Posing for the perfect yearbook photo isn’t the only thing students need to prepare for this fall. As we enter yet another back-to-school season in the midst of a pandemic, staying safe in the classroom needs to remain on the syllabus.
vybe is here with some quick tips to help you and your family start the school year off on the right foot.
1. Keep up with COVID-19 protocols
The past few weeks have seen an unwelcome uptick in COVID-19 cases, in large part due to the Delta variant. Communities with low vaccination rates are being hit hardest.
Before the first-period bell rings, take some time to prepare the students in your life for classroom best practices:
- Mask up: Until further notice, Philadelphia classrooms will require students to be masked. Make sure you have a stockpile of safe, effective masks at hand. Stashing a few into backpacks can help to avoid arriving at class unprepared.
- Stick with social distancing: Remind your child that the rule is still to maintain personal space at school. One way you can help is to make sure he or she has everything needed to get through the day. Students are less likely to swap lunches or borrow pencils if they arrive fully equipped.
- Don’t wait – vaccinate!: Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure safety from COVID-19 in the classroom. If your child is over 12 and meets the requirements, the CDC recommends he or she be vaccinated. Currently, only 33.2% of 12-15-year-olds and 43.6% of 15-17-year-olds are fully vaccinated. Bringing these numbers up will help to reduce the likelihood of education interruptions caused by COVID-19 outbreaks.
2. Potentially positive? What to do when your child might have COVID
If you think your child has been exposed or is displaying COVID-like symptoms, a test is still the best way to know for sure. In the meantime, keep your child home from school. Self-isolating is an effective way to stop the spread of infection and keep other students and educators safe.
3. Back-to-school physicals
Having a clinician check in on your child’s well-being before the start of a new school year is a good idea, even if your child’s school doesn’t require it. Consider a back-to-school physical as an opportunity to ask any questions you have about your child’s health. You can conveniently visit your local vybe for your child’s K-12 back-to-school physical for $50.
4. Virtual reality check
If school ‘goes virtual’, these household tips can help your child with education and mental health:
- Create and stick to a daily routine. The rhythm of a routine can help to promote normalcy, allowing your child to focus on his or her coursework.
- Check-in with your child often and ask how he or she is doing academically and socially. This creates space for children to express themselves.
- Encourage periodic breaks from all screens throughout the day. Recess is an important part of the school day regardless of whether or not your child is at home or in a classroom.
- Communicate with your child’s teachers. Be proactive by asking for advice to help your child stay on track.
vybe is here to support you and your family throughout the pandemic and the school year. We are available for all of your urgent care needs, including COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and back-to-school physicals.
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