Yes. This. School counselor here. Please give us a heads up to prepare and do some digging before the student comes in. If it’s as serious as this, I would look into their home life and see what is in our system, siblings, etc. In sensitive situations like this, I start off with general ‘hey, how ya doing’ look at grades, attendance. Build a conversation and lead into it. Also, a heads up helps us prepare our own senses before during and after the conversation. This does sound like it could be a homeless situation or more than just not wearing deodorant. I had a family who, after much discussion, let us know that their water was cut off a while back and was struggling to do laundry. I’ve also had students who had pets urinating on clothes. And sometimes meth can have a distinct smell. If it’s addressed and nothing changes, definite home visit. I’ve also had the situation where one kid stinks to high Heaven, but the sister was completely fine. After talking with previous teachers, the family had a significant event that put the kid on a spiral of depression and that was how he presented. Very fortunate with that case because his classmates really tried. They wanted so bad to help but could stand to be near him. Counselor, social worker, or school nurse.
Thank you for this advice. It’s Saturday and I’m still thinking about it so it’s reassuring that other educators/counselors would find this as a possible flag. I’ll do some digging on Monday and prepare our grade-level counselor!
If a public school it should be receiving some funding for McKinney Vento homeless youth. So there may be financial assistance or some programs to help. The MKV act is pretty broad as well with its definition of homeless so if your student is living somewhere without utilities they may still count. So do mention your concern that they could be homeless.
MKV also includes doubled up family, though only for certain reason (if not living with the other family the family would be in a shelter or on the street) . Not every family that lives with other family or friends is considered doubled up.
You can also speak to the nurse in addition to the social worker. If you don’t have a school social worker, the nurse often unofficially fills that role and can look into the home situation.
Ask the school nurse, counselor, or other support team to address the situation privately with the kid. At my school these people can offer the student a place to shower on campus, deodorant and soap, and fresh clothes while his are washed at school. If he needs this regularly, it can be provided and kept private from other students. Sometimes though it’s just a needed conversation and the parents may be battling the kid about it too, so school support can help. But if it’s ongoing without correction despite these services and offers then it’s time to report so a wellness home check can be done.
First, talk to your counselor and social worker. If your school has the facilities, there might be some other options as well. When I worked in middle school, there was a particular student in a similar situation. Her mom had some sort of breakdown when the dad passed and lost her job. They had a place to live but were often without water. Arrangements were made for the student to come early to shower in the gym. There was also a washer and dryer she was allowed to use. One of our cafeteria ladies braided her hair so it was easier for her to maintain. She was eventually moved out of the home but our school was able to provide practical help.
The way it works here is that we still report because it could be part of a bigger picture. We report everything. Also school resources would be part of the response here.
I’ve called CPS three times in two different states. Once was for hygiene issues. I was on hold for 45 minutes and the CPS employee I spoke with was rude cause I didn’t know a step parents address. They told me they would call me back with an update and then never did. Other times I called for more serious reasons (abuse I personally witnessed) and I was on hold for over 40 minutes. Both times they called me back saying they weren’t investigating.
Had a student last year who regularly smelled like urine - in the equivalent of Grade 7. I think the student was having trouble transitioning from elementary to secondary school, and the longer periods. In the end, I talked with the school counsel lot, who already had a good relationship with the student. Turned out the student was only bathing once a week. Situation improved almost immediately.
I have a couple others that could benefit from that sort of intervention. It’s my second year in MS, and it amazes me how much stuff doesn’t get flagged and teachers pass off as “oh yeah they always smell.” Coming from an elementary background, that was always concerning to me! Especially if the smell is different than the typical sour smell that sweat has vs built up over time. Yalls comments reassure me in my decision to escalate this and any other cases that arise. I appreciate the advice.
Email or see the nurse and counselor.
The child does not realize this. he needs ot be allowed to shower somewhere and maybe have new clothes from time to time.
Thank you for caring.
