In a recent meeting, staff from Rosa Parks Elementary School discussed the outcomes of a pilot program aimed at enhancing trauma-informed practices within their educational framework. Assistant Principal Kate Lohmeier presented insights from a six-week pilot conducted last spring, which involved 22 volunteers from various roles within the school, including teachers, intervention specialists, and administrative staff.

The pilot program, facilitated by Soulbird Consulting, focused on key insights related to trauma awareness, such as the understanding that trauma is stored in the body and that healing occurs through relationships. Participants engaged in both online and in-person learning experiences, which fostered a sense of community and a shared language around trauma-informed care.

Feedback from participants highlighted a collective improvement in understanding and implementing care strategies, with many expressing a desire for the entire school community to adopt these practices. This positive response has inspired the development of a comprehensive plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, which aims to extend the learning experience over the entire year.

The proposed plan includes professional learning communities that will allow staff to collaborate and share insights, anchored by experienced participants from the pilot. Monthly meetings will provide opportunities for deeper discussions and reflections on the key insights learned. Additionally, the school plans to differentiate support for staff, ensuring that all educators can grow and apply trauma-informed strategies effectively in their classrooms.

The meeting underscored the commitment of Rosa Parks Elementary to foster a supportive environment for both staff and students, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and understanding trauma in the educational setting.