Page 14 - EdViewptsSpring2020

We Are the Ones: Recognizing

the Importance We Hold in

Our Students’ Lives

By Michelle Papa, Assistant Principal, Jefferson Township Public Schools

As the school year claims, “The result is that they come to is a root cause to all student behavior

continues to unfold, I have school with brains that are not prepared that must be taken into consideration
to learn and are unable to develop
when supporting our kids.
been thinking more about meaningful and positive relationships.” Last year’s graduation was as chaotic
the lives of my students. Similarly, Dr. Lori Desautels asserts, “It as any other; however, in the midst
seems impossible to teach a student
Lately, it is becoming abundantly clear the mandated academic standards of it all, a student who struggled
throughout her time in school shared
just how much they need the people when the student’s brain is wired for with me how important her case
they see every day at school to love survival, meaning they are prepared manager was to her. She confessed
and support them. Some of them have to protect, defend, flee, and fight the she knew she would not be graduating
already experienced such adversity at minute they walk into the school.” She if it were not for that counselor telling
young ages that they come to us with says it plainly, “Stressed brains and her how valuable and deserving she
very little ability to participate in any brains in pain cannot learn.” Some of is. She felt so fortunate to have him
aspect of the learning environment. At our kids simply do not have the capac- in her life, she painted a portrait of
this point, many educators are al- ity to engage in the learning process him with the message, “Thank you
ready aware of the concept of Adverse when they are so weighed down by so much for showing me I’m worth
Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and their negative life experiences. I have it” written on the back. Her gratitude
in the foreword of Eyes are Never learned that while it can take some time reveals the respect and admiration
Quiet, Dr. Cathy Pratt discusses the to peel back the layers, it is clear there she has for this counselor because of
stress trauma places on children. She

Educational Viewpoints -12- Spring 2020