AAPS school psychologists hosting weekly online parent support groups
By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
There is no instruction book for how to complete the last three months of a school year at home.
“Regardless of our particular circumstance—working from home, navigating job loss, still going into work, single parenting, etcetera—we are all struggling in different ways to parent during this pandemic,” says Charlene Mangi, school psychologist at Bryant, Pattengill and Lakewood elementary schools. “By connecting with other parents and guardians, we can process what we are going through, share ideas, and most importantly, see that we are not alone in our joys and challenges.”
Mangi and the entire team of AAPS psychologists, along with Julieanne Muir, assistant director of Student Intervention & Support Services for AAPS, decided to host twice-weekly online get-togethers for parents and guardians.
Parents and guardians feeling stressed because of the pandemic, or in need fo tips for improving home learning, or simply looking for support from fellow parents and educators are welcome to sign up for these small groups, which will meet on Google Meet through the end of the school year.
Groups will be held Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants must register for each session they want to attend. They will get a confirmation by Monday about whether they have a spot or are waitlisted. They will then receive a link by email to join the session.
Registration will open on Thursdays by 3 p.m. for the following week. Registration for May 6 and 7 opens today, April 30, at 3 p.m.
Click here to register.
The support staff realizes there are many questions—such as those concerning IEPS, grades, course selections, technology issues and food distribution—that should be directed to the child’s school, by visiting a2schools.org or by calling these numbers:
- AAPS Parents of Students with Special Needs Hotline: 734-994-2318
- AAPS Food Service Hotline: 734-994-2265
- AAPS Technology Hotline: 734-997-1222
