Olentangy Schools has launched a program that lets first responders notify school staff when a student has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event outside of school.

The program, called Handle With Care, creates a confidential channel between local first responders and designated school personnel across the district's 29 buildings serving 24,458 students. When a first responder encounters a child at a potentially traumatic scene, they can send a notification to the child's school through a free statewide portal. The notice contains only the student's name and school. No details about the incident are shared.

"Handle With Care is another way to alleviate non-academic barriers for students by helping our staff respond with understanding and compassion when a child may be facing a difficult circumstance," Superintendent Todd Meyer said in the district's announcement.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office launched its side of the program on Aug. 1, making Olentangy the pilot district in Delaware County, as we reported Aug. 10. Sgt. Andrew Lee, who supervises the sheriff's school resource officers, helped launch the program.

How it works

A Handle With Care notification tells school staff that a student may need extra support. It does not explain what happened or single the student out. Staff may respond with additional flexibility, encouragement, or a connection to school counseling resources, depending on the child's needs.

All certified and classified staff in participating districts receive training in the trauma-informed model, according to OhioHWC. First responders in the program are also invited to visit schools so students can build positive relationships with them.

The statewide program is supported by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and directed by Hopewell Health Centers.

Part of a broader mental health effort

The launch adds another layer to Olentangy's student mental health infrastructure. In May 2026, the district became the first in Ohio to earn national accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA) for its mental health and wellness services. In August 2023, Olentangy became the first Ohio district certified as a behavioral health provider under the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Board.

The sheriff's office plans to expand Handle With Care to other Delaware County school districts if it proves successful at Olentangy.