Self-Care tips for caregivers from Timber Ridge School.
Continue readingYou Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Self-Care for Caregivers
Navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with Your Teen
At Timber Ridge School, our licensed clinicians have been tasked with the care of at-risk teenagers, including teenagers navigating mental health challenges. Here are a few tips from our team outlining how you can be proactive in helping your child navigate SAD.
Continue readingHow Setting Goals Can Change the Trajectory of a Teenager’s Life
We work with teenage boys with a diverse array of backgrounds and sometimes, we encounter boys who have never set personal goals and who don’t even know how to set a meaningful, productive goal.
Continue readingWhat are Individual Service Plans (ISPs) at Timber Ridge School?
Nestled in the heart of Frederick County, Virginia, there is a smattering of rustic wooden buildings set against sprawling fields. The cacophony of boys’ voices can be heard in the distance, on their way to a counseling session, where they will review their progress individually with a licensed counselor.
This is Timber Ridge School, a residential treatment center for serving adolescent boys with mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues, and at the heart of our mission to empower these boys exists one term: Individual Service Plan (ISP).
At Timber Ridge School, ISP is developed with specific objectives initiated on the basis of specific needs demonstrated by students and families. Here are a few examples of the types of services that TRS provides students as a part of their ISP:
1. Developmental-behavioral support program
This program provides a structured environment where students receive individualized support in order to develop essential life skills, self-regulation techniques, and positive behavioral patterns.
2. Trauma-informed care
Traditionally, residential care has been characterized as a points-and-level system. However, Timber Ridge is making an intentional shift toward a fully trauma-informed approach.
As CEO Derek Unger explains, “One of the goals for a trauma-informed approach is to support kids, adolescents and their caregivers through active engagement in the world, through empowering and a positive future versus living in survival mode.”
This program helps recognize triggers and fosters the youth’s awareness and skill in identifying, understanding, tolerating, and managing their internal experience.
3. Family engagement to build healthy, supportive relationships and improve family function
One of the first priorities Timber Ridge implements is to establish a connection with the child’s home community. We believe family engagement begins before a child steps foot on campus. Interviews are held with family members during the pre-placement assessment and we even invite families to come and tour the facility.
Weekly family sessions are also put in place to help facilitate open communication. Unger says, “One of the good things that came out of the pandemic was Zoom. So if parents live far away, then at a minimum they are going to get a weekly Zoom family session. We want to get them back into their home and get them back into their community.”
4. Clinical services providing individual and group counseling and if appropriate, substance abuse groups
Counseling sessions are implemented based on the individual needs of the student. For students requiring additional support, specialized substance abuse groups are also available. These targeted interventions help them overcome addiction and develop strategies for long-term recovery.
Learn more about this program here.
5. Educational services in a supportive, structured setting
Our educational services provide a supportive, structured setting designed to help students thrive academically.
Serving grades six through twelve, all of our teachers are licensed and often have dual endorsements in special education and their core field. We take pride in our rigorous program, which boasts a 94% graduation rate. Our year-round, block schedule allows students to earn eight credits annually, compared to the typical seven, with additional opportunities over the summer.
We tailor education to each student’s individual needs, helping them stay on track to graduate, whether through traditional coursework or our federally mandated GED program.
With personalized support, tutoring services, and access to learning resources, we help students reach their academic potential and move forward with confidence. In addition to academics, we also have a well-established athletics program that allows students to participate in interscholastic athletics such as football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, track, and cross country.
Learn more about our Academic Day School here.
6. Medication management
In some cases, medication management is a necessary part of a student’s program and well-being.
Our professionals work closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure medications are safely administered, monitored, and adjusted as needed. Registered and licensed practical nurses are on campus or on-call, providing 24/7 support to our students. Our Health Services department maintains records, administers medication, assesses medical needs, and schedules necessary medical and dental appointments.
Our nurses arrange a psychiatrist for a student’s medication management. The psychiatrist provides an initial evaluation for psychotropic medications, makes provisions for prescriptions, and monitors ongoing medication use.
7. Transitional services for continued success post-discharge
The My Next Step transitional living program at Timber Ridge School is designed for youth who may be wards of the state or lack a clear discharge destination.
This program helps students build independence and prepare for adulthood by engaging them with the community through part-time jobs or college enrollment. Students learn essential life skills such as budgeting, opening checking accounts, and obtaining driver’s licenses.
