Trauma Informed Painting

Our project is growing exceptionally well. I, initially, identified 15 students with at risk indicators to participate in the weekly painting activities. The interest in painting grew quickly among the group of students who were referred to extended day programming due to course failures, truancy, and disciplinary infractions. We consistently have 30 or more students stay weekly to paint. We have broken them into groups to locate a tutorial for us each week. This allows some of the preparation and responsibility on our students. This group of students have found an identity within their weekly trauma informed painting group. Their attendance has improved and their disciplinary referrals have decreased. We hope to use their artworks to earn money for next years group. We will allow students to give away their artwork in exchange for donations to our program.