WS Chronicle

At a point in time where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social emotional learning (SEL) programs across the country are under attack, an initiative at Parkland High School is promoting both.  

The Superintendent’s Institute (TSI) is a program designed to elevate Black girls by teaching emotional learning leadership, social-emotional support, targeted mentorship, and group support. The program is led by Karen Cuthrell, founder of the Feelings Company, which specializes in social and emotional educational products and programs.  

Cuthrell, who is a Parkland alumna, said the Superintendent’s Institute was started in response to “school pushout” and how it disproportionately affects Black girls.  

School pushout refers to the practices that contribute to students being removed from school. According to the National Black Women’s Justice Institute, Black girls were the only group of girls to be overrepresented in every type of disciplinary action. Their numbers show Black girls accounted for more than three times their enrollment share in transfers (47%) and corporal punishment (47%) and more than two times their enrollment share in expulsions (43%) in the 2017-18 school year. 

“Due to the pushout phenomenon, Black girls are being disciplined more … they’re having more problems in school, they just weren’t getting what they should … so we started this program,” she said. Once a month Cuthrell meets with students where she leads activities designed to build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Students receive elective credit for attending the programs.   

One of the most important aspects of the program is that it gives students a chance to just talk. Cuthrell is constantly encouraging participants to open up about their feelings. “They know they can say what they want to say and it stays right here. They know it’s a safe space,” Cuthrell said.  

Jada Richardson, who is a senior at Parkland, serves as administrator for TSI. Richardson said she was introduced to Cuthrell through the basketball team. “She came in and started talking about how important it is to have emotional intelligence on the court. Although I didn’t play that much that season, I learned so much from her and since then I can’t get away from her. I’m just drawn to her,” Richardson laughed.  

Off the court Richardson said Cuthrell and TSI have helped build her confidence and be more open about her feelings. It has also helped her balance being a student-athlete, working two part-time jobs, and running her own business.  

“I’m definitely more confident I would say. More well-spoken, and I’m very in tune with how I feel and why I feel that way,” Richardson said.  

Sumiya Carter, who is also a senior, said with TSI she knows there’s somewhere at school she has support. Carter, who is an ambassador for TSI, said the program has helped her navigate the ups and downs of high school and prepared her for the future. 

“With my role in this program … just getting to see the background things that go into developing this program, and the emotional and political and social factors that go into it, has definitely helped form my world view and how I want to present myself in this world, as well as how I want to be received,” Carter said.  

For more information on TSI or to volunteer, contact Karen Cuthrell by email at karen@thefeelingfriends.com.