Trauma Project:
Thursday evening the Club hosted participants of our Trauma Project in the St. Joe Schools this year. It was truly a heartwarming event. Lead by Jean West, participating teachers Angie Klaassen from Webster and Beth Ann Reinert from Central shared their stories from this year and their plans for the future. In addition to the teachers participating in the training and implementation we heard from members of their reading groups (also teachers and some administrators) who are also learning about the inability of people (young and old) to function under conditions of significant stress. I admit, I do not understand the science, but I do understand the commitment of these outstanding educators!
Suffice it so say the two years of this grant represents monies VERY WELL spent!!! The at-risk students in SJSD are receiving education in a way that few other have the opportunity to receive. I think about the impact of just one of these young people being “saved” by these teachers and multiply that by the reach of the five primary teachers in the program and those also learning about the impact of stress (trauma) on learning.
As a club we owe a great debt to Carmen who has guided this project along, planned the events, maintained contact with Jean throughout and visited some of these teachers in their institutions! Thanks also to all who came to the dinner which had great food, really great deserts (thanks for the CC Cookies Carmen!) and wonderful fellowship! Rest assured Club 32 is having a positive impact on our schools and our Community!
