RTI (Response to Intervention) teachers will be members of our Summer Enrichment Program teaching staff, in partnership with PUSD’s Student Wellness department. These wellness teachers will be focusing on the social and emotional needs of students. When kid’s social and emotional needs are met as well as their physical needs this leads to a balanced learning environment where students can thrive, similar to having a well balanced diet.
This decision was inspired by meetings PEF had with nonprofit partners from Boulder, Colorado. In 2021, Boulder was devastated by the Marshall Fire which, similar to the Eaton Fire, was an unprecedented urban-wildland fire in their community. They shared that in their community, the six-month mark after the fire was particularly stressful for children who were still processing the disaster. With this period of time falling directly on our Summer Enrichment Program, we want to make sure that our students’ have all the resources they may need during the summer.
Our RTI teachers will be on hand to support our students. From day one our RTI teachers will work to build a conversational connection with the students. That way students know that they can talk to and seek out our RTI teaching staff. If a child is having a hard time in class, our RTI teachers will be here to create a space for these students to feel safe and process their emotions. Even during class breaks, students can approach an RTI teacher for help and guidance. Each of our campuses will have an RTI teacher available.
You can support our work to improve students’ well-being by donating to our Response Fund at http://pasedfoundation.org/responsefund.
