Surveys conducted by the Putnam County Schools System during the first weeks of school show that most students are having their basic and emotional needs met.
The survey’s goal was to gauge student emotional health after the March tornado and COVID. Student Services Supervisor Melaine Bussell said a number students still showed the needs for counseling.
“We did have a lot of students who were affected by the tornado as well as affect by the COVID,” Bussell said. “One of those things that I kind of noticed was kids that their family dynamic changed.”
Bussell said parents losing jobs and student’s anxiety of returning to school were two common issues. The survey results also showed about 40 families that did not have the ability to meet basic needs.
“Some of the questions that we asked were asking kids what is the hardest thing in your life you are dealing with and what is a positive in your life. Those are just examples,” Bussell said. “It is the hardest thing, whatever that child said. Then we would refer that to a school counselor.”
Bussell said the school system has always dealt with student and teachers needs but now is focusing on adding more support.
“We were addressing issues before the tornado and before COVID,” Bussell said. “We are trying to put more support in. I think that is what I see. We are actually listening to students and staff about what needs they have and creating the classes and sessions they can attend.”
The schools system has a remote team that checks in periodically with students learning virtually. Also, four different self care workshops are coming for all school staff on how to live healthy and manage stress.
Bussell said teachers could then go back to their classrooms and implement what they learn from the mental health classes.
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