Dear Vikings,
We know that this is a troubling time for all of our Voyager families. In an effort to provide some guidance, the Student Services Team has compiled resources below to get you started. Our team will deliver new information and resources weekly in the Voyager Academy Newsletter and on the Voyager Academy website.
If your child would like to speak directly with a member of the Student Services Team and is not in immediate crisis, please email your student’s grade-level counselor or social worker. The Team will be available during regular work hours.
If your child needs immediate medical attention and/or is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911, your primary care physician and/or a mental health professional.
Lastly, community resources have been compiled and can be accessed using this list.
With hope and optimism,
The Voyager Student Services Team
Cindy Gittens, K-12 School Social Worker, cgittens@voyageracademy.net
Melissa Meckes, K-3 School Counselor, mmeckes@voyageracademy.net
Tonya Farrish, 4-8 School Counselor, tfarrish@voyageracademy.net
List of Community Resources by Area
Parent Articles
Resource
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Description
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Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Child Mind institute
A great article about how to talk to your children about COVID-19. Outlines some guidelines and includes a video.
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Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource
National Association of School Psychologists
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10 Tips for Talking About COVID-19 with your Kids
PBS News Hour
Provides tips for how to talk to your children about COVID-19. Includes a great BrainPOP video for kids.
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Managing COVID-19 Anxiety
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Provides helpful expert tips and resources.
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COVIBOOK
This short book can be used to support and reassure our children, under the age of 7, regarding the COVID-19. The book has been translated in several languages.
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Apps
Resource
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Age
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Description
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PreK-5
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Social-Emotional learning curriculum uses an online gaming platform. Kids can create their own avatar. They receive points for identifying feelings, showing empathy, and helping others.
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PreK-12
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Offering free access to their Social-Emotional learning content. Uses video modules.
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K-12
Teens
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Free app for sleep, anxiety and stress
A course in the Insight Timer app to learn the basics of mindfulness to help deal with common tensions of being a teenager, and in the process help to support
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Available on Google Play
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K-12
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Breathing Bubbles is an app specifically designed to help kids practice releasing worries and focusing on good feelings.
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Available on Google Play
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K-12
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Mandala Coloring Pages
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K-12
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Mind Yeti provides free guided mindfulness sessions.
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Android
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PreK-K
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Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame is intended for parents and caregivers to use with their young children (ages 2-5) to help teach skills such as problem-solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence.
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IOS
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K-5
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Stop, Breathe & Think Kids offers children a fun and easy way to identify and process their emotions. From counting breaths to friendly wishes or frog jumps, each activity brings fun rewards to keep them engaged.
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Weekly Wellness Activities
Week of March 23:
K-12 Mindfulness Exercises -
