Elliot,* a ninth grader at Boys Town Jerusalem, has stopped sleeping over the two recent war years in Israel. His dad and brothers serve in combat units, his mom is anguished, and his own panic attacks have become near paralyzing. To help Elliot and the growing number of BTJ students suffering post-trauma, BTJ High School Principal Amichai Charazi has launched a new, far-reaching program bringing teachers and parents together to boost students’ emotional health, independence, and school success.
BTJ creates new “psychopedagogical” support program
“So many students are showing clear emotional distress signals for help,” he notes. “Boys from single parent homes are struggling the most. To meet the challenge, we brought in a top expert to guide our staff – and later the parents – to create a broad “psychopedagogical” support program. We are determined to give students the tools and confidence to gain strength.”
Focusing on emotion instead of grades
The psychopedagogical program focuses primarily on students’ emotional status, not their marks. “Our teachers are receiving ongoing training to help them better understand and respond to students’ emotional needs,” Principal Charazi explains. “Every student receives an evaluation and a personalized learning plan – whether he has learning challenges or is academically advanced. We’re aiming to strengthen each student’s motivation, study habits, focus, and selfconfidence.”
It’s a team effort to implement this new program
Teachers work closely with families, guided by BTJ’s Social Services Department team of psychologists, social workers, and therapists. Outside the classroom, students are also planting and tending a therapeutic garden on campus, offering comfort and healing. As Principal Charazi pioneers the ambitious psychopedagogical support effort, he proudly stresses the therapeutic value of BTJ’s ever-growing Community Service program. “No matter how hard a boy’s life is, he gains strength and self-esteem from helping others.”
*Name and details have been changed for privacy reasons
*Image is AI to protect the identity of the child