Success starts with community

GURLEY, DALTON -- One of the advantages of small communities, villages, is residents have at least a general understanding of each other.

That perception of what is normal and what is unusual in a person can cross into the classrooms. 

Leyton officials were recently asked how they promote mental wellness among their staff and students. One of the approaches in schools is the Social, Emotional, Learning (SEL) philosophy. He said one of the key components of many SEL programs is "Stop: name your feeling," brain triggers that help a person identify and regulate his or her own emotions.   

"It's kind of a buzz word, in education right now. Part of that, even from an early age, we can teach our students about our own feelings, and learning things like empathy," said Leyton Superintendent Matt McLaughlin.

Leyton Counselor Paula Wolff said resiliency is another character trait that helps students. Developing coping skills is a big asset, according to McLaughlin and Wolff.

"That's a key component to our instruction here and the reason why we have a counselor because we know the importance of making sure our kids are great not just academically but they have their needs met in other ways too; so like a mind, body, soul connection. That's kind of how I view it. You got to have all of those to be a functioning person," McLaughlin said.

Wolff said the District uses a program that tracks student activity. Are they researching depression, how to express anger. She said staff are often aware of students are not behaving within their "normal." 

"You know, our staff does a great job of building relationships with kids," said K-12 principal Charles Johnson. 

Johnson said if a student appears to be struggling more than usual, someone will talk to him, McLaughlin or Wolff. 

"I think our kids do a really good job of looking out for each other. Is it foolproof? No, but I know our kids and our staff do a really good job with that," he said.

McLaughlin added one part of the support program is ensuring students have at least one trusted adult they can talk to. He said if not, why not.