As the new school year begins, Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have completed districtswide training in Handle With Care (HWC), a program designed to help educators recognize when students may need extra understanding and support. The training was led by the Family Center in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County.
Handle With Care is a simple but powerful system. When first responders are called to a traumatic situation where a child is present, they send a confidential notice to the school district that includes only the child’s name, age, school, and the phrase “Handle With Care.” No other details are shared. The purpose is not to provide specifics but to give educators a discreet signal that a student may arrive at school carrying the weight of a difficult experience.
Trauma can take many forms, from a car accident to a family emergency. What matters most is that educators are alerted so they can respond with compassion. Staff who receive a Handle With Care notice may take steps such as allowing a student more time to complete work, checking in to see how they are feeling, or connecting them with mental health supports available in school.
“The safety, care, and well-being of our students is a priority for our staff in all of our schools,” said Dr. Marta Guevara, Executive Director of Family Advocacy and Student Well-Being. “With that in mind, we have partnered with the children’s advocacy center and their “Handle with Care” Program to support children exposed to trauma in our community. Staff in all of our schools were trained before our students started school this year. We learned how a simple, confidential “heads up” to our schools can help mitigate the negative effects of trauma on a child’s wellbeing and learning. By knowing a student has been exposed to a traumatic event, staff can provide the necessary first steps to support them.”
“This program is another way we are ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and cared for in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman. “Handle With Care allows us to better respond in the moment and connect children with resources that support their long-term well-being.”
The training emphasized that Handle With Care is not about labeling students but about creating a culture of trust and responsiveness. Educators learned how to use the notifications to quietly adjust expectations, show patience, and help connect children to resources when needed. Over time, HWC is expected to strengthen academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes while also building stronger relationships between schools, families, and the community.
As of this school year, all staff across the three districts have completed training and are prepared to put Handle With Care into practice. Families who would like to learn more are encouraged to contact the ARPS Family Center with any questions.
Phone: (413) 362-1859