Daily Check-ins Strengthen Well-Being at Andersen Middle School
At Andersen Middle School (AMS) on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, caring for students extends well beyond academics. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Shanida Threatts, the school has implemented a Daily Check-In System, a simple yet powerful tool ensuring every student knows trusted adults are watching out for their well-being.
Each morning during advisory, students use a digital “Check-In” icon on their ClassLink page to share how they feel using colors from the Zones of Regulation framework. Within seconds, responses appear on a secure dashboard monitored by the school counselor Ms. Norma Jao, school psychologist Dr. Ash Bayly, the school nurse Ms. Margaret Mesa, and Dr. Threatts herself. If a student signals distress, the team receives an instant alert and coordinates who will respond, often within minutes.
“What began as a simple way to foster emotional awareness has become one of our most effective tools for supporting students,” said Ms. Jao. “Students feel seen, heard, and valued. They know that when they check in, someone will check on them.”
Check-Ins were launched last school year. Since the start of this school year, AMS students have completed more than 5,780 daily check-ins, an impressive number for a school of just over 250 learners. Each response represents a moment of connection, reflection, and reassurance that adults are listening.
Dr. Threatts attributes the system’s success to teamwork.
“Our resiliency initiative is proactive and student-centered,” she said. “It’s not just about identifying concerns; it’s about creating a culture where seeking support is normal. The real impact comes from how quickly our staff responds.”
Building a Culture of Responsiveness
The Resiliency Team meets regularly to review trends and adjust supports based on student feedback. Monthly Dragon Den sessions bring grade-level groups together for activities aligned with the Zones of Regulation, helping students recognize and manage emotions. The school’s Daily Dragon News broadcast features peer-shared tips and positive reminders to promote empathy and self-awareness.
District leaders have taken notice. Instructional Systems Specialist Ivette Silvas noted that several schools across Guam, including McCool Elementary Middle and Guam High, have adopted similar systems with strong student engagement.
“In just two weeks, McCool logged over 1,700 responses,” she shared. “The strength of this practice lies in the adults’ responsiveness. Students trust that if they express a need, someone will follow up.”
This approach aligns with DoDEA’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, which emphasizes proactive, data-informed strategies to nurture both academic growth and student resilience. The daily check-ins have become a tangible reflection of that mission, helping staff identify needs early and respond swiftly.
A Model for the Pacific West District
The success of AMS and its sister schools has inspired others across the Pacific West District to consider similar models. What began as a local innovation has evolved into a powerful regional practice that strengthens school culture and reinforces student trust.
“Our students now know that expressing emotion is not a weakness,” said Dr. Threatts. “It’s an act of courage, and they can depend on the adults in this building to listen.”
