Digital Docs

Welcome to the Calm Room: One school’s radical plan to combat childhood trauma

Thomas Stevenson's first school suspension was in kindergarten. After that he spent years struggling with behavioral issues at home and school. But, after transferring to Ridgeview Elementary in Yakima, Washington, Thomas transformed. The counselors and staff at Ridgeview are taking a radical approach to behavioral issues by issuing fewer suspensions, and helping children understand the underlying traumas that cause them to act out.