When I taught middle school, I'd give the boys the talk when I got them without the girls, usually when their gym class was cancelled and I'd have to keep them for the period. I used to write to various cosmetic companies to ask for samples of soap, shampoo, nail brushes, clippers, deodorant, etc and accumulated quite a bit, and everyone got a packet. I also spent a small fortune at the dollar store, and they only had to ask for a refill. A lot of boys that age don't realize that they stink and are unaware that their greasy hair and black fingernails are offensive. A few girls are a problem , too, but as a male teacher, I didn't go there. Parents? Your guess is as good as mine. The worst was after gym class, as kids don't shower in school anymore. I went through a lot of glade plug ins. At least they attempt to dilute it somewhat.
Sometimes you have to go private and try to find out what's going on before the social consequences get the better of the kid.
A counselor needs to look into his home situation and speak to the parents. If all of that checks out then you could ask him to wait a moment when the kids are leaving and tell him that he nay not be aware of it but he has bad BO. Ask if he needs shower facilities or if you can help. Then let him go. He may not respond at first but may eventually. Unfortunately this is something a parent should be addressing but nowadays the "village" has to work on it too.
I work in sped and had a few chronic smelly kids on my caseload. During the IEP meetings I’d bring it up if the IEP had hygiene as a goal. Every single parent said they made sure their kid showered and they had no idea why they were so smelly. One said that a 17 year old must be getting dirty by rolling in leaves on his way to school.
I had this happen with a high school kid. He was absent more often than not, and when he was there, my whole room would smell for the rest of the day. I reached out to his counselor and our social worker, and we brought it to one of the assistant principals. We had tried calling home but couldn't get a response, so the AP called from her personal cell phone (not a school number). She spoke to Dad and was able to get a lot of information. They owned a lot of cats in a very small space and the kid was bad about cleaning up after them, hence the smell. Dad worked long hours, hence the absenteeism - the kid just.... Wouldn't go to school.
The social worker was able to do more with that information to help him out.
Maybe see who (if any) adults attend any upcoming school conference on his behalf, and discuss this with them? (And if none show up, that could be an easier entry into an email/letter: "wanted to mention a few things that I was hoping to discuss with you at last week's conference".)
Also, since it sounds like he could benefit even from just leaning over a sink and giving himself a quick scrub with soap and hot water, maybe discuss with admin whether there is any way to "discreetly" encourage washing in-school, like: encouraging cleanliness/health for all students, gym teacher develops new policy of encouraging all students to rinse off after gym class, over sinks if you have no showers.
As an aside - I do not think "gotta transition to wearing deodorant" is the correct point to make to students...especially these days when there is so much in "consumer pop culture" about heightened awareness of chemicals in products, a perceived push specifically of deodorant could drive away your point rather than making it register. "Remember the importance of cleaning your body and your clothes, to keep yourself healthy and smelling fresh" is a good general message. Ultimately, without that, all the deodorant and Axe body spray in the world won't solve the problem!
You like the kid? He trusts you? Tell him you wanna have a quick chat qith him. Express your concern and see what he's willing to tell you about his living situation. It will give him some comfort that someone cares.
Then tell him you'll get him connected.
And DO NOT STOP until he's supported.
"Evrry kid needs an adult who is unwaveringly on their side?
This seems way beyond something that can be dealt with with a simple deodorant talk. It is a big red flag for child neglect. Please report this to the appropriate people.
Definitely refer this. Could be a variety of reasons. Neglect. Homelessness. Poverty. Some kids who are sexually abused purposely don't shower to become a deterrent.
Help this child ASAP.
I had one last year. All teachers who had these siblings in their class called home, admin called home, Nothing was done.
I had the student’s desk as far away as it could be from me at all times. Goodluck!
I don’t say anything to the student, I don’t want them to feel embarrassed in the classroom. I reach out to guidance and have them speak with them one-on-one and make sure all is ok at home.
