Hi! My name is Patrice and 2 years ago I moved into the School Based Leader Position (SBTL) at Willard Elementary in the School District of Philadelphia. The SBTL supports the implementation of district and school initiatives, coaches teachers within the school and supports teacher development and wellness. Our school is located just one block east of Kensington Ave near Allegeheny at the heart of the nation's opioid epidemic, open-air drug market and the city's highest rate of gun violence. According to WHYY between 2015 and 2024, 295 people have been shot within a five minute walk of Kensington and Allegheny. Once inside the gates, the faculty and staff work hard to address the unique needs of students who live with this daily exposure to trauma. Our students are celebrated and thriving! Our principal has provided us with regular Trauma Informed Training for the past two years and each of our classrooms has a "Calming Corner" for our students. With the money raised here, I plan to add to a "Calming Corner" for teachers or a place where they can go when they are feeling overwhelmed or need to take a 5-minute breather. I have already to purchased two massage chairs, ice machines (A BIG HIT), smoothie machines and a few other "comforts" that make the space relaxing. I'm hoping to add a few more items to existing comforts we've received from generous donations. Teaching is hard everywhere, these teachers choose to work in this high-crime area surrounded by opioid encampments. Although the district has provided us with some heightened security measures this school year, as a staff, we need to continue to support each other mentally and emotionally. As an SBTL, this is one area where I would like to support our teachers.
Artículos relacionados
