Feature article from Best Point Educational Services, 8/21/2025

Building a Strong Foundation: Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment            

Stacey Hill-Simmons, Superintendent Best Point Educational & Behavioral Health

As summer winds down, the anticipation of a new school year builds. The most crucial element for a successful academic year is establishing a safe and supportive environment where every student feels secure, understood, and ready to learn. This foundation is key to fostering emotional well-being, which directly impacts academic performance and social development.

Start with Structure and Safety

Establishing a consistent routine from day one provides a sense of security and helps regulate emotions. This includes clear expectations for classroom behavior, daily schedules, and consistent responses from adults. This allows students to relax, engage, and ultimately, learn more effectively.

Encourage Emotional Literacy

School is also a place where children learn vital life skills, including how to navigate their emotions. Teaching students how to identify and express their feelings is a fundamental component of a supportive environment. Encourage them to name their emotions and provide healthy ways to communicate what they're experiencing. This might involve using "feeling charts," discussion circles, or simply modeling open communication. When students can articulate their feelings, they are better equipped to manage them and seek support when needed.

Recognize Early Warning Signs

In a school setting, adults are positioned to observe changes in student behavior. It's vital to be vigilant for early warning signs that may indicate distress or underlying mental health challenges. Withdrawal, increased irritability, or sudden changes in behavior are red flags that should not be overlooked. These shifts can signal that a student needs additional support.

Support Through Play (Younger Students)

For younger students, play is not just fun; it's essential for emotional processing and growth. It provides a natural outlet for children to explore feelings, practice social skills, and work through anxieties. Teachers should actively find opportunities for play daily, integrating it into the curriculum and providing dedicated time for free play.

Model Respect and Empathy

Adults set the tone for the entire school environment. To cultivate a safe and supportive space, educators and staff must model respect and empathy in all their interactions. When students witness adults treating each other with kindness, listening actively, and showing understanding, they learn how to replicate these behaviors themselves, creating a ripple effect.

District Tip: Host a School-Wide "Wellness Week"

To kick off the year with a focus on well-being, consider hosting a school-wide "wellness week" during the first few days or weeks of school. This could involve daily classroom check-ins focused on emotions, team-building activities, or lessons on mindfulness. This proactive approach helps to set a positive routine and compassionate tone for the entire academic year, reinforcing that the school is a place where emotional health is as important as academic success.