Rose City School staff outline resilience program that aims to reengage students
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Summary
Rose City School presenters told the Norwich School District board that a therapeutic, trauma‑informed program and a new School Resilience Program have served 20 students since opening, with 15 currently enrolled and several students reintegrated to less‑restrictive settings; staff invited board visits and outlined funding and expansion goals.
Rose City School staff described a therapeutic program and a new School Resilience Program designed to reengage students who have long histories of nonattendance and complex social‑emotional needs. Presenters said the program emphasizes trauma‑informed practices, individualized plans and wraparound services intended to return students to general education when possible.
Why it matters: District leaders told the board the program reduces reliance on out‑of‑district placements, improves continuity of care and can be a model for neighboring districts. Presenters said Rose City uses a mix of individualized counseling, skills groups, and flexible schedules to meet academic minutes and social‑emotional needs.
Key facts and details: Presenters reported that Rose City has served about 20 students since opening, currently has 15 enrolled, and has transitioned four students back to less‑restrictive settings. The School Resilience Program, for middle and high school students with significant attendance barriers, operates in three phases: relationship building and reentry planning; skills development and increased agency; and reintegration into a student’s sending school when feasible. The program also provides music, art and physical-activity opportunities and uses evidence‑based therapies such as CBT and DBT.
District invitation and next steps: Staff invited board members to tour Rose City and the Resilience Program at an open house; presenters said they are exploring family‑support offerings and community partnerships to expand services and sustain the model. No formal vote or funding decision was taken during the presentation.
At the meeting, Superintendent Susan Lasock introduced the Rose City team and invited board members to visit the program. Jesse Fries, introduced earlier in the meeting as the new principal of Samuel Huntington Elementary, said, “I’m excited to begin this work and serve this community,” when accepting her introduction earlier in the evening.
The board did not take formal action on Rose City School during the meeting; presenters said they will return with further updates and invited board feedback and visits.
