The Archdiocese of Chicago announced a system-wide closure of Catholic schools, effective Monday, March 16. Please for a copy of their official communication for more information.
We are thankful for the amazing technology of E-Learning which allows our students to learn from home when that is the safest decision! to We are proud that teachers are able to facilitate E-Learning opportunities while schools are closed. Please visit your child's teacher's website for at home learning.
If your child is in need of a device, please contact ehanlon@stbenbi.org
to arrange pick up.
Please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher during the academic school day of 8 AM -3 PM on any E-Learning day.
Dr. Hanlon and teachers are available via email.
Dr. Hanlon: ehanlon@stbenbi.org
to access our staff directory with teachers E-Learning sites
We want to recognize that being at home for an extended period of time can be very stressful and can take a toll on our mental health even if we don't recognize that it is.
It is critical that families ensure that they are remaining physically active (going on walks, bike rides, etc allow us to practice social distancing while still being active) and staying in tune with your mental well being.
We suggest arranging virtual times for children (and adults) to communicate with other adults, writing letters to one another, and don't forget phone calls!
We recognize that discipline varies from family to family, but we encourage families to remember that our children need us to model patience, kindness, and not reacting physically when angered.
Feel free to refer to this article with helpful tips
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nine-steps.html?WT.ac=p-ra.
Below are quality mental health resources available to all including:
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http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92597
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CARES stands for Crisis and Referral Entry Services. CARES is a telephone response service that handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois. A parent/guardian may check to see if their child can receive SASS services, by calling the CARES
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Crisis Line:
1-800-345-9049 (Voice),
1-773-523-4504 (TTY).
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You should call CARES when a child is at risk to himself or others and any time you or others think a child is having a mental health crisis. If a child has mental health problems, but is NOT a risk to self or others and is not experiencing a crisis, contact your local community mental health services provider on the IDHS website or call our Child and Adolescent Client Assistance Line at:
312-793-1361, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding Holidays).
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The CDC has recommended resources and prevention suggestions at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
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The Archdiocese has shared several resources:
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How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus
This provides a number of resources for parents on considerations for addressing the Coronavirus with their children
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Family Readiness for an Outbreak from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
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The Office of Catholic School portal has a SEL page full of free resources for educators and parents under curriculum. You must be logged in to access.
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7 Ways to Help Children Cope with Coronavirus related anxiety from Dr. Sabrina Strutz
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Mental Health during Coronavirus
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
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Printable mind break samples
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10 Brain Breaks
These are physical activities that provide movement breaks for children from Playworks.org
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Free printable worksheet for SEL Learning from Centerventions
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Games that parents/caregivers can play at home with younger children
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Although we cannot attend Mass in person, churches remain open for individual prayer and Masses are streamed online at http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass.