Many people consider June to be one of the best months of the year – after all, it’s the start of summer vacation! June offers an opportunity to relax and reset in preparation for the next academic year. In many places, this month has also become an opportunity to highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in various organizations, including schools. At Communities In Schools of Mid-America, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels welcome and included because of who they are: simply amazing.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of every five students reports being bullied [1]. Our Student Support Coordinators (SSCs) work one-to-one to get to know every student referred to our programs. Recently, Ali* said that he didn’t care about school and didn’t feel like doing his work. The SSC in Ali’s school helped him join a Focus Group where he could meet new friends and helped Ali to create new routines that would allow him to stay focused. It didn’t take long for the progress to show in his grades and attendance.
Strong connections between children and a caring adult help facilitate healthy development and growth. Recognizing that our differences can be celebrated invites us to show up authentically and provides a supportive environment that leads to academic success and individual enrichment. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child reports that supportive relationships like those offered by our SSCs increase resiliency and help children respond to adversity in whatever form it might take. [2]
CIS of Mid-America is committed to providing safe spaces, self-care resources, and events supporting student wellness to empower kids to have a healthy outlook on their mental health and recognize their inherent self-worth. Learn more about our work at www.cismidamerica.org/services.
* The name has been changed to protect student privacy.
[1] National Center for Educational Statistics (2019.) Retrieved from Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center (pacer.org)
[2] National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2015). Supportive Relationships and Active Skill-Building Strengthen the Foundations of Resilience: Working Paper No. 13. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.