TULSA, Okla. — Green Country got a taste of virtual learning in the spring. There is strong potential it could stay that way for many families, at least through the upcoming semester. As teachers, parents, and students prepare to accept the new reality of protecting everyone’s physical health, mental well-being should not be spared.
READ MORE: Tulsa Public Schools recommends distance learning to start 2020-21 school year
Known as Mr. B to his students, Greg Bilbruck, a Tulsa Public Schools teacher preps for the new school year with his cellphone, voice and knowledge by taking instruction outside.
“The kids are sick of being inside. They wish they were here with me, and if you do it right, they can be,” Bilbruck said as he recorded a video of the Appeal to the Great Spirit statue at Woodward Park.
“A lot of teachers and a lot of students are really struggling with that relational aspect,” said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma.
Phone calls, texts, emails, and zoom meetings will never amount to face-to-face time.
Hubbard said, “I think helping kids to talk about how they feel about things and expressing frustrations is important. We can still do life. It’s different. It’s adapted, but we can still do it.”
Parents can get connected to help by asking their child’s school if the Mental Health Association is a partner.
If not, they can reach out to the association online or by calling 918-585-1213.
MHAOK offers parenting support, mental health screenings, and connections to teacher support groups.
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