Yesterday and today are different. For many, the difference is like night and day. This is the case for those who experience mental health challenges versus those who do not. It is not the same as having a bad day. It’s hard to describe. In lay terms, mental health is the health of the mind. It recognizes something internal, over which we don’t have control, affects how we feel, think, and act. For children, the difference is often manifested through changes in routine and performance in school. 50% of all mental disorders develop before the age of 15. School is a place where a country educates its citizenry to read, write, add, speak, learn diverse ways to problem solve, gain socialization skills, and support and care for students as parents work. Students lost access to food, health care (in-school nurses), routine breaks, social development, play and team work, discipline, sports, self-care and hygiene (getting dress, talking shower, and brushing teeth), time management, access to caring adults, and space for self-identity and expression in addition to EDUCATION. Schools pivoted to online delivery of academics and some offered food pick-up but largely schools did not respond to the other 80% of what schools did before. Many felt handcuff and so did parents. Increase in mental health concerns was the biggest outcome especially for those who continued to miss school. Some general ways to address the situation is offered to aid schools in responding to mental health and students who miss school.