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Promoting Positive Learning Environments, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
This site has GREAT Links to information on a variety of Topics!!
Kidz Meal Bagz is a program providing free meals to help children and families in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals will be available all day starting Thursday, April 2nd and will include a turkey sandwich, chips and a drink.
Families interested in taking advantage of the free Kidz Meal Bagz program should go to participating Sheetz locations (found below) and ask an employee at the register for a meal. Families will be offered one bag per child. Meals will be available daily while supplies last.
https://www.sheetz.com/news/kidzmeals
DHS Secretary, Theresa Miller announced:
Mental Health/Warmline
As I’ve mentioned previously, we’re in an unprecedented time for everyone. It’s uncertain and very scary. This fear is completely understandable, and the indefinite timeline is likely creating a lot of anxiety during a time where we may be or feel more removed from our support networks. But social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation, and we want people to know that even as we all face this difficult period, no one is alone.
Beginning at 6 p.m. on April 1, we are partnering with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494. We’re going to be formally announcing this soon, but I hope you all help us spread the word on this critical resource.
It’s a difficult time, and it’s easy to feel alone and cut-off from the world, but we need people to know that they are not alone, and support is available. Thank you for the help in advance. We will be sharing information about this resource on our social media accounts.
CASEL is particularly underscoring that adult SEL is critically important at this time, as adults have shifting and increased pressures as well as responsibilities in reassuring children. The following resources may be useful in addressing the social and emotional needs of your teams, peers, and others:
Self-Care
- CDC Guidance for Managing Stress and Anxiety – Tips for supporting adults during a crisis
- SAMHSA: Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – Fact sheet on the signs of stress in yourself or others
- CDC Guidance for Emergency Responders - Tips for taking care of yourself as an “emergency responder” during this time
Team Care
- SEL Signature Practices Playbook – Protocols for use during team meetings to “check-in” on emotions and set the stage for shared learning and work
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Coping with Stress – For use in supporting your team to support field-based teams
- Education First: Going Virtual – Tips for use when managing teams online
Policy Specific
- Education Week - State Education Chiefs on the Coronavirus: What We Need to Know Now
- Chiefs for Change - Responding to the Coronavirus: What We Are Doing and Resources for Education Systems
- Education Week Map - Coronavirus and School Closures
- Council of Chief State School Officers - CCSSO Supporting States Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
- Child Trends - As COVID-19 spreads, most states have laws that address how schools should respond to pandemics
- Education Commission of the States - Policy Responses and Other Executive Actions to the Coronavirus in Public Schools
- National League of Cities - Coronavirus Response Resources for Local Leaders
Additional Resources
- Healthy Minds Program - Training Your Mind Is the Key to Your Emotional Well-being
- Teaching Tolerance - Speaking Up Against Racism Around the New Coronavirus
- Pure Edge - Evidence-Based Approaches for Thoughtful Partnerships Curriculum & Training
- America’s Promise - America’s Promise Alliance Covid-19 Resources