June 8, 2020

At the Parent Resource Center, we have the true privilege to get to know many of the wonderful parents that define our community. You are inclusive, strong, compassionate, determined, dedicated, and resilient. The complexity and intensity of the last few weeks have compounded a spring semester I’m sure none of us will ever forget.

As we reflect back upon our school district COVID-19 closure, we are grateful to our administrators and colleagues  who have worked hard to meet the needs of students and families in an unprecedented time.

We have spent time this spring, as I’m sure you all have, in acknowledging our community’s essential workers. Recently, the Search Institute posted an article by Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, PhD, Vice President, Research and Development, who stated: “It has been heartwarming to watch as people around the world joined #ClapBecauseWeCare to cheer essential workers as they left their daily shifts, such as the 7 p.m. citywide cheer in New York City. Ever since this well-deserved ritual began in Wuhan, China, in January, it has reminded us of the health care workers, grocery store clerks, delivery drivers, and many others who not only put their lives at risk, but also keep life going for the rest of us. We should keep cheering them and thanking them. I propose that we also need to cheer and thank another group that is essential during this crisis: Those parenting during a pandemic. They, too, are “all in” during this pandemic (and, frankly, all the time).”  

We couldn’t agree more, and in our final Monday Message of the 2019-20 academic year, we thank and salute each of you. We know you are all in, all the time. Your team at the PRC is aware of how fortunate we are to get to work with families like yours.

As plans develop for the 2020-21 academic year, we look forward to collaborating with you and supporting your family.

The PRC team will be working virtually this week and next week, and periodically throughout the summer. Please look for our Weekly Webinar Wrap-Up on Wednesday. We will continue sending periodic electronic updates during the summer, and will strive to keep our Events page up to date with learning opportunities.

As always, we can be reached at 703.228.7239 and prc@apsva.us, and although the PRC Coordinators will not be working full time during the summer, please leave us a message or an email, and Kelly or Kathleen will respond.

With the hope that the events of the past weeks and months strengthen our insight, understanding, innovation, resolve and creativity, we wish you a restful and rejuvenating summer break. Know our best wishes, respect and admiration are headed your way as we wrap up the final week of an unforgettable school year.

Take good care, and be well.

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Below please find this week’s news and resource links.

Resources from the Virginia Department of Education

• The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has put together a resource listing that will help you and your child to prioritize your mental wellness.  In addition to keeping children physically safe during the pandemic, it is also important to care for their emotional health.  The threat of COVID-19, long-term social distancing, and prolonged disruption to the school routine may create significant stress and impact children’s mental well-being.  The information below will assist you in navigating this period together in a healthy way. Parental/Caregiver Control Panel can be found here.
• COVID-19 Resources from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
  The National Center for Learning Disabilities has created a COVID-19 webpage with information specific to Parent Resources, Educator Resources, Young Adult Resources, and Legislative Updates.
  Resources can be found here.

Resources from WETA

• WETA, MPT and WHUT have announced a partnership to support the education needs of families whose children are learning from home during the coronavirus public health emergency. The At-Home Learning initiative is a coordinated schedule of educational programs selected by the stations and available weekdays to viewers free over the air, through cable and satellite providers and, in the case of MPT, on a livestream at mpt.org/livestream. Check out resources for PreK through Grade 12 at https://weta.org/kids/athomelearning.
• Colorín Colorado has been updated to offer a new Resource Guide to help teachers and students talk openly and thoughtfully about racism and violence.
• PBS is presenting a virtual event for parents of children aged 2-8, “Planning a Playful Summer with PBS KIDS,” on Tuesday, June 9 at 3:30 pm. Registration is required.

Resources from CHADD

• Summer Day Trips: With social distancing still a concern, more people are planning day trips for this summer. Suggestions for the person or family with ADHD.
• No Summer Camp? Now What?! It’s time to create a Summer of COVID-19 plan for your child or teen. Consider holding your own “home camp”.
• Suddenly Thriving: Some students with ADHD are surprising themselves and others during this unusual ti
• Child’s Online Etiquette: Does your child with ADHD have trouble with socializing in the virtual world? Start a conversation using these five tips.
• ADHD, Isolation, and Boredom: Do your struggles with boredom increase with each week of staying at home during this pandemic? Here’s what you should know.
• What Can You Do About Boredom at a Time Like This? Boredom plagues kids and adults with ADHD during normal times, and we hear it’s rampant during the present coronavirus pandemic. There are strategies you can use to get beyond it.

Resources from Formed Families Forward

• With the support of SCAN of Northern Virginia, Formed Families Forward has moved its online Resource Directory to an improved, dynamic interface. The Directory still includes hundreds of listings but users can now search by jurisdiction and tailor results to include providers that accept Medicaid and private insurance, and who offer expertise in trauma. Check out the new Northern Virginia Family Resource Directory HERE.
• In May, Formed Families Forward joined forces with parent advocate and PTA leader Jenna White to present a webinar designed for families from families. We covered critical explanations of why parents and caregivers are more likely now to “flip our lid” and we offered suggestions for managing our own responses and supporting our children in adopting more functional responses.  We had a large, enthusiastic crowd attending. Download a recording, presentation slides and handouts from  Pandemic Parenting: Brain Science, Help and Hope here.
• The transition from high school to college or other post-secondary training can be rocky for our youth. Young adults with disabilities who have had the support of an individualized education program or 504 plan through high school may experience even more challenges. Last week, FFF’s Lisa Mathey sat down virtually with Annie Tulkin, founder and Director of Accessible College for a 35 minute conversation about how to support a smooth transition to disability supports and accommodations in college settings. View the recording of Planning the High School Transition to Post-Secondary Education webinar HERE.