November 2025 Edition

From Coach Angela Mendell

Bladen County, Robeson County, Sampson County, Columbus County

Lakewood High School and Roseboro Salemburg Middle School:



A GREAT BIG THANK YOU for their willingness and commitment to implementing SPARCS at their schools. Even with many other things going on and competing for time and energy, they understand the positive impact this Program can have on their students' lives.

A tremendous shout-out to the School Counselors at the two schools, as well as the Community Schools Coordinators, who have taken on leading roles in implementing SPARCS at the two schools. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work and learn alongside them. They have embraced the Program, even with all the required training, virtual calls, in-person meetings, data collection, and reporting, on top of their regular job requirements, not to mention preparing for and facilitating weekly group sessions with the students. They are truly a fantastic group of people, and I am thankful for them.

Bladenboro Primary School:



I am so thankful for the very caring and dedicated staff at Bladenboro

Elementary. They are implementing several different academic and SEL initiatives that are required by their district on top of the R&L partnership and work. I am grateful that the school's administration and Resilience Team have found ways to combine and streamline the initiatives so that they benefit staff and students.

Chadbourn Elementary School:

I am so thankful for Chadbourn Elementary School and the sense of

community that the school promotes. I am so grateful that they were able to rely on and utilize some of the trauma-informed skills for support when they suffered a traumatic loss within their school

family/community. The love and affection that the staff exhibits for each other and their students is

evident, as is the students' love and admiration for the staff. They truly live up to their school mascot: THE SUPER STARS!

Salemburg Elementary School:

I am thankful for Salemburg Elementary's willingness to embrace the

partnership with R&L. They are a very close-knit school with a strong sense of community. I am grateful that the more I get to know the school, the more I see that they have been doing trauma informed work in their school for a while. I am grateful for the strong leadership in the school that supports and values thework.

Roseboro Elementary School:

I am so grateful for the perseverance of Roseboro Elementary School. They

started the school year without a Principal in place, but still embarked on the trauma-informed work journey. Once the new Principal was hired, he very quickly jumped into the work and expressed his appreciation, value, and understanding of the importance of the work. I am thankful for the opportunity to partner with the school and look forward to partnering with them on the trauma-informed work.

St. Paul's Middle School:

I am so thankful to have the pleasure of partnering with and working alongside the Administration and staff at St. Paul's Middle. They are so invested and dedicated to the trauma-

informed work and have been working so hard and have been very intentional this school year to create a

safe, supportive, and cohesive culture for the staff, which was very needed. They have

restructured their Resilience Team, which has been productive, and the team has created excitement and

buy-in with the rest of the staff around implementing calm down corners in each grade level, which is already showing benefits for students and teachers.

Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School:

I am thankful for Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School and how they have regrouped this school year and are taking steps to implement not one but two strategies to help and support students and staff. They have made time and space to make sure each teacher has been provided the training and resources they need to implement the strategies with fidelity as they strive to become a

more trauma-informed school.

From Coach Quintin Mangano

Hyde County, Northampton County, Washington County, Bertie County

Washington County Schools:

Thank you to the leaders and staff at this beautiful K-12 school in Plymouth. Your school is the hub of the community, and it is my pleasure to work alongside you to build on the strong foundation you have created. While our work is just beginning, I see this partnership moving forward, finding joy in the work of seeing students and this community grow and achieve great things.

Windsor Elementary School:

It is always a breath of fresh air when visiting Windsor Elementary School. The pride and joy of this staff cannot help but be felt by anyone who has the chance to interact with and see them in action. I anticipate continued great accomplishments and growth from this school community and look forward to working alongside their school leaders to build support in Resilience for their overall school community. Thank you for all you do!

Gaston STEM Leadership Academy:

The leadership provided by Ivory Creecy, Rita Williams, and the Resilience Team has been evident from the beginning of our partnership. They are creating spaces to support students and their community. It has been a pleasure to work alongside a committed group of educators as we work to improve outcomes for students and families. 

Bertie Middle School: 

Big Thanks to Bertie Middle for being so welcoming as they embrace the work of Resilience and Learning in their school. 

The commitment to improvement efforts from the leadership and staff at this school is clearly evident from the spotless care for the building to the genuine nature of their relationship-building and data sharing, moving them toward high student achievement.  

