​Many kids in St Johns County are excited to be going back to school for the chance to see friends and classmates they haven't seen in over a year because of COVID.  Understandably, parents are both excited and cautiously optimistic. 

"Action News Jax This Morning" Anchor Dawn Lopez can relate to how parents may be feeling because she's going through it as well.  "We've shared news reports with our viewers on doctors warning about the mental and social toll the pandemic was having on families.  My family is no exception," reveals Dawn. "Even with the best efforts, my children fell behind in school. Between testy technology to virtual fatigue and cabin fever, there were lots of family meetings about keeping each other on the right track." 

It's been an unprecedented time dealing with the isolation that COVID has caused for parents and their children.  

"I spent a lot of time encouraging my kids to set time aside for video chats with friends so they could stay connected. My daughter was suffering but now there's light at the end of the tunnel! My twins are excited about learning in the classromm again and seeing their friends regularly."

While the Pandemic is far from over, there is a feeling of trying to get back to "normal" and Action News Jax is committed to providing the information needed to help communities get through it, safely. During back-to-school month, Dawn and her "Action News Jax This Morning" team will be covering many of the issues parents will need answers to.  Updates to the CDC Guidelines will be on-going.  Identifying the new safety measures in schools including food health safety and what St Johns County is requiring to keep COVID-19 out of the classrooms. And, if a student or staff member shows symptoms, what is the school's plan to deal with that?  Action News Jax will be looking into that for sure.

The new school year is here, and for now, it's all about getting back to normal.  
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​In addition to coverage of back-to-school on "Action News Jax This Morning," look for their back-to-school special "Back to the Classroom," airing Thursday, August 5th at 7pm on CBS47 and Friday, August 6th at 7pm on FOX30.

​Shearwater, the master-planned residential community on County Road 210, hosted ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss Star Trainer and New York Times Best Selling Author, Chris Powell, in May as he launched his new nonprofit, Move ONE Million (M1M) on the East Coast.  

M1M is a completely free, online service that aims to bring health and togetherness back to humanity by reaching and moving one million people. The nonprofit’s mission is to standardize movement and mindfulness in our culture, giving every human the access to move daily, reduce stress, and feel connected with others for improved physical, mental, and social health. 

“Healthy living is at the heart of Shearwater’s commitment to our residents and the greater community,” Susan Moguel, Marketing Director, Shearwater. “We are dedicated to continuing to improve health and overall wellbeing. Move One Million is an incredible organization with a mission that is closely aligned with our own.”

​While on the First Coast, Chris met with local Duval County and St. John’s County Commissioners, School Board members and teachers at Shearwater’s Kayak Club to share Move ONE Million’s mission. On Saturday, Shearwater invited the community to their event lawn for a launch party where Chris spoke and taught families the 2.5 minute routine. Shearwater residents and local stakeholders attended the event, and it was live-streamed for the entire community to enjoy. You can replay the event www.facebook.com/shearwaterlife. 

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic I was inspired to give back and find a way to help others deal with the feelings of isolation and anxiousness,” said Chris Powell, founder of Move ONE Million. “Daily movement is the first step to positive life-long change and improving both physical and mental health. I truly believe we can change the world by changing one million lives together. I’m so grateful to Shearwater for believing in my mission and hosting the East Coast launch of my nonprofit.

At the top of every hour daily, M1M broadcasts the 2.5-minute routine that everyone, regardless of age or ability can do, followed by a 1-minute mindfulness exercise to reduce stress and positive affirmation to boost confidence and self-esteem. The broadcast is available to live stream across the globe on several social platform and on M1M’s App. 

Shearwater’s unique focus on lifestyle programming, healthy living, and the connection to neighbors and proximity to the outdoors sets it apart from other communities in the area, making it the ideal location to launch Move One Million on the East Coast.  

Shearwater is located at 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092. 

To learn more about Shearwater, visit www.shearwaterliving.com. Shearwater currently offers home designs from David Weekley, Lennar, Dream Finders and MasterCraft.