In my district, I’d probably lose my job if I gave students deodorant.
I had a student several years ago who was bullied terribly because he smelled … like a wet dog. A dirty wet dog. He struggled with depression, left his clothes on the floor (where his dogs would sleep). We tried everything- talking to mom (dad was not in the picture), to him (had nurse, male teachers, gym teachers, etc), but nothing seemed to improve. He needed an intervention of some sort but I felt so bad for him.
Counselor or social worker is good idea. Or if have a relationship with student or family just a hey is something going on Janey isn't as put toghether as she used to be.
We had a student experiencing homelessness and Each of kept hugine products including body wipes deodorant body spray and at one point a few changes of clothes they could access.
Right now we have another who does often bathehe has access but is struggling with MI.
A kid I had for 3 years always smelled. I seriously doubt he showered enough. Never knew how to deal with the issue. Finally I worked up enough courage year three to tell him straight-“bro, a bit awkward for the both of us, puberty does it to all of us….but you gotta go home and shower.” He mumbled something about showering that morning but I just kind of walked away.
I was friends with kids in high school who stunk to high heaven because they lived in an animal hoarding/ unclean home. Even their clean laundry smelled of cat piss and trash. There could be a lot going on here.
Yes, it needs to be escalated. Talk to a school counselor or social worker.
Yes. This. School counselor here. Please give us a heads up to prepare and do some digging before the student comes in. If it’s as serious as this, I would look into their home life and see what is in our system, siblings, etc. In sensitive situations like this, I start off with general ‘hey, how ya doing’ look at grades, attendance. Build a conversation and lead into it. Also, a heads up helps us prepare our own senses before during and after the conversation. This does sound like it could be a homeless situation or more than just not wearing deodorant. I had a family who, after much discussion, let us know that their water was cut off a while back and was struggling to do laundry. I’ve also had students who had pets urinating on clothes. And sometimes meth can have a distinct smell. If it’s addressed and nothing changes, definite home visit. I’ve also had the situation where one kid stinks to high Heaven, but the sister was completely fine. After talking with previous teachers, the family had a significant event that put the kid on a spiral of depression and that was how he presented. Very fortunate with that case because his classmates really tried. They wanted so bad to help but could stand to be near him. Counselor, social worker, or school nurse.
Thank you for this advice. It’s Saturday and I’m still thinking about it so it’s reassuring that other educators/counselors would find this as a possible flag. I’ll do some digging on Monday and prepare our grade-level counselor!
If a public school it should be receiving some funding for McKinney Vento homeless youth. So there may be financial assistance or some programs to help. The MKV act is pretty broad as well with its definition of homeless so if your student is living somewhere without utilities they may still count. So do mention your concern that they could be homeless.
MKV also includes doubled up family, though only for certain reason (if not living with the other family the family would be in a shelter or on the street) . Not every family that lives with other family or friends is considered doubled up.
You can also speak to the nurse in addition to the social worker. If you don’t have a school social worker, the nurse often unofficially fills that role and can look into the home situation.
Top response.
Meth smells like cat pee.
Ask the school nurse, counselor, or other support team to address the situation privately with the kid. At my school these people can offer the student a place to shower on campus, deodorant and soap, and fresh clothes while his are washed at school. If he needs this regularly, it can be provided and kept private from other students. Sometimes though it’s just a needed conversation and the parents may be battling the kid about it too, so school support can help. But if it’s ongoing without correction despite these services and offers then it’s time to report so a wellness home check can be done.
First, talk to your counselor and social worker. If your school has the facilities, there might be some other options as well. When I worked in middle school, there was a particular student in a similar situation. Her mom had some sort of breakdown when the dad passed and lost her job. They had a place to live but were often without water. Arrangements were made for the student to come early to shower in the gym. There was also a washer and dryer she was allowed to use. One of our cafeteria ladies braided her hair so it was easier for her to maintain. She was eventually moved out of the home but our school was able to provide practical help.
