In a collaborative effort to support students dealing with trauma, the Hamilton Heights School Corporation and the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs have introduced the "Handle with Care" program to the district. This initiative, which aims to cushion the impact of traumatic events experienced by students outside of school, positions educators to act with increased understanding and sensitivity when a child's life is disrupted by incidents such as domestic violence or the arrest of a parent.
The essence of the program, as explained in a release found on Hamilton County's official website, allows law enforcement officers to inform schools about a student's involvement in trauma without sharing details. By scanning a QR code, the officers send schools an alert that includes just the student's name and grade. Once the alert is received, the teachers and school staff are readied to give these children space and lenience, needing not to turn in homework or take a test immediately following the incident.
Mary Ann Haymaker, the Early Intervention Advocate for the Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program, emphasizes the importance of understanding the unseen struggles students may bring to the classroom. She stated on the Hamilton County website, "We can't always know what happens to our students when they leave our building at night.” Haymaker further explained, "When something traumatic happens at home, it's only natural for the child to bring that to school with them the next day. We want to give them the grace they need to cope with life's challenges."
Since the program's inception, Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood relayed that the Handle with Care initiative has been activated five times this school year. According to the Hamilton County website, Dr. Arrowood believes, "Our job, first and foremost, is to love on our kids. If that means they don't have to turn in homework or take a test that day, so be it. We want to be sure they have the space to work through the challenges outside of school. We can figure out the rest later." This statement reflects a commitment to prioritizing the emotional well-being of students over their immediate academic obligations.
With the program's initial results appearing positive, Monica Greer, Executive Director of the Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, advocates for its broader implementation. Greer, learning about the program at a conference, has since been its staunch supporter, expressing her eagerness to see it adopted more widely. "I am eager to see this initiative implemented in Hamilton County schools and hope other districts will follow Hamilton Heights' lead. It’s been incredibly beneficial for the students who need it," Greer told the Hamilton County website.
