Social-Emotional Learning Supports

During these difficult times, a top priority is to take care of our students, ourselves, and each other.  A reminder that Employee Family Resources (EFR) remains available for all students, staff, and their families during the school closure.

EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY RESOURCES

Employee Family Resources (EFR) will be offering telehealth (Zoom or phone) sessions in place of in-person counseling appointments.  EFR offers support for both students (SAP) and employees (EAP). 

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Phone support is available 24/7/365 at 515-244-6090. 
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Phones are answered 24-hours a day and we can be reached at 800.327.4692.
• You can chat with us online by clicking here.
• You can email us by clicking here.

In addition, Please Pass the Love has an extensive resource page and a variety of free online programs they are offering to support both educators and students. PPTL is hosting free online Coffee Chats and webinars to allow educators to discuss how we are navigating this challenging time, prioritizing self-care, and supporting students' mental health. For students, they are offering various online meet-ups for different age groups in order to allow students to connect, ask questions, and discuss positive coping skills.  The first free coffee chat for educators is Wednesday, March 25th at 9:30 AM.

MENTAL HEALTH, COUNSELING, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Amy Anderson, our At-Risk Coordinator has been collaborating with school counselors to organize some resources to support teachers, students, and families. 

School-Based Therapy

Below is information from the agencies we partner with to provide onsite mental health services.

• Next Step - will be contacting families and offering online/telehealth sessions
• Integrative Counseling Solutions - will be contacting families and offering appointments at one of their locations or through online telehealth sessions 
• Woodward -- will be contacting families and offering office visits or online telehealth sessions.

Food Assistance

Besides the Grab and Go Sites available at the district level, Caring Hands will be continuing to offer food pantry hours.

They will deliver a pre-packaged box to each car based on family size. Below is an information sheet (thank you to Lisa Williams) and is also available through Amy A'Hearn, Food Service Director.  You are encouraged to work with counselors to get this out to families as needed.  (You may contact Amy Anderson or your building counselor if you need a PDF of this document).

Grab and Go Meal Pick Ups

Southeast Polk School District is pleased that we are able to continue to provide food service to our families during this time. If you are planning to pick up meals today, please remember these important guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. 

• Altoona Elementary   Mondays and Thursdays  11 a.m. – 12 noon
• Delaware Elementary   Mondays and Thursdays 11 a.m. – 12 noon
• Four Mile Elementary   Mondays and Thursdays 11 a.m. – 12 noon
• King’s Court (4171 E Broadway Ave.)  Mondays and Thursdays   11:30 a.m. – 12 noon
• Mitchellville – Legacy Bank Parking Lot   Mondays and Thursdays 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon
• Willowbrook Elementary   Mondays and Thursdays 11 a.m. – 12 noon

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES

After sorting through the numerous free resources, Amy has found some promising sites that many students might already be familiar with. These include Mind Yeti videos on youtube and the  Stop, Breath & Think app.

• Stop, Breathe & Think Kids (for children aged 5-10)
• Stop, Breathe, & Think  (for older students)

The resources below are available to parents and community on the district webpage under the Coronavirus announcements.

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• At Southeast Polk, we recognize that the news and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus could be a source of anxiety for some students. We would like to provide parents with resources to help guide your conversations with your child on this topic. 
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• Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource 
• Hable con sus hijos sobre el COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Un recurso para padres  (Spanish resource)
• Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

NEWSELA

We have been piloting Newsela Pro at the secondary level, and the Pro (paid) services are now available at no cost for all grade levels.  Under "Your Content" on the menu bar, there are social-emotional learning resources for middle and high school levels. There are now articles and activities related to social distancing.  You may want to share these intermittently with students as optional learning during the school closure.