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TriStar Aspire students tell board how trauma‑informed program helped them return to school
Summary
Three junior student ambassadors from TriStar Aspire described personal experiences of trauma, recovery and academic progress to the Effingham CUSD 40 board; staff outlined the program's trauma‑informed curriculum and student ambassador training.
Students from TriStar Aspire addressed the Effingham CUSD 40 School Board on Tuesday, describing how the district’s alternative program and a trauma‑informed curriculum helped them return to school and improve academically. Amber Kidd, principal of TriStar Aspire, introduced the student ambassadors and staff.
Emily Nelson, the program’s student support specialist and life‑skills teacher, told the board the school has focused on becoming trauma‑informed and teaches students how traumatic experiences affect brain development and behavior. Her presentation framed students’ classroom work as tools for building resilience rather than excuses for behavior.
Three juniors — Gina Navarro, Paisley (last name not specified) and Brooklyn Navarro — told emotional personal stories about overdose, family substance use, foster care and other challenges. Gina Navarro said she began Aspire with about 1.25 credits and a GPA below 1.0; after treatment and support she said, “I now am on track to graduate with my class with a 3.5 GPA.” She also said she plans to pursue college and a career in immigration law. Brooklyn Navarro said Aspire staff helped her recover from self‑harm and an overdose and put her back on a graduation path. The students described participating in an ambassador training academy and using classroom work to develop advocacy and leadership skills.
Why it matters: the presentation illustrated how the district’s alternative program is positioned to reengage students who struggled in mainstream settings and provided board members a window into outcomes and student‑support practices that may affect staffing, counseling and program funding decisions.
Board response: board members and administrators thanked the students and staff for sharing their stories and commended their progress; the superintendent noted the presentations as instructive for the full board.
Ending: staff requested that the board accept the students’ offer to be ambassadors in further outreach; the board applauded and invited the students and staff to join members after the meeting for photos.
