Successful Tips for Quarantine
FTCHES Guidance & Counseling Page
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact Mobile Crisis at 215-685-6440, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room/ hospital.
Support While We Are Home
If you are on this page - it means that my office is closed, and I am supporting students via digital means. Below is information regarding how to connect with your child’s Student Services Advisor while FTCES is closed. While school counseling is best done in person - we have systems in place to support students, and answer questions while we are on digital days. Please see below for my contact information, and hours of operation during this time.
Gina Marie Tortis
[email protected]
Hours of Operation: M- Friday 9:00AM- 11:00AM, 2:00PM-3:00PM, or by appointment.
As this is new for all of us, I truly appreciate your flexibility and patience.
MS Team Groups
Students in grades 5th-8th should have received an invitation to join a MS Teams group via Ms. Tortis. Please sign in each day to gain some insight and knowledge regarding academics, careers, and one’s wellness. If you would like to set up an appointment to chat via MS Teams, please send me a message or an e-mail during the hours listed above. Please note, Teams are divided by grade level. Parents of students at the elementary level K-4, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have during the office hours listed above.
Community Resources
Mobile Crisis: Call the Mental Health Delegate Line if you are seeking help for yourself, a family member, a friend, etc. (available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week) to obtain an on-site assessment and intervention, information, consultation, referral, etc., just call 215-685-6440 or visit the website at https://dbhids.org/
Other Community Resources
Click on the link below:
SDP Grab and Go Meal Sites
Food Pantries in Philadelphia
SNAP
Scholly
Success Strategies for Maintaining Normalcy
Creating a Schedule: There are lots of ways to structure your day. You can make a schedule that works best for you during this time. The important thing is that you create a schedule or routine, so that you keep yourself organized and on track.
-Use your planner, or a calendar to keep track of things
-Be sure to maintain a regular sleep schedule
-Set blocks of time when you’ll complete academic work
-Schedule breaks and self-care
-Consider your interests and hobbies, still include those items in your daily routine if possible
Below are 3 templates you can use to build your daily schedule. Pick one and have fun! Parents, it maybe helpful with younger students to use a visual schedule daily that lives in one essential place in your household. Consider using a check mark when items are complete.
Template 1
Template 2
Template 3
Please see below a list of Helpful Websites for Students and Parents that may be beneficial during this time:
123 Homeschool 4 Me- Offers a variety of free worksheets and activities for students in PreK-8th Grade
ABCMouse- Early learning online program for children ages 2-8. This site offers a wide variety of activities in math, reading, science, and art.
123 Homeschool 4 Me- Offers parents/ guardians 101 Things to Do in COVID-19 Isolation. Enjoy some fun activities with your kiddos while everyone is home together.
Tips on How to Manage Stress and Anxiety during this time
5 Tips for Effectively Working from Home during the Coronavirus Outbreak, when you have kids
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
9 Tips for Parents Navigating Online Learning with their Children due to Coronavirus
FTCES Community Based Resources List