Schools play a crucial role in shaping the lives of children, and the Bounce Coalition is dedicated to revolutionizing this impact. With a mission to foster trauma-informed school cultures, Bounce is actively collaborating with diverse community partners to address the root causes of poor health in vulnerable populations. In Kentucky, where 1 in 5 children has already faced at least two ACEs, Bounce is on a mission to redefine destinies. Through education, training, and collaborative efforts, the coalition is empowering individuals and organizations to implement trauma-informed approaches, shifting the narrative from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
The Bounce Coalition has secured funding for a two-year initiative targeting three elementary school districts in Kentucky. The focus includes training for school staff and bus drivers, MTSS technical assistance, parent and community engagement, and rigorous evaluation services to measure the impact of the program. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, Bounce ensures that the positive changes within schools extend beyond the two-year project timeline. This initiative is built upon the successful replication of the 2022 Russell Co Public Schools project and the collaboration with three elementary schools in Jefferson County.
Bounce envisions several positive outcomes, including enhanced staff proficiency in supporting trauma-affected students, safer environments, improved workplace culture, heightened parent engagement, and increased staff retention. These outcomes collectively contribute to a nurturing and supportive educational environment.
Bounce is actively engaged with Southern Elementary in Fayette County, where a full year of collaboration has already taken place. Data collection is underway to assess the effectiveness of the training and its impact on both teachers and students. Simultaneously, Bounce has initiated work with West Irvine Elementary in Estill County, implementing Bounce 101 training, culture climate surveys, and active participation in MTSS and leadership team meetings.
As Bounce enters the second year with Southern Elementary, the coalition is excited about the continued growth of relationships with schools committed to enhancing student well-being and education quality. The journey with West Irvine Elementary is just beginning, with a focus on ongoing training, technological assistance, and building strong partnerships with teachers and leadership teams.
The Bounce Coalition’s dedication to creating trauma-informed school cultures is making a tangible impact on the education landscape in Kentucky. By recognizing and responding to trauma, Bounce is not only transforming individual destinies but also fostering a generation of resilient, empowered, and thriving students.
