BACK TO SCHOOL 2021: Strategies to Reduce Your Child’s Anxiety

After months at home with online classes during the pandemic, children may feel anxious about going back to school in person. They may be concerned about being separated from their families and whether they will be safe in a classroom with other kids. Try these strategies to help reduce their worries:

  • Start getting kids into the routine by going to bed and waking up at a certain time. A predictable routine helps kids feel secure.
  • Do a test run. Walk or drive to school as if it is the first day. Have your child practice walking up to the entrance on their own and into their classroom, if possible.
  • Ask your child what he or she is feeling. Acknowledge their emotions and try to help them see things in a positive light.
  • Pay attention to physical symptoms. Stomach aches, headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, restlessness and trouble sleeping are some signs of anxiety in children.
  • Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. Stay up to date on your child’s academic performance and how he or she is doing in the classroom.

Most kids will probably get comfortable being back in school within a few weeks. But if your child is seriously resisting going to school (or staying there), talking with a mental health professional can help deal with their fears in a healthy way.

Resources from your Health Plan

GET TO KNOW CIGNA: Advantages for Participants

Cigna will replace Regence and Providence when the next Plan Year begins. The medical plans currently administered by Regence and Providence will stay the same, but the carrier will switch to Cigna.

Here are a few things to know about Cigna:

  • In-network providers: Your doctor is likely to be in the Cigna network (96% of providers are). If not, you may nominate your provider and Cigna will talk with him or her about joining the network.
  • Virtual care: In-network virtual care providers + access to MDLIVE, TalkSpace, Ginger and more.
  • Mental wellness: 50,000 virtual providers + the largest national network + call 24/7. Three sessions with a licensed clinician, on-demand seminars, self-service digital tools and resources and coaching support.
  • Health coaching: Both online and telephonic coaching available to help you successfully lose weight, stop smoking, reduce stress, manage a chronic condition, and more.
  • Personalized support: Cigna One Guide® helps you take control of your health.
  • Wellness tools: Online (and on app) assessments + resources + cost comparison tools + programs help you be your best.
  • Around-the-clock customer service: Representatives available 24/7/365.

Learn more in this short video: Why Choose Cigna?

BE PREPARED: Open Enrollment is Coming Soon

Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to enroll for benefits or change your benefit choices and add or drop dependents if you’re already enrolled unless you have a mid-year qualifying event.

If you are new to PPS and the Trust, you MUST enroll yourself and your eligible dependents if you want to have benefits in the next Plan Year.

If you are currently enrolled and you do not make changes during Open Enrollment, your current benefit selections will automatically continue in the next Plan Year.

Please make a note of when your Open Enrollment takes place this year:

  • Substitute Teachers: September 7-17
  • Active Employees & Early Retirees: October 11-29

You’ll get all the details on your benefit options, how to enroll, and more in your Open Enrollment packet, coming in the mail before your Open Enrollment period begins. Until then, watch our short videos to be ready to make the best benefit choices for yourself and your family:

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