Elementary School In Berkshires Revamps Culture With Trauma In Mind

Teacher Jessica Pollard at Lee Elementary School leads her class in a mindfulness exercise. (Karen Brown/NEPR)

Other than its bucolic setting in the Berkshire mountains, Lee Elementary seems like any other public school.

Case in point: On a recent morning, as children were scuttling to classes, stuffing their backpacks in their lockers, the loudspeaker announced the day’s taco-salad lunch and reminded students to apply for the talent show.

But around the building, there are some unusual touches.

For instance, there is a ubiquitous five-point scale; each number corresponds to a mood with a smiley or frowny face.

Whenever students enter a room, they tap the number that reflects their mood.

“If you’re three or above, you need to seek help from an adult,” said Principal Kate Retzel.

As she was explaining this approach towards stressed-out kids, she got a call on her walkie-talkie that illustrated the point. Another administrator asked for her help for a “runner,” a student trying to leave the building.

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