At the moment, our society, institutions, democracy, personal lives and organizations like Starr Commonwealth are experiencing turbulent times. Times that stem from long developed problems grounded in systems of oppression that have gone... Continue reading.
Did you know that taking short outdoor brain breaks during the school day can help you learn better? When the school year is almost over and the sun starts shining more, it's easy to dream about summer vacation. So, let's talk about what brain... Continue reading.
For the fourth consecutive year, Starr Commonwealth has been named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2023 by the NonProfit Times. The leader in providing trauma-informed care and services to children and families was one of 50... Continue reading.
Education is increasingly viewed as a shared responsibility of educators, families, and communities. Schools, parents, and the community should work together to promote the health, well-being, and learning of all students. When school involve... Continue reading.
Cognitive Flexibility Definition Cognitive flexibility means being able to think in different ways and adjust to new situations. It's important because it helps people handle changes and deal with difficult things. Sometimes when kids experience... Continue reading.
Thanks to the generosity of all who give to scholarship funds for alumni of Starr, countless individuals are able to pursue their passions—and their futures. One alumna, Shelby Kasen, has made her dreams a reality. Originally published in... Continue reading.
In celebration of its 110th anniversary of providing hope and healing to children struggling with the effects of trauma, Starr Commonwealth is launching a year of education, outreach, advocacy and storytelling to celebrate its legacy and broaden its... Continue reading.
As Michiganders struggle to deal with the aftermath of the shootings at Michigan State University on Feb. 13, many are juggling conflicting emotions: anger, fear, sadness, rage, grief, helplessness and others. That’s all normal in light of the... Continue reading.
There are a wide variety of classroom management systems used by schools today. Levels, colors, clips, stickers, and tickets are variations of the many popular ways to motivate students to demonstrate appropriate behavior in the classroom. However,... Continue reading.
Learned helplessness in students is a psychological phenomenon in which children begin to feel as though they have no control over the events or circumstances happening to them, which can manifest within in the classroom. This can lead to... Continue reading.
Through the generosity of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT), Starr Commonwealth was the recipient of gift baskets for students participating in its Student Resiliency and Empowerment Center (REC). Gifts were delivered prior to the holiday... Continue reading.
Promoting inclusion in the classroom is crucial for creating an equitable, safe learning environment for all students. The good news is that intentional inclusion is instrumental to being trauma-informed. The key lies within the Circle of... Continue reading.
The return to school after a long holiday break can be tricky for everyone. Routine is critical for success in any classroom—not only for our students but for our own practices as educators (read more about trauma-informed routines here).... Continue reading.
“Peace on earth, goodwill towards people!” A high school friend has sent me this seasonal greeting for several decades now. Oh, and my friend changed the wording, “towards men” to “towards people” with the very first... Continue reading.
The holiday season is upon us: at home, in the workplace, in our communities, classrooms, and far and wide in the media, online, and in neighborhood stores. This time of year can inspire festive gatherings and activities of joy, togetherness, and... Continue reading.