For high school graduates, the program also offers access to the Career Tech and Education Trades Academy, providing hands-on training and job placement assistance to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce or further education.
8. Aftercare recommendations.
When it comes time for a student to leave, we take great care in curating a personalized aftercare plan to support their long-term success.
By working with their family and community, as well as setting them up with resources, our goal is to ensure they continue to build on the progress they achieved during their time in our program.
Learn more about our Transitional Living Services program here.
Providing a Supportive Environment is the Key to Success
At Timber Ridge, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and supportive environment that promotes both academic and personal growth. From our trauma-informed approach and specialized services to our individualized educational programs and aftercare support, we focus on equipping each student with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in the next phase of their lives. Learn more about our admissions process here.
A Day in the Life of Students at Timber Ridge School
Timber Ridge School provides a supportive and therapeutic environment for young men 10-18 who face various emotional and behavioral challenges. We aim to help our students discover their potential and develop the skills they need to succeed through our individualized program.
But what does it actually look like to be a student at Timber Ridge School?
We invite you to meet two of our amazing students (who we’ll refer to as Sam* and Melvin*, for anonymity) to receive a first-hand glimpse into the routines, experiences, and personal growth of students at Timber Ridge School.
Daily Routines at Timber Ridge School
Both students describe a highly structured day that begins early in the morning and includes a mix of academic work, therapy, chores, and recreational activities.
Sam describes an early start to the day at Timber Ridge School. “I wake up at 6:50 AM. I brush my teeth, get dressed, and do a chore every morning. After that, I do a goal review.”
This routine sets the tone for a day of personal growth and accountability.
Classes begin around 8:45 AM. and continue until 3:45 PM and are offered on an alternating A/B block schedule. First to fourth block classes are on schedule “A” days and fifth to eighth block classes are “B” days. Sam describes his typical schedule:
“First block of classes from 8:45 to 10:15-ish. Second block, I usually have Mr. Henry in the gym (for computer lab). Third block I go to history. Then I have 30 minutes for lunch, then more classes for an hour. Fourth block, I usually have science.”
After school, the focus shifts to personal development and recreation. Melvin shares, “After work (in the dining hall on campus), I go to my room for transition where we sit in our room, do homework, whatever we need to do to settle down from the school day. We’ll do another goal review, then come out and do a cottage meeting in the lounge where we set some goals for ourselves.”
Goals are a crucial piece of Timber Ridge School’s program. The structured environment, therapeutic integration, and regular accountability on goals sets students up for learning personal responsibility in a rewarding system of progressive advancement toward independence.
After academics, everyone participates in an engaging unit activity: this could be anything from fishing, to basketball, to even putting on a mini-carnival.
After that, everyone has a chance to start winding down in the evening with structured free time to play video games, watch movies, or hang out with friends.
The day ends in the gym with stretches, weights, and any other kind of physical exercise the young men want to do. After that, they return to their units for their evening routines, and quiet hour commences for reading, movies, or just a period of peace.
Then it’s sleep, reset, and repeat the next day!
Quick View of a Day at Timber Ridge School
Morning Routine
- Wake up around 6:50 AM
- Personal hygiene (shower, brush teeth)
- Morning chores (e.g., cleaning kitchen)
- Goal review
- Breakfast in the dining hall
Academic Schedule
- Classes from 8:45 AM to around 3:45 PM
- Subjects include health/PE, history, science (other subjects include algebra, english, journalism, career and technical education)
- Some students work on computer-based programs
Afternoon and Evening Activities
- Opportunities to get paid job on campus
- Transition time for homework or reflection
- Goal reviews
- Structured free time
- Dinner
- Unit activities (i.e., fishing, basketball, mini-carnival)
- Gym time/weight room
- Evening free time
- Bed preparation and quiet time
Personal Growth at Timber Ridge School
Like many students who first arrive at Timber Ridge School, both Sam and Melvin were hesitant.
“I’ve been here for almost seven months and I’ve learned a lot,” Sam reflects. “One thing I’ve learned is that you’ve got to want to change yourself instead of coming here and thinking this place is going to change you — I see that a lot. Timber Ridge School has helped me, but I had to help myself too. I want to be home, but this experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.”
Melvin further attests to the school’s ability to help even initially resistant students. “I’m going to be honest: when I first came to Timber Ridge, it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted. I wasn’t really in the right mindset to come here and do what I needed to do.”
