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March 31, 2020
I am hoping this finds you and your family well because you are adhering to social distancing. I realize it is one of the hardest things we are being asked to do. It is so not our experience. But it is so necessary if we are to get the upper hand on this virus. When you do need to venture out, please take extra care. Keep the 6 foot distance rule as much as possible. If you can't get disposable gloves, the yellow gloves for cleaning dishes work just as well and can be washed while still on your hands.
And that reminds me.....hand-washing is one of the best ways of reducing spread and flattening the curve.
We are halfway through another week of instructional days via the internet and 5 instructional days out from Easter break. Hopefully your son, daughter or grandchild is adjusting to this necessary form of instruction in these very uncertain times. I know the Administration has worked closely with the faculty and our IT team in trying to make this as seamless as possible. As requested, due dates and the time-frame for turning in assignments has been adjusted and clearly spelled out.
All of this change and newness can really rattle some students. The familiar is no longer there. The quiet spots and quick drop ins available to students at SJB are now inaccessible. We are attempting to compensate with suggesting students email their guidance counselor, a member of campus ministry or myself. If they have previously been in counseling, it is important to maintain that connection by virtual or phone sessions.
So naturally tension is on the rise and may affect your house in many ways. Most of us will bounce with the changes , etc. But for adults and students who have battled with Mental Health issues before, these trying times have heightened our existing anxiety, depression, and fear of COVID19.
With that in mind, here are some additional resources that are available to you for mental health issues.
1. Cohen's Urgent Care remains open from 9:30 to 2:30. Virtual visits can be scheduled by calling 718-470-3148.
2. The Nassau Mobile Crisis Team is available from 10am -11pm.
Call 516-237-8285 for assistance with referrals .
3. The Mental Health Hotline is available for referrals and/or crisis management by calling 631-471-7242 from 9am - 5pm.
Like most of the news anchors, we remain here for you even if we are communicating via social media from the comfort of our homes. We are taking all the precautions we can to insure that we will be back at SJB with your family. And our thoughts turn to our SJB family and our prayers reach out to all those touched in some way by COVID19.
But we are Easter people and, therefore, hope for better days to come. Like others, we are following that rainbow.
Stay safe. Be well.
Beth,op
Elizabeth McGarvey OP, LCSW
Social Worker -
March 18, 2020
Hello Cougar nation!
Just checking in to see how you are doing with this new educational experience. I've hear from some of you that you are finding the work overwhelming. That's because when you think of doing school work at home it's homework not class work! But now your classroom is at home and the work will take more time to do than your traditional homework. This is a major shift for you and change takes time.
But there are ways that you can make this transition easier for yourself.
1. Set a schedule for yourself that includes class time as well as "play"time. You can now do your work in the order that works best for you.
2. Keep in touch with your friends and teammates via the internet. We are so lucky that we have these tools. My St Patrick's day was off to a quiet start when I was treated to some Irish step dancing from my cousins granddaughters via facebook and then facetimed with my "so called" twin nephews in their Irish T shirts.
3. And make sure you get out of the house...once the rain stops. If you have younger brothers or sisters, throw a frisbee with them in the backyard. The Governor has lifted all fees to state and local parks. So if you drive, enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to keep a 6 ft space between you and others!
I know you are disappointed - this isn't the senior, junior, sophomore or freshman year you planned; the unplayed games, the shows that didn't go on, the spring season that might not be....My heart aches for you. What you are feeling is normal. So reach out to those who know you and care about you. Dont stuff it down.
In the midst of all of this we need to draw on our faith. You might want to check in with campus ministry as fr dave celebrates liturgy each day at 10am. Seeing a familiar face will help you anchor yourself. In case you dont have the connection , it is available on instagram at sjb_dhs. And have courage .... courage to face the new, the disappointments, the uncertainty, the unknown. Hold fast as courage will get you through!
We are a family here at SJB. And though I'm not in my office, your teachers in their classrooms, the nurse in the health office, your counselors in guidance, and you have missed 4 days Mr McKevitt ties...We are here for you!!! Just reach out, ask your questions or share your fears and concerns. You can email me at mcgarvey@sjbdhs.org or leave a voice mail message at
1631 587-8000 ext. #188.
Until we are together again...Stay safe...Be well!!
S. Beth, op