• 6th grade will have an adjusted class time table, schedules will be handed out in classes 

Families:

We hope this message finds you and your family well during this difficult time. Please check out these resources regarding Hurricane Ida. Also, check out our Counseling Department website for additional support.

Talking with Students
About Natural Disasters


FIVE PRINCIPLES        
Reaffirm safety
Make time to talk
Keep explanations developmentally appropriate
Observe children’s emotional state
Maintain a normal routine

RESOURCES for Elementary:
Mindfulness for kids:
Cosmic Kids Zen Den
Blissful Kids    
For Parents:
Talking to your children 
RESOURCES for MIDDLE/ HIGH:
Mindfulnessforteens.com


LISTEN
-Let students lead and express their feelings and share their experiences.
-Validate feelings. 
-Allowing time to journal or draw can be helpful in processing.

PROTECT
-Facilitate organized, honest communication that aligns with your class norms.
-Minimize misinformation. If unsure if the information is factual, try a reply such as “I am not sure if that is fact/truth or just a story. I will try to find out for us.”
-Remain aware of reactions or behaviors that may indicate your students are experiencing BIG feelings.
-Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools and communities. 

MODEL
-Process your own emotions. 
-Collaborate on ways to move forward and take care of yourself.
-Seek help from trusted people in your community. 

GOING DEEPER
A Guided Workbook- “My Hurricane Story”
A Story about Hurricane Ida- “When the Lights Went Out”

Mental Health Resources:

• Tulane’s TIKES is offering free tele-mental health support for parents and caregivers. Click here to learn more.
• Ochsner Health is offering a free tele-mental health session through Ochsner Anywhere Care. You can log on online or through the app anytime and use the code “IDATherapy”
• Louisiana Healthcare Connections has a 24-hour toll free crisis hotline you can call to speak to a licensed clinician.– www.louisianahealthconnect.com
• Disaster Distress Helpline – This is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for anyone affected by a natural disaster, including Hurricane IDA. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to get connected with a mental health professional.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- suicidepreventionlifeline.org # 1-800-273-8255

• FEMA:  Applying for Natural Disaster Assistance, from Hurricane IDA. FEMA will help determine your eligibility for different assistance offerings. Remember to document any property damage and save receipts for repairs, equipment and hotel stays www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ida Or Call, 1-800-621-3362
• NOLA Ready: Hurricane Ida Response Information (Shelter Info, Cooling Centers, Meals/Water/Ice distribution). ready.nola.gov/incidents/hurricane-ida/assistance or Text: NOLAREADY to 77295 on your phone for regular emergency notices/updates
• Louisiana Department of Transportation: For mapping your route in and out of NOLA area, provides real-time updates on road conditions/closures. www.511la.org
• Free Roof Tarping Assistance: Provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Blueroof.us
• Gas Station Tracker: Identifies the Fuel and Power status of gas stations (can search by city and by map) tracker.gasbuddy.com/?q=New%20Orleans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): In addition to providing 24/7 confidential counseling services to help those dealing with the emotional aftermath of a disaster, they also have specialists standing by to help connect you with finding shelter, emergency programs, the Red Cross, and other national/local resources. www.FOH4You.com or Call, 1-800-222-0364 
• Second Harvest Food Bank - Feeding South Louisiana: Food assistance for Louisiana residents https://no-hunger.org/

• FEMA Disaster Assistance
• Disaster Food Stamps
• Red Cross Support
• Open Stores - Greater New Orleans Area

Health and Wellness Tip of the Week
 
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Stay home except to get medical care
• Take care of yourself by getting rest and staying hydrated
• Stay in touch with your doctor.
• Avoid public transportation
• Seperate yourself from others
• Monitor your symptoms
• Clean your hands
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces daily

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested. While waiting for test results you should stay away from others.

• Student/Family COVID Policies:  Review our student/family COVID policies here.  Please email terri.washington@yacs.org about a potential exposure or positive test result for a student and/or your family.

• Low-Cost Internet: Cox is offering low cost internet for local families.  Learn more about the program here. 

• Need a PSN Number?:  Email office.burmaster@yacs.org

• Bus Questions?: Email: bus.burmaster@yacs.org

• Got Tech questions?: Submit a ticket here