Anxiety

Last week during a zoom, we had a conversation about how we are feeling about school.

Around this time of year it is typical for some students to start to feel overwhelmed. 5th grade is a big step up from 4th, and the pace doesn't slow. Between social studies projects, STEM projects, book reports, and all of the math -- it is a lot.

Distance learning can make overwhelmed students feel even more stressed. Not only are typical teacher "check-ins" almost impossible, students are missing the social support of having other kids in the room with them with whom they can commiserate or lean on -- not to mention the opportunity to "shake it off" during Recess and Lunch on the Upper Yard!

I just wanted to remind you all to check in with your kids, and to be aware that they're not too young to suffer from anxiety and depression. The puberty hormones will be kicking in soon, if they haven't already, and that will definitely throw their emotions out of wack.

As always, please let me know if you are noticing anything that you think I should be aware of. I will help in any way I can.

*EDIT* A parent messaged me for clarification about why typical teacher "check-ins" are almost impossible, so I thought I would post here. When we are on campus, it is easy for me to find a moment to have a private word with a student before school, during recess, walking to the bus at the end of the day, etc. During distance learning, teachers are not allowed to zoom one-on-one with students, or even to go into breakout rooms with students by themselves. In addition, we are cautioned to limit private emails to students to classwork related matters. That means that almost all communication happens in groups. This is challenging when trying to assess difficult emotions.