BARABOO, Wis.— One Sauk County school district’s support staff is using some unique ways to keep up with the challenges that distance learning presents for at-risk kids and their mental health.

"Families are getting in contact with us especially like through text message, e-mails come through on here," Baraboo social worker Jen Lombardi said as she showed off her constantly buzzing personal and work cellphones. She uses both for hours on end, connecting anyway she can.

"We had to really be creative, I mean it's definitely put our students and our families in, you know, these heartbreaking situations," she said.

COVID forced the district to go all virtual. That means she, alongside the district’s only other social worker Taylor Williams, make more house calls now than ever.

"Last year prior to that pandemic, 10-15%, then this year it's probably I would say like 50 to 60%," Lombardi said of stressful situations.

"So I would certainly acknowledge the increase in risk," Williams explained as she fears for more of her families facing eviction.

"Another layer to a situation is trying to connect them [the families] with services that can assist and can get them housed," Williams said.

Meanwhile, school guidance counselors like Baraboo High's Stacey Endicott are finding a new way to address the rise in student anxiety and depression.

"You know at this point we know some more tips and tricks on how to access our students," Endicott said.

It's why she is offering her school’s ''Relaxation Room'' on a virtual level. The web-portal offers links to breathing, music therapy and calm-down strategies.

"Depending on what the students need is or what might work best for them to cope and deal and take just a few minutes to regroup. They still have that opportunity as well," Endicott said.

All three believe even in empty halls, they can change a life. It's why ahead of winter break, they addressed a top concern for their students: Food insecurity.

"Last year we did give a substantial amount of food when we initially closed. I'm, you know, hoping that we are able to get food into the hands of families that need it the most," Lombardi said inside Baraboo High's small pantry.

The social workers find non-perishable items and stock the room full of basic essentials. 

"We just want to be able to give our families, some things so that their basic needs are being met," Lombardi said.

To help with the needs, the district is also offering virtual learning coaches to all students participating in the distance-learning model.