LISTEN – NO SAFE SPACE TO LEARN? –

Dec. 23, 2021 – RHITU CHATTERJEE, BYLINE: 

When Millis Public Schools opened its doors this fall, teachers and staff were happy to have everyone back in classrooms. 

Bob Mullaney is superintendent for the school district located just southwest of Boston.

BOB MULLANEY: You know, we were so excited that everyone was coming back to begin the school year.

CHATTERJEE: But, he says, it’s been stressful.

MULLANEY: From the beginning, we’ve seen elevated levels of stress, anxiety, different behavioral issues in students.

CHATTERJEE: More students acting out, being aggressive – not just at his school district, but across the state.

MULLANEY: We’ve had, in Massachusetts, a principal who was assaulted by a student. We’ve had staff members assaulted by students. We’ve had students assaulting other students.

CHATTERJEE: And students hurting themselves.

more@NPR