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District 94 hears trauma‑informed practices briefing stressing restorative approaches
Summary
A trauma‑informed-practices presenter (referenced as Dr. Puo) told the board that trauma alters learning and urged restorative, relational strategies for schools; presenter said "one in three of our kids have severe trauma" and described classroom de‑escalation and routines.
A presenter referenced in the meeting as Dr. Puo gave the board an extended overview of trauma‑informed practices, describing how adverse experiences affect student behavior and brain development and urging staff to lead with questions and relationship-building rather than punitive responses.
Dr. Puo said schools can reduce retraumatization by creating calm, predictable environments, using restorative practices and offering students choice and privacy when possible. The presentation included an estimate that "one in three of our kids have severe trauma," a statistic the presenter used to explain increases in chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues seen in the district.
Board members thanked the presenter and discussed connections between trauma, attendance, and subgroup impacts; administrators said economic instability and immigration-related stress likely contributed to chronic absenteeism among students experiencing homelessness, English learners, students receiving special education services, low-income students and Latino students.
The presentation was informational; board members and staff flagged interest in continuing trauma-informed work and considering the presenter’s recommended resources. There were no formal votes tied to the presentation itself.
