The new school year has presented many challenges for students, faculty and staff from changing learning environments to the shift to virtual education. To help its community transition through these changes, the Harborfields Central School District has taken steps to connect with stakeholders, including parents and care givers.
To reach its audience, the district implemented the Parent Empowerment Program, or PEP Talks, designed to provide social emotional support to help guide them through the 2020-21 school year.
To date, districtwide mental health providers have discussed important topics, such as “controlling the controllable,” “expecting the unexpected” and the “science of resilience.” Viewers have also learned to parent from their C.O.R.E., using culture, optimism, resilience and excellence as drivers to inspire their children.
Thanks to these forums, parents have also been reminded to be cognizant of their attitude and mindset—a common theme taught to all students throughout the district in both in-person and virtual instruction settings.
Adopting a mantra of, “We can do hard things,” the district has offered PEP Talks regularly to check in on parents, reminding them that they are not alone and encouraging them to get involved in their child’s education.
The most recent session, held on Jan. 20, offered social emotional support to caregivers whose children are learning remotely. The forum offered tips on workspace management, Google Classroom and addressed behavior-related questions, specifically related to scheduling.