Coming out of COVID, Clinton Junior High School Principal Jim Peck is closely watching a couple of areas of concern with his students.

Peck recently called this last school year one of his favorites since he's been at Clinton Junior High, he recognizes there are still challenges facing his students. One of those facing students across the country is the social and emotional wellness of their kids.

Peck believes students today face many of the same challenges that kids did many years ago. He feels junior high is a very unique time of transition where students are learning a lot about themselves and each other.

Getting kids to come to school has become a challenge of its own. While not exclusive to Clinton, Peck says they are trying to reinforce to parents and students the importance of having kids in class every day.

Peck believes there is some correlation between kids not knowing how to get through a situation they may be experiencing and coming to school to potentially avoid those circumstances.

Peck credits having teachers and staff in the building who care about their students and are willing to be there for them when they are in a time of struggle or a time of need.