The PCS District theme for the 2022-2023 School year is Community.  A school community is a place where everyone feels safe, supported, respected and cared for in an inclusive environment.    

In building a sense of community we are utilizing restorative practices in a way that aligns with the traditions, practices and procedures unique to PCS.  Over the course of the past two years over one quarter of our faculty has been trained in restorative practices.  The training and ongoing professional learning has also led to the development of a Restorative Practices Handbook to guide the implementation of restorative practices at PCS.  The information below is provided to help give a better understanding of what restorative practices include. 

Restorative practices are designed to:

• Improve school and classroom climates by focusing on community, relationships, and responsibility.

• Promote social and emotional skill development by teaching self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, responsible decision-making, relationship building, and conflict resolution.

• Increase safety and order in school buildings by decreasing conflict, de-escalating volatile situations, and promoting a sense of collective responsibility.

• Decrease disciplinary issues and disruptions, and serve as an alternative to harmful exclusionary practices such as in-school suspensions and out of school suspensions.

• Promote student engagement in learning and promote positive classroom environments.

 Restorative practices include:

• Community Circles

The purpose of a Community Circle is to create trust and build relationships among a group of students and educators who have a shared interest.  This practice is great for building a community of learners.  Community circles highlight common struggles and successes that students are experiencing.  This practice builds empathy, giving students an opportunity to speak and listen to one another in an atmosphere of safety, decorum and equality.

• Community Conferences

After harm or conflict, restorative responses address the root cause of the problem, promote healing, and ensure that students are held accountable and take ownership over the process of repairing harm. 

• Restorative Justice Circles

Is a process involving restorative practices addressing actions which violate the Code of Conduct and is offered to determine “What impact has this had on you and on others?” “What was the harm?” “What can be done to repair the harm?” “What do you think needs to happen to make things right?” “What can you do that can demonstrate you can be a positive member of our community?” and “What can be done to rebuild trust?”

•  The use of traditional disciplinary actions, as per the Code of Conduct, are used in conjunction with restorative practices.

As educators, it is our role to create supportive school communities where students can thrive and learn the academic, social, and emotional skills that they need to succeed in college, career and life.  Restorative practices provide a way for schools to strengthen community, build relationships among students and between students and staff, and increase safety and productivity of the learning environment.