John Wallace Middle School credits restorative practices for sharp drop in suspensions

John Wallace Middle School principal Mr. Dias and assistant principal Mr. Trillo told the Newington School Board on Jan. 28 that the school’s multi-year adoption of restorative practices has corresponded with a large decline in suspensions and repeat disciplinary incidents. “It actually builds healthy relationships between students and teachers and other adults in the school community,” Dias said.

The presentation described restorative practices as a framework that is about 80% proactive community building and 10–15% reactive repair work when harm occurs. Trillo, who detailed classroom and schoolwide approaches, said the school uses morning greetings, social contracts, advisory lessons and restorative circles to prevent conflicts. “When something does occur, we would use restorative practices to help build that bridge of understanding,” Trillo said.

The nut graf: John Wallace officials said the approach has reduced serious disciplinary actions and repeat offenders and has created alternatives to suspension, including a two‑hour “restorative project” on Fridays and mediated conversations that include family involvement.

School leaders provided several concrete results. Trillo said the school recorded seven suspensions this school year versus 93 in the 2017–18 comparison year, and he reported no repeat offenders among students assigned to restorative projects this year. He said restorative projects typically run two hours and include reflective work and an action plan for behavior change; examples include students working alongside custodial staff after vandalism incidents.

Board members praised the program during a follow-up discussion. Board member Anthony Miele said the program “brings in so much communication, collaboration, humility,” and urged that it be preserved rather than made more complicated. Principal Dias and Trillo said staff, counselors and custodians all take part; they credited sustained training and parent partnership for the improvements.

Officials emphasized that restorative approaches do not eliminate consequences. Trillo said: “Students do get consequences. People still get detentions. People still can be suspended. The thing is we try to look to repair afterwards and let the individual who has been harmed be able to explain to the person who may have caused that harm why it bothered them.”

Board chair and Superintendent Dr. Brammert said the state has encouraged restorative practices and noted a correlation between the district’s work and improved behavior outcomes at John Wallace.

Officials said next steps include districtwide lesson plans tied to a revised set of shared expectations (respectful, responsible, mindful) and expanded advisory curriculum so students and staff share a common definition of those expectations.

The presentation and board discussion focused on program implementation and outcomes; no new policy or budget action was taken at the meeting.