Proactive Planning
The most effective way for schools to support students through the profound impacts of grief and trauma is through proactive preparation and planning.
When an unexpected death or traumatic event occurs in the school, school administration must communicate, guide, and care for students, staff, and parents during an emotionally stressful time. Many school leaders find themselves unprepared.
The school environment is crucial to a child’s overall well-being, offering a structured and supportive setting that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth. However, schools are not immune to the harsh realities of sudden and unexpected death and trauma, which can profoundly disrupt this nurturing atmosphere.
Understanding the frequency of unexpected deaths or traumas in schools is challenging due to the diverse scenarios that can occur. These events may include suicides, accidents, overdoses, homicides, and routine medical crises. Despite the varying nature of these incidents, the profound and enduring effects on student well-being are often similar, leading to significant disruptions and adverse social, emotional, and academic consequences. This underscores the necessity for comprehensive support systems to mitigate the impact of such traumatic events.
The TGS Proactive Planning System
At TGS, we specialize in proactive planning to support schools in navigating unexpected grief and trauma. Our comprehensive approach focuses on five key areas:
- Assessment of School Readiness
- Tailored Communication Plans
- Administration and Mental Health Trainings
- Grief and Trauma Programs
- Immediate Access to Resources
Discover how TGS Proactive Planning can empower your school community to navigate unexpected challenges with resilience and compassion.
Why Proactive Planning Matters
Preparing in advance for unexpected death and trauma is crucial not only to protect the well-being of students, but for the entire school community. When your school is not prepared for an unexpected death or trauma, the following consequences are likely to occur.
Students:
Emotional & psychological consequences:
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Behavioral problems
- Emotional dysregulation
- Low self-esteem
Social consequences:
- Isolation
- Problems with friends
- Attachment issues
Academic consequences:
- Decreased Academic Performance
- School Absenteeism
- Learning Difficulties
Physical consequences:
- Somatic complaints
- Worsening of current health problems
- Risky behaviors
Parents:
- Loss of confidence in school administration
- Social detachment from school
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Emotional dysregulation
- Substance abuse
- Impaired parenting
- Increased family tension
- Somatic complaints
- Neglect of self-care
Teachers and staff:
- Feelings of burnout
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Emotional dysregulation
- Decreased job performance
- Absenteeism or high turnover
- Inability to support students
- Withdrawal from colleagues
- Interpersonal conflicts at school
- Somatic complaints
- Neglect of self-care
Impact on school environment:
- Negative school climate
- Decreased morale
- Disruption of routines
- Persistent legacy of trauma
The Benefits of Being Prepared
Are you ready to take the next step?
To learn more about how Traumatic Grief Solutions can help you proactively prepare for unexpected grief and trauma in your school, click below to get started with a TGS assessment.
What the Professionals are Saying
“Dr. Levin’s skill and compassionate expertise are incredible resources for individuals, families, and organizations. I highly recommend her services and her programs for schools and corporate settings.”
–Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, LCSW, PhD: Founder and CEO of The Center for Connection; author of New York Times Bestsellers The Whole-Brain Child & No-Drama Discipline
“Dr. Levin’s services are greatly needed in our schools. Administration and counselors need more training and support to be better prepared to meet the needs of our students and their parents when unexpected loss and trauma occurs in the schools and the world at large.”
–Ken Gompert, MA PPSC, School Counselor, Katella High School, Anaheim Unified High School District
“Grief and trauma have a significant impact on student well-being in the school setting, which I witness firsthand. As a parent and school administrator, I highly recommend the services provided by Traumatic Grief Solutions. The school community needs more support preparing for unexpected grief and trauma so that when it does occur, we are ready to meet the needs of our students, parents and staff.”
– Natalie Stevens, Associate Director of Enrollment Management, Hillbrook School, Los Gatos, CA