Students in West Virginia face challenges unimaginable to previous generations. Our state is in the same backward economic stagnation that has been going on for almost 100 years. That’s true. But decades of financial despair, coupled with stubborn adherence to sociocultural norms that should have been thrown out decades ago, make it more difficult for children.

On top of that is stacked a decade-old substance abuse epidemic that is only evolving. And the pandemic that has changed the way they learn and see the world — if not completely redrawing their families. Let’s talk about how they differ.and too many “adult” Feel free to engage in malicious efforts to foster division and hatred in their lives.

School is a safe place for children in the infuriating mountain state. That’s why it’s so important to find new ways to make them feel supported, not just physically safe, but mentally and emotionally well. The Friends With Paws program is a great example. She provides therapy dogs for schools and most recently Eastern Panhandle Elementary School where she brought her two Labrador retrievers.

“Today is a great day for our students.” Justice said earlier this week. “Shadow and Jet will receive a lot of love at these schools, and in return being able to provide emotional support to students struggling with trauma is invaluable.”

Before anyone complains that students should stick to traditional schoolwork, one principal reminds us that dogs can make a difference there, too.

“The biggest benefit of using Shadow at Moorefield Elementary School is its impact on students’ social and emotional development.” Moorfield Elementary Principal Wade Armentrout said: “Our students and staff are already connected with Shadow. Interacting with Shadow improves students’ reading comprehension, stimulates memory and problem-solving, and even improves motor skills.”

Friends With Paws is working to identify the schools where therapy dogs are most needed right now. Those working to expand the reach of the program should be applauded. And if these animals actually turn out to be students’ best friends, education officials might want to find out if all Mountain State schools can use assistive paws.