KidSuccess: Making kids feel respected and safe at school
For 30 years, the JFS KidSuccess program has been collaborating with schools to reach youth in a natural setting to help them work through and heal from mental health struggles so they can succeed academically and emotionally. With KidSuccess, students have access to free, quality mental health counseling services whether they are struggling to integrate into a new way of life, dealing with significant trauma, overcoming bullying, or tackling an inability to concentrate. Samuels Elementary School’s Music Teacher, Janie Darone, shares her experience with the program and its impact on their school.
Q: How long has the KidSuccess program been at your school?
JD: This is my 7th year at Samuels, and I believe we have had the program here the entire time I've worked here!
Q: How do you feel the program has impacted the overall well-being of students?
JD: [The program has impacted the students] so much. We have so many students going through so many different life experiences, and having Sydney, Leah, Amanda, and any others who have worked in our school to talk to is so important. I have seen these students grow in their regulatory skills, grow in their relationships and self-confidence and just become happier kids overall.
Q: How well does the program collaborate with other school staff, like counselors and administrative personnel?
JD: Extremely well. The therapists are available to chat through concerns, and they have kids’ success (hehe) at heart always.
Q: Why is school-based mental health so important?
JD: Nobody can learn if their basic needs of safety and belonging aren't met! As a music teacher, I see all of our students, and I've seen them struggle to engage in class and to engage positively with their peers when they don't have the tools to express their feelings or regulate them. The work students do with the JFS therapists is so important, so that they know they are cared for, loved, respected and safe in our building.
Q: Please share any changes/trends you’ve noticed over the years.
JD: Kids are still struggling with trauma and relationships, but they are really improving in their ability to name what they are going through and identify strategies and solutions for the situations that come up at school.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
JD: I love our JFS KidSuccess therapists!