Northampton County High School: 

This team at Northampton County High School has been committed to the work and has been so receptive to the ideas of planning to improve outcomes for students. 

The collaborative nature of this school is evident, and it is refreshing to hear of the positive cultural shifts happening as they lead their school community and plan for the transition to their new home next year. Thank you, Team!

Hyde County Schools:

Our work with Hyde County is a unique opportunity to work with their district Leadership Team to develop a greater understanding of Resilience and Learning for Leaders. While our work is just getting started, it is promising to think of the shared learning experiences in the coming months. 

We thank you for your commitment to modeling the leadership skills we strive to develop in all the staff and students in your community.

From Coach Stacey Craig

Greene County, Vance County

Greene Central High School:

 I am grateful for the way Greene Central High School has welcomed outside support into your already busy lives, and made room to engage in even deeper inquiry, discussion, and planning - to build on the amazing work you already do for your students. I've been inspired by your care and dedication to your students and each other from the moment I met you!

Clarke Elementary School:

I am thankful that there are so many passionate, loving, dedicated leaders and educators caring for the children of Vance County at Clarke Elementary. From before the school year began, I have witnessed you give everything every day to help meet the growing needs of your students and help them thrive. 

Vance County High School:

I appreciate the creativity, empathy, and passion I get to witness at Vance County High School with how you serve and empower your students. Your school community has already had to navigate heart-breaking times this year. And you've done it with such compassion, patience, and care. 

Vance County Middle School:

I appreciate the ways that the educators I have met so far at Vance County Middle School have jumped into serving the school community with curiosity and passion for supporting both staff and students. Your determination and energy for learning and responding to the needs of the school community does not go unnoticed. 

Greene County Early College High School:

 I am grateful for the privilege of getting to know the caring, dedicated, open-hearted, and positive-minded people at Greene County Early College High School. Working with you continues to be a gift, and I learn so much from every discussion and intervention you take on for the sake of staff and students. 

GW Carver Elementary School:

I am thankful for the opportunity to witness your thoughtful, heart-felt work and see the joy, love and laughter you bring to each other and to your students even through times when you're feeling worn out or weighed down. It's a privilege to witness your willingness and dedication in continuing to learn and grow to help your students do the same. 

Greene County Pre-K School:

I am grateful for our years of partnership, and for the special people I've met and grown alongside at Greene County PreK. Your passion for understanding the complex lives and needs of your community's youngest students, and the loving, intentional ways you pull together and show up day after day for them - it has always inspired me and continues to do so.

Snow Hill Primary School:

I am thankful for our years of partnership, begun the first year Snow Hill Primary had fully reopened its doors after Covid. It was a gift to witness and learn from your compassion for your students and colleagues, and your willingness to wrestle with hard questions and try new things together. It continues to be a gift to support you in your work, and you hold a special place in my heart. 

Greene County Middle School:

 I appreciate witnessing the growing and rising together that Greene County Middle School has done, through heart, intention, and dedication. You've gone through many changes, and through it all I've met such loving, dedicated staff taking on some of the most challenging work in education, always willing to grow and meet the challenges head on for the sake of your students. 

From Coach MKayla Nelson

Avery County, Mitchell County, Yancey County

Avery Middle School:

I appreciate the way Avery Middle is working through a lot of competing demands and difficult moments. Even when things feel stretched or progress is slow, the fact that you’re still in the conversation and still working toward better outcomes is meaningful. Thank you for staying engaged and open to growth.

Cranberry Middle School:

I am thankful to Cranberry Middle School for the openness to welcome a former CMS student, now a Program Manager, back into the building. It means a lot to be invited into conversations about how to move the school forward and build a stronger, more supportive culture for students and staff. I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me and for your willingness to work together toward meaningful change.

Mitchell Elementary School:

 I am grateful for Mitchell Elementary School for their spark and steady energy. You consistently demonstrate a commitment to helping students build stronger regulation skills, and it shows in the thoughtful conversations happening in your meetings. The motivation and collaboration within your Resilience Team is inspiring, and it’s clear that you’re working with intention and heart.

