Crossroads Charter Schools is committed to creating a positive and supportive educational environment that fosters social, emotional, and academic growth for all students. Through dedicated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Restorative Justice Coordinators, the district employs trauma-informed strategies to address student behavior, build strong school culture, and promote equity across its schools. These efforts aim to reduce suspensions and disciplinary removals, improve student engagement, and support the whole child.

Addressing Student Behavior Through Trauma-Informed Care

At the heart of Crossroads’ approach are BIST (Building Intervention Support Team) and SEL strategies, which are continuously adapted based on behavior data. The SEL Coordinator tracks and analyzes student behavior trends, providing targeted interventions to help students manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop interpersonal skills. By consulting with staff, parents, and community partners, the SEL team enhances support networks for students both inside and outside the classroom.

The Restorative Justice Coordinator complements this work by implementing restorative practices that encourage accountability, repair relationships, and reduce punitive discipline. This role proactively builds systems to address trauma, social-emotional needs, and behavioral challenges—helping teachers manage classrooms effectively while fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

A Multi-Tiered, Community-Responsive Model

Crossroads utilizes a multi-tiered model rooted in trauma-informed care to meet diverse student needs. Staff receive specialized training from University Health to identify trauma and resilience factors, equipping them with tools to support students’ socio-emotional development.

Students who exhibit signs of trauma are referred to additional support services by teachers, administrators, or parents. Elementary classrooms regularly assess students to identify those with less obvious needs, ensuring no child is overlooked. A dedicated care team, including administrators, teachers, and counselors, collaborates to create personalized care plans that foster student wellbeing.

Serving a Diverse & Vulnerable Student Population

Crossroads serves students from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, many of whom come from neighborhoods disproportionately affected by violence, systemic inequities, and economic hardship. These factors, compounded by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to increased student challenges such as aggression, bullying, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

The district’s targeted efforts aim to reduce student suspensions by 10% and provide restorative justice support to at least half of the students within the BIST continuum. Currently, resources are concentrated at Quality Hill Elementary, with plans to extend support to Central Street Elementary to broaden the program’s reach.

Community Context: Violence & Its Impact on Students

Kansas City’s violent crime rates remain a significant concern, ranking eighth highest among U.S. cities in 2020, with violent crimes increasing by 9.2%. Gun violence, often concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods near downtown, directly impacts many Crossroads students. Children and families in these areas face daily stressors linked to violence, housing insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and nutritious food.

Local research emphasizes that gun violence is not only a criminal justice issue but a public health crisis deeply connected to economic disparities. High eviction rates and systemic racism contribute to the challenges students experience, which manifest in social-emotional and behavioral difficulties within schools.

Responding To Post-Pandemic Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic added layers of complexity to student needs. Many students struggled with remote learning and faced difficulties transitioning back to in-person education. This shift resulted in heightened behavioral incidents and increased mental health concerns across the district.

Crossroads recognizes that limited resources have stretched staff thin, often forcing reactive rather than proactive responses to student behavior. The addition of SEL and Restorative Justice Coordinators aims to provide dedicated personnel who can build trusting relationships, intervene effectively during conflicts, and support students’ social-emotional development more consistently.

Looking Forward: Building Resilience & Equity

Crossroads Charter Schools is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment where every student can thrive. By integrating trauma-informed SEL and restorative justice practices, the district seeks to reduce disciplinary disparities, enhance student engagement, and promote long-term academic and personal success.

With continued support, Crossroads will expand these services to more schools, strengthen partnerships with families and community organizations, and ensure all students receive the guidance and care they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Locations

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