Health Updates

April 22, 2020

As the weeks of sheltering in place continue, and life is altered for all of us, stress, nervousness, fear and anxiety can naturally increase.  The Center for Student Wellbeing at Vanderbilt University has compiled some helpful tips for supporting mental health and well-being throughout this time.

• Create and maintain a routine

It is easy to lose your routine during times like this and to feel lost. The absence of your typical routine provides an opportunity to create a new routine.   Schedule your day, take breaks, and maintain a routine sleep schedule.  This will help your mind and body to cope.

• Engage in mindful awareness practices

When we experience stress, we often find unhelpful thoughts racing through our minds.   These thoughts in turn lead to more stress, creating an unhealthy cycle.  To break the pattern, make a firm plan to practice mindfulness daily.  Even a few minutes is beneficial.

• Sit or lie down comfortably and allow your body to breathe deeply.  At first, just notice your breath.  If you struggle to relax, lengthen your exhale so that it is slightly longer than your inhale.  It is natural for external thoughts to arise. When a thought enters your mind, say “thought” to yourself and let it pass, returning to your breath.  Repeat the practice for 10 to 15 minutes each day and build up to 30 minutes if you are able.
• If you prefer a guided mindful practice, there are many free apps including Headspace and Calm.  You Tube also has many videos.  This guided meditation has a beautiful scenic visual to view as you are led through a calming meditation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
• Maintain exercise and physical activity

Take a walk around the block while maintaining social distancing, or try a new free fitness app, check out You Tube or look for free online classes.  If you are physically able, it is important to move your body daily.

• Balance nutrition

It’s okay to cut yourself a little slack and indulge in a craving once in a while, but balance that with healthy, nutritional food.  Good nutrition supports your immune system.  Please contact your school counselor if you need assistance with obtaining food or have questions about food delivery pick up times at campuses.

• Set Boundaries for yourself and your children for social media consumption

Stay informed, but set appropriate limits.  It is good to know the facts, but notice if your fear and anxiety is increasing and take a break from media.  Monitor what your young children are viewing very carefully.

• Social distance, but connect emotionally

Use Facetime, Zoom and other tools to reach out to friends and family.   Schedule times to connect with them and enjoy each other’s company.  Reach out to friends who may be sheltered in place alone.

• Continue nurturing your well-being

Reach out for emotional support when needed.  Share your wellness plan with a family member or friend and seek help if your anxiety and stress become overwhelming. Our school counselors are available and can provide support and refer you to mental health professionals as needed.

Free Hotlines available 24/7 to support people experiencing emotional distress at this time include:

• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline for English Speakers:   1-800-985-5990
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline for Spanish Speakers: 1-800-985-5990 and press “2”
• Text line for English Speakers : Text “TALKWITHUS” to 66746
• Text line for Spanish Speakers:  Text “HABLANOS” to 66746

April 17, 2020

Dear CFBISD Families,

Governor Abbott announced today that all Texas public schools are closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.  Please note that at-home learning for CFBISD students will continue as planned, and grading procedures will be followed as previously shared.

The District will continue to provide updated information on meal distribution and graduation plans.

Thank you.

CFBISD Administration

Additional information from the Texas Education Agency regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive Order

Superintendent Message – update from Dr. Chapman

message added on 4/13/2020 at 6:00 pm

Dear CFBISD Families & Staff,

I hope that your family is continuing to be strong during this time and are doing all you can to remain healthy.  My heartfelt thanks to everyone in our community serving on the frontlines to help support others. From the health care workers and first responders to our CFBISD nutrition and operations staff, your efforts are inspiring all of us.

As we enter this new week, please note the following updates:

Re-opening of School: We will continue to collaborate with and follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Governor’s Office, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Dallas County to inform our decision making in regards to the re-opening of school. The school district will remain closed through May 1.

Graduation Ceremonies: Dates and times for CFBISD high school graduations have not been changed at this time. If the school closure extends further to the end of the school year, plans may be altered. Please know that our team is being proactive and has already begun discussions about alternate plans. We will keep you updated as decisions are made.

Grading: The 4th nine-weeks grading period will begin on April 13, 2020. We know grades are important to our families and students. CFBISD will maximize student learning while keeping consistent, fair, and objective grading during our students online learning experience. Please know that we will apply procedures in a fair, consistent, and equitable manner and that is in the best interest of our students.

Playgrounds: All CFBISD playgrounds are currently closed while we are under the stay-at-home order to help combat the coronavirus threat.

Meal Service Plan: We will continue to provide ‘Grab and Go’ meal service on Tuesdays. Please visit the district website for a revised schedule and pick up locations at https://go.cfbisd.edu/covid19/grab-go-meals/ .

Finally, our students and staff continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.  Take a minute to watch the most recent episode of “This Week in CFIBSD”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDDbB9zTdE for a few recent district highlights.

Remember, TOGETHER WE CAN.

All the best,

Dr. John E. Chapman, III