School District Implements Model Program putting Mental Health First--Wadsworth City Schools, Ohio Part 1

Send us Fan MailJoin us this week as Tina and Ann interview Principal Erin Simpson and Director of Students Services, Joyce Walker from Wadsworth City Schools in Ohio. They have created a model program to reach students where they are. In this episode you will hear them talk about student's needs, how their district has assessed the needs and how they have filled those gaps. They discuss the model program the district is implementing this year and wraparound services that schools are having to provide as children's need have significantly change.  Simpson explains how fast-paced learning has become and how expectations have grown. Simpson was principal of Overlook Elementary School for 15 years and has decided to become the leader of Grizzly Academy. “Kids who need the most love, ask for it in the most difficult ways,” she quoted. “I know the power of relationships. We want to give those students and their families the attention they need."  She believes, "we are all good inside and what might be coming out might not be our best self. We want to build and reassure that child that it’s ok to be angry or scared, but we teach them how to cope and manage.” She believes that it is not about self-regulation, but co-regulation. She shares many more of her insights on the needs of our children today and lists two things students need to be successful adults. Joyce Walker and Coordinator of Special Education Jenn Thomas helped spearhead this model program. Listen to the board's response and how the program came to fruition. “There has been a lot of research put into educating the whole child,” Walker states. “It is supporting the entire student within that smaller setting.” Part 2 will be even more uplifting and encouraging as we continue to listen to educators put mental health, first, when it comes to our children's education.  Superintendent Dr. Andy Hill from Wadsworth City Schools is mentionedJenn Thomas from Wadsworth City Schools is mentionedDr. Becky from Good Inside is mentioned(For some reason, last couple tapings have not been our normal audio clarity. Trying to figure it out. We apologize. Erin Simpson states the school's 'saying,' "Family Growing Together." The word 'Growing' is inaudible.) You can find us at  Tina and Ann's Podcast website: https://podcastrealtalk.buzzsprout.comFacebook:Real Talk with Tina and Ann | Facebookor at:  [email protected] Podcasts: Real Talk with Tina and Ann on Apple PodcastsSpotify: Real Talk with Tina and Ann | Podcast on SpotifyAmazon Music: Real Talk with Tina and Ann Podcast | Listen on Amazon MusiciHeart Radio: Real Talk with Tina and Ann Podcast | Listen on Amazon MusicCastro: Real Talk with Tina and Ann (castro.fm)If interested, Ann's website:  AnnkagariseThank you so much for listening and supporting us. We have heard from so many of you and we are very blessed! Support the show