In conjunction with Legislator Rebecca Sanin and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr., Huntington School District Superintendent Beth McCoy announced the “Handle With Care” initiative on Tuesday, September 16th.
The pilot program, stemming from a national student wellbeing model with proven results, supports students who may be exposed to traumatic events outside the classroom and ensures educators can respond appropriately.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, survey data outlines that 60 percent of American children have been exposed to violence, crime or abuse—hence the essentiality of “Handle With Care” across the country.
Per this local partnership, whenever a child is present at the scene of an incident, the Sheriff’s Office will notify school officials. Details of the event will not be shared; only that the child will require extra patience, understanding or support moving forward.
A discrete “Handle With Care” message maintains that another layer of vulnerability and overwhelm is not born from the process of assimilating a student carrying a grave burden back into their regular routines. Teachers, counselors, and staff can adjust expectations, classroom dynamics, and resources accordingly.
Educators will provide accommodations for students marked with the “Handle With Care” designation. “This program gives us a simple, confidential way to help children who may need extra patience and compassion because of a situation at home,” said Sheriff Toulon.
“My hope is that we can expand it across Suffolk County, building stronger connections between law enforcement and schools and most importantly ensuring that children are supported with care.”
Adds Superintendent McCoy: “This important collaboration will further strengthen our ability to support students who may have experienced traumatic events by ensuring staff are informed and able to provide thoughtful attention and care.”
“With the program’s real-time communication,” McCoy promises, “our schools can enhance the strong supports already in place.”