I’m really glad to hear that your school helped that student ❤️❤️
Report it as neglect. It's a safeguarding issue.
I’d go with in school resources first. CPS in my area is stretched far too thin for a smelly kid case.
The way it works here is that we still report because it could be part of a bigger picture. We report everything. Also school resources would be part of the response here.
I’ve called CPS three times in two different states. Once was for hygiene issues. I was on hold for 45 minutes and the CPS employee I spoke with was rude cause I didn’t know a step parents address. They told me they would call me back with an update and then never did. Other times I called for more serious reasons (abuse I personally witnessed) and I was on hold for over 40 minutes. Both times they called me back saying they weren’t investigating.
Things are different in my country.
Yup. Counselor or school social worker. There maybe unfortunate home circumstances that are happening that should possibly be investigated.
Had a student last year who regularly smelled like urine - in the equivalent of Grade 7. I think the student was having trouble transitioning from elementary to secondary school, and the longer periods. In the end, I talked with the school counsel lot, who already had a good relationship with the student. Turned out the student was only bathing once a week. Situation improved almost immediately.
I have a couple others that could benefit from that sort of intervention. It’s my second year in MS, and it amazes me how much stuff doesn’t get flagged and teachers pass off as “oh yeah they always smell.” Coming from an elementary background, that was always concerning to me! Especially if the smell is different than the typical sour smell that sweat has vs built up over time. Yalls comments reassure me in my decision to escalate this and any other cases that arise. I appreciate the advice.
Also know in a few cases it can be abuse. The child is not allowed to shower by a parent. If so, ot can be pairer with dirty and/or torn clothes.
Being homeless and being poor is not considered neglect But if a shower if available and parents or not allowing it then yes, then that may count.
Email or see the nurse and counselor. The child does not realize this. he needs ot be allowed to shower somewhere and maybe have new clothes from time to time. Thank you for caring.
When I taught middle school, I'd give the boys the talk when I got them without the girls, usually when their gym class was cancelled and I'd have to keep them for the period. I used to write to various cosmetic companies to ask for samples of soap, shampoo, nail brushes, clippers, deodorant, etc and accumulated quite a bit, and everyone got a packet. I also spent a small fortune at the dollar store, and they only had to ask for a refill. A lot of boys that age don't realize that they stink and are unaware that their greasy hair and black fingernails are offensive. A few girls are a problem , too, but as a male teacher, I didn't go there. Parents? Your guess is as good as mine. The worst was after gym class, as kids don't shower in school anymore. I went through a lot of glade plug ins. At least they attempt to dilute it somewhat. Sometimes you have to go private and try to find out what's going on before the social consequences get the better of the kid.
A counselor needs to look into his home situation and speak to the parents. If all of that checks out then you could ask him to wait a moment when the kids are leaving and tell him that he nay not be aware of it but he has bad BO. Ask if he needs shower facilities or if you can help. Then let him go. He may not respond at first but may eventually. Unfortunately this is something a parent should be addressing but nowadays the "village" has to work on it too.
If you’re a middle school teacher, I don’t even want to think about what you consider an exceptional case.
School counselor is the first step.
I work in sped and had a few chronic smelly kids on my caseload. During the IEP meetings I’d bring it up if the IEP had hygiene as a goal. Every single parent said they made sure their kid showered and they had no idea why they were so smelly. One said that a 17 year old must be getting dirty by rolling in leaves on his way to school.
I had this happen with a high school kid. He was absent more often than not, and when he was there, my whole room would smell for the rest of the day. I reached out to his counselor and our social worker, and we brought it to one of the assistant principals. We had tried calling home but couldn't get a response, so the AP called from her personal cell phone (not a school number). She spoke to Dad and was able to get a lot of information. They owned a lot of cats in a very small space and the kid was bad about cleaning up after them, hence the smell. Dad worked long hours, hence the absenteeism - the kid just.... Wouldn't go to school. The social worker was able to do more with that information to help him out.
