Thoughts of the week

After only two days of being in school, I received another message that a person in my child's classroom has been diagnosed with COVID-19, so the children need to be picked up and quarantined again unless we submit a negative result from the at-home kit by the next morning. My guess is that many of our families are experiencing similar things lately, but my hope is that the vaccine rollout and the new quarantine policy can provide a (small) sigh of relief and help us ride out this "strange" season.
If you find yourself with more at-home time or are simply looking for something new to do as a family, you may find these resources to be helpful: 

• Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing (Winter) by Sally Lloyd Jones.
  This is a great follow up to Caroline's message about partnering with God and becoming new again and again. It is a short Read & Reflect that you can do together as a family to wind down for the day. 
  
  
• Shapes Breathing Exercises
  When things become overwhelming and rough having a tool to help us pause and breath can be helpful for children and adults alike. I created these exercises to help removing the focus from the anger or anxiety outburst, and moving the attention towards a totally different activity that requires concentration and precision. 
  
  
• Lunar New Year: Craft and Cookbooks 
  The upcoming Lunar New Year (Feb 1) will probably still be different for many who celebrate it this year. However these resources may inspire new ways to celebrate at-home and to connect creatively with distant relatives. 
  
  

If you are coming this Sunday, please RSVP your attendance. This will help us plan, especially if you need childcare. In the meantime, please review our updated health protocols. To expedite our check-in process, you can email your (and your children's) vaccination card to mail@rivernyc.org.
The RiverKids/Youth volunteer team and I are looking forward to welcome your children in our classrooms again next Sunday, Jan 30.
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Amelia Cunard | RiverKids Director