However, his perspective shifted over time. “My experience from day one to now is pretty good,” he says. “This is a good, productive place that teaches you a lot of lessons. It works on a lot of struggles you may have, and teaches you ways to overcome them. I’m a level 4 getting ready to advance to a level 5, and then I’ll get discharged soon. My experience overall at Timber Ridge School has been very productive and a big learning experience for me.”
These student experiences highlight the heart of Timber Ridge School’s approach. The structured environment, individualized goal-setting, and focus on personal responsibility creates a powerful framework for growth that could set a positive standard for one’s entire life ahead.
We hope these stories have given you an authentic perspective on life at Timber Ridge School!
Learn more about the mission and work of Timber Ridge School here.
Navigating Teen Substance Use Disorder as a Family
You never think it could be your child, sibling, or loved one. Teen substance use disorder and addiction doesn’t just happen overnight — it’s gradual, marked by small changes that may seem insignificant until a life-changing crisis occurs and the difficult reality comes to light.
The impact of drug or alcohol misuse on a person’s life (particularly as a teenager) can be devastating, and dealing with the resulting behaviors and struggles of substance use disorder is one of the most challenging experiences that his loved ones can face, as well. Timber Ridge School handles these cases daily — we know that the road to recovery is not flat and linear.
Navigating addiction as a family is hardly straightforward, and cannot be captured in a compact list of steps. But with the right resources and a solid foundation to confront substance use disorder, there is hope and encouragement to help you move forward together.
Understand the Challenge of Teen Substance Use Disorder
Adolescence is a period of immense change, both physically and emotionally. For many young men, these changes can lead to experimentation with substances as they try to fit in with friends or cope with the pressures of growing up. Unfortunately, what may start as experimentation can quickly escalate to dependency.
The US Department of Health and Human Services referenced recent substance use data from SAMHSA, reminding us that substance misuse is more common than one realizes in their daily life, and one can start exhibiting signs of substance use disorder as early as 12 years old. Just a few key data points:
- “In 2023, 3.1% of people (8.9 million) misused opioids in the past year, which is similar to 2022 and 2021 (3.2% and 8.9 million, 3.4% and 9.4 million respectively).”
- “Among the 134.7 million people aged 12 or older who currently used alcohol in 2023, 61.4 million people (or 45.6%) had engaged in binge drinking in the past month.”
- “In 2023, 9.4% of people aged 12 or older vaped nicotine in the past month, up from 8.3% in 2022.”
As a family member, it’s essential to recognize the signs of substance use disorder early on. Changes in behavior, declining academic or work performance, secretive activities, and withdrawal from family life can all be red flags.
However, understanding that addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue is also crucial — it’s not simply a matter of willpower or a moral failing. Addiction often stems from underlying issues, such as mental health struggles, trauma, or other environmental factors.
Once you suspect or confirm that your teen loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, the first step is to seek professional help. Early intervention and professional involvement are key.
Support Your Teen Through the Process
As a family member, your role in your teen’s recovery journey is vital. Here are some steps you can take to support them:
- Educate Yourself: Avoid playing the “blame game” with your loved one’s addiction. Learn about the characteristics, patterns, and science of addiction and recovery to better understand what your teen is going through. This knowledge will help you provide informed support.
- Maintain Open Communication: Foster an environment where your teen feels safe to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. Honest and compassionate communication is key to building trust.
- Set Boundaries: While it’s important to support your teen, it’s also crucial to set clear boundaries. Do not give them money, enabling them to buy more alcohol or drugs. Enforce curfew and monitor nightly activity. Consistent rules and expectations can provide the structure they need to stay on the path to recovery.
- Seek Support for Yourself: Dealing with a loved one’s addiction is emotionally taxing — especially if it’s your child. Consider joining a support group for families of addicts, where you can share experiences and gain strength from others facing similar challenges.
- Encourage Positive Activities: Help your teen find healthy outlets for their energy and emotions, such as sports, hobbies, or volunteering. Engaging in positive activities together can boost their self-esteem, enforce accountability and trust, and reduce the risk of relapse. Even routines like a family meal together can have a deeply grounding impact.
The Road to Recovery
Recovery from teen substance use disorder is not a linear process—there will be ups and downs along the way. However, with the right support and strong commitment to change, your teen can overcome their addiction and build a brighter future.
At Timber Ridge School, our substance use disorder program is not just about helping young men stop using drugs or alcohol — it focuses on healing the whole person. The program includes individual and group therapy sessions, where teens can explore the root causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. We offer a structured and nurturing environment that emphasizes the importance of entire family involvement in the recovery process.