Mitchell Middle School:

I am thankful for the humor that Mitchell Middle brings into the building, even when the days are challenging. Working with middle schoolers isn’t easy, yet you continue to ground yourselves in your “why,” and it shows in the way you interact, support one another, and keep moving forward. That spirit is something special.

South Toe Elementary School:

I am grateful for South Toe Elementary, where being small has never meant thinking small. With only one long hallway and a handful of staff, they make their school feel open, inviting, and full of possibility. Their ongoing efforts to support students, families, and each other show that even a small school can make a mighty difference in its community.

Burnsville Elementary School:

I am thankful for the poise and resilience that Burnsville Elementary demonstrates in the face of some of the most difficult experiences a school can encounter. Even amidst challenges, this staff has shown unwavering dedication and care, creating a true sense of community where students and colleagues feel supported. The strength, grace, and commitment they bring every day is inspiring.

From Coach Orlando Dobbin

Nash County, Pitt County

Eastern Elementary School:

I am incredibly grateful for how bright, creative, and hardworking this team is. Every meeting, you all come ready to collaborate and participate fully—even after a long day—and I truly appreciate it. Your pursuit of excellence pushes me, and every meeting with you is a delight. I’m grateful for you all!

Pactolus Global School:

I’m grateful for your patience throughout our process and for the team spirit and collaborative energy you bring. I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have at Pactolus. Thank you for being such wonderful collaborators!

Bailey Elementary School:

Thank you for being such a committed group of educators. You’ll even join meetings virtually when you can’t make it in person—and come to meetings the day before a holiday! Your dedication to your school and students is truly inspiring.

Engelwood Elementary School:

I’m so proud of the pace of our work this year! Shout-out to our team leader, Dierdra, who has been a rock star at facilitating our meetings. It’s only November, and you’ve already begun implementing so many great initiatives!

Spring Hope Elementary School:

I’m grateful for your willingness to let me take up some time during your PLCs. You were engaged and fully participated in every activity. I’m excited for what’s ahead for us this year!

Pitt County Schools:



You have been wonderful collaborators over the years! I’m inspired by your commitment to doing everything you can to support your schools. I’m also grateful for the trust you’ve put in our organization to share presentations and materials throughout the district.

Nash County Schools:



I’m grateful for your longstanding partnership with us. It means a lot to have district-level support for this work, and we’re excited to continue expanding into more schools in the near future!

From Coach Leslie Blaich

Haywood County, Buncome County, Jackson County, Swain County

Enka Intermediate School:

Thanks to Ramsee and the RP & SEL team at Enka Intermediate School for their collaboration. Your efforts are evident each time I join a classroom for their morning circle and get to witness the safe environments that have been created for students to not only share their thoughts and experiences with their teachers, but also with their peers. I'm grateful to get to work with you as you plan for continued implementation of RP at EIS. 

Cullowhee Valley School:

I appreciate the ways Cullowhee Valley's Resilience Team takes the initiative to make positive changes for their community. You have worked so hard to bring your ideas to fruition. I'm excited to continue collaborating with you to strengthen relationships within your school in all the ways you desire!

Swain County Middle School:

Thank you for trusting the process, Swain County Resilience Team! Thank you for your desire to provide opportunities for students to take risks, learn about and practice resilience, and support each other. Thank you for your engagement with and dedication to this work!

W.D. Williams Elementary School:

The W.D. Williams community is incredible. Thank you for welcoming me into your school year after year. I never leave your building feeling anything other than in awe, even as you've navigated some of the most challenging circumstances. I appreciate the way you welcome partnerships and the way you deeply care for each other, your students, and their families.

Blue Ridge School:

The Resilience Team at Blue Ridge School is capable of moving mountains with their passion for their school community. I always look forward to our meetings because I know we'll laugh, thoughtfully plan the next steps towards building a culture of collective care, and leave feeling supported. Thank you for your collaboration. I feel lucky to know you and to get to sing your praises. 

Junaluska Elementary School:

I am so grateful to be getting to know the Junaluska Elementary community this year. It took no time at all to notice the ways the adults there are open and eager to learn, try new things, and share with each other all in hopes of doing the best they can for each other and their students. You all are so inspiring and so fun to work with! 

