Gahanna Schools Launch ‘Handle With Care’ to Support Students Well-Being
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is teaming up with the Mifflin Township Fire Department and the Gahanna Division of Police to bring the statewide Handle With Care initiative to the district.
The program allows first responders to notify school officials when a student has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, without sharing confidential details. Alerts, sent before the next school day, include only the student’s name and age, enabling educators to respond with compassion and understanding.
“With everything our young people are navigating today, it is more important than ever to have a support system in place,” said School Resource Officer Crystal Jones, who led the effort. “Launching Handle With Care just makes sense… it is a powerful way to ensure we are showing up for children in a meaningful and supportive way.”
Gahanna-Jefferson educators are trained in trauma-informed practices, equipping them to recognize distress and adjust their approach to meet students’ needs. Police Chief Jeff Spence noted that the program “creates a pathway, while respecting privacy, to ensure children receive the understanding and support they need at school.”
Superintendent Tracey Deagle added, “Supporting the whole child means creating a school culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported every day. Handle With Care strengthens the connection between schools and first responders, ensuring trusted adults are ready to respond with compassion.”
The “Handle With Care” initiative upholds any child’s right to a supportive education, recognizing that students have a fundamental right to feel safe, respected, and understood at school, especially after facing traumatic experiences.
