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PWCS Roundtables: Parents, staff discuss how to support students through stressful times

Do you see signs of behavior change, mood swings, or hear your child speak of feeling helpless, hopeless, or lonely, or losing interest in school? These may be warning signs that parents should view as a red flag. Be aware and be present in your child’s life so you can spot subtle changes. Make family communication a routine to develop strong, resilient youngsters. Move computers out of bedrooms to a place where you are present; get the cell phone numbers of each parent of your child’s friends. Help your child find his or her passion. Call your child’s school counselor and ask for help.

These tips, and others directly related to stressful events that may trigger self-harm behavior, were front and center at a parent night held Nov. 19 at the Kelly Leadership Center. Staff from the Office of Student Services sat with parents to begin a conversation on how they can collaborate to support students.

“The more we can communicate with you, the more we have face time, the better we will be able to serve you and tailor our programs to your needs,” said Deputy Superintendent Rae Darlington. “This is only the beginning. We will build on what we share tonight.”

Director of Student Services Carolyn Custard opened the program by speaking of the importance of helping students build relationships at home as well as school. Feeling a part of school life, interacting with classmates, being involved in activities, and feeling that there is someone who cares about them is important to every child.

“We want parents to know we in the schools are always watching your child. It is not about our titles, it could be a custodian, a bus driver, a teacher’s assistant. Know that we are there. We notice if your usually cheerful child keeps to himself. We are truly raising our children—your children—as a village,” Glynis Taylor, supervisor of the PWCS School Age Child Care program, told one group of parents.

“The reason our staff from Student Services is here tonight is because we really care. We want to help our students as much as we can,” said Rebekah Schlatter, supervisor of secondary counseling. She shared tips and resources on indicators of trauma and suicide warning signs. “Making connections are key to children’s health and well-being. Nobody succeeds alone; everyone needs help,” Schlatter added.

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