Dear City Garden Families,
On Saturday, Mayor Lyda Krewson announced a mandatory 30 day “Stay at Home” order aimed at preventing further spread of the COVID-19 virus. This means that we should not leave our homes except for essential activities. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and doctors’ offices will continue to be open.
In light of this new restriction, all schools in the City of St. Louis have decided to extend their closures through April 22, 2020, including City Garden Montessori School. This decision will be continually re-evaluated in coordination with the Mayor’s Office and Dr. Fredrick Echols, the Director of the City’s Department of Health.
Guides and staff will be checking in with our families in the next few days to see how you are doing, what you need, and to share information and resources for continued learning. (City Garden will also be able to get essential items to students and families as needed, such as electronic devices, learning materials, etc.) However, below are some resources that you can access:
FREE MEALS (SAINT LOUIS SCHOOLS’ PANDEMIC MEAL PLAN):
• City Garden students can receive “grab and go” breakfast and lunch daily at Mullanphy School (4221 Shaw) or any other locations shown at this link between 8am-12pm. City Garden has partnered with St. Louis Public Schools and other charter schools to distribute free meals to students M-F, 8am to noon.
• A flyer for distribution is available here:
English ♦ Spanish ♦ French ♦ Dari ♦Nepali ♦ Swahili ♦ Arabic ♦ Vietnamese
WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP:
• The United Way of Greater Missouri (UW) has put together a resource page for families who need assistance with utilities, meals, senior services, and much more. You may also call 211 to connect with UW.
• Ameren Missouri has partnered with UW to create the Coronavirus Income Relief Program.
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID Line: 877-435-8411
• Stray Rescue is opening its doors as a pet food pantry, providing a bag of pet food for anyone in need
INTERNET ACCESS:
• Any parent of a child who does not have access to the internet can contact Charter/Spectrum at 844-488-8395 to receive free access for 60 days. This promotion is for households with K-12 or college students.
• We will be reaching out directly to our family over the next couple of days to assist any families needing internet to get it set up.
CHILD WELLBEING:
• The Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline is available to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Call 800-392-3738.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has resources for helping children and families cope with social distancing and to prevent panic.
• Additionally, the CDC has published guidelines on how to talk to children about COVID-19.
• PBS KIDS for Parents offers information, activities, and tips for parents, including this resource on ”How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus.”
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
• BHR (Behavioral Health Response) offers confidential telephone counseling to people in mental health crises, as well as mobile outreach services, community referral services and critical incident stress management: 314-469-6644, bhrstl.org
I hope you all are staying healthy and safe. We are in this together and will get through this together!
In partnership,
Christie
Christie Huck
CEO/Executive Director
Please click below for previous updates and other resources from City Garden regarding COVID-19.
School Closure Announcement– as of March 19, 2020
Services & Resources Announcement – as March of 19, 2020
SLU Public Health Professor talks COVID-19 with Junior High Students – as of March 25, 2020
Physical & Creative Activities from Ms. Danielle Combs – as of April 2, 2020
Community Resources and Social-Emotional Learning
1. Family and Community Resources
2. Supporting Children and Discussing COVID-19
Distance Learning Program
Joy Parade – as of April 14, 2020
Family Assistance Fund – as of April 21, 2020
Mobile Food Markets
Family Update – April 20, 2020