Restorative Justice at
Newport Mill Middle School
Newport Mill RJ Instructional Specialist
Dr. Harris is the MCPS RJ Instructional Specialist for the Einstein & Northwood HS cluster schools. Prior to joining MCPS, Dr. Harris worked for the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Center for School Safety. Entering year 25 in education, Dr. Harris started his career in Prince George's County as a Special Education Teacher. Over the years Dr. Harris has served as a classroom teacher, School Counselor and School Administrator. Dr. Harris traveled around Maryland training School Resource Officers, Security Officers and Administrators on improving school climate, culture and safety. Dr. Harris is passionate about building connections with students, teachers, administrators, caregivers and parents which builds a true sense of community.
Hello everyone! I’m Mx. Crystal Small. I’m new to Newport Mill Middle School this year.
I believe that all students are unique, capable, high-achieving individuals who are preparing for the challenges and expectations of their present and future lives and aim to cultivate a safe, supportive, learning environment that will create opportunities and experiences that promote academic, personal, and social growth - whatever that looks like for students as individuals. I offer student support services that are grounded in a holistic approach that understands and respects the uniqueness of each student and mentors them as they explore their identities, develop decision-making and problem-solving skills, and begin to plan for their futures.
Restorative Justice is an approach to building community, self-care, and conflict resolution. It's a social justice platform that allows students to:
Actively engage and problem-solve physical, psychological, social and disciplinary issues that affect themselves and the community.
Take responsibility for their actions.
Work with those affected to restore and/or repair the members and community who were harmed as a result of those actions.
RJ At Newport Mill begins with weekly community circles.
Community circles represent an approach to community building grounded in restorative justice practices and principles. Community circles provide a safe space for participants with varying values, experiences, and backgrounds to have productive conversations centering on a topic that will build bridges among them, for example, how to be an ally, dealing with stress, reflecting on the past quarter, or sharing personal values.
Check out Community Circles tab at the top right to see the weekly community circles at Newport Mill!
