Congrats to Mrs. Freinberg on an RJ circle of 6 ESOL 6th and 7th graders experiencing conflict inside and outside school. With translation help from Mrs. McElroy, the Circle discussion started off tense, but eventually allowed the students to discover deep connections.
Rigorous randomized study in 44 K-12 Pittsburgh Public Schools concludes Restorative Practices reduce suspensions when implemented with fidelity. Even better, teachers reported noticeably improved school climate! Affirming, not surprising.(2015-2017 Rand Corp.)
Meade MS asked 6 students why they have gotten SIGNIFICANTLY fewer referrals this year. Response centered on relationships with teachers. The students credited the regular Community Building circles, Bulldog Bucks, and teachers having fun with their students! Way to go, MMS!
Ms. Talios’ 8th graders, disagreed while collaborating at BPMS. Offered help, they said: “it’s nothing a talking piece can't solve," grabbed one, and went back to work!
Bates Middle School teachers on Community-Building-Circles: “6th Graders are eating it up” and “it is a lot easier than last year in 8th grade because the kids expect it now.”
Parent to Principal Anderson, Riviera Beach ES:
“… 5th graders got together for a party and, rather than planned activities, they chose to do a community circle. 😊
Very fun when school initiatives like this one cross over to home!”
What are Restorative Practices?
Check out this answer created by RP Training attendees Friday:
Restorative Practices are safe ways to build connections and repair relationships through mutual respect for all parties within a school community.
Shout out to Ms. Eichhorn at Bates Middle! Ms. Eichhorn’s students, who have been Circling all year, asked if they could each stand in the middle of the circle so they could rotate and face each member and say one thing they liked about everyone. It was the students’ idea!
Shout out to Arundel Middle for making the move to go Restorative! Training all staff in community-building circles next week and they gave me this cool bracelet!