Middle Schools Lead Implementation of Restorative Practices Caring and equitable school communities provide conditions conducive to learning. This is a simplified way to describe the goal of restorative practices in education. Schools use this set of principles and practices, inspired by indigenous values, to build community, respond to conflict, and provide circles of support for students. “After reviewing our discipline data, we determined that we would implement restorative practices at our middle schools first. Due to the cost, training time, and support needed to implement the initiative with fidelity, we have to be strategic in determining the number of staff we train each year,” said Dr. Anna Stubblefield, deputy superintendent. All middle school staff have received training complement the district’s ongoing work with socialin restorative practices. The district will train emotional learning, Positive Behavior Intervention high school staff in the fall. Restorative practices and Supports, and culturally responsive teaching.
“By building, maintaining, and restoring relationships across our school communities, we create environments that support the achievement and success of all students,” said Dr. Stubblefield. Middle school parents had opportunities this spring to participate in a virtual restorative practices seminar. Parents learned how schools prioritize relationships, not just rules; and participated in a restorative talking circle. Heartland Mediators Association (HMA) presented Liberty Memorial Central MS with its Scholastic Conflict Resolution Award for utilizing conflict resolution and peer mediation skills to provide an alternative dispute resolution experience for students. Principal Dr. Anne Hawks, teachers Cari Davis and Laura Leonard, and Assistant Principal Mike Gillman are pictured with HMA’s Volunteer of the Year Nancy Kelly and Jim Donovan, HMA president.
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