• Hello to all our staff, students and their families,

     

    We hope this finds you healthy and safe.  We have been working at home, just like you - getting ready for when you return to school.  May the 4th be with you!

    There is quite a lot of information about the Cornavirus, officially COVID-19 circulating in the news and on social media.  We have sifted through most of it and have picked out the most meaningful parts.

     

                    Some topics that you might have questions about:

    1. Why do we need to stay at home and why do we need social distancing?

     

    The purpose of a stay -at- home order is to limit how many people are exposed to the virus, get

    sick from the virus and spread the virus to other people.  By limiting our number of contacts to

    our immediate family it can decrease and stop the spread. Think of our National Parks and

    Forests that clean out low lying brush and trees to create an area where a forest fire will

    stop/slow and have less “fuel” to continue to spread.  This is a similar principle that is being used

    by “stay at home and social distancing”. 

     

     

    1. Is the outbreak of Covid19 causing you or someone you know Anxiety?

     

      1. Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news reports including social media. – This can be overwhelming to many.
      2. Take care of your body – Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, try to eat healthy meals – sit down as a family and eat 2-3 meals a day together, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol.
      3. Take time to unwind. Engage in activities that you enjoy or start a new hobby.
      4. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
      5. Reach out to your neighbors – Can you get groceries for an older neighbor in need? Do they just need to talk to someone - they can remain in the doorway and you stand in the walkway and just be there to talk to them.
      6. Get your information from credible sources i.e.: CDC or Mass.gov – accurate knowledge and preparation can help reduce feelings of panic!
      7. Listen to your children- provide them simple but knowledgeable information. Focus on prevention with them.  Reframing the situation as an opportunity can relieve anxiety.
      8. Helping others, through connecting and donating items or your time can provide a sense of meaning in this time of social isolation.

     

    1. How can I help the first responders?

     

    Many first responders, Hospitals, Fire Departments, Police Departments, as well as

    Nurses in all other areas, like home care and in doctors’ offices, etc. are in need of PPE

    (Personal Protective Equipment, like face masks, face shields, gloves and gowns) and

    disinfecting supplies like hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes, if you have any of this equipment

    please contact any of these providers to donate.  You can also contact the Swansea

    Board of Health (508-324-6704) or Town Nurse, Emily Lachance ((508) 324-6742 or

    elachance@town.swansea.ma.us and they can put you in contact with those in need. 

     

    Do you sew?  Cloth masks are also in need.  This is an ideal time for students to learn to sew.  There are many templates online with instructions on how to make them.  You can donate these to local hospitals

     

    1. What do I do to prevent getting sick?

    Wash your hands often and for 20 seconds.

    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

    Clean things that are frequently touched – (i.e.: doorknobs and countertops)

    Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (use a Kleenex or your inner elbow, not your hands)

    Stay at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

     

    1. What do I do if I think I am sick?

    Please see the attached file for what to do.

     

    The most important thing you can do is to stay home.  

     

     Social Isolation has given us the opportunity to reflect on what means the most to us.  Family and time - which we now have in abundance.

    • Play board games
    • Play pool
    • Play card games
    • Pull out a jigsaw puzzle
    • Watch an uplifting movie as a family – pull out the popcorn and snacks and gather round the TV together.
    • Eat meals together as a family without TV – just talk about anything.
    • Take frequent exercise breaks – there are many exercise videos for free on you tube, or just get out and walk as a family.

    We hope these items help you and your family.   Please stay safe and healthy.

    If you need to reach out to any of the nurses, please feel free to do so – our emails are all on the Swansea Schools Website. 

     

    https://youtu.be/d914EnpU4Fo -- Please click on this link for a Hand Washing Video.

     

     

    Thank you and Be Well,  

    Corona Virus ResourcesCOVID 19 SymptomsSick with COVID 19Corona Virus COVID 19 Resources