Bridging to Resilience

Taking a trauma-responsive approach to student intervention and discipline can mean making a lot of changes to how we respond to students. We can focus on using regulation, we can use neuroscience-aligned interventions, and we can provide significant levels of support, but what about when it’s STILL NOT WORKING? What can we do when all the things that SHOULD be working AREN’T?!

Consultations with school districts across the country, often on their most difficult student cases, have provided Rick & Doris with a unique opportunity to see themes in the deeper layers of how to help staff effectively work with students who are struggling and suffering the most, and often presenting the most challenging behaviors. Come learn how to take things a layer deeper to accomplish a shift in these students for whom nothing else has worked!

Do long-term suspension and expulsion hearings feel like the worst part of your job as a school leader? Do you wonder how the student will address the initial concern while also wondering if they can return to the school setting successfully? It feels terrible to expel students. Sometimes we don't have a choice, and while we take a collective breath after the chaos, the student is likely alone with more gaps and less positive connection in their near future. 

Come learn how building B.R.I.D.G.E.S. can restore relationships, address student behaviors, and set the student on a path to success. Participants will leave this session with tools and strategies to address behaviors before the need for a hearing arises, as well as resources and solutions for use during and after the hearing process. Leaders will learn how to utilize empathy maps and restorative practice reentry circles designed to highlight students’ strengths and areas of concern, the tremendous growth occurring during the suspension/expulsion, and to talk plainly about challenges as all stakeholders prepare for the student’s return to school. Experience how we can work together as we build restorative bridges to support the student, family, and staff members to prioritize future success.

This presentation is for those who already grasp the "why?"' behind the need for trauma-sensitive/nervous system-focused/brain-based homes and schools. If you want to get to the "what now?" by diving into accessible strategies, then this is the session for you. I will fit as many ready-to-implement strategies into the timeframe as possible. 

The Reset & Return Room serves as a proactive approach to student regulation and skill development, reducing classroom disruptions and improving student engagement. By implementing structured guidelines, scheduled breaks, alternative workspaces, and targeted interventions, schools can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. This session will outline the framework and provide resources.

Participants get ready!! You will release stress from daily life; envision what renewal looks, feels and sounds like; consider physcial, emotional, cognitive and spiritual domains as possible areas for renewal, and set intentions for renewal. Activities include mindful movement, partner sharing and journaling. 

Understanding trauma and its effects on learning and behavior is crucial for educators and school personnel in creating safe
and supportive environments for all students. This session aims to equip educators with practical strategies and insights to
effectively support all students, especially those who have experienced trauma. Participants will delve into the concept of
trauma, it's profound impact on students' neurological development, emotional regulation strategies for staff and students,
and restorative approaches to transforming discipline in classrooms and schools that promote authentic accountability.