Social / Emotional Considerations for the Return to School

We are excited to welcome your students back to campus second semester! As we gear up for the return to school there are a few things families can do to help prepare students for the transition.

Establish a Routine: After months of remote learning we have all developed new rhythms and routines. This shift into Hybrid will once again require us to adjust and adapt. To help with this transition, work with your teen to establish their new routine. Will this require adjusting their sleep schedule? What will their new morning routine look like? Encourage them to review their new schedule and work with them to clearly identify the days they will be on campus vs. remote. Predictability, structure, and routine can go a long way during times of transition.

Set Expectations: Work to set expectations that this return to campus will look and feel different from years past. For some just being on campus will be a thrill, while for others adjusting to all the new policies and protocols will be a challenge. Review these changes together and talk about how your teen feels about returning. Giving them an opportunity to reflect on how school will look and feel may help prepare them for these differences.

Encourage Safe Socializing: It may be hard to kick old habits when it comes to socializing. Review important health and safety protocols together with your teen. Help ensure they understand the expectations and work with them to answer any remaining questions. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and understanding how to do so safely will set them up for success.

Ease Anxiety: This transition may be a source of anxiety for some. If your teen appears worried, work with them to develop a coping plan. Help identify their fears and worries and address each with clear, fact-based information. Remind them that BBHS faculty and staff are available to support them. Work with them to develop or reinforce positive coping strategies that they can utilize while on campus.

The BBHS Counseling Department is here to support students during this time. Counselors will be on campus but due to space constraints we will continue to meet with students virtually. Students should continue to contact their Counselor via email to set up a Zoom meeting. If a student is in crisis while on campus they will be directed to the Dean’s Office where their care will be coordinated together with the Counseling Department.