What does Restorative Practices mean?
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Restorative practices (RP) is a framework that’s primary focus is building community and learning how to work through conflict together. The way that this is done is mostly through circle practice, where community members sit in a circle and each speak about how they are feeling and what they need. The mechanics of the circle are pulled from many different indigenous cultures and have been adapted to fit our environment today. RP is restorative because of the focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships.
Interested in learning more? See here for some resources.
How is RP used at Frontier?
COMMUNITY BUILDING CIRCLES are an opportunity for students to get to know each other. We ask questions like: “what is your favorite part of 7th grade?” And, “tell us an awkward story about something that has happened to you so far.”
CONFLICT RESOLUTION CIRCLES come into play when students have conflict with each other that is safe to work out in circle. Matters like bullying or physical violence are dealt with first through Frontier’s disciplinary process. In some cases restorative practice may also be appropriate
In a conflict resolution process we start by checking in with each person involved individually and asking them what happened, how they feel and what they need. If they both express interest in and consent to having a mediated conversation we will have a circle with willing parties. In this circle we ask them questions like: from your perspective what happened? And what do you need from [the other party] to make you feel better? We work towards creating an agreement between the students with actionable steps that they can take to make a repair. After a week we check in with them again to see how they are doing.
Individual Support: Students come into the RP room to ask for advice and support around relationships and community building and we meet with them to give them individual support.
Restorative Practices Updates and News
Questions? Contact Restorative Practices Coordinator, Grant Bialek at grant.bialek@frsu38.org
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