Community partnership brings student growth

A powerful partnership between Idaho Hill Elementary and a local outside agency, Raising Resilience, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families, principal Loretta Glazier said.

Through the collaboration, Glazier said qualified social workers visit the school each week to provide emotional, social, and behavioral support to students. The results have been nothing short of remarkable, she added.

Glazier said the partnership was formed with one goal in mind — to ensure students receive the support they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. 

While the school's teachers work tirelessly to meet students' academic needs, it became increasingly clear that some required additional support in other area. For some it was managing emotions, for others it was building healthy peer relationships, and for still others, it develops positive coping skills. 

That’s where the agency stepped in, Glazier said.

Each week, licensed and highly trained social workers meet with identified students during the school day. They provide individualized support, teach self-regulation strategies, help students navigate peer conflicts, and build skills in problem-solving and communication.

The impact has been evident across classrooms, Glazier said, adding school officials saw noticeable improvements in student behavior, increased focus during instruction, and stronger peer interactions. 

“Students who struggled with emotional outbursts are demonstrating improved coping skills and greater confidence,” Glazier said. 

Classroom engagement has also improved for many participating students. 

“Students often wanted to take breaks, a sign of avoidant behavior, but they’re now able to stay in the classroom and handle some of the academic challenges,” Glazier said.

Perhaps most importantly, Glazier said the partnership extends beyond the school walls. After establishing relationships with students, social workers will begin working more directly with families, offering resources, guidance, and ongoing support. This coordinated effort ensures consistency between school and home, reinforcing the strategies students are learning.

“Our goal has always been to support the whole child,” Navara Reardon, director of Raising Resilience, said. “This partnership allows us to meet students where they are and give them the tools they need to thrive.”

Glazier said parents have expressed gratitude for the additional support and the opportunity to collaborate with professionals who understand both child development and family dynamics. The agency’s approach is founded on trust-based relational intervention and emphasizes teamwork between educators, parents, and social workers. As a result, all parties are working together to create a consistent, supportive environment.

The success of this initiative demonstrates what can happen when schools and community organizations unite around a shared mission, Glazier said. 

"By addressing emotional and behavioral needs alongside academics, students are gaining skills that will serve them for years to come," she said.

As the program continues to grow, Glazier said the school and its staff remain committed to strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for students and families. 

"The early results speak for themselves," she added. "When we work together, students succeed."

    Social workers from Rising Resilience are taking part in a program at Idaho Hill Elementary which pairs them with students to provide emotional, social, and behavioral support to students.