Family Resources

Kindergarten, Middle and High School Transition Resources for Families

Students and families of elementary school, middle school, high school or college students each face the transition process.  Transitioning students and families may have a variety of questions from curiosities about academic rigor to managing a social life and coursework.

  
Supports in Response to Traumatic Community Events              therapy dog
 It is essential that our families feel secure that when they go to school or work , that their children are safe in their learning environment, and that our students are safe and protected in their schools .  The health, safety and well-being of everyone in these settings is of utmost concern, and in Massachusetts we continue to utilize numerous mechanisms to ensure that this continues.
Community tragedies such as the violence at the 2013 Boston Marathon and the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut touch all of us. Your children, students, relatives, or other members of your community may understandably have questions or concerns in response to tragic events in our communities.  There are several resources available that are designed to offer social and emotional support to those who need assistance with processing, understanding, or coping with tragedies or grief.

 

Family Enrichment and Support Activities

Green Apple Campus Summer 2013 at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

1000 Olin Way, Needham MA 02492 features STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, and Math Programs for Kids! For more information go to http://www.greenapplecamps.com/schedules-2/olin-college-needham-ma/

summer sunSummer Fun with Free Fun Fridays features 60 museums and cultural venues open for FREE on Friday all summer long!  Sponsored by Highlandstreet.org.

There are many ways for families to support student learning.  One way is to offer enrichment activities that align with classroom learning.  The following is a listing of some of the many attractions locally and nearby.  Please click  here.  Family Enrichment Activities.

Please see the Boston Parent Family Field Trip Guide for more activities.

 

Are you in need of Food Assistance, Furniture Assistance or Christmas Assistance…

My Brother’s Keeper may be able to help!   My Brother’s Keeper,  strives to follow the words of St. Francis of Assisi…we help people of all faiths and backgrounds. Anyone living in our service area is eligible to receive our help, regardless of religion.   To request help for Furniture & Food Assistance call  508-238-4416.  For help with Christmas Assistance contact 508-238-2562.  http://www.mybrotherskeeper.org/ .

In need of Community Services but don’t know where to turn?

Massachusetts 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers. A program of your local United Way.  Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services; a food bank, an after school program or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don’t always know where to turn for help.  The solution is to dial 2-1-1.  1-877-211-MASS  -  http://www.mass211.org 24 hours a day/7 days a week – free – confidential.  Mass 2-1-1 helps you find free information on: food, shelter, rent assistance, utility bill assistance, after-school programs, child chare, counseling, senior services, disaster relief and much more!

Are you in need of Employment Assistance?

Check out this FREE Career Development Service for individuals who are new or returning to the market place.  One Life at a Time assists in coaching and mentoring adults with career building essentials so they can obtain and retain gainful employment. They seek to build confidence to help individuals with the education and training they need to be successful in the work place. Visit their website here for more information or to register for a FREE workshop.

Are You Experiencing…………Housing Issues or Utility Issues?

Visit the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless website to learn about the First Stop Initiative:  Homelessness Prevention Collaborative

Tips for Parents

  • Parents of Seniors Are you a Helicopter Parent? Take the survey here
  • Give Kids Good Schools encourages individuals to: Learn the facts about quality public schools, Vote to support and promote quality public education in your community and across the country, Act by letting public officials and others know that quality public education is a top priority all year long Visit their website here GiveKidsGoodSchools.Org
  • A Community Concern this film follows the story of three communities, Oakland, the Bronx,  and Boston as they work to change their system of public  education you may visit their website and view the film here.

Area Counseling Referral List

Kid’s Club Chidren’s Bereavement Program

  • Kid’s Club is a children’s bereavment prpgram designed to help children ages 5-13 deal with the loss of a loved one or significant person.  Click here for more information.