Strengthening Student Mental Health: JED and AASA Launch Innovative District Initiative
In response to the growing mental health challenges facing America's youth, The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, have joined forces to launch an initiative supporting mental health and suicide prevention in school districts nationwide. (more…)
Guest Blogs
How Our Middle School’s Week of Service Honors MLK’s Legacy
Each year, students at John A. Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill, NJ, participate in the Carusi CARES Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service. It brings together our students in grades six through eight for a series of events aimed at helping the less fortunate in the local community. Working after school, our student...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership
How School Leaders Can Support Immigrant Students and Families
School leaders have a unique role to play when it comes to supporting and partnering with immigrant families. As a leader, you can set the tone and create a vision for what kind of school community you wish to see. Of course, it’s not your job alone, but we have seen again and again that...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School Leadership
National Student Council Shares Insights on Gun Violence Prevention With White House and Federal Officials
Last month, the National Student Council (NSC) offered its recommendations on gun violence prevention and safety to White House and federal officials. In a December 17 letter, NSC President Anjali Verma writing on behalf of the NSC gave feedback on active shooter drills, mental health, and safe firearm storage. NSC is a flagship student leadership...
Education Policy, School Safety, Student Leadership
How a Dog Shaped My Leadership
Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention. (more…)
Student Leadership
The Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age
My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Five Reasons to Attend the National Student Council Conference
Michael Flynn is the youth services coordinator for Estill County Middle School in Irvine, KY, and a longtime adviser for the school’s student council. He’ll be bringing 23 student council members to the National Student Council Conference happening January 31–February 2 in Chicago. The event is co-located with the National Honor Society Conference. Below, Flynn...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Honoring Our Veterans and Inspiring the Next Generation
Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post. I grew up volunteering alongside him at events like our small town’s Rodeo and Apple Festival,...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
Representing National Student Council at the White House
Last month, Kaylyn Woods, vice president of leadership development for the National Student Council (NSC), proudly represented student leaders from across the nation during an afternoon visit to the White House. The visit October 10th visit was part of a White House event in partnership with the National Partnership for Student Success. (more…)
Student Leadership
Student-Led Philanthropy With LLS
As educational leaders, we know one thing for sure: Our students are amazing! I am happy to say that another organization, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), knows this too. During the 2023–24 school year, a group of students at New Jersey’s Burlington City High School (BCHS) partnered with LLS’s student-led, philanthropic program, Student Visionaries...
Guest Blogs