Smart Restart Back to School Tips from Mrs. Stepnowsky

At Hathaway Brown School, students are starting the 2020-2021 school year with small group orientations followed by a phased-in return to campus. Whether your family is back to school virtually or in the classroom, Primary School Director Kelly Stepnowsky has tips to assist with the transition. 

• Practice mask wearing for longer increments of time leading up to the first day of in-person classes. Talk with your daughter about how all teachers and students will be wearing masks all day at school. Reassure her that this is what we do to keep our community safe. 
   

• Help your daughter get into the habit of frequent hand washing at any new transitions in your day — before and after eating, etc. Begin talking with her about how the school will be performing health checks upon arrival to familiarize her with symptom and temperature checks.
   

• Help your daughter to design and plan out a quiet learning space for homework and remote learning. Allow her to be involved in setting up the space to increase her sense of responsibility and organization. Be sure to have a proper seat and writing surface, pencils, and outlet for iPad charging. Including a family photo or piece of art, etc. can help to provide comfort and personalization.
   

• Check your internet capability at home (Hathaway Brown IT Help with Internet Connection and Speed) to be prepared for remote learning.
   

• Talk with your daughter about her feelings about school, have her write down questions or journal her thoughts, give her time and space to share, or walk through a typical day with her so she understands what to expect. Here are some resources we have come across that may be helpful in talking with your daughters:

  • Conscious Discipline-Answering Children's Difficult Questions

  • Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19