A School Away From School
For the kids who live in the residential programs at Home of the Innocents, school can be a lot more complicated to manage than for kids who live in stable home environments.“ As much as we try to keep them in the schools they’ ve been going to, that’ s not always possible,” says CEO Paul Robinson. For kids who need a school away from school while they’ re at a home away from home, Home of the Innocents and Jefferson County Public Schools( JCPS) have teamed up to create Weinberg Academy. This on-site school teaches K-12 and works hard to help students catch up and stay on track to graduate.
The frightening reality for kids in state’ s care is that the trauma they suffer at the hands of their families does more than damage their bodies. Kids who suffer abuse and neglect are often very behind their peers in school. According to Miranda Waddell, Associate Princip al of Weinberg Academy,“ trauma will put kids in delay with respect to learning and that results in lower reading or math skills.” Imagine trying to pay attention in class, pass tests and navigate the increasingly complex social world that is middle school or high school while your family life is falling apart.
Besides being behind in math and reading skills, trauma places the kids at a disadvantage socially as well. Many of the students at Weinberg will exhibit aggressive, defiant behavior, sometimes characterized by bullying other kids or the teachers. There tend to be more fights
and emotional break downs— all behaviors that can lead to a child getting kicked out of school.
According to Miranda,“ that’ s where Weinberg can step in and make a big difference. Our teachers are trained in Trauma Informed Care and our environment is more therapeutic.” In addition to violent behaviors, Weinberg staff often see kids withdraw or self-harm. Typically no more than 50 % of the kids who live in the Home’ s residential programs will be able to go out to school in the community. Weinberg becomes an important part of the puzzle to help our kids heal.
With a capacity of 45 students, Weinberg Academy employs five teachers, five teacher aides, one counselor and an associate principal. All teachers are certified and employed by JCPS. The Academy teaches the same JCPS curriculum that any school in the district teaches, but maintains more flexibility in order to tailor that curriculum to each individual student’ s needs.
“ Some of these kids are absolutely brilliant and just blow us away,” comments Miranda. Home of the Innocents’ staff is always there to help de-escalate any dangerous or emotional situations.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If you are interested in learning more about Weinberg Academy at Home of the Innocents, call 502.596.1000.