Northern Tioga prioritizes students’ emotional well-being

Emotional development of students has taken a front seat at Northern Tioga School District, in light of the pandemic’s impact over the past year. In an article in the Westfield Free Press-Courier, school leaders said the need is great. In response, the district has implemented the Bridges Out of Poverty program, which provides training to teachers on how to identify the needs of students and ways schools can help. At a recent school board meeting, principals presented to the board on how they were working on lesson plans based on what they had learned, targeting not just students in poverty but all students.

Other initiatives include efforts to improve school culture by forming better relationships with students and focusing on positive behaviors, and additional time on Fridays during which students can participate in school clubs and activities. The addition of a food pantry and clothing closet as well as a more welcoming lobby at Cowanesque Valley High seek to create a “friendlier” atmosphere at the school.