Health & Wellness Newsletter


HARBORFIELDS PTA COUNCIL
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Message from the Presidents
Dear Harborfields Families,

While this summer has been unlike any other we have experienced, we know now more than ever the importance of connection between families and school. To help navigate these uncertain times, we are pleased to share with you the new Harborfields Council of PTAs Health & Wellness newsletter, a service of our Health & Wellness Committee, spearheaded by Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, a Harborfields parent and local pediatrician. If you have ideas for topics to cover in future newsletters or events and programs, please contact us at  ptacouncil@harborfieldscsd.org . You can also follow us on  Facebook  and  Instagram . 
 
We know from our current state of social distancing and safety precautions that school will not look the same this fall, and neither will our PTA activities. We want to hear from families so that we can find creative ways to stay connected. As the fall approaches, please look out for communications from your PTA units, learn more about programs and initiatives, and consider joining your PTA unit and any committees that may work for you and your schedule.
 
On behalf of the Harborfields PTA, we wish you a healthy and happy remainder of summer! Be well and stay in touch.

Natalie Mason & Lisa Meindel
Co-Presidents, Harborfields Council of PTAs Executive Board



Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief
In this newsletter we hope to give families information and resources regarding what we might expect this year so that we can start preparing ourselves and our children. We have also included additional relevant health and wellness information. Never has the true meaning of a school community been more important. In a very real sense we are all responsible for each other’s safety and health. Adhering to recommended safety guidelines will not only protect our families, but will help keep all members of our community healthy and safe.
FEATURED ARTICLES
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Our district is currently working on a reopening plan to keep students and staff healthy and safe. The HF Ready Task Force has input from school officials, educators, pediatricians, PTA leadership and community experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics has laid out specific recommendations that address a variety of issues related to the physical and emotional well being of students and staff. The article below discusses these recommendations.
FACE MASKS
Pediatricians and other public health experts advise that masks be worn in school by all staff and students who can safely do so.

Since so many people who have COVID-19 don't have symptoms, wearing cloth face coverings reduces the chance of transmitting the virus through the spray of spit or respiratory droplets. This is especially true for when someone with COVID-19 comes within 6 feet of you, which is the range of transmitting infection through acts like sneezing or coughing.​​ Read below which cloth face coverings are best, how to safely put on masks and how to alleviate children’s anxiety about wearing them.
RECOGNIZING TEEN DEPRESSION
The pandemic has been particularly hard on our teens. Life events like proms and graduations have been altered, college visits are taking place online, camps have been cancelled and their normal summer jobs are unavailable. Along with all this change and uncertainty many teens have found themselves more socially isolated and disconnected. The article below advises parents on the signs that may indicate that your teen needs help.
ADDRESSING RACIAL BIAS WITH CHILDREN
With the killing of George Floyd and the civil unrest and protests that have followed, our children may be hearing things and seeing images that they do not quite understand. Racism affects us all and can negatively impact the health and well being not only of those who experience it but those who witness it. The article below gives parents strategies and resources to help them address the topic of racial bias and inequities with their children.
BEATING THE SUMMER DOLDRUMS DURING A PANDEMIC
Cancelled summer plans like festivals, family outings and other gathering might make it challenging to keep your family's spirits up. Here are some simple mood boosters that can help.