11. I want to reach out and help

11. Students as advocates: 'I want to reach out and help kids.'

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

*The school environment is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all.
School Environment

This week one of our students shared that she and her sister want to reach out to students. "You know, people have stuff going on and they don't necessarily have anyone to turn to. March is 'cut awareness month', and I want to talk to my classmates and give them answers from my heart. I don't want my friends to cut themselves, have eating disorders, be depressed." Another student chimed in, "Those help lines are no help." Two others agreed. 'I know, I wanted to put my phone number up so someone could call me." "Don't do that," replied another student.

The student had talked to our team mate first. He shared that she needed to talk to the principal and the guidance counselors first. We talked as a team about how she could talk to the team. This afternoon she came to me and said, "Dr. G. is down with it and I am going to talk to the guidance counselors." I asked if she would be interested in finding someone on our team with whom to work. We broached the subject with students in our homeroom and immediately three people said, 'I would like to help with that.'

This student and her sister see a need to reach out to their peers. What an opportunity to help them share fears and concerns with their classmates! What insight our principal has to encourage our students to lead.

Advice

1. One of our biggest opportunities in the classroom is to listen to our students. If we hear concerns, or fears, or desires, that we have the leadership to guide young people in their interests and pursuits.

2. There may be topics that are controversial in your school district. It is always important to allow the administration to be 'in the know.' Remember, we work for the school board and for the state. If the principal says no, the answer is usually, no.

3. Advisory is a time set up in the day to work with students, learn about them, and help them grow. While there are activities that can help develop relationships, ultimately, an advisory group is one in which teachers and students work together to meet the needs of young adolescents.

4. Do not underestimate the compassion of young adolescents.