Timber Ridge School offers specialized substance use disorder services tailored to the needs of young men. Our program is designed to address both the behavioral and emotional aspects of addiction, providing a comprehensive approach to recovery. For more information on Timber Ridge School’s substance use disorder services, click here.
Easing Back-To-School Anxiety: How Family Involvement is Integral
Back-to-school season can be stressful for any student. At Timber Ridge School, this season can present a unique kind of stress for students undergoing residential treatment. Returning to an academic routine and a structured life in residential treatment can trigger deep anxiety.
According to recent data from SAMSA, nearly “1 in 5 adolescents ages 12 to 17 reported a major depressive episode in the past year.” This likely stems from the last few years having been marked by COVID-19, an uptick in disasters, and coverage of worldwide violence. All of this has led to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions rising in our younger generations earlier than ever before.
We at Timber Ridge School believe that the key to easing back-to-school anxiety lies in intensive family engagement. In fact, family-centered residential care is considered an emerging best practice, not a simple “nice-to-have.” We prioritize family involvement as a key component of our treatment success.
So the role of family engagement at Timber Ridge School is huge. Here’s how families can play a pivotal and practical role in managing back-to-school anxiety for students, ensuring their overall success in the treatment program.
Timber Ridge School Equips Families to Support Students
Timber Ridge School integrates families into every step of the process. We offer tools, resources, and opportunities for families to actively engage with their loved one in treatment, especially during back-to-school season when usual anxiety levels may be higher.
“Students whose caregivers are actively involved in their treatment at Timber Ridge School typically exhibit more rapid improvements and achieve better long-term success,” said Lisa Rounds, Director of Diagnostic and Assessment Services. “Caregivers are integral to the effective management of childhood anxiety, as they establish a secure environment where children feel understood, valued, and protected.”
Here are some more specific tips and resources:
- Consistent Routines – We encourage families to help establish routines that mimic the structure their loved one would experience at Timber Ridge School. This includes helping students set goals and encouraging healthy coping habits and daily routines. This all starts at home and must be sustained during breaks from school. You are part of the student’s treatment.
- Frequent Communication – Regular contact between students and their families — through phone calls, letters, or video chats — helps students feel grounded. Knowing that their family is there to support them through challenging moments makes a big difference in managing back-to-school anxiety.
- Family Counseling Sessions – Family counseling, consistent with the Building Bridges resolution, can give families the tools to understand their child’s anxiety and how they can best provide support. Our licensed counselors work with both the student and the family to develop strategies for easing transitions during treatment, including managing emotional triggers and reinforcing positive coping mechanisms.
- Family Engagement Activities – We schedule family-focused activities that provide a safe space for families to bond, celebrate progress, and practice communication skills. These interactions help students feel more connected. This can reduce stress and build confidence as they prepare for the academic year.
Guidelines for Families to Stay Engaged & Ease Anxiety
Back-to-school anxiety can manifest in many ways, from fear of academic failure to worries over social interactions. That’s not even touching the unique set of expectations and stress that the residential treatment component adds.
Anxiety, whether it’s centered on school or more general, is not an uncommon concern for teens and children, unfortunately. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “anywhere from 1 in 10 to 1 in 13 people suffer from anxiety, with about 8% of children and teenagers experiencing an anxiety disorder.” Anxiety comprises the most common mental health disorder in the country.
“By modeling healthy coping strategies, encouraging open communication, and cultivating a supportive and empathetic atmosphere, caregivers help equip children and adolescents with the necessary tools to manage anxiety effectively,” Lisa Rounds reinforces for caregivers of students with anxiety, whether they’re at Timber Ridge School or not.
As a parent or loved one, your involvement is key to helping your anxious students succeed in every aspect. Here are just a few ways you can stay engaged as your student returns to school and treatment:
- Acknowledge Their Feelings – Listen to the student’s concerns without judgment. Validate their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel anxious about returning to school. Remind them of the purpose for the program, and the future they can look forward to upon completion.
- Collaborate with Teachers – Stay connected with your school’s teaching staff to get updates on your child’s progress. Learn about the areas where they may need extra support. This partnership ensures that everyone is working together to ease the back-to-school transition and the program’s efficacy.
- Be Present During Milestones – Whether it’s the first day of class or overcoming a particular challenge. Try your best to be there (even virtually) to celebrate milestones. This helps students feel supported and confident.
