Supporting students during disaster and disruption

Resilience helps students persevere through loss and struggle. That grit is being tested after recent natural disasters — from the devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles to the flooding in western North Carolina — have upended many students’ education. These struggling students, whether directly or indirectly impacted, need support now more than ever.

School counselors are on the front lines, providing mental health, social, and academic resources. Penn GSE Lecturer Diana Wildermuth, an expert on school counseling, encourages counselors to rely on their training and partner with local organizations to expand support networks.

“They need to use all of their normal helping skills and recognize that each child is impacted differently,” Wildermuth says. “Being present, listening to their stories, and being empathetic is important.”

In the Los Angeles area, at least a dozen schools were destroyed, while thousands of students and staff fled evacuation zones, according to local reports. Children and educators have lost homes and loved ones and been displaced, while some schools have been forced to relocate or shift to online instruction.

Such unexpected disruptions take a heavy toll on students and educators. Many counselors are already under-resourced, and a crisis worsens those constraints.

But Wildermuth says counselors can persevere. She shared tips for counselors to support their school communities after recent tragedies and strengthen preparations for future disasters.

Communicate early and often

When disaster strikes, parents and caregivers urgently need information. School counselors should activate communication tools, including email and text messages, to keep parents abreast of news about evacuations, emergency meeting spots, school closures, aid, and resources.

Help build community

Wildermuth says it is crucial to bring the community together when a school is destroyed or temporarily closed. Organized gatherings provide a sense of normalcy for families and staff. Sports practices, music rehearsals, drama performances, or informal meet-ups can unite staff, students, and caregivers. “Continued community connections are so important,” Wildermuth says.

Know where to turn for help

In Wildermuth’s Professional Counseling course, she asks students to build a list of resources within 5 miles of their school to share information quickly in a crisis and suggests school counselors do the same.

Organizations like the American School Counselor Association, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and American Red Cross offer training and referrals. Some groups provide targeted outreach, such as the California Association of School Counselors’ resources for its members affected by LA fires.

Identify and support affected students

As counselors identify and meet with impacted students, Wildermuth suggests keeping close contact with teachers and administrators. Frequent student check-ins help ensure no one falls through the cracks. Looking at registration information and attendance data can offer clues. For example, a newcomer or child returning after a prolonged absence will likely need extra support.

Trauma manifests differently in each child, Wildermuth notes. Triggers like memories or sounds can cause delayed reactions, so she encourages counselors to be attentive to signs of distress.

Short on resources? Wildermuth encourages schools to tap into community networks to access additional mental health providers and assistance with clothing, food, and housing needs.

Stay strong and carry on

For many students, school is a familiar refuge that helps them persevere. Wildermuth says counselors can nurture resilience and positivity by encouraging kids to participate in activities they enjoy, including sports, arts, music, and journaling — in and outside of school.

“Find ways to have positivity and joy, rather than ‘stinking thinking,’” she advises. “Remind them they don’t have to let loss define them.”

Prepare for the future

Even well-prepared schools can improve their disaster plans. Wildermuth suggests that counselors participate in professional development, such as webinars, and collaborate with peers to share best practices. Counselors can prepare classroom activity kits with crafts, games, and snacks to support students during crises.

When school operations normalize, seek feedback from caregivers about which tools and outreach helped their families.

Finally, Wildermuth emphasizes the importance of staying current. “Make sure the disaster plan keeps pace with the times,” she says. “Families and schools should regularly update their emergency plans.”