PILLAR 6 | SAFETY AND WELLNESS
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CLASSROOM Creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere is important for all teachers, especially SISD’s. One of the best ways to encourage classroom dialogue, create a positive classroom climate and strengthen students’ social skills is to implement restorative practices. Restorative practices offer schools a way to help students develop the very real-life need for conflict-resolution skills and self-regulation techniques. SISD teachers have been trained in these practices and have implemented them in their classrooms. “Helping teachers build capacity to handle behavior issues before they escalate is a priority for SISD,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christi Morgan said. “This helps limit time outside the classroom for our students so they can focus on what’s important - learning academically and growing socially and emotionally.” Teachers use a variety of tools and techniques to help restore their classrooms. Students can use calming tools to self-regulate. A teacher may implement a restorative circle in the classroom in order to help facilitate empathy and trust among classmates. A student may also wish to visit the campus’ Calming Room in order to take a break, a breath and then move on.
When you think of a teacher who makes you feel connected, what do you think of? “They understand that we are human and that they were once our age - they are very aware of that. They’re concerned about the things we’re going through. They will ask questions and even if we don’t want to talk about it, they still show that they’re concerned.” — SHS student
All four campuses completed a character education
curriculum.
102 “Positive
Why do you think it’s important for teachers to use restorative practices? “To build trust.”
— SIS student
Office Referrals”
were submitted to Principal Brittany Dlabaj during 2021-2022 as a method of encouraging positive classroom behavior.
How has your learning been impacted by teachers using restorative practices? “Instead of assuming I’m a bad person or something because of one incident, they take the time to get to know me. And that makes me much, much, happier.” — SIS student
All four campuses have a sensory/calming room to address the physical and emotional needs of every Raider.
Every SIS teacher received a “Calming Tool Box” from Counselor Renee Stancliffe to help students use self-regulation techniques when feeling anxious.
20 | 2022 Sunnyvale ISD Community Report
