The Youth Service Center Director for the Herald Whitaker Middle School contacted our office concerning some issues that the school had been having with Self Esteem and Behavior among their students. There had been concerns of students teasing other students and even some issues with aggressive behavior of students toward one another, since their return to in-person learning.  Concerns were also expressed about the effects that the isolation of Covid-19 has had upon students and their behavior in returning to in-person classes for the first time in over a year.  

Researcher, Meghan Marsac, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist at the University of Kentucky, has been engaged in a study of the impact of the Covid-19 quarantine on children’s behavior since August 6, 2020.  In her study, she has observed that children have very often been overlooked in communicating  needs and feelings that are a result of the Pandemic and fears associated with it.  Also noted, is the fact that children pick up on the stresses of their parents and oftentimes, do not know how to cope with those stresses.  It is well-known that children thrive with routine and structure, which the Pandemic has not provided.  

A lesson was devised to address all of the issues that were a concern for the Middle School, including information about how to deal with stress. The lesson included information about good manners, how to deal with anger and disagreements, how to behave in a social situation and keeping hands to oneself, and even how to behave appropriately with a girlfriend/boyfriend.  

The presentation was presented using the school’s live streaming system, making the information available to every 7^th and 8^th grader in the school, whether in the school or in a virtual setting.  In all, 309 middle school students received this much-needed information, along with handouts and individualized activities to further reinforce the message of the lesson.  As a result, we have been invited to continue this type of instruction with the Botvin Lifeskills pilot, which we are participants in, along with others in the state.  This curriculum was available and was ready to begin when the Pandemic quarantine began in March of 2020, but because of the quarantine, had been postponed.  It is planned to begin the lessons, using the training, as soon as possible with the Herald Whitaker Middle School students.   It is a great opportunity to partner with the middle school to provide valuable life skills lessons which will hopefully, influence better behavior within the school.