Sudbury Will Address How Coronavirus Affects Kids' Mental Health

Sudbury MA

03 June, 2020

10:47 AM

Description

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury Public Schools officials will host a web forum on Thursday night aimed at steering kids and parents through the coronavirus crisis. The "Kids, Tweens and Quarantines" webinar will feature experts talking about mental health. Here's more from a school district press release: Superintendent Brad Crozier would like to invite parents and guardians of Sudbury students to attend a webinar this week on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of their children, and what adults can do to support them. The "Kids, Tweens and Quarantines" webinar will be held virtually on Thursday, June 4 from 7-8 p.m. and is available for all parents or guardians with students attending Sudbury Public Schools. Presenter Jon Mattleman will talk about dealing with the mental health impacts the COVID-19 pandemic can have on children by discussing the development of youth brains, explaining the importance of practicing self-care, showing parents how to identify signs of anxiety and how to support their child, explaining the grieving process and discussing the "new norms" that everyone is adjusting to. Mattleman is an expert on mental health topics like anxiety, depression and suicide prevention, and travels throughout the East Coast to host workshops and presentations for students, their families and school professionals. To learn more about him and his work, please visit his website. The Department of Student Services, who is hosting the webinar, will have a panel of staff members from the department speak after Mattleman's presentation: Director of Student Services Stephanie JurianszWellness Curriculum Specialist Betsy GramsEphraim Curtis Middle School guidance counselor Terry MillerAssistant Director of Student Services Jeff LappinParents and guardians will have the opportunity to ask specific questions they may have during the talk as well. "With the state starting to reopen, this webinar will be more important now than ever before," Superintendent Crozier said. "We're proud of the ways students and their families have adapted to the changes and understand that it's been a stressful time for most of us. We hope parents and guardians will attend to learn more about how to support their children and themselves during this point of transition in these unique, complicated times." Those who wish to join the webinar can use this Zoom meeting link or call 646-558-8656 and use the meeting ID 850 3096 2694. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to reach out to their child's teachers, counselors or principals if they have any questions.