Restorative Circles

This year our school took on restorative circles to replace some of the punitive discipline we use. We hired a restorative justice coordinator and lead weekly professional developments throughout the year. Teachers learned how to use restorative language and teacher were trained to ask questions after a conflict instead of making assumptions. Teachers were trained to ask the following restorative questions: 1. What did you think when you realized what had happened? 2. What impact has this incident had on you and others? 3. What has been the hardest thing for you? 4. What do you think needs to happen to make things right? While our restorative justice initiative is in its first year, we are already seeing a significant change in student behavior. When students have an argument, they are beginning to reach out to teachers to facilitate a circle. After suspensions, students and their families complete a restorative circle with teachers and administration to ensure that the conflict is resolved and the root feelings and emotions are discussed, valued, and cared for. We have not seen a significant reduction in our suspension numbers, but we hope to see that as the program grows.