Navigating Back-to-School Amidst COVID-19

As we settle into our back-to-school routines, there are many factors to consider when preparing to send your child back to the classroom. To ensure scholastic success, consider the points below. 

Sending your child to school this year may involve extra expenses. Multiple uniforms, hand sanitizers, and masks can add on unplanned costs. Thankfully, we can help! Here at Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union, we offer a few solutions for back-to-school expenses. Specifically, we recommend applying for our scholastic-based loan, the Catholic School Tuition Loan. This loan comes with a low, fixed rate, allowing you to make payments over 12 months, compared to the 9 months  traditionally offered at many Diocesan schools. We also offer a Personal Loan to assist your family with any costs that may arise. Borrow funds for any reason, and you are able to pay it back over an extended period of time. Finally, consider applying for the James E. Flynn Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship awards Unity Catholic members $500 to $1,000, for students ages kindergarten through 12th grade.

For many of our Diocesan grade schools, day-to-day learning will look different when in-person activities resume. Students will be required to wear face coverings and will follow social distancing guidelines. For older students, these changes may come easy, but for little ones, it may be confusing. We recommend talking to your children beforehand about why we continue to wear masks, sanitize  regularly, and partake in social-distancing. This will lessen the confusion and anxiety they may feel surrounding their first day. Not sure what your child needs to stay safe in the classroom? Refer to  this great checklist provided by the CDC.

While scholarships and back-to-school safety checklists are important, it’s equally important to maintain a healthy after-school lifestyle. Just like during flu-season, making sure that your child is properly fed and hydrated will help to support a strong immune system. Consider setting a bedtime to allow your child to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Spend less time on screens, and more quality time together. Check-in with your child daily, and monitor  any changes in their physical or mental health. 

The COVID-19 virus has altered the way we view the back-to-school season. With these tips in mind, it is our prayer that your child not only stays safe, but thrives in the upcoming year! As it says in Isiah 41:10, “Be not afraid, for I am with you…”. For more information on ways we can help, visit our website, https://www.unitycatholiccu.org/.