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IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

August 10, 2020
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Dear Holy Angels Families,
     Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I hope you and your families are remaining healthy and safe during these unprecedented and challenging times. The world has surely thrown us a curveball these past couple of months, but know we're all in this together (while also from a distance 6 feet apart - hahaha) in this shared experience. Your feelings of anxiousness and excitement for your preschooler is certainly understandable. Here are just a few resources to help your child(ren) have a successful first day:
    
It's important to check in with your child(ren) regularly and maintain an open dialogue about his/her feelings and experiences. 
 
These past weeks, various reports from different county guidelines were published. Holy Angels School is committed to the safety of our students and staff and are taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on our campus. The status of this pandemic is fluid, and it continues to evolve daily. We are in constant contact with the Archdiocese of San Francisco and San Mateo County Office of Education.
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As Holy Angels School's Principal, Sister Alma Amancio, O.P., has emphasized, "the safety of our children and entire school community is our top priority." We want you to be safe, and we appreciate you flexibility and understanding. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we are #AngelsStrong, and we will get through this together. If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to your child's needs, please feel free to contact me by email at mruiz@holyangelscolma.org or complete the Counselors Referral Form at your convenience to schedule an appointment with me.
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I wish you and your family all the best!
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Disaster Distress Helpline: 24 hour toll free, 1-800-422-4453
Youth Mental Health: 1-888-568-1112
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: online chat available, 1-800-273-TALK (Spanish-speaking callers 1-888-628-9454)
Star Vista Crisis Hotline: 24 hour crisis hotline, 1-650-579-0350
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Parent-to-Parent Counseling Forum

What a way to start the academic year! Since San Mateo County is on the current Watch List, we are starting the school year Distance Learning. We don't normally see the impact when change is slow; however, these past couple of months, we have all experienced sudden changes. These changes are all out of our control and yet, the end is still unclear. This "unknown" can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. We can sometimes lose our sense of self. Let's come together and lift each other up! Let's be each other's cheerleaders! In a safe forum we can discuss our current challenges and personal tips and home-life advice. Let's come together to share our experiences, provide input and give guidance to one another. 

Fill out the information on the left to be a part of our "Parent-to-Parent" forum!
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March 12, 2020
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Dear Holy Angels families,
     As Sister Alma stated in her letter, "Holy Angels School and all other schools in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, will be closing all school buildings March 12- March 25, 2020." This is an advisory from the state and county health officials in order to keep families safe and healthy due to the COVID-19 virus.
     Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. An unexpected school closure and the fear of illness and unexpected change to our daily life schedule can be anxiety producing. As this letter is being sent out, Holy Angels School has no known cases of COVID-19. Closing our school is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and our community. Reassure your child(ren) the health department and school officials are working hard to ensure they stay healthy.
     It is important for families to know facts surrounding COVID-19. One way to manage anxiety is to be aware of the facts how to keep oneself safe. There are many misinformation on the news and social media. Information about the virus can be found at:
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Children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Stress and anxiety can weaken immune systems, making it more difficult to fight off illness. It is especially important during this break to increase self-care to decrease stress (Health Plan of San Mateo: Stress Management). Also, using developmentally appropriate language to help children understand what the virus is and the impact, while also reassuring them. There are simple steps to good hygiene (washing hands, cover your cough or sneeze, limiting exposure to those who are sick, etc.) is essential. Giving children a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. Stay calm and reassuring - here is a helpful video from Child Mind Institute on discussing the COVID-19 to your child(ren): How to talk to kids about the Coronavirus.
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Disaster Distress Helpline: 24 hour toll free, 1-800-422-4453
Youth Mental Health: 1-888-568-1112
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: online chat available, 1-800-273-TALK (Spanish-speaking callers 1-888-628-9454)
Star Vista Crisis Hotline: 24 hour crisis hotline, 1-650-579-0350
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