn about and practice proactive strategies, such as frequent handwashing, to stay healthy. In addition to promoting healthy practices, this can help them feel a greater sense of control.
- Whenever possible, provide consistency in daily routines including meals and bedtimes. While school closures or changes in schedules may be inevitable, consistent routines can help foster a sense of safety.
- Practice patience when routines are disrupted, which can lead to potential behavior issues or meltdowns. Try to comfort children while setting boundaries.
- Help children and adolescents think of creative ways to maintain their friendships and social connections. This may include writing emails or letters to friends, or scheduling time to use the phone or age-appropriate technology to communicate with peers. Remember that your own social connections are important as well, and make time to reach out by phone or virtually to family and friends.
- Proactively reach out to our school and Du Quoin community organizations to support you in meeting any additional needs your family may have, such as access to meals or other services.
We want to hear from each student/family to ensure you are doing well and your needs are being met during this time. If you have not made contact with your homeroom teacher, please connect them by the end of the week.
Mrs. Diana Rea, Principal
Du Quoin Elementary School
