Over the summer, the FORWARD Team partnered with the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) to train educators and administrators throughout the District in the basics of Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. The fundamental premise of Restorative Practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them.

In this training, staff learned ways to foster a positive classroom and school culture by using restorative tools to enhance learning, build relationships and community, and resolve conflicts. To learn more about the Restorative Practices, go here: https://www.iirp.edu/ or watch this quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_obyZY4XzaI

Our Coordinators recently led trainings for staff in Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Practices and mental health support during New Staff Orientation and Superintendent's Conference Day. Some of the topics we covered include:

• What trauma is and how it presents in the school setting.

• How trauma impacts a student’s ability to learn, behave, and interact with others.

• Ways to create a Trauma-Informed classroom environment that is safe, empowering, trusting, and in which students are given the opportunity for choice and collaboration.

• What Restorative Practices are and how they can be used to enhance relationships, and foster a sense of community and connectedness.

• How Restorative Circles can be used to engage WITH students in learning, social-emotional development, behavior support, disciplinary action and more.

• What mental illness is and how it presents in the school setting.

• How to interact with students with mental illness or who may be in crisis.