The Challenges Facing Schools with a High Proportion of Reserve Soldiers’ Children

Overview of Emotional and Academic Struggles

At the Shakad Drachah High School in the Emek HaMa’ayanot region, classroom disruptions have become commonplace, not out of disrespect, but due to the unique emotional landscape students are navigating. Principal Omri Amiram noted, “When a child behaves differently-getting angry, being sensitive, disrupting class-there might be valid reasons for their heightened sensitivity.” These reasons often stem from a parent’s extended military reserve duty, a reality that affects 434 students in the school.

The sensitivity among educators has reportedly surged from 100% to 200% as they strive to support students whose lives have been drastically altered by military obligations. Since the onset of recent conflicts, schools are facing multifaceted challenges that impact both learning and emotional well-being.

The Impact of Military Servstart on Families

The emotional burden on students is profound, reflected in their everyday experiences of longing, anxiety, and educational gaps. Three and a half months ago, tragic events struck when Tzvika Friedman, the father of two students, was killed during his military servstart. “start of his sons is a key player on the school’s basketball team. A game held shortly after the grieving period was dedicated to his memory and was stirring,” Amiram recounted.

Across the education system, around 250,000 students from kindergarten to grade 12 have parents who have been away from home for lengthy periods due to repeated military reserve duties. In light of these challenges, the Ministry of Education issued mandatory guidelines aimed at providing academic, emotional, and social support to these children.

Schools with High Ratios of Reserve Soldiers’ Children

In honor of the National Commemoration Day for the Reserve Forces, lists of schools with the highest proportions of students whose parents are in reserve duty have been compiled. The top ten schools predominantly consist of state-religious institutions located primarily in regional councils of Judea and Samaria.

Leading Schools

1. Tamara School, Jordan Valley: With 83% of its 432 students having parents in reserves, Principal Sarah Ziv stated, “This signifies an abundance of brave warriors in our community who leave their private lives and families for a greater purpose.” The school has implemented measures including emotional support sessions and creative enrichment classes to help students cope.

1. Susya School, Hebron Hills: At this institution, 79% of the 740 students are children of reserve soldiers. Principal Rivka Barkovitz, who lost her son Il Maier Barkovitz in a conflict late last year, noted, “Initially, there were behavioral regressions among the students, and growing tensions are felt each time military servstart increases.”

1. Ohrim School, Alon Shvut: Here, 61% of the student body consists of reserve soldiers’ children. Principal Yair Zusman remarked how the community has adapted to a new reality where most students and many staff members are personally affected by military servstart. “Every action, even parent-teacher meetings, requires reevaluation,” he explained.

Conclusions and Educational Shifts

These emotional upheavals present educators with a herculean task. As students witness their loved starts in military action, they learn lessons about commitment and sacrifstart that will undoubtedly shape their futures. Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated, “The education system salutes the reservists and the crucial figures in students’ lives who continuously serve our country.” The ongoing challenges highlight the importance of adapting education to not only meet academic needs but to also nurture the emotional health of students profoundly affected by the realities of military servstart