As schools and districts across the nation look to reopen, whether in-person or virtually, in the coming months, they are likely to face even greater strain as they seek to meet the academic and health needs of students, staff, and educators with already limited resources.
To assist schools in proactively addressing the health needs of educators and staff, a number of nationally recognized and trusted school health organizations have come together to develop a playbook for school reopening — “Planning for the Next Normal at School: Keeping students, staff, and families safe and healthy.” This guide aims to equip school and district leaders with specific, evidence-informed guidance and operating procedures for keeping school communities mentally and physically safe as we shape a new approach to learning. Each chapter of the playbook will include five “starter plays” that provide practical strategies and actionable steps improving health in both physical and virtual school environments.
In light of recent surveys indicating that mental health and well-being is a high priority and concern among school communities, the playbook authors have released the first chapter of the playbook ahead of schedule. This chapter, co-authored with Alliance for a Healthier Generation, provides guidance and recommendations for enhancing mental health and well-being during reopening.
Visit the playbook web page on the Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools website to read and download chapter 1 on mental health and well-being. Check back in early July for the full release of the playbook with additional chapters on COVID-19 prevention, physical activity and education, social drivers of health, and teacher and staff well-being.
Comments (0)