As part of their quarterly meetings, Elementary and Middle School counselors recently participated in workshops facilitated by members of the Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) Department. This professional development (PD) opportunity was co-created by the newly hired RJP Program Manager, Michelle Ferrer and counseling & guidance head counselors. Attendees broke down some of the misconceptions many hold with relation to RJP and learned about the importance of working to create relationship-centered schools.
Participants learned the department's vision of spreading the "three R’s." Values that center on respect, relationships, and responsibility districtwide. Counselors also spent time breaking down what occurs at a school site on a good day and a bad day. Then identified the root causes of both.
Following the training, attending counselors provided feedback on their experience.
The following are examples of some of their “Ah-Ha” moments.
- This is a framework that can be customized for each school setting depending on needs.
- Restorative practices don't just take place in circles - it's an approach that can be applied in all interactions.
- I can still be restorative even if I do not have time to do circles with my one day at each school site
- My aha moment is that some RJ practices can be implemented easily and informally, without needing a formal, structured program.
- I must practice courage even on my "bad" days to show up for my students AND model restorative behavior and language with staff (even the non believers). ·
- RJ is a way of being all the time.
