It’s that time of the year when students, parents and school staff prepare to return to the classroom. Students look for new outfits to wear on the first day of school while parents check off a supply list. Recently at Cleveland County Schools, teacher assistants had an opportunity to prepare for students by learning more about the impact of trauma on the brain. Jasmine Cain, Benchmarks’ PFE Project Manager, explained the different types of trauma and how behaviors exhibited by students are often symptoms of trauma.
The theme of the event was “Donut Know What To Do Without A Teacher Assistant Like You”. As the teacher assistants entered the conference room, they were welcomed by smiling faces, background music, hot coffee and donuts. The assortment represented on the beautiful donut display reminded me that students arrive from summer vacation having been impacted by their unique experiences. Some will have had a “plain” uneventful summer while others might have enjoyed many “sprinkles” of fun on cool vacations. Unfortunately, some will arrive having faced a traumatic event such as a family death, domestic violence or neglect, which we know can impact brain development. This is symbolized in the rippled unevenness of the French Crueller. While still a donut, it has had a different experience causing a foundational shape change.
When school staff are able to understand brain development and recognize symptoms of trauma displayed as behaviors, we become another step closer to building a trauma-aware-community. Benchmarks’ Partnering For Excellence staff is thankful for the opportunity to share a few hours and ideas with the devoted staff of Cleveland County Schools. Just as the donut display is symbolic of the diversity of experiences students bring with them on the first day of school, let it is also be a good reminder that all that donuts are worthy of being handled with care!
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