Dear Bulldog Parents & Caregivers,

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely altered the daily lives of our school children. There are very few aspects of school pre-pandemic that are unchanged today. The pandemic has disrupted school routines and put restrictions on social interactions.  These restrictions have drastically reduced access to teachers and school peers and friend groups. Family relationships have been tested as children and parents struggle with remote schooling and working from home- often side-by-side. 

The stress of attending school during a global pandemic, on top of the regular ups and downs of just being a kid, can take its toll and cause students to struggle socially and emotionally, even if they have not struggled in that way before. As caregivers, we want to help, but we don’t always know how to do so. This is uncharted territory for even the most seasoned parent.

In a normal year, Olmsted Falls school counselors, teachers, and administrators make student well-being a priority. The challenges of this school year have put a spotlight on the need for additional support for parents. One such opportunity is coming soon- an “e-Assembly” or virtual gathering- for parents and caregivers in our school community.

January e-Assembly for Parents: Pandemic Pressure

Thursday, January 14, 2021

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

This event will offer information and resources to help parents and caregivers:

-Recognize the signs of stress, anxiety, and social/emotional issues in their children 

-Support their children with everyday challenges, the impacts of the pandemic, and what  comes next

The inaugural e-Assembly is the first in a series from the OFCS LINK  (Learn, Inspire, Nurture, Know) Family Engagement Program presented by Julianne Allen, Family & Community LINK Coordinator for OFCS. The program will include remarks from Dr. Shannon Goss, Director of Student Services for OFCS, presenters from Ohio Guidestone; and our OFCS school counselors.   

The program is for parents of preschool through high school students. Topics will include depression, anxiety, substance use, stress, time management and more. Our presenters will discuss how to recognize when your child needs help, tips for assisting your child, and where to turn if you need additional support. We are proud to partner with Ohio Guidestone and Olmsted Falls PTA Council for this important event.

Registration is REQUIRED and space is limited to approximately 200 guests. Please register only if you plan to attend. We encourage you to submit questions for our presenters when you register, so that we may address as many as possible in the program content. Once you have registered, you will receive an email a few days before the event with instructions for viewing the presentation.

Please click HERE to register.

While this year has been anything but easy, there will be an end to this ordeal. In the meantime, seeking support is vital to helping our children weather this storm. Your school community is here to help.Thank you for all you do for your children.

Sincerely,

Julianne Allen

Family & Community LINK Coordinator

Olmsted Falls City Schools

jallen@ofcs.net

@OFCSLINK

Shannon Goss, Ph.D., NCSP

Director of Student Services 

Olmsted Falls City Schools

440-427-6530 (phone and VM)

sgoss@ofcs.net