The staff members at the Winamac Middle School are always attempting to assist students with coping mechanisms and how to deal with stresses of life. Principal Ryan Dickinson told the Eastern Pulaski School Board members Monday night that Guidance Counselor John King has been in classrooms and Erica Richwine with the Leadership Council has worked to put together some tactics.
Richwine said the students are better understanding themselves and knowing when they’re stressed, learning emotions and self management. Social awareness is also included.
Students are also participating in the 30 days of gratitude and a kindness challenge.
Counselor John King said with all of the standards that the state mandates there are a few things that school officials aren’t able to focus on.
“We came up with a program,” explained King. “We talked about a lot of topics that we feel are just as important as the content, the stuff they’re learning, the subject area. We also believe process is just as important. Yeah, you can be successful in understanding Math, but if we don’t understand how to meet deadlines, work well with other people, be able to show up, and have good attendance. A variety of these types of skills when they leave school are just as important to being successful than just the knowledge and content.”
King says he visits with every student during their set time every week where they discuss the topics of bullying prevention, communication skills, healthy and unhealthy relationships, organization skills, manners, politeness, and how to get help.
The school board members commended the efforts of the staff and mentioned that the program is a positive step for the students’ well-being.
