Every school year, at least one out of every three schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is impacted by a group, grade level, whole school, or community level crisis. CMS has guidelines that are developed to promote consistent, caring, and trauma-sensitive practices throughout the district that result in the reduction of trauma on students and in school communities.  An acute psychological crisis is a situation in which demands created by unexpected circumstances temporarily exceed available coping resources. Examples of acute crisis events that initiate a psychological crisis may include natural and unexpected death(s), bus or car accidents, health emergencies, acts of violence, or natural disasters.

Trauma is a potential outcome of a psychological crisis experience. Trauma occurs when the events or circumstances experienced by an individual are perceived as physically or emotionally harmful or life- threatening. This experience results in adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and well-being.

Creating a psychologically safe school environment is a complex process - one that requires the school staff to work collectively to create a culture of safety and support. Caring, consistent, and genuine adult-child relationships are key to improving perceptions of psychological safety for students. In addition, the safe school environment must include a multi-tiered system of support for social-emotional learning, behavioral support, and trauma-sensitive practices that build staff and student resiliency.

Resources

Mental Health Crisis Resources (Spanish)

CMS Virtual Calming Library

Death and Grief Resources

Suicide Prevention Resources

Violence Resources

Natural Disasters

Trauma Informed Resources

Preparing your Teen(s) for a Successful Transition (Webinar and Resources with Teen Health Connection)