HSI NEWSLETTER FALL 2020
Does COVID-19 have an upside? The world has changed a lot in the last 8 months and the
Our Parent Education Series has also moved online. In
impact of COVID-19 has been felt by many families in the Bay
partnership with the Parent Venture and Sequoia
Area. The Redwood City School District (RCSD) spent many
Healthcare District we have continued to provide
months preparing for students’ return to school and
meaningful education and support to our families in
throughout the process we have made many improvements
both Spanish and English. Parent education topics have
to various aspects of our health and wellness programs. In preparation for distance learning this year, we focused on three key areas of health and safety to promote optimal learning for RCSD students: strengthening our mental health counseling procedures; ramping up our parent education programs; and deepening our community partnerships to meet the needs of our families during this challenging time.
In spring 2020, student mental health counseling moved to an online telehealth format after the county announced its shelter in place order. Counseling referrals and requests are now managed online, and counseling sessions are taking place by teleconference or telephone, which has enabled our students to continue to access and receive support from school mental health counselors even though they are not attending school in person. We use an online student counseling request form that allows parents and caregivers to notify us when a student needs support.
focused on critical issues -- mental health, coping with stress, race and racism, tobacco use and vaping -- that impact the health and well-being of children and families. Our new Parent Forums are monthly sessions that provide a safe place for parents to learn, connect and share ideas with other parents in RCSD. You will find video recordings of past parent education events here. There has been, without question, a painful downside to the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, as many families have struggled to endure the loss of loved ones, their economic security and their sense of predictability. In the midst of these challenges, there has also been an underlying sense of determination, resilience and optimism. Video conferencing has turned out to be an effective way to meet and collaborate more frequently and easily. We have learned to remain flexible and open minded about how we do business. And, our community partners have remained committed to delivering high-
We also adjusted our Green Folder Suicide Prevention procedures to ensure that students in distress can be reached by an adult should a concern arise during distance learning. The RCSD Green Folder is an easy to follow, step-by-step flowchart for all staff to use if a student is at risk for suicide. It helps staff recognize signs of distress and identify the appropriate action steps to
quality programs that meet the needs of our students and families. RCSD is fortunate to have the support of the Sequoia Healthcare District's Healthy Schools Initiative so that we are able to strengthen the tiers of support for students and families during this time.
ensure student safety.
Perhaps the most promising outcome of COVID-19 is the renewed importance of relationships and connections that will now be stronger and more robust as a result of the challenges confronting us.