As the world faces the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, we are all experiencing disruption in our daily lives. Our regular routines have been put on hold, and we are making adjustments to the ways we interact with each other to protect ourselves and our community.
During times of hardship and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to remember the meaning of community. However, many of our neighbors, particularly those who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, have experienced racist harassment and discrimination as a result of stereotypes and misinformation about the pandemic. As we navigate through these uncertain times, please remember that we are stronger together and take action to interrupt these behaviors.
While schools are closed and spring events are canceled, we want to continue to support families during this time and we will be here when daily life begins to look normal again. With school closures and statewide Stay Home, Save Lives orders, there are still many creative ways to stay safe and active by continuing physical education at home, walking and biking in our neighborhoods, and engaging with each other nationwide (think virtual recess!). With schools closed through the end of the school year, we want to share some ideas and resources below to keep your family physically active and engaged this spring.
Some creative ideas to practice physical activity with your children include:
- Outdoor Scavenger Hunt- Grab your family, print a few copies of this document, and get some exercise in your neighborhood!
- Neighborhood I-SPY Game- Venture outside and enjoy this classic game with your family, finding ways to connect to nature and your neighborhood.
- Practice riding or walking to school with your kids! - With streets much calmer and quieter during this time, now is a great time to practice riding/walking to school with your child. Being able to practice this skill now will help you and your child build confidence when traveling to school when physical distancing requirements end and school resumes.
Learn about safely walking and biking from home
- Oregon Safe Routes to School has created multiple short educational videos about taking the bus and bicycling. A few recommended videos include doing the ABC Quick Check to prepare your bicycle for riding, Helmet Fitting 101, and How to Fix a Flat Tire. Check out their website for more videos, including bicycle drills you can do in a parking lot.
- Prefer to listen to your safety tips? Learn the words to these catchy Big Tadoo Puppet Crew biking and walking songs, then sing along!
- The King County SchoolPool Worksheets from the Seattle region have fun safety tip word scrambles and quizzes around fitting a helmet and testing your bike.
Move around while at home
- Create daily routines that incorporate physical activity - For example, taking out the trash accompanied by 5 minutes of jumping jacks. As a reward, enjoy a healthy snack with your family after completing each task!
- Participate in a BOKS activity - BOKS is offering Facebook Live workouts, prerecorded videos, and activity packs for kids at home.
East County School Districts
We also wanted to share some important information about school meals in our region. Each school district website will have the most current information regarding food services, student computer/tablet access, distance learning, and meal distribution schedules.
Centennial School District
- District Website- Select Coronavirus updates for the most up-to-date information (including meal distribution schedules)
- Facebook- District updates, announcements and stories of how Centennial students are staying busy at home
Gresham-Barlow District
- District Website- Select Coronavirus updates for the most up-to-date information
- Facebook- District updates, announcements and stories of how Gresham- Barlow District students are staying busy at home
- Distance Learning- Information on activities you can engage in at home to support the ongoing learning of your student
- Grab and Go Meal Sites- The nutrition services provider is serving free breakfast and lunch for students ages 18 and under. These meals are grab-and-go. Site locations at link.
- Routes for Meal Distribution
Reynold’s School District
- District Website- Select Coronavirus updates for the most up-to-date information
- Learning Resources
- Food Resources- Reynolds School District will be offering meals for all students and their families ages 18 and under. Meals will be distributed Monday-Friday from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Meals will be provided for curbside pick-up (in cars or on foot) or in the parking lot. Full schedule and list at link.
More State and National Resources
Remember, when engaging in outdoor activity, it is important to practice safe physical distancing during this time. Below are a few resources for you and your family. Stay safe and healthy!