Insight: Creating Safe Spaces for Students
By Paul Hagen, Director of Student Well-Being
Our commitment to supporting students as they develop into the best versions of themselves is foundational to all we do at Eastside Prep. From the beginning, we envisioned EPS as a place where diverse learners would be seen, celebrated, and supported for who they are as unique individuals. We don’t expect or want all students to be carbon copies of one another—we thrive on the diversity of backgrounds, ideas, opinions, and experiences represented by our students. It’s this diversity that makes Eastside Prep the strong, dynamic learning environment that we all love.
This diversity, however, comes with challenges. EPS has never been a one-size-fits-all kind of place, which means we must not only get to know students as individuals but also tailor our support to their specific needs. This personalized attention is essential to fulfilling our Mission and Vision.
This week’s election served as a powerful reminder of the varied emotions and perspectives within our community. On Wednesday, students returned to school feeling everything from excitement and hope to disappointment and anxiety, and everything in between. As always, we were committed to supporting all students in the ways they needed most.
Our incredible faculty and staff anticipated the need for diverse types of support and were prepared to meet students where they were. For some, this meant creating spaces to process, celebrate, or learn more about the election. Others benefited from a break or a distraction from the news cycle. Still more found support while engaging in meaningful conversations with school counselors, advisors, or other trusted adults. Throughout the day, we saw raw emotion, engaging discussions about politics and policy, moments of sadness, and moments of joy. In it all, we reaffirmed our commitment to this year’s theme of Empathetic Dialogue—approaching those around us with curiosity and kindness, assuming best intentions, and listening to understand. This is important work, but we can’t do it alone. We invite you to partner with us as we support students through adolescence, and as we promote and practice empathic dialogue.
Empathetic Dialogue at Home: Tips for Parents/Guardians
- Listen Actively: Create an environment that is safe for your child to express their thoughts and feelings—even when they differ from your own.
- Encourage Balanced Perspectives: Guide conversations that explore different viewpoints and emphasize critical thinking. This helps to reinforce the value of understanding diverse opinions.
- Model Empathetic Dialogue: Demonstrate respectful and compassionate conversations at home. Your behavior serves as a powerful example, inspiring your child to engage with others thoughtfully and with empathy.
- Recognize Their Emotions: Acknowledge the highs and lows of adolescence. Whether your student is excited, upset, or uncertain, validating their emotions reinforces your support and helps them feel understood.
Partnering with EPS for Support
We value the collaborative relationship between school and family in nurturing and supporting students. If you feel your student could benefit from additional support, reach out to their Advisor or contact our Student Well-Being team. Whether through meetings with our Mental Health Counselors, participation in Learning Support Services, or connecting with trusted adults, we are here to work alongside you. In partnership, we can ensure your student has the resources and understanding they need to navigate adolescence successfully.