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Teacher Responses

A Hilliard City School District teacher addressed student #3's story. This teacher really wanted the student to know that they are there for them. She said, "I want this student to know first and foremost that we are here for them! Although the pandemic has likely affected even more students and/or exacerbated pre-existing mental health struggles, we know that this has been a problem long before this past year. Although it may not always seem like it, your teachers are absolutely aware of this and they want to help". This teacher also addressed the change they have noticed in HCSD recently, regarding mental health. She said, "Over the past five or so years, I have seen a huge increase in mental health awareness generally, and Bradley as well as HCSD as a whole, has taken strides to help intervene and provide assistance, awareness, tools, and resources for those in need. We are always continuing to learn and grow to address the needs of students". This teacher really stressed the importance that staff in schools are supportive of students with mental health issues, as she concluded her response by saying, "YOU are not alone in your struggles, and staff at Bradley are here to help. We see you, we hear you, and we are there for you."

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Another Hilliard City School District teacher addressed student #3's story. This teacher understands this student, as she has also dealt with mental health issues, even before the pandemic. She said, "I have had more lows than I would like to admit during this last year". She can relate and sympathize with students because she has an understanding of what dealing with these issues are like. She understands the importance of opening up about your struggles, but she also vocalized that its not always practical to voice everything about yourself. She said, "While I understand the importance of checking in with people, I know it is hard to open up and admit that you are struggling". This teacher has come across situations in the classroom where students are open about their struggles. she said, "When I try to connect with them, I'm met with silence". This teacher considers herself to be a good listener, rather than someone who is able to help. She is very passionate about helping students, but is never quite sure how she can help when it comes to situations like the one that student #3 is in. 

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A Hilliard City School district teacher mentioned student #8 in their response. First and foremost this teacher wanted to say, "I am so sorry that this has happened, especially with an adult this student trusted and in a space this student thought was safe". This teacher then expressed how she would've responded to this situation a differently. She said, "I would not have ignored this happening in my classroom, or brushed it off as typical boy behavior". She then explained how, "Using homophobic slurs and threatening to burn someone are not typical behaviors". Instead of how the teacher reacted to student #8, this teacher said she would've, "talked to those students using the slurs and making the threats and also [bring] it to the attention of administration". This teacher wishes that one day, this student is able to feel comfortable at their school and strives to making everyone feel welcome in their classroom. 

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A Hilliard City School district teacher responded to both student number 1 and student #4. She started off by saying how she, "commends [these students for] working through this difficult school year". This teacher deeply understands the hardships these students face, as she too was an honors student when she was in school. This teacher reassures these students by saying, "It can often feel like the hard work you are putting in goes unnoticed, but I can PROMISE you it does not!" She continues to explain that honors classes are naturally fast-paced, which can put a lot more responsibility on students. She said that looking back on this year, she thinks that many students will be proud of themselves for "pushing [themselves] academically during a tough year". She understands the "burnout" that an honors student may feel, and she always suggests that her students take time for themselves. She would always rather her students "go to bed at a decent hour or take some (tech free) relaxation time" for themselves, rather than staying up late working on homework. Next time students are feeling "pushed to the edge", this teacher encourages students to consider "taking a deep breath and e-mailing your teacher". This teacher wishes to get the point across that teachers have sympathy towards students, and are understanding of these tough circumstances students are currently facing.

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A Hilliard city school district teacher responded to student #1. She said that she feels bad abut how overwhelmed this student is and wants them to know how she recognizes how tough this school year has been. She wants them to "know that [they] are heard and noticed". She encourages this student to reach out when they are struggling because teachers are always "here to help [students]". She says that students can send "a quick message" to their teachers to let them know what's going on in their lives. This allows teachers to give "advice and assistance with what [students] are going through". This teacher wants this student to know that even though they haven't gotten to know students like they would in an average year, it is never a bad idea to reach out!

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