- Encourage Healthy Coping – Remind your student of the coping strategies they’ve learned. Actively play a part in reminding them of healthy habits that can reduce anxiety and solidify their overall treatment results.
Conclusion
“Back-to-school” season is more than just a return to academics for students wrestling with mental health. It’s about rebuilding confidence and finding stability. Family engagement plays a critical role in this process. The family’s consistent involvement is critical to easing anxiety from transitions like the start of a new school term. It can also help improve treatment outcomes.
Students feel more supported and secure when they know their family is also actively involved in their journey. This emotional connection can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and help them manage the anxiety that often accompanies change.
Families who stay connected, involved, and informed, can provide the support their loved ones need to succeed — in the classroom and beyond.
Learn more about the residential treatment program services at Timber Ridge School.
Timber Ridge School Opens Nominations for Ring of Honor 2025 after a Successful 2024 Ceremony
After a successful second Ring of Honor ceremony honoring 2024’s winners, Timber Ridge School has opened up nominations for the 2025 Ring of Honor ceremony.
Nominations are now open through September 20, 2024. Do you know someone who has contributed to Timber Ridge School in a powerful way over the years? Make your nominations online, email them to info@trschool.org, or mail nominations directly to Timber Ridge: 1463 New Hope Rd, Cross Junction, VA 22625.
What is the Ring of Honor Ceremony?
New to Timber Ridge School or need a Ring of Honor refresher? No worries.
Timber Ridge School is a residential treatment facility and accredited school dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk adolescent men. With a mission to empower youth through healthy relationships and therapeutic activities, the school has been a beacon of hope since 1971, serving students from Virginia and West Virginia.
The annual Ring of Honor ceremony is a testament to the enduring legacy and community spirit of TRS, celebrating those who have significantly contributed to its mission and success.
This year’s ceremony was held on-campus in the Charles A. Ricketts Memorial Gymnasium for its second year, on May 16, and celebrated seven distinguished inductees across three categories, recognizing certain members’ outstanding contributions to the school’s community.
2024 Supporter Category Winner
This category honors individuals who have generously donated their time, talent, and financial support to TRS and its athletic programs. This year’s winner of the Supporter category, The Stutzman Family, has been a pillar of unwavering commitment for the school.
2024 Staff/Coach Category Winner
Inductees in this category are recognized for their impactful contributions to the sports programs at TRS over the last five decades. This year’s winners, John Lamanna and John Markwood, were honored at the ceremony, and Dennis Kish was honored posthumously. All three have left an indelible mark on the school’s athletic legacy.
2024 Student Alumni Category Winner
This category celebrates former students who participated in athletics during their time at TRS and have since built successful careers. This year’s winners — Carlton Miller, Jason Rivera, and Richard Snead — all exemplify the positive outcomes and success stories emerging from TRS, and were thus honored at the ceremony
Each person across these categories have demonstrated exceptional service and impact on Timber Ridge School over the past several years. The Ring of Honor ceremony brought together family, friends, community leaders, donors, former coaches, and members of the Board of Directors to honor their achievements through a truly memorable event — a tradition that we are proud to uphold for years to come.
Learn more about the mission and work of Timber Ridge School here.
Ring of Honor Nomination Period Open
This 2025 Ring of Honor event will honor past Timber Ridge School athletes, managers, coaches, athletic director, donors, and others who contributed to the TRS Athletic program. The nomination period has been expanded and will close on September 20, 2024. Completed nomination forms can be mailed to Timber Ridge School, Attn: Ring of Honor Committee, PO Box 3160, Winchester, VA 22604-2360 or submitted online using the form below.
Help us spread the word to TRS students and staff alumni.
Ring of Honor Nomination Form
Nomination submission for Ring of Honor candidate.
Request for Food Vendor Proposals
You are invited to participate in our Request for Proposal (RFP) for Prime Vendor for Food Service. Below are a few key details regarding the RFP:
RFP Title: Prime Vendor for School Food
Submission Deadline: 6/10/2024
To obtain a the RFP guidelines and item list, contact Mrs. Robbie Marchant, marchant@trschool.org or 540-888-3456 ext. 1256. Proposals will be submitted by email or mailed to Leary Educational Foundation, Inc, Attn: Mrs. Robbie Marchant, PO Box 3160, Winchester, VA 22604-3160. Mark envelope “Food Service-Prime Vendor Proposal”.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to collaborate with us. We look forward to the possibility of working together to enhance our food procurement process.