FROM THE EXPERTS

The Middle School Years Truly Matter

Betty Barsley-Marra, Candor Health Educator

Middle school (grades 6–8) is often underestimated—seen as “just a bridge” to high school. But according to Candor Health Education, it’s during this time that students begin wrestling with identity, relationships, and deeper emotions in ways that shape their future. In this thoughtful piece, educator Betty Barsley-Marra explores how academic skills, self-discovery, and peer connections all come together during these pivotal years—and why adults need to pay attention.

IN THE NEWS

Teens Should Steer Clear of Using AI Chatbots for Mental Health, Researchers Say

Ed Week

New research warns that AI chatbots can miss serious warning signs in teens — like psychosis, anxiety, or self-harm — and may respond in ways that validate dangerous thoughts instead of helping.

These tools are designed more for engagement than real care, raising concern that vulnerable young people could mistake them for a safe space.

Want the full scoop on the risks — and how policymakers are reacting? Read more.

IN THE NEWS

8 things to know about the drug known as 'gas station heroin'

NPR

This eye-opening NPR article explores how tianeptine—originally developed in Europe as an antidepressant—is now being misused in the U.S. as what some call “gas station heroin.”

Researchers recently discovered that tianeptine acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, which helps explain reports of addiction, withdrawal, and even overdoses.



The piece also dives into why the drug is popping up in convenience stores under names like “Neptune’s Fix” and the patchwork of state bans and proposed legislation around it.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

🔍 Resource Spotlight: Substance Use Prevention Portal

Explore Candor’s interactive Substance Use Prevention Portal, designed for youth ages 12–18 to learn in a fun, engaging way. Through graphic novels, animated videos, games, and trivia, this portal helps young people understand how substances like alcohol, opioids (including fentanyl), marijuana, and vaping affect the developing brain and body.

Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom-ready materials or a parent hoping to spark meaningful conversations at home, this portal offers powerful, age-appropriate tools — including our “Finals Week Frenzy” game — to guide reflection and build awareness.

ILLINOIS YOUTH SURVEY

Registration for the 2026 Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) is open! 

While it may seem like just another student questionnaire, the IYS is much more than that. It’s one of the most critical tools we have for understanding the experiences, behaviors, and needs of llinois youth—and for translating that understanding into effective, data-informed action at both the local and state levels. But the value of this data depends on one key factor: participation. The more schools that participate, the more accurate and useful the data becomes—not just at the state level, but in each individual community. 

MEET THE TEAM

Ashley joined Candor in October 2025. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Business College. For the past ten and a half years, Ashley worked for a supply chain brokerage where a large part of her role was building relationships to bring in more revenue. She is excited to be at Candor and work with a passionate and caring team and looks forward to playing a role in children’s education. 

In her spare time, Ashley loves spending time with her husband and two kids. When she’s not running to her kids sporting events, she loves to travel, try new coffee shops, spend time outside, and listen to live music (country music is her favorite!).

SUPPORT CANDOR

Candor Health Education is a non-profit organization that relies on community support to provide these programs to under-resourced communities. Consider contributing a monthly donation to ensure every student in the Chicagoland area receives these important lessons.