How resilience-focused collaboration transforms communities and the young people we serve There's a moment that happens in community meetings—you've probably experienced it yourself. Someone shares a story about a student or client, and suddenly... Continue reading.
In the quiet moments before the morning bell, when hallways stand empty and classroom lights flicker on one by one, educational leaders carry a profound question in their hearts: How can we create spaces where every child—regardless of their... Continue reading.
Dear Teachers—yes, you, the superhero with the coffee-stained lanyard and 37 tabs open in your brain—we see you. And this one’s for you. Let’s be real: teaching today isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re asked to be a mentor,... Continue reading.
A college friend of mine worked as an animator at Pixar, which is one of the many reasons I've followed their films so closely over the years. I also have a child who loves baseball—so when I heard Pixar was releasing a new series called Win or... Continue reading.
At Starr Commonwealth, we believe that healing happens in community—and that belief starts with our own. That’s why we are thrilled to share some truly heartwarming news: for the sixth year in a row, Starr Commonwealth has been recognized by... Continue reading.
You know it before they say a word. Sometimes long before they ever will. Maybe it’s the way they flinch when someone moves too fast. Or how they laugh a little too loudly, too often, as if trying to drown out a part of themselves they... Continue reading.
The rising rates of substance use among youth—whether it’s vaping, alcohol, or other drugs—are an urgent and undeniable reality in our schools and communities. But what if we told you that substance use isn’t the problem? What if we looked... Continue reading.
A Universal Tier 1 Strategy for Emotional Regulation and Independence Picture this: You’re juggling a thousand things at once—lesson planning, answering emails, and supporting students who need extra attention. The stress builds, and you find... Continue reading.
Walt Disney once said, “Everyone falls. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk.” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—DEI-B—has fallen down. It has been pushed down, but for now, we will stay with fallen down. This has happened... Continue reading.
A School Leader’s Dilemma: The Safety Crisis We Can’t Ignore You start your morning with the weight of the school day ahead—not just academic achievement and staffing shortages, but the increasing violence, threats, and crisis-level... Continue reading.
Imagine this: You’re walking alone in the woods, and suddenly, a rustling in the bushes makes your heart race. Your body stiffens. You feel a jolt of energy surge through you—your fight-or-flight system is kicking in before you even have time to... Continue reading.
Trauma is not just an experience stored in our memories. It is a story our bodies remember on a much deeper level. If you’ve ever found yourself flinching at a sudden sound, feeling your heart race in an uncomfortable situation, or struggling... Continue reading.
Let's be real: there is no magical program, curriculum, or one-size-fits-all approach that will transform a school into a trauma-responsive, resilience-focused environment overnight. True transformation doesn't come in a pre-packaged box. Instead,... Continue reading.
Fear and anxiety are natural, adaptive responses designed to keep us safe. However, when fear becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can disrupt a young person's ability to learn, connect, and thrive. With rising levels of anxiety among youth,... Continue reading.
We are proud to announce that Starr Commonwealth has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Inclusive Workplace recognition by Best Companies Group, in collaboration with COLOR Magazine. This recognition celebrates businesses that are... Continue reading.
