HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton, Communications Director
PARIS, TN — Henry County School System (HCSS) is proud to announce the launch of Handle With Care (HWC), a new collaborative initiative designed to support students who have experienced traumatic events outside of the classroom. By creating a direct line of communication between local first responders and educators, the program ensures that children receive immediate care and understanding during difficult times.
The "Handle With Care" model is simple but powerful: when a first responder encounters a child at the scene of a traumatic event—such as a house fire, a car accident, or a domestic dispute—they send a confidential notification to the child’s school. The notice states, “Handle (Student’s Name) with care.” No specific details of the incident are shared, protecting the family’s privacy while alerting teachers that the student may need extra patience, a quiet place to rest, or a visit with a school counselor.
“Our goal is to make sure that no child has to carry the weight of a traumatic event alone,” said Stephanie Winders, HCSS Coordinated School Health Director. “When a student walks through our doors after a rough night, their teacher is now equipped to provide a supportive environment that helps that student feel safe and ready to learn.”
This partnership between HCSS and local law enforcement and emergency services reflects a community-wide commitment to student mental health and academic success. Research shows that immediate support following trauma can significantly improve a child’s ability to succeed in school and recover emotionally.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Winders at winderss@henryk12.net.
Photo: Henry County High School SRO Dennis Vaughn and School Counselor Angela Yearry look at information to support students at school.