After the coronavirus pandemic upended the spring semester, parents, students and teachers across the country are wondering how different the upcoming school year will look for K-12 schools. For some, back-to-school will mean a full return to in-person classes, while others will navigate a remote learning option, or even be homeschooled.
On Tuesday, August 25, the Cochrane Social Recovery Task Force will host a panel discussion about how Cochrane schools and service providers are adapting to accommodate re-entry, and how to address feelings of fear, stress and anxiety related to the return to classes. “The social recovery task force received a great deal of feedback from the survey conducted in June,” said Task Force member Councillor Susan Flowers. “The Task Force heard that many residents are anxious about kids returning to school. We are hosting this open conversation with local experts to provide parents with practical information and resources,” she explained. The panel includes school board representatives and health experts, including Eric Howey, Mental Health Clinician at Cochrane Addiction and Mental Health Services; Fiona Gilbert, Chair, Board of Trustees, Rocky View Schools; Mary Martin, Calgary Catholic School Board Chair; and Amy Cousins, Assistant Director, Cochrane Home Schooling. Panelists will be available to answer questions about how the school boards are dealing with back to school, how home schooling is impacted by the pandemic, and how to regulate personal anxiety and that of our children. “The social recovery task force realizes that no one has all the answers but this is a time for community to come together and support one another,” said Councillor Flowers. “We hope this event can help parents feel confident in their back to schools plans and model a positive outlook for their children.” The free event will be held on Tuesday, August 25 from 7-8:30pm. Limited space is available to attend in-person. Participants must register at cochrane.ca/ProgramGuide or call 403-851-2250. The event will also be live streamed. Find details at cochrane.ca and fb.com/TownofCochrane. Submit questions in advance by noon, August 24, to the Social Recovery Task Force at SRTF@cochrane.ca.