This year school looks a little different for students and parents alike.  Zoom calls, tech support, remote learning, rotating class groups and times, it’s chaotic.  Additionally, you may have noticed you have to buy more or less school supplies or perhaps you need to buy a new computer or upgrade your internet to support all those video calls.

To help with this challenge, we chatted with Sarah Baldiga, Executive Director of the Rise Above Foundation who has been working to provide support to parents and specifically foster parents here in Massachusetts with this transition.  Here’s some of her tips:

• Support your child’s social wellbeing. There continue to be lots of free or low-cost social and recreational activities that have moved online. From teen yoga classes, virtual scavenger hunts, tours of museums and music classes, almost every activity you can think of has moved online.
• Support your child’s physical wellbeing. Getting outside and taking a brain break is good for all of us! Take a stroll in your neighborhood, find a new nature trail in your area, or just find a quiet place to sit outside.
• Set the stage for success. How can you help your child set up their area for remote learning? Get creative and involve your child in creating a spot in your home- even if it’s just a corner of their bedroom, to be their quiet spot to engage in remote learning and complete assignments.

To learn more about how Rise Above Foundation is helping students and families, or to donate visit this website here.

Avidia Bank is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Rise Above Foundation.