Restorative Justice: Building Stronger School Communities
Now in its second year of district-wide implementation, Restorative Justice practices have fundamentally reshaped how we approach discipline, relationships, and student support. With six Restorative Justice Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) across middle schools and two serving pilot elementary sites, students are engaged in regular community-building circles, restorative conversations, mediations, and accountability projects.
These practices are not just reducing incidents—they are creating lasting change. Between the 2019–2020 and 2024–2025 school years, middle school discipline incidents have seen a marked decline across key categories such as fighting, intimidation, and drug-related offenses. Year-over-year comparisons show fewer incidents across all demographic groups, demonstrating the equitable impact of these restorative strategies. Additionally, Peace Rooms and Wellness Centers have been established at sites such as Abbott, Bowditch, Bayside, Borel, and Fiesta Gardens. These spaces offer students structured opportunities to reset, reflect, and reconnect through social-emotional learning activities led by mental health clinicians, counselors, and RJ TOSAs.
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative practices is a paradigm shift from traditional rule-based, punitive discipline
systems. Our restorative practices focus on creating a positive school climate by addressing conflicts and behavioral issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. This approach has led to a significant decrease in disciplinary incidents and a more inclusive atmosphere across our campuses.
