LIVERMORE — Spruce Mountain Primary School Principal Darcy Shink told the Regional School Unit 73 board at the May 14 meeting that recent comments about attendance, behavior and student supports were meant to recognize staff efforts and explain school challenges, not blame or shame parents.

Shink said her comments, that appeared in an April article about chronic absenteeism, behavior and bullying concerns at Spruce Mountain Primary School, were interpreted by some in a way she never intended. She said she originally intended to recognize staff during teacher appreciation week and educate the community about the school’s efforts to increase attendance and decrease behavior issues.

“At my last board report, I made a few waves,” Shink said. “So, I just want to clarify some things.”

In an interview published May 8, Shink and Dean of Students Kasey Purington discussed chronic absenteeism, behavior supports and bullying concerns at the primary school. In that article, attendance problems were said to be tied to family routines, parenting challenges and barriers outside the school’s control, while parent and youth advocate Tessa Elliott said some families are afraid to speak publicly about bullying concerns.

Shink said her comments were intended to recognize “the incredible efforts” of staff at Spruce Mountain Primary School, “especially during teacher appreciation week, not to criticize or shame parents in any way.”

Shink said her goal was to educate the community about the school’s efforts to increase attendance and decrease behavior issues, and said her comments were not meant as criticism of parents. She said the only point she intended to make about bullying was that because parents are not reaching out to her as administrator about bullying concerns, the school cannot link bullying to students not wanting to be at school.

In the article published May 8, Elliott said bullying concerns were contributing to student absences districtwide and that families were reluctant to speak publicly because they feared retaliation. Elliott said she was the parent of a child in RSU 73 who was experiencing bullying.

Shink disputed the idea that bullying is widespread at the primary school, saying that in her two years at the school, only one parent had recently come to her thinking their child was being bullied. Purington said some online commenters had incorrectly tied bullying discussions to attendance problems at Spruce Mountain Primary School.

At the board meeting, Shink said a recent lunch with students who had perfect attendance reflected the school’s culture. She said she asked whether they were excited for summer vacation, and every student said no, telling her they wanted to be at school.

“That right there tells you the culture of our building,” Shink said. “Our staff go above and beyond to love and care for these kids.”

Shink said staff members make students feel “welcomed, loved, safe, and at home.” She said classrooms feel like “a little family,” adding that students sometimes act like brothers and sisters because they are together five days a week, seven hours a day in the same room.

Shink said staff members support students and help meet basic needs so students are better able to access their education. She said research shows students are more successful when foundational needs, including food, clothing, hygiene and emotional support, are met.

In some situations, Shink said, the school helps provide those supports through grants and donations, always with family permission and collaboration. She said staff also support each other during difficult times, including power outages and water issues, and called that part of the school’s “culture of care and support.”

“The love and nurturing that the staff at the primary school exhibit for all children should be celebrated, not discouraged,” Shink said.

BEYOND ACADEMICS

Shink said staff members are handling needs beyond academics, including arranging haircuts, bathing students, giving them clothes and providing weekly food bags. “We’re meeting some very high needs because they can’t be met in the home,” she said at the time.

“If the article came across as blaming or criticizing parents, that was absolutely not our intention, nor is how we want our community to feel,” Shink said.

Shink also addressed the word “accountability,” saying it is an important part of her role and applies to students, staff and parents alike. She said the board asks administrators to share attendance and behavior data, and that it can be hard to hear that 5% to 7% of students are struggling with consistent attendance and behavioral support follow-through with parents.

“However, these concerns are real, documented through daily phone calls, emails and communication,” Shink said. “It’s fact.”

At the latest meeting, Shink said the goal is not to place blame, but to raise awareness about challenges schools across the country are facing with attendance, behavior and family support needs.

For students with significant behavioral challenges, Shink said the school often encourages families to seek outside support services because there are limits to what the school can provide on its own.

“When a child becomes aggressive, staff are required to follow safety care techniques and provide students with that safety,” Shink said. “We take those responsibilities seriously and follow those required procedures at all times.”

Shink said the school remains committed to partnering with families and the community to support every child’s success in a caring, respectful and supportive environment. She said the school is grateful to parents for the dedication they show each day in supporting their children’s education and reinforcing the importance of learning.

“By encouraging strong work habits such as arriving on time, completing assignments and showing respect for others, families help prepare students to become successful, hardworking individuals and hopefully the future leaders of our three towns,” Shink said.

Board members who responded thanked Shink for sharing the information, with one saying she did not interpret Shink’s earlier comments as blaming parents.

“It’s not a crisis,” Shink said. “It’s just how can we get the 5% … to collaborate with us?”

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