The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that students who feel more connected to their school have better health and educational outcomes than those who do not.  Students with strong school connectedness are less likely to engage in alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use (ATOD) or violence.  Engaging families, communities, and the students themselves creates a caring and supportive environment ripe for school connectedness.  It is vital for schools to foster the belief that the adults and peers at school care about student education as well as about the students as individuals. Read more ›