More than supplies in some backpacks

COLUMBIANA -- When students come to school each day they are sometimes carrying more than just their backpack -- they are carrying an "invisible backpack" of emotional problems, Tim Larimore told Columbiana school officials last week.

Larimore is the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program's (MMSAP) coordinator for Ohio. The MMSAP is a school-based early intervention approach to enhance an educator's skill at identifying at-risk students.

The program is made available by the National Masonic Foundation for Children, a nonprofit charitable organization that works with Grand Lodge jurisdictions to offer the program to schools throughout the nation.

The MMSAP offers one-day training on a variety of topics, including depression and suicide prevention training, mental health and trauma informed care, bullying-prevention, conflict management and violence prevention.

The training is provided at no cost to schools districts, with the entire cost underwritten by the Grand Lodge, Larimore said.

"I can't think of any way better to invest in a community than our schools, because the kids are our future," he said.

Other training opportunities are also provided through the MMSAP.

"Some of the things the teachers are having to deal with now, over and above just teaching basic curriculum, (is astounding)," Larimore added. "We have so many kids today that are coming to school with two backpacks -- the ones they have their pen and pencil and paper in, and then there is that invisible backpack that they are carrying of things that have gone on our in their neighborhood or home."

Superintendent Don Mook and board members expressed an interest in the programs and said they would be in contact with Larimore about possible training in the future.

Also during the meeting, the Columbiana Brethren of the Allen Lodge 267 of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio presented the board with a donation for $1,121 to go toward the Joshua Dixon Elementary cafeteria deficit caused by people not being able to pay their bills.

Elementary Principal Kim Sharshan said the school has a cafeteria carryover deficit every year, and that the donation will cut the current deficit in half.

"We are so appreciative just to have community partnerships. I am so happy to have this team aboard," she said of the local lodge.

kwhite@mojonews.com