The Norris School District utilizes a continuum of trauma sensitive practices that help learners make positive connections within their learning network.  Collectively these practices build a culture of acceptance and tolerance where learners are taught to respect the differences and needs of others so that learners feel safe, supported, and successful. This culture is founded on trusting relationships and offers trauma sensitive solutions so that all learners can self-regulate behaviors and emotions so that they can successfully engage in learning.

A continuum of trauma-sensitive practices is utilized to help learners make positive connections with others within their learning network and throughout the learning community. Collectively these practices build a trauma invested culture of acceptance and tolerance where learners are taught to respect the differences and needs of others. This culture is founded on trusting relationships and offers trauma sensitive solutions so that all learners can build relationships, develop responsibility and self-regulate behaviors and emotions so that they can successfully engage in learning.

The continuum of trauma sensitive practices is designated in three tiers. 

• First tier practices are universal practices and part of every learner's experience.  Collectively these practices develop a trauma-sensitive culture of learning.

• Second tier practices support individuals or smaller groups to provide the skills needed to boost learner engagement and agency.  

• Third tier practices engage unique resources to develop personalized trauma-sensitive solutions for each learner.

Teamwork is embraced and staff share responsibility for all students. This is reflected on the outside of the triangle. All members of the learning network support each learner in developing the skills necessary for behavioral and emotional self-regulation. A uniform protocol for engaging with learners and supporting regulation is used. The goal is to assist learners in de-escalation, providing additional resources as needed. Debriefing helps the team to flexibility and proactively support each learner so that the equilibrium of the learning environment is not disrupted by inevitable shifts and changes.

The Norris School District understands the impact of trauma and recognized it will never know and understand all of the trauma that each learner brings.  This informs the District approach to create a dynamic trauma sensitive learning community that enables all learners to feel safe, supported and successful.