Usable Knowledge Caring for the Whole Child A middle school drama teacher describes how she makes her classroom a safe harbor Posted March 29, 2017 By Usable Knowledge Joni Sullivan, drama teacher at The Springfield Renaissance School in Springfield, Massachusetts, has made her classroom a "safe haven" to which her students can come when they are feeling down or need someone to listen without judgment."Sometimes they don't even want me to say anything," Sullivan says, "they just want someone to listen that they know cares about them."***We Want to Hear from YouOur country is polarized: How is that showing up in your school? What are you doing to protect students, confront discrimination, prevent bullying, and foster inclusion? Usable Knowledge would like to hear from you. Join us on Facebook and Twitter, using #OneAllHGSE. Send your advice and resources to uknow@gse.harvard.edu, and we’ll share as much as we can. Read more at One and All. Usable Knowledge Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles Usable Knowledge Students Surviving and Thriving How to support LGBTQ and gender non-conforming kids. Usable Knowledge Facing Race Strategies for leading an honest classroom conversation about race in America. Usable Knowledge Anti-Muslim Bias