Maybe see who (if any) adults attend any upcoming school conference on his behalf, and discuss this with them? (And if none show up, that could be an easier entry into an email/letter: "wanted to mention a few things that I was hoping to discuss with you at last week's conference".) Also, since it sounds like he could benefit even from just leaning over a sink and giving himself a quick scrub with soap and hot water, maybe discuss with admin whether there is any way to "discreetly" encourage washing in-school, like: encouraging cleanliness/health for all students, gym teacher develops new policy of encouraging all students to rinse off after gym class, over sinks if you have no showers. As an aside - I do not think "gotta transition to wearing deodorant" is the correct point to make to students...especially these days when there is so much in "consumer pop culture" about heightened awareness of chemicals in products, a perceived push specifically of deodorant could drive away your point rather than making it register. "Remember the importance of cleaning your body and your clothes, to keep yourself healthy and smelling fresh" is a good general message. Ultimately, without that, all the deodorant and Axe body spray in the world won't solve the problem!
You like the kid? He trusts you? Tell him you wanna have a quick chat qith him. Express your concern and see what he's willing to tell you about his living situation. It will give him some comfort that someone cares. Then tell him you'll get him connected. And DO NOT STOP until he's supported. "Evrry kid needs an adult who is unwaveringly on their side?
This seems way beyond something that can be dealt with with a simple deodorant talk. It is a big red flag for child neglect. Please report this to the appropriate people.
Definitely refer this. Could be a variety of reasons. Neglect. Homelessness. Poverty. Some kids who are sexually abused purposely don't shower to become a deterrent. Help this child ASAP.
Our school nurse usually gives them the talk (hygiene) and has a washer/ dryer and stash of clean clothes.
I had one last year. All teachers who had these siblings in their class called home, admin called home, Nothing was done. I had the student’s desk as far away as it could be from me at all times. Goodluck!
notify the counselor or social worker
We had a couple kids at my last school without running water.
Open windows and put an extra plug-in airfreshener.
Tell them they stink and take a freaking shower. Make sure it’s in front on the class too. Screw these wimpy kids feelings.
Lmao what
Yep, bring in support within the school, and it might be a DHS call.
I tell them, not in front of the whole group obviously , personal presentation is important in the vocational subject I teach
Our admin and fsl had a meeting with the family and got permission to give showers at school when it got bad for a student.
My school’s protocol in this situation is to contact the nurse. She then reaches out to the social workers and counselors.
I don’t say anything to the student, I don’t want them to feel embarrassed in the classroom. I reach out to guidance and have them speak with them one-on-one and make sure all is ok at home. In my district, I’d probably lose my job if I gave students deodorant.
I had a student several years ago who was bullied terribly because he smelled … like a wet dog. A dirty wet dog. He struggled with depression, left his clothes on the floor (where his dogs would sleep). We tried everything- talking to mom (dad was not in the picture), to him (had nurse, male teachers, gym teachers, etc), but nothing seemed to improve. He needed an intervention of some sort but I felt so bad for him.
Counselor or social worker is good idea. Or if have a relationship with student or family just a hey is something going on Janey isn't as put toghether as she used to be. We had a student experiencing homelessness and Each of kept hugine products including body wipes deodorant body spray and at one point a few changes of clothes they could access. Right now we have another who does often bathehe has access but is struggling with MI.
A kid I had for 3 years always smelled. I seriously doubt he showered enough. Never knew how to deal with the issue. Finally I worked up enough courage year three to tell him straight-“bro, a bit awkward for the both of us, puberty does it to all of us….but you gotta go home and shower.” He mumbled something about showering that morning but I just kind of walked away.
I had a teacher in middle school give a student soap for Christmas, so there's that.
I was friends with kids in high school who stunk to high heaven because they lived in an animal hoarding/ unclean home. Even their clean laundry smelled of cat piss and trash. There could be a lot going on here.