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Students, teacher urge Windsor board to preserve Circle Keepers restorative-practice class
Summary
Multiple Windsor High students and a teacher told the board during public comment that Circle Keepers, a restorative-practices class, supports student voice, mental health and leadership and urged the district to keep the course amid schedule pressures.
Dozens of Windsor High School students and a teacher urged the Windsor Unified School District board on May 15 to retain Circle Keepers, a restorative-practices course that students and staff say improves school climate and student leadership.
Gene Sandia, a Windsor High teacher who leads the course, told the board Circle Keepers “has led circles for over 750 students” this year and trains students to facilitate peer-to-peer conversations on topics such as mental health, community and conflict resolution.
Nut graf: Students who spoke at length described Circle Keepers as more than an elective — they called it a training ground for leadership, public speaking and peer support — and asked the board and district leaders to consider enrollment and scheduling adjustments rather than removing the class as the district makes space for new, state-required coursework.
Student testimony was specific and personal. “This class creates discussion where everyone gets their time to speak,” said Emmanuel Veil Vasquez, a Windsor High graduate who said Circle Keepers gave him confidence and communication skills. Senior Sarah Fields said the class “offered a true sense of community when I had none” and credited it with preparing her for college studies and nursing. Alejandra Calderon Maris said Circle Keepers “became a foundation for how I live, lead and connect with others.”
Administrators said schedule decisions rest on master-scheduling rules and enrollment thresholds: principals review course requests and assign sections accordingly. The district also told the board that some required changes (noted elsewhere on the agenda) will affect elective section counts; one administrator explained that if a year-long elective is required for graduation in the future, the schedule may need to be adjusted to hold overall FTE steady.
Board members encouraged dialogue between campus staff and families to recruit students where interest exists. “If the class is filled, then we have to make our cuts elsewhere,” a district official said, noting Circle Keepers’ continued offering depends on demonstrated student demand for the coming year.
Ending: Trustees asked principals and counselors to work with students and families to resolve enrollment and scheduling questions; several student speakers said they would continue recruiting peers and returning to future meetings if needed.
