How to Support the Mental and Physical Health of Students While Schools are Closed

During the past weeks, increasing numbers of individual schools, school districts and even entire states have made difficult decisions to close schools in the wake of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). As these protective measures have been implemented—often without a definitive end date—, schools now face the challenge of supporting their students' health and academic growth remotely.

While many teachers may be able to turn to virtual learning through different technological means, schools and families also grapple with the challenges of supporting the physical and mental health needs of students, particularly for the large populations of students from low-income or under-resourced families who rely heavily on school nutrition programs and/or school behavioral health services.

Among the resources included below, find some of the latest guiding documents and resources for school leaders and families to help ensure continued access for students to adequate nutrition, mental health supports, opportunities for physical activity and preserving the environmental safety of homes and schools.
New Resources
Ensuring Access to the Child Nutrition Programs in the Event of School Closures
This 2-pager document highlights some of the key steps that school and community partners can take to leverage federal resources and ensure students and families continue to have access to nutritious meals during school closures.

Additional guidance for school administrators is included here.
Planning for Virtual/Distance School Counseling During an Emergency Shutdown
In order to continue to support the mental and behavioral health needs of students, it may be necessary for many schools to implement or expand virtual counseling services. The American School Counselor Association has provided this document to assist with guidance and key considerations for providing services to students during school closures.
Healthy Activities to Do at Home
Whether children are currently affected by school closures or not, this resource outlines many activities and ideas for fostering healthy behaviors with children, particularly for incorporating physical activity and healthy nutrition habits at home.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Ensuring that school environments are cleaned and disinfected regularly is one of the best practice recommendations from the CDC for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Find key guidance for the types of cleaning solutions, equipment, etc. that should be used for cleaning schools.

Guidance for individual households can also be found here.
Teachers Share Resources for Teaching Online During Coronavirus School Closures
As many teachers transition to online learning for many student populations across the country, many teachers grapple with how to create an engaging environment for learning, especially when many students may lack resources or access to connect virtually. Find ideas and resources inspired by and for teachers.
CHHCS Resources
The Impact of School-Connected Behavioral and Emotional Health Interventions on Student Academic Performance
Resources for COVID-19 Response in Schools
Improving Access to Children's Mental Health Care: Lessons from a Study of Eleven States

Grant Alerts
Creative Education Project Mini-Grants | The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
Supporting creative or innovative classroom or community activities that engage students in unique ways, e.g. school gardens, community walks, etc. Learn more .
Deadline: March 31, 2020
Underserved Student Education Improvement | Brady Education Foundation
Supporting projects focused on evaluating programs that help close opportunity and achievement gaps associated with race and family income. Learn more .
Deadline: April 1, 2020
SEL in Action Awards | Education First and NoVo Foundation
Supporting implementation of SEL initiatives in schools, either at the educator level (teachers, counselors, administrators, etc.) or at the district level. Learn more .
Deadline: April 10, 2020
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Job Opportunities
Social Worker/School Counselor | Explore Schools (Brooklyn, NY)
Work with students, families and teachers to maintain positive school culture; provide individual and group counseling; create behavioral modification plans. Learn more .
Student Life & Wellness Director | College Track, Inc. (Washington, DC)
Design and implement programming to support student growth and development in social-emotional learning and student wellness. Learn more .
Coordinator of Health Services | Texarkana Independent School District (Texarkana, TX)
Provide leadership in development, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive program of health services for the school district. Learn more .
School Nurse | Scotsdale Unified School District (Scotsdale, AZ)
Serve as leader within school community to oversee school health policies and programs and promotion of health education. Learn more .
Upcoming Meetings and Events
March 25, 2020 3:00–4:15 PM ET
Hosted by School House Connection
March 31, 2020 3:00 PM ET
Hosted by MHTTC Network
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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