[:en]Restorative Justice at Rancho Elementary School
Rancho Elementary continues to take an alternate route. Instead of traditional discipline strategies, the students are working together to solve problems. Students meet Thursdays during lunch for Restorative Justice and Community Building Circles that are led by YMCA Restorative Justice Coordinator Jennifer Puckett.
Last year staff and ten 5th grade students were trained in various ways to approach conflict resolution. They learned fact-finding strategies and important questions to ask for further details in order to create a solution. Fifth graders begin the discussions and ask each person their perception of the situation, and are taught to never place blame. They then each give their input to find alternative solutions to the problem. Students agree that immediate consequences are ineffective and taking the time to discuss an incident leads to a more positive outcome. Group decisions create a better understanding of what happened and how to prevent it in the future.
Principal Angela Kreisler realized that in order to improve school climate and decrease instances of bullying and suspensions, she needed structure for success and decided to implement the Restorative Justice program. Ms. Kreisler recognized the importance of student leaders motivating the entire student body in a positive way. The core of the program is based around problem solving, peaceful approaches, and creating a safer environment around campus.
Evidence has shown that many students once suspended or expelled lead down a path that could have otherwise been avoided. The current punitive techniques tend to lead to harmful effects and are not working, which is why Restorative Justice is beneficial for students, teachers and the overall school climate. Older students involved in the Community Building Circles take pride in their position and their ability to help others. They explain to the younger students that they are available to help in a disagreement during lunch, creating a safer feeling for the other students around campus. During the meetings students bond with one another and all learn from the experience.
The program is funded by the Healthy Novato Initiative, Peter E. Haas Family Funds, and was put to action in the 2011-2012 school year. Other NUSD schools are implementing the alternatives to suspension and restorative practices as well. Similar programs already exist at all secondary sites and Hamilton K-8. Expansion of community building circles to all elementary sites is anticipated during the 2016-2017 school year. The program is proven to have a positive impact. In 2011-2012, 621 students were suspended district wide, totaling 1,267 days missed of school. In 2015-2016, 245 students were suspended, with a total of 544 days missed in school, a drastic improvement. The program has created a safer environment and enhanced academics by keeping students in school.[:]