Some parents are emerging from the isolation of lockdown back into the brick and mortar Parkside School. It is an exciting and disorienting experience, which will take time to resolve. Other parents made the choice to stay virtual. Both decisions likely evoke feelings of loss and hope and everything “in between.”  The pandemic has challenged all parents. It has been particularly stressful for parents of children with special needs. We know our children thrive with predictability and the loving support of teachers, therapists and friends. Covid abruptly ended that. Suddenly, most of you became “instant’ teachers will little support and no preparation.  Your children lost the structure, predictability and positive “growth producing” energy the school generates.  We know that when we feel socially connected and emotionally understood we are better prepared as parents and as individuals to cope with stress.

In the spirit of reconnecting (or for new parents connecting for the first time) the social work department is offering a parent support group from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays starting September 16.  The group will run for six consecutive weeks. 

For details about joining the group on Zoom, contact Rick Alston.