Children are affected more than we might assume by major and minor losses. Traumatic events and serious illnesses or deaths of family members and friends as well as members of their school family can have a profound impact on these young lives. Even tragic community events, not directly experienced by a child, can leave an indelible mark.

Somewhere between math and reading, children often turn to trusted teachers and other school personnel for support and help to understand sad events in their lives. School is a primary resource for children offering continuity, safety, information, and support for their growth and success. To some, it is truly their second family. School personnel are often a front-line resource for children experiencing trauma, illness, death and loss -- both at times of immediate crisis and in subsequent years, as children continue to adapt and mature.

In recognition of that reality, the Penfield Central School District has made a commitment to providing needed support for those who have experienced a trauma, illness or death. In partnership with the Monroe County Office of Mental Health, over 50 staff members have received extensive training to assist them in responding to the emotional needs of children, teachers and other school personnel which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief and loss. These trained individuals share their time and talent as a member of their School Building TIG Team or the District TIG (Trauma, Illness and Grief) Team.

TIG teams offer support and resources to help impacted children and staff cope in the school setting. TIG teams follow a standardized protocol for intervention throughout the District which ensures response equity across all buildings and highlights sensitivity to the family’s wishes in all settings. In addition, the District has partnered with schools throughout the Greater Rochester area to provide and receive back-up TIG support whenever a response plan exceeds the impacted district’s resources. Relatedly, the District TIG Advisory Team, which coordinates the work of the School Building TIG Teams, has partnered with the Penfield Ecumenical Alliance of Churches and the Town of Penfield to enhance collaborations throughout the community in support of our students, their families and our staff.