Yesterday, a colleague shared that a 5th grade student began to cry during their synchronous distance learning session. “I HATE Coronavirus!!! I miss my friends! I need a hug!” At that moment, the teacher and other students in the class offered comfort. “I’m hugging you,” said one student. Others commiserated that they are feeling the same way.

One thing we know for sure…when students return to school in the fall—whether in our classrooms or distance learning—they will be returning with stress and anxiety from uncertainty about health and safety, and with the need to connect with peers and teachers after months of isolation. The big question is:

“How will we create safe, trauma-responsive classrooms and schools, where all students feel connected, included, and supported—
emotionally, socially, and academically?”