Recently, BFS Music Teacher Rich Cox shared with me a new song that he had composed. Rich has been one of our school’s many wonderful and inspiring forces of goodness and creativity during these unprecedented and challenging times. An engaging community leader and talented artist, he has produced a version of his new song that […]
Distance Learning During Coronavirus: How Parents and Kids are Reacting
As we reflect as individuals, as parents, as teachers, and as a community on everything we have been asked to adjust to, do, and deal with during this global crisis, we have been fortunate to have Michael Thompson, Judy Schechtman, and Abbi DeLessio speak with us to share their thoughts and facilitate discussions for teacher […]
What if they are ahead?
Throughout this rapidly-changing global crisis, I find myself almost constantly having to balance reality with optimism in every aspect of my job and my personal life. First Grade teacher Juli Vogelsang shared with me the following set of queries that she had heard at a service over the weekend. It certainly speaks to me about […]
A BFS alum and First Grade teacher shares a puppet video he created for his students: talking about fears, looking for the helpers (+ one more)
Inspired by Mr. Rogers, BFS alum Benjamin Weiner ’03 recently produced this video to help his young friends talk about their fears regarding the coronavirus. Ben is currently teaching First Grade at St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY. Those lucky kiddos are being treated to the daily videos Benjamin makes, each featuring a variety of […]
“The Psychological Challenges of Sequestering and Online Learning: A Special Presentation for BFS Parents”
I am pleased to announce an online meeting for all interested parents with Michael Thompson, Ph.D. “The Psychological Challenges of Sequestering and Online Learning: A Special Presentation for BFS Parents” 7:00 PM next Thursday, April 9, 2020 Dr. Thompson is a consultant, author and psychologist specializing in children and families. He is the supervising psychologist […]
“What the World Needs Now Is Love”
A friend shared the following video this morning – an inspiring virtual performance of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” performed by students from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music. Special Subject teachers jump into “distance learning” this week! Thank you, one and all, for your […]
we started the year in a position of strength, and we remain strong today. we are a close-knit and supportive community, and we are up for this challenge!
To the extended community and friends of Buckingham Friends School, On Tuesday, March 24, Buckingham Friends School began a term of “distance learning” at our beloved school. Drawn from a recent community letter to parents and guardians, it is my hope that this post offers some insights into the strength of the BFS community and […]
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
“The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.” (Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, a special website resource just published by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) To access this […]
Know Your Child
Hardly a week has gone by during the past 27 years when I haven’t mentioned one of the titles from the series of child development books published by the Gesell Institute for Human Development. “This series of child development books, by Louise Bates Ames and Frances Ilg or Ames and Carol Haber, addresses each of […]
How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus: keeping your own anxiety in check is key
By Jessica Grose, The New York Times, Feb. 28, 2020 Assess what your child knows Process your own anxiety first Don’t dismiss your child’s fears Talk at an age-appropriate level Emphasize good hygiene “By now, your children may have heard about the new coronavirus, whether it’s from a snippet of a news briefing or from […]