Every year in August, parents and students across the country look to finish up their preparations for the upcoming school year. School supplies are purchased, class schedules are memorized and sleep schedules have a hard time re-adjusting. However, with the current COVID-19 pandemic still impacting schools of all levels, this August, as well as the entire 2020-2021 school year, has already been like nothing anyone has ever experienced.

With any new experience comes uncertainty on what is going to change and how. Because of this, many are beginning to feel the effects of the changes brought about by the school year. To help, here are some great tips for coping with the changes to the school year due to COVID-19:

• Limit negative exposure. Regardless if you are a parent to a student or are a student yourself, what feels like a constant barrage of news coverage surrounding COVID-19 can lead to increased anxiety and fear, especially within children. With the increase in online courses as well, it may be beneficial for parents of older students, to discuss online safety tips as well as how to spot inaccurate information or rumors regarding COVID-19.

• Stay positive. Similar to limiting yourself to the negative aspects of the pandemic, continually reminding yourself (or your child) of the positives of the situation can be a great technique in remaining calm and collected. Focus on things such as the extra time spent together as a family, being able to learn new skills or taking up new hobbies. For the parents of young students, focus on making life at home as fun as possible to help keep their spirits up. If you’re having a hard time of thinking of some ideas, try such things as game nights, backyard camp outs, holding a cupcake baking competition or any other activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

• Stay connected. One of the biggest causes of stress and uncertainty surrounding school changes is how it will impact yours or your child’s learning. However, by reaching out and staying connected to your school’s administration and identifying all available resources to you, you can find a sense of ease. While schools may vary in their ability to provide additional resources, many will work with parents and faculty to you locate learning materials and other resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Be sure to make note of the types of communication methods your or your child’s school may be using to communicate updates and other important information regarding the school year as well.

• Stay social. While it’s important to be connected with your or your child’s school, it is also important to remain socially connected as well. Younger children may have a hard time fully understanding why they aren’t able to see their friends due to social distancing, so setting up routine times for them to connect virtually with their peers can help them maintain a more positive outlook regarding the situation. The same can be said for older students and adults too!

If classes are able to resume in class activities in your area, many parents may be worried about what precautions they can take to help keep their child safe. Thankfully, the CDC has some great recommendations to follow, including:

1. Talk to your child about precautions to take at school. Children may be advised to:

• Wash and sanitize their hands more often.

• Keep physical distance from other students.

• Wear a cloth face covering.

• Avoid sharing objects with other students, including water bottles, devices, writing instruments, and books.

• Use hand sanitizer (that contains at least 60% alcohol.) Make sure you’re using a safe product.

2. Be familiar with your school’s plan for how they will communicate with families when a positive case or exposure to someone with COVID-19 is identified and ensure student privacy is upheld.

3. Plan for possible school closures or periods of quarantine. If transmission is increasing in your community or if multiple children or staff test positive for COVID-19, the school building might close. Similarly, if a close contact of your child (within or outside of school) tests positive for COVID-19, your child may need to stay home for a 2-week quarantine period. You may need to consider the feasibility of teleworking, taking leave from work, or identifying someone who can supervise your child in the event of school building closures or quarantine.

4. Have multiple cloth face coverings, so you can wash them daily and have back-ups ready. Choose cloth face coverings that:

1. Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

2. Completely cover the nose and mouth

3. Are secured with ties or ear loops

4. Include multiple layers of fabric

5. Allow for breathing without restriction

6. Can be washed and machine dried without damage or change to shape

5. Practice with your child putting on and taking off cloth face coverings without touching the cloth.

6. Explain the importance of wearing a cloth face covering and how it protects other people from getting sick.