During the time that Schodack Central Schools are closed, students who typically receive mental health services in school may have less access to the professionals who provide these services. Therefore, district mental health staff would like to make families aware of the following supports and programs, as well as community-based mental health resources.
CES School Social Worker, Counselor, and School Psychologist will still be available to support students and families. Please feel free to email staff and we will respond and set up times to communicate.
Be mindful that children and teens will take their lead from you on how worried they should be. Modeling calm and good practices can go a long way in ensuring children feel safe. For younger children who may not be able to critically analyze the information presented, it is important to monitor how much they are overhearing (including news reports). Maintaining an open dialogue on things going on in the world and in their life is a good practice for all ages. Periodic “check-ins” with your children on how they are feeling and coping is important – don’t assume they will always know how to come to you to discuss concerns or fears.
Tara O’Grady-Day, School Counselor: Togrady-day@schodack.k12.ny.us
Lauren Simon-Friedfel, School Psychologist: lsimon-friedfel@schodack.k12.ny.us
Jennifer Sober, Social Worker: jsober@schodack.k12.ny.us
Parent Resources
- Counseling Corner CES – A list of counseling resources and activities parents can use to support their children’s social emotional learning at home.
- Talking To Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
- My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What? Supporting Your Children’s Social, Emotional, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Rensselaer County Resources for Emotional Support
- Mobile Crisis Response Team Services
One Minute Mindful Videos
Mindfulness Websites
- Go Noodle (go to Channels at the top and find the Flow Channel)
- Mind Yeti
- Green Child Magazine (guided meditation scripts): *these are great to do before bedtime*
- Go Zen
Apps
- Breathe, Think, Do Sesame (best for K-2): Teaches kids how to problem-solve and offers relaxation techniques
- Mindful Powers: Child takes care of animated character to help children relax, focus and calm down. Followed with guided meditation.
- Cosmic Kids Yoga: (can be found on YouTube as well) mindfulness videos
- SuperStretch Yoga: yoga app to promote relaxation. Quick and easy motions.
- Calm: Guided meditations from 3 minutes up.
- AntiStress: app with assorted relaxation on-line toys to help you relax
- Dreamy Kid: Guided meditation and affirmations specific for kids and teens.
- Headspace: Guided Meditation and Mindfulness: Suggested for older elementary kids.
- Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids: fun and easy way to identify and process emotions.
- Breathing Bubbles: practice to release worries and focus on the good.
- Smiling Mind: Helps with coping skills, as well as, mindfulness in the classroom.
- Paint by Number: coloring app