Over the last few months, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have rippled across the world. We are seeing an unknown virus raise its ugly head, take thousands of lives across the world and we still do not have all the answers,  but we are getting closer to what may actually be the problem. All of us are frightened and unsure, but we are resilient and sturdy. Despite the challenges we all face, there are many, many stories and expert health and safety information that teach us, embrace us and give us strength. As parents, educators, care givers, guardians, health care workers, community members and government; we must take care of our children, for they are the hope and Spring of our future.

To that end, The Massachusetts PTA Health, Wellness and Safety committee would like to share with you information, articles, websites, stories and links  that many of the committee members have researched for you to assist, educate and keep you informed about all of this COVID-19.It is important for us to stay informed  so that we can take care of our children, not just yours and mine but the whole of society’s children. Millions of  people around the world are staying home and at a safe distance from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a crucial time to combine our efforts to build and strengthen meaningful connections. We have an opportunity to provide comfort and healing to those who may feel vulnerable or alone.
Sharing knowledge, information and experiences with others will bring us closer and keep us steadfast.

Please see the message from our National PTA President:

“While our utmost priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all students, educators, staff and families, we are also committed to making sure our communities have what they need during this challenging time,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Our nation’s families and educators have many questions and concerns, and we hope the information and resources on this webpage help them navigate this crisis.”

National PTA launched a comprehensive webpage, which features resources, tools and information to support families and educators amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at PTA.org/COVID-19 , the goal is to help communities navigate the emerging challenges the pandemic has presented, while meeting the educational and social and emotional needs of all students, educators and families.

Let us also direct you to additional articles, websites and videos that will help and provide answers:

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html

COVID-19 print resources in multiple languages
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html

COVID-19 website
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

The AAP Parenting Website
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

From Health Care for All Massachusetts ( HCFA).

For Health Help and Insurance

Home

From the Mass.gov website:

Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19?_ga=2.183441378.599039932.1584891220-1747971150.1579119003

Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) (for parents and teachers)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses (for parents)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses

We hope that this information will help you and we will continue to bring you additional resources to help all of us together get through this. I would like to just leave you with some words that always inspire and  comfort me. I hope that they will for you also.

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”      Michelle Obama

Stay well and strong,

Jackie Coogan, Chairperson and the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee