Jump Start 2019

Students can bring some interesting things to school with them in their backpacks. From unicorns to Takis to cell phones (of course!). But they also bring with them things that aren’t so obvious: low self-worth, abuse, identity issues, unique family situations, mental illness, and others that they carry around with them throughout the school day. From kindergarten to 12th grade, these hidden variables greatly affect their ability to be present and learn. Educators are compassionate but often don’t have the skills needed to identify and manage these issues. Aside from inundating counselors with referrals or ignoring them, what can educators do? We will first unpack what these issues may be, including ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and then explore skills that anyone can use to respond to students and help them access the education they deserve.