Care & Connection

 

This fall, we are returning to full-time, in-person school. For students, families and school staff, this may bring about feelings of excitement, opportunity, anticipation, uncertainty, and nervousness. That nervousness is normal.

The Oregon Department of Education is asking every school/school district to welcome its staff and students back with Care and Connection Week. This means devoting the first weeks of the school year to building relationships and community, and creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

During Care and Connection Week and beyond, we ask school administrators to provide staff, educators and students with permission and ample time to build care, connection and community with you, with each other, and with students. The intention is to create safe and invitational spaces that allow each person to be where they are at any given moment, and to offer creative opportunities for them to explore their experiences.

Many districts, schools and staff already have many activities in place to build care and connection. We invite you to create exercises and events that fit your school/school district’s schedule each day to build cultures of care, connection, and community.

If needed, the Oregon Department of Education also offers many resources for students, families and staff to help support mental and emotional health.

Toolkit

• Care and Connection District Examples
• Preparing for Breaks and Transitions with Care and Connection
• Care and Connection Guidance
• Care and Connection Activities
• Care and Connection Distance Learning Resources
• Sample Letter to Families

Multimedia

• Video Ads
• Back-to-School Encouragement Cards for Kids

Graphic Resources

• View Individual Graphics
• Care and Connection Posters (zip file)
• Care and Connection Banners (zip file)
• Handle with Care Printables (zip file)

Press Coverage (Articles)

• KEZI: Oregon 'Care and Connection' Campaign Eases Return to In-Person Learning
• The Chronicle: Mental Health Takes Center Stage in Oregon's Schools (Op-Ed by Dr. B. Grace Bullock)
• The Oregonian: Fostering Community, Connection, and Safety for the School Year Ahead (Op-Ed by Director Colt Gill)
• KATU: Oregon Educators Put Mental Health First for Upcoming School Year
• KGW: Oregon Campaign Promotes "Care and Connection" as kids head back to school
• KOIN: Oregon Schools to Launch "Care and Connection Week"
• KOIN: Students' Mental Health Top of Mind for Educators

Social Media

• Sample Social Media Posts
• Translations - Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese (zip file)

Press Coverage (Videos)

• KPTV: Oregon Department of Education Launches 'Care & Connection' Program
• KEZI: Oregon 'Care and Connection' Campaign Eases Return to In-Person Learning
• KOBI: Five on 5 with Dr. Grace Bullock
• KATU AM Northwest: Oregon Department of Education's "Care & Connection Campaign"
• KGW: Educators Put Emphasis on Students' Mental Health ahead of First Day of School
• KOIN: Back to School: Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
• KOIN: Creating Resiliency for the New School Year
• KOIN: Students' Mental Health Top of Mind for Educators
• KOIN: Oregon Schools to Launch "Care and Connection Week"

Handle with Care Tools

• Handle with Care Resources
• Handle with Care Guidance
• Translations -Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese (zip file)

Press Coverage (Audio)

• Let's Talk Portland Interview with Dr. B. Grace Bullock
• KEX: Care and Connection Helping Oregon School Children

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Contacts

B. Grace Bullock, Ph.D. - Senior Mental Health Officer, Office of the Director

Other Resources