In recent times, it has been more evident than ever that the mental and emotional status and health of a student affects their learning and productivity. Coming off of the COVID-19 quarantine, many students fell into a depressive state. In a study conducted by the CDC in 2021, 37% of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. This is proof that the youth in America is struggling and need support.
According to a study conducted in 2021 by the CDC called “Mental Health, Suicidality, and Connectedness Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” There was a clear difference during the pandemic between students who felt close or connected to people at school compared to those who did not. “Compared with those who did not feel close to persons at school, students who felt close to persons at school had a lower prevalence of poor mental health during the pandemic (28.4% versus 45.2%) and during the past 30 days (23.5% versus 37.8%), of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (35.4% versus 52.9%), of having seriously considered attempting suicide (14.0% versus 25.6%), and of having attempted suicide (5.8% versus 11.9%).”
Now more than ever, the need for administrative support is extremely necessary. Adolescent and students’ mental health is a major issue that must always be addressed, especially at school. The need for an outlet for students and teachers is extremely important. This should be found inside their schools, since they attend it 5 days a week for many hours on end. Administrations should take initiative to ensure that the school environment is safe and supportive for their students.
Interviews were conducted amongst Roxbury High School administrators regarding the need for emotional support for students and staff, the ways in which they do so, and the overall effect and impact that has. The interviewees included the Vice Principal Mr. Crispino, Principal Mr. Miller, and Superintendent Dr. Santora.
The interviewees were asked if they felt their job description includes supporting students and staff, because their answers could change their perspective on administrative support. They all stated yes. Dr. Santora said how it is one of, if not the most, important job he has. In Mr. In Miller’s case, it is his priority to be an instructional leader as well as he is responsible for everyone in the building. Mr. Crispino’s job description includes being a 504 coordinator, and helping to benefit students’ learning experiences.
When asked if they felt it is important and impactful to emotionally support students and staff, Mr. Miller responded with absolutely. “If people feel good the product is better, instruction is better, effort is better, and people need to know that they are cared about.” Additionally, Mr. Crispino stated that regarding teachers “If the teachers don’t feel they are supported, then the students won’t feel supported.” Crispino shows how there is a direct correlation between administrative support to teachers and how that overall affects the students’ learning.
The more important aspect of the research is how the administration supports students and staff. Mr. Crispino stresses the importance of having students feel connected to the school, and this includes the ‘Day that Rox’ advisory periods and the Gael Cups. Both Mr. Miller and Dr. Santora state how they think it is important to get to know their staff and students in order to show that they care. For instance, Dr. Santora takes the time to visit the schools about once a week so people can physically see that he cares.
Roxbury High School has a few initiatives being done to increase the support for students in the school. These initiatives include being given grants from colleges such as Kean University and Rutgers University, and these grants are being used to increase the emotional wellness in the school. For instance, with the grant from Kean University the administration created the ‘Zen Den’ in the guidance office as a way for students to find a safe space.
Another initiative is the Bell Schedule Committee. This committee is looking into the current bell schedule to see if it’s the best system and if there are any improvements that can be done to benefit students. Mr. Crispino mentioned how they will receive feedback from this committee as well as staff and students to ensure that everyone approves and finds any improvements beneficial.
In order for students to be truly supported, they also have to be safe. It is the administration’s job to ensure emotional and physical safety within the school. “Student safety is always the number one priority,” Mr. Crispino stated. Mr. Crispino added that one of the biggest concerns is bullying, especially online. Many of the conflicts they take care of start at home online.
With that, the issues and needs of the students are always changing. Dr. Santora understands that the support students need is different from five years ago, and will change in five years from now. “The world is changing quickly and we want to make sure we are changing with it,” said Mr. Crispino.
All of the administration interviewees stated how they see a clear difference in staff and student productivity when they are being supportive. Regarding staff, Mr. Miller mentioned how people want to be recognized for a job well done, so he ensures he recognizes the teachers accomplishments. Additionally, students do their best work when they are in the best mind frame, and that stems off of how the staff and administration are treating and educating the students.
It is important that the administration in every high school is open to change, criticism, and growth. Regarding Roxbury, the administration is aware that there is always room for improvement, in fact it is necessary to ensure students are feeling their best everyday in school.
