Program helping students adjust to new school year, return to 'normal'

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Some students are struggling to adjust to the new school year and are experiencing some anxiety.

And now, local educators and officials are sticking up for the kids.

“First things first, we are trying to create an environment of normalcy after several years of some upheaval due to COVID,” Steubenville High School assistant principal Aaron Newman said.

“So just getting kids back to school, welcoming them back with open arms, and getting them into some routine that is normal and that relate to pre-COVID. We're really trying to get back to a pre-COVID kind of environment."

According to a CDC survey, 37 percent of U.S. high school students reported regular struggles during the pandemic. Mental health has prompted new programs like OhioRISE to start up locally and Newman acknowledges that.

“Certainly, most kids have been excited, and I mean, bursting through the doors, I think ready to come back,” Newman said. “But you definitely have students that are experiencing anxiety, sometimes it’s just anxiety that day, sometimes its anxiety that may be more long-term. Really what we're trying to do is assess and then provide appropriate supports to those students."

And they're doing just that by providing support through their guidance office, in-house therapists, as well as referring students to outside entities through educational service center, which works with OhioRISE. A new, specialized, Medicaid-managed care program for kids up to 20 years old with complex behavioral health needs.

"We're looking at, kind of get the benchmark, where we are now that we're back into normal and for those kids who need those extra supports, what can we do to get those in place," said Chuck Kokiko, superintendent, Jefferson County Educational Service Center.

And as of now, the program is really growing. OhioRISE supervisor Mary Kakascik says she supervises 100 kids. Her main goal is to build happy, healthy adults. And not only helping the students in need, but the families that come with them.

"Whether its anxiety, social interaction issues, academic issues, so, you know, a lot changes when you move from home to the school atmosphere and environment,” Kakascik said. “We're here to help."