As school begins, take time to listen to kids

School bells rang Wednesday for the start of a new school year in both local school districts, and schools across Wyoming are on a similar schedule.

It’s one of our favorite days as a newspaper staff, seeing the smiling faces as kids greet their friends at the school and hug their parents as they are handed off to the school system.

The start of school always produces a variety of safety reminders from various agencies and organizations: for drivers to watch for students heading to school on foot or by bicycle and to obey school zone speed limits, and for students to be aware of traffic, wear a helmet while riding and follow rules while making their way to school.

We agree with such reminders, and they are important, but we also believe it is important for parents, educators and staff members to be aware of another aspect of school: student anxiety.

While countless students arrive at school happy as can be for the start of a new year, others come with a feeling of apprehension in their stomachs as they arrive, and though many will attempt to hide the feelings, that unease is evident on their faces.

Maybe they are nervous about going to a new and unfamiliar school building, or perhaps it’s the age-old worry about making friends. In some cases, especially in this day and age, a student may have suffered from bullying, either verbally, physically or via social media – perhaps the most difficult to prevent.

This is where vigilant teachers, administrators and counselors come in, and we are fortunate to have nurturing staff members who care about students as individuals, not as a name on a list. Compared to days gone by, schools offer many programs and methods to lift students up and promote positive interaction, though bullying, of course, still takes place.

As school begins, we believe it is vital for parents and staff members alike to focus on listening to the concerns and anxieties of our school kids while celebrating their successes and enjoying the happy moments, then implement methods to help them deal with stress.

It seems like more of a challenge now than ever before, and we’re fortunate to live in a family-centered community that cares. A student should never fear going to school.