From Coach Elizabeth Dekonty

Edgecombe County

Pattillo Middle School:

Thank you, Pattillo team, for welcoming back to your school as a partner. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in how you approach your students to create a warm and welcoming environment for them and for your eagerness to seek new ways to support and care for your kids. 

From Coach Becky Stern

Lee County, Chatham County

Chatham Central High School: 

I am thankful to the principal and Resilience Team of Chatham Central High for their enthusiasm and dedication! I always leave our team meetings feeling inspired and energized because of the sheer HEART each member of the team brings to the conversation. Even though we have had just three team meetings so far, this team is ready to dive in and implement a new strategy to strengthen the sense of connection that every student facing significant challenges has with a trusted adult at their school. It's my honor and privilege to support them in this vital work!

Siler City Elementary School: 

I am thankful to the principal and Resilience Team of Siler City Elementary for welcoming me so warmly to their school community and for wanting to help ALL their students with the difficult but essential (and lifelong!) task of learning strategies for self-regulation. This team recognizes that many of our children arrive at school each day in a state of emotional dysregulation, and that their school plays a critical role in helping them learn to handle overwhelming feelings so they can learn and achieve to the very best of their ability. The team at SCE is dedicated, thoughtful, reflective, and determined to help all their kids succeed. I am so lucky that I get to work with them!

J.Glenn Edwards Elementary School: 

I am thankful for the administration and Resilience Team at JGE for being such enthusiastic partners in the work of building and promoting resilience in ALL of their students! There is a palpable feeling of shared purpose in our meetings, which is truly inspiring. The messages all around the school and in the classrooms combine HIGH expectations for success with love and respect for each child entrusted to their care. The school's overarching theme that is evident throughout the building is MAGIC, and as a newcomer to the community, I can feel it. I am excited to see the direction this team takes, as they explore how to expand and strengthen the strategies they use to promote a sense of safety and belonging for every child. I'm grateful to have been so warmly welcomed into the JGE community!

W.B. Wicker Elementary School: 

I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful principal and Reslience Team at WB Wicker! On a recent visit to the school, I was delighted to see little cut-out turkeys on every teacher's door, each with six feathers; on each feather was a statement of gratitude for that teacher, contributed by six different colleagues. This is just one small example of the philosophy that powers this school: that each person in the building, whether adult or child, deserves to be treated with kindness and appreciation for just being who they are and for the unique gifts that each one contributes to the whole.

I look forward to continuing the work with the Wicker team, as they develop strategies to expand and strengthen a felt sense of safety and belonging for every child in the building. Wicker has a storied history in the town of Sanford, and I'm so lucky to become a tiny part of it!  

From Coach Ervin Jones

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County

PW Moore Elementary School,

Northside Elementary,

Elizabeth City Middle, and

Northeastern High

I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your commitment to fostering resilience and embracing a trauma-informed culture within our community school. Your willingness to approach our students, families, and one another with empathy and understanding truly makes a meaningful difference.

I also want to acknowledge the excellent support from our administration, whose leadership continues to strengthen and uplift this important work.

Thank you for creating a space where healing, growth, and connection can thrive. I deeply appreciate all you do.

From Coach Eulanda Thorne

Wilson County

Vinson-Bynum Elementary School:

 I appreciate the way Vinson Bynum Elementary School has shown a commitment to consistency and fidelity. Your dedication to ensuring that Morning Meetings are done correctly and to a high standard across grade levels is invaluable and creates a more reliable and successful environment for our students and staff. I am grateful and honored to work with such a dedicated Resilience Team who always shows up, has beautiful collaboration, and a positive attitude. And for a phenomenal admin team who exemplifies greatness and intentionality in their leadership!

Vick Elementary School:

I am thankful to Vick Elementary School for the hard work that you put in to create a supportive community for the families that you serve. Your combined efforts of fostering this ‘school family’ environment has a significant impact on Vick Elementary families! I am grateful for the welcoming energy that I feel from the Resilience Team at every meeting, and for leadership who believes in this work!

Speight Middle School:

 I appreciate Speight Middle School for their resilience and adaptability during the recent leadership/admin transition. The staff and students continue to move forward as a family. To the Resilience Team, I want to express my deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to the work that we do. Even with a few hiccups, your resilience has not gone unnoticed and is truly valued. 

