The Backpack Drop Zone: One Sixth-Grade Truth That Exposed Our Quiet Crisis

at risk,” she said softly. “Hunger. Safety at home. Self-harm thoughts.”

The last words were careful, like she didn’t want them to echo too loudly.

I thought of Michael.

Of his note.

Of how he had stared at the duffel bag like it was a lifeline.

“What if they don’t want to be identified?” I asked.

“Then we earn their trust,” she said. “And we keep showing continue reading …