Grant Continues Funding for Trauma Sensitive School Project

Grant from Charles E. Kubly Foundation supports phase II of trauma project

MILWAUKEE (December 11, 2014) - Mount Mary University has received $8,300 in funding from the Charles E. Kubly Foundation to support Phase II of Mount Mary's Trauma Sensitive School Project (the Project) at Northwest Catholic School in Milwaukee. Coordinated and administered by Carrie King, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the M.S. in counseling program, and Tammy Scheidegger, Ph.D., associate professor and counseling practicum/internship coordinator, the Project educates school teachers, staff, students and parents/guardians about childhood trauma, as well as trauma sensitive school curriculum and discipline. A high percentage of students who live in Milwaukee experience trauma in their lives that may result in physiologic and emotional after-effects that interfere with successful classroom learning. Students in Mount Mary's M.S. in counseling program with experience in urban education are also involved in the Project.

Phase I of the Project, funded by Title II monies for teacher professional development, started this fall and included four training workshops for school faculty and staff focused on the effects of trauma on the brain and learning. Phase II of the Project will begin in January, 2015 and will foster support for children inside and outside of school hours through classroom activities and parent education. As parents are educated about the signs and range of trauma related symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide, they can be more proactive in seeking help for their children.

The Project advances Northwest Catholic School in becoming a Trauma Sensitive School, providing a safe, supportive, stable learning environment that builds coping skills, and fosters resiliency and trauma recovery for all students at the school.

For more information on the grant contact Carrie King at (414) 258-4810, ext. 318 or kingc@mtmary.edu.