Why Every Student Needs at Least One Caring Adult - Michelle Marcellin, Nancy Buyle, Sara Orris

Today our guests are Michelle Marcellin, Staff and Student Support Consultant, Nancy Buyle, School Safety and Student Assistance Consultant, and Sara Orris, School Health and Homeless Education Consultant — all at Macomb Intermediate School District. We discuss how schools can ensure every student is connected to at least one caring adult through a practical, research-backed approach called Silent Mentoring. They share how this three-step process helps schools identify disconnected students, match them with caring staff, and build the kind of intentional relationships that improve attendance, behavior, and belonging. They also explain why this work isn't just a teacher responsibility — and how small, consistent actions from any adult in a building can dramatically shift school culture and student outcomes. In this conversation, Michelle, Nancy, and Sara offer important reminders for educators and leaders working to strengthen student connection: Every student needs at least one adult in their building who knows them, not just an adult they know best. Silent Mentoring works because students feel genuinely cared for rather than assigned to an adult out of obligation. A hello, a quick update, and a goodbye a few times a week is enough to build real trust with a disconnected student. Research shows just one caring adult can significantly impact a student's resilience, and school is often the best place to find that person. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website