Bridger Creative Science News

September 24th Back to School Night Time TBD

Are you looking for a way to help students in our community? SMART Reading is looking for Volunteer Readers to read with kindergarten through third grade students at Bridger Creative Science School. This volunteer position is a great way to get involved and help kids get excited about reading! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please visit https://smartreading.org/volunteer/ or call 971-634-1628.

Dear Caregivers,

As the school year progresses, it's common for children to experience a mix of emotions—excitement, curiosity, and sometimes anxiety. School anxiety can manifest in different ways, from reluctance to attend school to physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. It can be challenging, but with the right support, your child can manage these feelings successfully.

Understanding School Anxiety

School anxiety can happen for a variety of reasons:

• New Experiences: New teachers, classrooms, or classmates can be overwhelming.

• Academic Pressure: Worrying about schoolwork can cause stress.

• Social Issues: Friendships, conflict, or fitting in can be challenges.

• Separation Anxiety: Younger children may feel anxious about being away from home or their parents. This is more common in older children since the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to Recognize School Anxiety

Look out for signs that your child may be anxious about school:

• Complaints of physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or feeling unwell, especially in the morning.

• Reluctance or refusal to go to school.

• Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, tearfulness, or withdrawal.

• Expressing fears about school, teachers, or classmates.

How You Can Help Your Child (And What to Avoid)

You play a crucial role in helping your child feel more comfortable and less anxious about school. Here’s what’s helpful—and what’s not:

Helpful Approaches:

1. Talk and Listen: Encourage your child to share their feelings with you. Listen carefully and let them know it’s okay to feel this way sometimes.

2. Create a Routine: A consistent daily routine can help your child feel more secure. Make sure they get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and have plenty of time to get ready and travel to school.

3. Teach Relaxation: Show your child simple ways to relax, like taking deep breaths when they feel nervous.

4. Set Realistic Goals: Take it one step at a time and remind your child that it’s okay not to be perfect. Celebrate their efforts, even small ones.

5. Work on Solutions Together: If something specific is causing anxiety, discuss it with your child and work together to find a solution. For example, if a certain subject is tough, you might plan to give them extra help.

6. Be Positive: Talk about school in a positive way. Focus on the good things, like making friends and learning new things.

7. Get Extra Help if Needed: If your child’s anxiety doesn’t improve, consider talking to a school counselor, pediatrician, or a mental health professional.

What to Avoid:

1. Dismissing Their Feelings: Avoid telling your child to "just get over it" or "stop worrying." This can make them feel misunderstood and/or more anxious.

2. Overloading Them With Information: Providing too many details about what could go wrong can increase your child’s anxiety. Stick to simple, reassuring explanations.

3. Pressuring for Perfection: Don’t push your child to achieve perfect outcomes, be the best in everything, or always have a good day. This can add unnecessary stress and anxiety.

4. Ignoring the Problem: Pretending the anxiety doesn’t exist or hoping it will go away on its own can lead to bigger issues later.

5. Comparing to Others: Avoid comparing your child to siblings or friends who may not struggle with anxiety. This can lower their self-esteem and increase feelings of inadequacy.

6. Punishing Anxiety: Don’t punish or criticize your child for being anxious or hesitant about school. This can reinforce their fears and make the problem worse.

7. Overprotecting: Shielding your child from all challenges may prevent them from learning how to cope with anxiety. Encourage them to face their fears with your support.

Special Note: The Importance of a Quick Goodbye

One of the most challenging moments for parents of an anxious child is the drop-off at school. It’s natural to want to stay a little longer, offer more reassurance, or negotiate with your child to ease their anxiety. However, lingering can sometimes make things more difficult for both you and your child.

Why a Quick Goodbye Matters

When parents delay leaving, it can send the message to your child that there’s something to be worried about and/or signals that the possibility of going home is still open. Prolonging the goodbye can also make the separation more painful and create a daily struggle that becomes harder to break.

Tips for a Smooth Drop-Off:

• Establish a Routine: Have a consistent drop-off routine that your child can rely on. This could include a special goodbye ritual like a hug, high-five, or a wave.

• Stay Positive: Keep your tone upbeat and confident, even if you’re feeling emotional. Your child will pick up on your cues.

• Trust the Teachers: Remember that the school staff is trained to handle these situations. Trust them to help your child transition smoothly after you leave.

• Leave Quickly: Once you’ve said goodbye, it’s important to leave promptly. This helps your child adjust and start focusing on their day ahead.

Acknowledging Caregiver Feelings

We know this is easier said than done. Leaving your child when they’re upset is one of the hardest things a caregiver can do. But by doing so, you’re helping them learn to cope with their anxiety and build independence. It’s a tough but important step in their growth.

Helpful Resources

Here are some resources that might help:

• Books: "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn (story book for younger children), Anxiety Relief Workbook by Dr. Agnes Selinger PhD (ages 6-9), Anxiety Workbook by Amy Nasamran PhD (ages 8-12), and Anxiety Relief for Teens by Regine Galanti PhD.

• Websites: Check out Child Mind Institute and Anxiety and Depression Association of America for more tips and information.

• School Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or our school counselors.

Thank you for being a supportive partner in your child's education and well-being.

School Contacts:
Principal: Tarehna Wicker twicker@pps.net
Assistant Principal: Andrew Dauch adauch@pps.net
K-8 Responsive School Counselor: Kate Bennett kbennett@pps.net
K-8 Teaching School Counselor: Michelle McMillan mmcmillan@pps.net

Dear BCSS Families,

We are excited to announce that Therapy Dog Mika will be joining our community again this year. Therapy dogs are specially trained to support students when they're experiencing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Research shows that therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even increase academic performance. You can read an article with more information about the benefits of therapy dogs in schools here, or check out a local news story about therapy dogs right here in PPS. Students who worked with Mika last year reported that they felt less stressed and more relaxed when Mika was around, which helped them focus on their schoolwork. Teachers also observed that students were more attentive and engaged when Mika was in the room.

We understand that some families may have concerns or questions about the presence of a therapy dog in the school. Please know that our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. Mika is an under-8-pound Shih Tzu-Yorkie Poo mix, and her handler Revi, the mid-level Learning Center Teacher, is with her at all times. This tiny dog loves when students approach her, but will only interact with folks who have given their consent. She is hypoallergenic and non-shedding, has a quiet and calm temperament, and is personable in general but especially loves children. By popular demand, she will be working at our school three days a week this year: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at twicker@pps.net.

Sincerely,

--

Revi Shohet (they/them/their)

6-8 Learning Center Teacher and PAT Building Representative

Bridger Creative Science School on Clackamas and Cowlitz land