COVID-19 Considerations for Reopening Schools: Supporting Student and Staff Wellness

While the usual transitional concerns will be present when schools reopen, it is anticipated that this fall's return to school will be particularly challenging. Teachers and administrators should operate on the assumption that everyone, (students, families and staff) will have experienced some degree of anxiety and stress, uncertainty, illness, grief and loss. Some will have been ill themselves, some will be grieving for a relative or friend who died, if not by illness, possibly from an accident or even suicide or violence. Some will have experienced hunger, abuse, neglect, evictions, domestic violence and/or community violence. For some students, the experience of social distancing and being home during COVID-19 will have been traumatic. Schools will likely see an increased number of learning, behavioral and emotional problems, from more students. For those who already have emotional and behavioral challenges, these could be exacerbated. Existing disparities also will be more pronounced. Stressors from the transition back are likely to intensify and may impact learning and teaching. This guidance document addresses planning considerations for the social and emotional wellbeing of students and staff during the transition when schools reopen. [This guidance is an adaptation from Volume 25 of the UCLA School Mental Health Project. For "Restructuring Education Support Services and Integrating Community Resources: Beyond the Full Service School Model", see EJ590904.]