The St. Joseph School District has been named the “District of the Year 2012” by the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children.

The recognition is based on the SJSD’s commitment to serving at-risk and traumatized children by implementing a district-wide initiative.

The district has 20 certified trauma specialists.

Traumatized children exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, essentially leaving them with overwhelming feelings.

SJSD Social Worker Jean West says those feelings can include terror, helplessness and hopelessness.

Such crises could be anything from a parent committing suicide, witnessing a violent act, their parents’ divorce, or even parental substance abuse.

Ms. West said it is difficult to estimate the number of students who might be traumatized.

“Last year we screened every child at the Colgan Alternative Resource Center using the TLC Institute’s pre/post test instrument that measures levels of PTSD symptoms,” she said. “There were many high scores, indicating a need for treatment. We piloted some support groups there and by the end, the anxiety scores had decreased.”