Elm City Middle School:

I am thankful for the way that Elm City Middle School welcomed me with open arms and an open mind for something new; your receptiveness to this work is so valued! Your warm welcome and positive attitude towards collaboration made a huge difference in how well we kicked off the school year with our partnership. Your admin and Resilience Team are clearly guided by heart and intention with an authentic and purposeful approach. Thank you for creating a positive space that encourages innovation and growth!

Beddingfield High School:



I am grateful for Beddingfield High School staff for showing up. Even when things feel uncertain, the fact that you show up, ask questions, and are honest about your viewpoint is meaningful. I appreciate working with a Resilience Team who literally personify resilience; even when things have felt stretched or progress has felt slow, you have continued the conversations and are still working towards meaningful outcomes for students and staff. Thank you for staying engaged and open to growth.

Hunt High School:

I am thankful for the professionalism and presence of Hunt High School. Our partnership is new, yet you have grounded yourselves in your commitment to show up for students, families, and each other. As a school, you continue to be open-minded. Your willingness to show up with a positive attitude and your commitment to show up for your school community does not go unnoticed. Even amidst recent loss, your commitment and strength are inspiring.

From Coach Victor Jones

Beaufort County

Dear Southside High,

Washington High,

Beaufort Co Early College,

and Northside High School

Thank you for welcoming me into your schools and broader communities. 

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and embracing a trauma‑informed culture within your school communities. The way you approach students, families, and colleagues with empathy and understanding makes a profound difference in the lives you touch each day.

I also want to recognize the outstanding support from your school leadership. The guidance and encouragement from your administrators continue to strengthen and uplift this important work, ensuring that resilience and healing remain at the center of your school culture.

Because of your dedication, each of your schools has become a place where healing, growth, and connection can truly thrive. Please know how deeply I appreciate the care, creativity, and compassion you bring to this mission.

Building Resilience One Classroom at a Time: How Wilson County Schools Are Helping Students

 and Adults Thrive 

Trauma-informed practices are helping students and adults thrive in Wilson County Schools.

The latest blog in All4Ed’s Normal Gets Us Nowhere series highlights how the

NC Center for Resilience & Learning is partnering with educators to build safer, more inclusive school environments—especially in rural communities.

Read about the work at Vinson-Bynum Elementary and Beddingfield High School in Wilson County, where resilience is becoming part of the culture.

Follow us on INSTAGRAM!

We want to share our story on Instagram- join us there!

Elizabeth DeKonty

Director

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Raleigh, NC)

Eulanda Thorne

Senior Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Wilson, NC)

Brian Randall

Senior Regional Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Asheville, NC)

Michelle Harris Jefferson

Sr. Program Manager of Professional Learning

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Greensboro, NC)

Orlando Dobbin, Jr

Senior Regional Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Greenville, NC)

Angela Mendell

Senior Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Elizabethtown, NC)

Leslie Blaich

Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Marshall , NC)

Stacey Craig

Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Raleigh, NC)

Jessica Edwards

Impact Specialist

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Spring Hope, NC)

Ervin Jones

Consultant

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Elizabeth City, NC)

Rebecca Stern

Consultant

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Carrboro, NC)

MKayla Nelson

Program Manager 

NC Center for Resilience & Learning 

(Newland, NC)

Quintin Mangano

Program Manager

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Rocky Mount, NC)

Whitney N. McCoy, Ph.D

Research & Evaluation Partner

(Duke University)

Katie Rosanbalm

Research & Evaluation Partner

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Duke University)

Victor Jones

Consultant

NC Center for Resilience & Learning

(Rocky Mount, NC)

The Resilience Reader is published monthly by the Public School Forum of NC and distributed to Forum members, educators, policymakers, donors, media, and subscribers -- or anyone interested in issues such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), childhood trauma, resilience and the power of trauma-informed schools and communities.

Please pass the word! Forward The Resilience Reader to anyone who may find this information useful.

If you received this email from a friend, subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here.

Archived editions will be located at https://resilienceandlearning.org/newsletter/.

©2024 Public School Forum of North Carolina. All Rights Reserved.

Public School Forum of North Carolina

919-781-6833

Follow us at @theNCForum

www.ncforum.org